A compelling story
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A compelling story

ByVincento

Review by Sharlene Almond, Reedsy Discovery A compelling story of a persecuted family condemned to die, but resilient in their faith. Vince Rockston takes the reader into the grisly world of 17th century Europe where due to their staunch beliefs, the Huguenots establish themselves as enemy no.1. They demonstrate courage and determination through perilous journeys…

Huguenot refugees by Albert Anker
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Huguenot Persecution by the Catholic Hierarchy

ByVincento

An Editorial Review of “Greet Suzon for Me“ Book Blurb King Louis XIV is determined to unite the French nation in a single church. Gédéon, the oldest child of a Huguenot family in Normandy, experiences first-hand the increasing hostility of the Catholic hierarchy.  What is the cause of the religious conflict? Is reconciliation possible? Or…

History through the eyes of New World settlers
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History through the eyes of New World settlers

ByVincento

“Call of Freedom” by Paul C. Monk continues the saga of the Huguenot family Delpech. Having fled the oppressive dragonnade in France to find refuge in Ireland, in 1699 the family decides to brave a dangerous sea crossing and seek a new life in New York. The story captures the pervasive anxiety and fear of…

Zeitgeist
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Z is for Zeitgeist – The Age of Reason?

ByVincento

A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024 This post explores the “Zeitgeist” or Spirit of the Age in 17th century France, a time that heralded the Age of Enlightenment. It touches on the social and intellectual ambiance, as well as certain political and religious developments. Conflicts 17th-century France saw the consolidation of King Louis XIV‘s concept…

Y is for Why – Religious conflicts?
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Y is for Why – Religious conflicts?

ByVincento

A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024 Religious conflicts have plagued societies throughout history, causing immense suffering, division, and loss of life. In this blog post, I explore the root causes of religious conflicts and propose potential solutions, drawing on historical examples from 17th-century France and contemporary cases. Why do religious conflicts occur? Many are the…

X is for X-ING – Crossing the sea to escape
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X is for X-ING – Crossing the sea to escape

ByVincento

A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024 Flight by sea Whatever the reason people leave their country to seek a new home, the decision is never easy. Often they have suffered physically under some harsh regime or hostile neighbours. They may have had to abandon their possessions or even family members they would have wished to…

W is for William III – William of Orange
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W is for William III – William of Orange

ByVincento

A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024 King William III of England, also known as William of Orange, was a significant figure in European history during the late 17th century. Early Life and Background In the Early Modern Period and well into the 19th century, marriages among members of the upper echelons of European society was…

V is for Versailles – Louis XIV’s magnificent palace
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V is for Versailles – Louis XIV’s magnificent palace

ByVincento

A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024 The Palace of Versailles Starting in 1661, Louis XIV took several decades to transform a royal hunting lodge in Versailles into one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe. Following his whims, renowned architects designed, renovated and expanded the vast and ornate complex of buildings in the French Baroque…

U is for United Provinces – Dutch Republic
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U is for United Provinces – Dutch Republic

ByVincento

A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024 History and geography The United Provinces of the Netherlands grew out of the 1579 Union of Utrecht. The seven northern regions that won independence from Spain from 1568 to 1609 formed an alliance, also known as the Dutch Republic. The area comprised approximately that of the present Kingdom of the…