Tim Rayborn: 5 books

The notion of Christianity as a religion of peace was severely tested during the Middle Ages, when killing in the name of God became a sanctified act. In this book, Tim Rayborn traces the development of the early Crusades, Christian views of war and violence, and its attitudes toward Islam, primarily...

A “page-turningly entertaining” history of scandals and skulduggery onstage and off (William Lyons, historical adviser for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre). Filled with fact, folklore, and stories of revenge, murder, affairs, and persecution, Shakespeare’s Ear shows that in the world of...

“If you think classical music is boring and stuffy, [Beethoven’s Skull] will make you change your tune” (USA Today).   This unusual history of Western classical music focuses on strange happenings and shocking tabloid-style stories of revenge, murder, curious accidents, and strange fates, proving...

Attend a grand ball of the bizarre and never look at dance the same way again! Weird Dance processes through the odd, grim, and unintentionally humorous history of dance, uncovering strange stories and weird facts. These dark tales of murder, rivalry, insanity, and more reveal all sorts...

The turn of the 20th century was a time of great change in Britain. The empire saw its global influence waning and its traditional social structures challenged. There was a growing weariness of industrialism and a desire to rediscover tradition and the roots of English heritage. A new interest in...