I knew about Ancient Rome’s obsession with purple, but I didn’t know their purple dye was made from “rotten shellfish soaking in stale urine mixed with wood ash and water” 😂 Unsurprisingly, it stank so badly that the “rectangular stone vats as big as school lunch tables” used to make the dye were located outside of town and downwind. I learned this from the beautiful nonfiction book @Julie Furxhi recommended: The Brilliant History of Color in Art by Victoria Finlay. Thanks, Julie! What have you discovered recently?

I’m so glad you joined! STEP 1: Introduce yourself, either in a comment on this post, or in a new post. Tell us one of your favourite historical novels. Bonus if you share a photo or gif that relates to the book in some way. Or a photo of your pet. Pets are always welcome 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛ STEP 2: Say hi to a couple of other people who have introduced themselves. Maybe you'll find some new favourite historical fiction and, in time, some new friends. STEP 3: Let me know if you have any questions! Enjoy! 🧡 PS Take a peek at our community rules. PPS Make your own post any time! And comment on others' posts!

This little community is new and I'd like it to grow into something that members want, which is why I'm asking for your input. I have the No Self-Promotion rule because I've too often seen Facebook groups where Author A will pop up out of nowhere, make a post essentially saying "Buy My Book!" and linking to Amazon. This behaviour is spammy, cringeworthy, and not good for members (or Author A, for that matter). This is the clear case that is most definitely ruled out in this community. Eventually, I would like readers and authors to connect in this Club in various ways. Not only through the conversations, but also through events — perhaps live Q&A sessions, author readings, book launch events, book clubs... who knows? It all depends on what members want. We'll get there when we get there. In the mean time, I'd love your thoughts on authors *mentioning* their own books in their comments, when it's relevant in the context. For example, suppose Author B is responding to a post asking for historical romance recommendations and they say something like: "I really enjoyed Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series and recommend those. You might also like my novel, The London Lord, which is an historical romance also set in Regency era England." I can see how that would be annoying in the wrong context, or if Author B *repeatedly* mentions their own books, or doesn't contribute anything else. But occasionally, from an active, contributing member? In an appropriate context? What do you think? I'd love to hear from members who are authors and who aren't! Feel free to PM me if you prefer. Thanks so much for your contributions to the Historical Fiction Club as we grow. You're helping make this a fun, interesting place to hang out and talk about historical fiction 💖

This poll borrows the Historical Novel Society's categories. What time period do you tend to gravitate towards when reading historical fiction?

I'm currently reading Caesar's Women by Colleen McCullough and on a map at the back of the book, Roman insulae (singular: insula) were mentioned as being apartment buildings that were up to 12 storeys. Although of course the Romans built lots of impressive architecture and were amazing engineers, I was surprised by 12-storey apartment buildings. I've looked online and haven't been able to find any evidence of such tall apartment buildings. 4 or 5 storeys, yes. 12, not so much. Does anyone know? @Joel Harris, I know you're an ancient history buff. Do you know anything about Ancient Roman apartment buildings? I gather that however tall they were, it was a bit dangerous to live in the upper floors because of the fire risk and getting out in time...