I just finished Bill Bryson’s biography of Shakespeare, Shakespeare: The World as Stage
, and wow—what a ride! Bryson has this gift for making history feel like gossip you want to hear, and I couldn’t put it down. One of the most surprising tidbits? King James I, who was married and had children, was also known for his relationships with male courtiers. Apparently, he had this charming (or horrifying, depending on your perspective) habit of nibbling on the ears of his male favorites during state meetings. Can you imagine sitting through a royal council while the king is casually gnawing on someone’s ear? No wonder his advisors were irritated!
I’ve always found the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras endlessly fascinating—the mix of art, politics, and drama is like the original binge-worthy series. The Gunpowder Plot alone could fuel a season of a thriller show. And here’s another dark historical gem I learned: London Bridge used to display the severed heads of those convicted of crimes against the crown. Just imagine walking across the bridge with all those grim reminders of royal power looming overhead. Chilling, but fascinating.
Anyway, it’s time for Joel’s bedtime books. I’m off to switch gears from ear-nibbling kings and explosive conspiracies to something much more wholesome.
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