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The Normans : Brother Cadfael
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 Message 1 of 8 in Discussion 
From: MSN Nicknameterrilee62  (Original Message)Sent: 8/6/2008 7:03 PM
While looking for books at the local Goodwill shop, I found a treasure trove - the local public library had evidently cleaned house & donated 10 videos of the Brother Cadfael mysteries original broadcast public television.  They are set in the time of the war between King Stephen & Empress Maud, and are quite a breath of fresh air after the "history" portrayed in The Tudors & the new Robin Hood series.  The Welsh monk (played by Sir Derek Jacobi) is a former Crusader and often tells of his memories of battles there.  The ongoing civil war in England seems important only to some of the nobles portrayed in these stories - the merchants of the town seem to have little interest in the battle - only that their trade goes on unimpeded.  The peasants have even less interest in the battle between the King & the Empress. 
 
While still based on works of fiction, these movies still show the everyday lives of people in all stations of life, King Stephen was even in the first one, and last night, we watched one that showed a leper colony.  You can clearly see the difference in the way people dress, according to their station, and also the deference everyone has to the monks of the abbey. 
 
I'm planning to look for the books to read - these made-for-television movies are quite enjoyable and don't have the cheesiness of the current Robin Hood (although I do enjoy watching them as well!!)
 


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Reply
 Message 2 of 8 in Discussion 
From: GreensleevesSent: 8/7/2008 2:29 PM
I've seen those at my library but I have no idea what order they go in & there's a whole shelf full of em

Reply
 Message 3 of 8 in Discussion 
From: MSN Nicknameterrilee62Sent: 8/7/2008 2:47 PM
Ah - you asked!  My 18-year old son has taught me to use Gooogle & Wikipedia for such things!  The Wiki article about the Cadfael tv series is very interesting!  Gives a good deal of background as to the historical period as well.
 
And now, since you asked m'lady - the epiode list!
  1. One Corpse Too Many
  2. The Sanctuary Sparrow
  3. The Leper of St Giles
  4. Monk's Hood
  5. The Virgin in the Ice
  6. The Devil's Novice
  7. A Morbid Taste for Bones
  8. The Rose Rent
  9. St Peter's Fair
  10. The Raven in the Foregate
  11. The Holy Thief
  12. The Potter's Field
  13. The Pilgrim of Hate

Reply
 Message 4 of 8 in Discussion 
From: MSN NicknameMarkGB5Sent: 8/7/2008 7:15 PM
That's the TV episode list, the book list is different. I'm a pedantic old f**t when it comes to reading books in order, I'll wait months before finding the next one on the list as they usually refer back to previous events. As published they are :
 
1. A Morbid Taste For Bones
2. One Corpse Too Many
3. Monk's-Hood
4. Saint Peter's Fair
5. The Leper of Saint Giles
6. The Virgin in The Ice
7. The Sanctuary Sparrow
8. The Devil's Novice
9. Dead Man's Ransom
10. The Pilgrim of Hate
11. An Excellent Mystery
12. The Raven in The Foregate
13. The Rose Rent
14. The Hermit of Eyton Forest
15. The Confession of Brother Haluin
16. The Heretic's Apprentice
17. The Potter's Field
18. A Rare Benedictine.
  

Reply
 Message 5 of 8 in Discussion 
From: MSN NicknameMarkGB5Sent: 8/7/2008 7:21 PM
If you really get into Brother Cadfael there are two books you will find interesting.
The Cadfael Companion by Robin Whiteman, an encyclopaedia of all things Cadfael.
Cadfael Country by Rob Talbot and Robin Whiteman, a pictorial guide through Cadfael country with some gorgeous photos. I live not far from the area and can testify to the beautiful Shropshire scenery. If looking at these photos doesn't get you on a 'plane to England nothing will. 

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 Message 6 of 8 in Discussion 
From: MSN Nicknameterrilee62Sent: 8/7/2008 9:17 PM
I suspect that "One Corpse Too Many" was broadcast first because it so clearly sets up the civil war that serves as background for the stories.  I like it also because it sets up Hugh Beringer as the under-sherrif - one of my favorite characters!
Will definitely look for the 2 companion books you mentioned, Mark, but unfortunately my pocketbook is the main thing that keeps me off that plane! 
 
 

Reply
 Message 7 of 8 in Discussion 
From: MSN NicknameMarkGB5Sent: 8/8/2008 7:12 PM
That's why I'm sure. The novels begin with A Morbid Taste For Bones which is set in 1137 before the civil war began. And many of the later characters aren't in it.

Reply
 Message 8 of 8 in Discussion 
From: GreensleevesSent: 8/9/2008 2:00 PM
Decisions, decisions on order now   TYVM

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