Electronic vs in person discussion

Since I floated the idea of the reading group, a couple of people have suggested an online version - host an online chat, so more people (who don't make all events, or the events I'm suggesting) can take part.

My response is in a couple of parts:

For me, the fun is in the in-person discussion. I want to chat about the book over a drink, with my fellow event goers.

I've been part of online discussion groups on assorted topics for years; they're hugely valuable, but not the same as sitting down with a circle of people. So this (the sitting with human beings) is what I'll be doing first.

I spend my working day in front of a computer screen, so in my free time I try to do other activities.

However: I am not the single font of all knowledge on this project - far from it.

• If you want to organise a discussion group about mirrors for princes at an event close to you - please, go forth and make it happen. It takes only two or three people to start the dicussion rolling. Even 'organise' is a strong word - just tell folks you'll be sitting with your book, and your drink, at X time at Y event, and see who turns up!
• If you want to set up an online chat about mirrors for princes - please, do so.

My own approach does not have to define yours!

Frankly, I'd be overjoyed if my interest in reading and talking about medieval books sparked, and spread to other  people, using formats they enjoy. What could be cooler?

SO: I'll be at the events named, and will report back on the discussion. If other groups meet, in any venue, please rest assured I'll be delighted to hear of it.

Tentative reading plan

To get started I offer a reading list for the next few months. See my preferences on the About page.

Book:  Castiglione's Book of the courtier - available for free in Elizabethan English online (see sources) or widely available in paperback. My copy is from the charity shop.

Proposed discussion date: Drachenwald 12th night in West Dragonshire, or other January event.

Book: Machiavelli's The Prince - available for free from Project Gutenberg, or in paperback.

Proposed discussion date: Drachenwald Crown Tourney, Nordmark, in early April, or other spring event.

Inspiration for Mirrors for princes

For peradventure in all Italy a man shall have muche a do to fynde out so many gentlemen and noble personages that are so worthy, and besyde the principall profession of Chivalrye so excellent in sundry thinges, as are presently here.

Therfore if in any place men may be founde that deserve the name of good Courtyers, and can judge what belongeth to the perfeccion of Courtyership, by reason a man may beleve them to be here.

To disgrace therefore many untowardly asseheades, that through malepertnes thinke to purchase them the name of a good Courtyer, I would have suche a pastime for this night, that one of the company myght bee picked out who should take in hand to shape in woordes a good Courtyer, specifying all suche condicions and particuler qualities, as of necessitie must be in hym that deserveth this name. And in suche thinges as shall not appere necessarie, as of necessitie must be in hym that deserveth against them, as the maner of Philosophers schooles is against him that kepeth disputacions.

From Castiglione's Book of the Courtier

This text appears early in the Book of the Courtier, and inspired my 'salon discussion' at Raglan ffair this year. I love the idea of 'shaping in words a good Courtier'. The discussion revealed to me how much I didn't know about medieval and renaissance authors particularly authors of 'mirrors for princes', and prompted me to start the blog.