Kristen L. Geaman – författare

Part of the award-winning Graphic History Series, Treasonous Witchcraft offers a compelling, research-driven account of the 1441 prosecutions of Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester, and her associates for sorcery, heresy, witchcraft, and treason-an episode that captivated contemporaries and continues to illuminate key aspects of medieval society. Designed for classroom use, the volume provides instructors with a clear, engaging resource that helps students understand medieval magic, the regulation of supernatural practices, and the workings of both ecclesiastical and common-law courts. Its chronological structure makes a complex series of events accessible while preserving the nuance of the primary sources. The graphic history centers on four figures whose intertwined stories allow students to explore major historical subfields. Eleanor Cobham's case reveals how gender, status, and political instability shaped chroniclers' interpretations of women's ambition and misconduct. Her penitential walks through London and lifelong imprisonment offer concrete examples of how social rank influenced punishment. Roger Bolingbroke, her clerk and a noted astrologer, enables students to examine necromancy as a practiced form of medieval magic. His public humiliation at Paul's Cross and subsequent treason trial before King's Bench illustrate the differences between medieval and modern justice, including active judicial questioning, rapid proceedings, and the role of oaths. Thomas Southwell, Bolingbroke's fellow cleric, and Margery Jourdemayne, the “witch of Eye,” broaden students' understanding of the diversity of magical practitioners. Southwell's participation in necromantic rituals and his death in the Tower highlight the risks faced by clerical magicians. Jourdemayne's work as a “cunning woman”-providing charms and herbal remedies-demonstrates the everyday uses of common magic. Her execution as a relapsed heretic underscores how ecclesiastical courts functioned through inquisitorial methods and how prior offenses shaped sentencing. The graphic format brings these episodes to life through striking visual tableaus drawn directly from the sources: necromantic rituals performed in London churches, Eleanor's public penance, Bolingbroke's humiliation, and the executions of Jourdemayne and Bolingbroke. These scenes help students grasp practices-such as drawing ritual circles or using wax figures-that medieval people believed were effective. The visual clarity supports learners who benefit from multimodal materials, including students who struggle with dense prose. For instructors, the volume serves multiple pedagogical needs. It supplements traditional textbooks, increases student engagement, and supports discussion of medieval magic, gender norms, political disorder under Henry VI, and the development of witchcraft prosecutions. The work is well suited for courses in Western Civilization, world history, English history, legal history, and classes focused on graphic histories as historical interpretation. Because the narrative encompasses both ecclesiastical and secular trials, it provides a compact, accessible entry point into medieval judicial culture. The accompanying historical context section deepens student understanding of chronicles, the history of magic, the evolution of witchcraft, the reign of Henry VI, medieval legal systems, and gender norms. A rich collection of primary sources provides students with the opportunity to construct their own interpretations of the past. A “making of” section demonstrates how dialogue and visuals were constructed from primary sources, offering instructors a valuable teaching tool for courses on historical methods of graphic history. Backmatter materials-including a timeline, discussion questions, and a topic-organized bibliography-further support classroom use and student research.

This volume examines the life of Anne of Bohemia, the first queen of Richard II (1377–1399), and situates her within the context of medieval queenship by arguing that Anne ably fulfilled the political role of the queen consort through her intercession, patronage, and piety.Much previous scholarship on Anne has focused on her relationship with famous poets, such as Geoffrey Chaucer, but from analyzing government documents it becomes clear that Anne used her wealth and status to enact power. Through financial, religious, and cultural patronage, Anne rewarded supporters and servants and influenced court life. The examination of sources such as a letter from Anne to her half brother, and an apothecary bill that contains some fertility medicines suggests that the queen both desired and tried to have children. As such, the volume questions the public imagination of Anne and shows that, in this example, although she died childless, Anne and Richard attempted to have children throughout their marriage.With the inclusion of tables listing Anne’s acts of intercession and her land holdings and land grants, Anne of Bohemia is a useful tool for students and scholars interested in queenship studies, medieval women’s history, and the history of the English monarchy.

This volume examines the life of Anne of Bohemia, the first queen of Richard II (1377–1399), and situates her within the context of medieval queenship by arguing that Anne ably fulfilled the political role of the queen consort through her intercession, patronage, and piety.Much previous scholarship on Anne has focused on her relationship with famous poets, such as Geoffrey Chaucer, but from analyzing government documents it becomes clear that Anne used her wealth and status to enact power. Through financial, religious, and cultural patronage, Anne rewarded supporters and servants and influenced court life. The examination of sources such as a letter from Anne to her half brother, and an apothecary bill that contains some fertility medicines suggests that the queen both desired and tried to have children. As such, the volume questions the public imagination of Anne and shows that, in this example, although she died childless, Anne and Richard attempted to have children throughout their marriage.With the inclusion of tables listing Anne’s acts of intercession and her land holdings and land grants, Anne of Bohemia is a useful tool for students and scholars interested in queenship studies, medieval women’s history, and the history of the English monarchy.

Dick Grayson-alter-ego of the original Robin of Batman comics-has gone through various changes in his 75 years as a superhero but has remained the optimistic, humorous character readers first embraced in 1940. Predating Green Lantern and Wonder Woman, he is one of DC Comics' oldest heroes and retains a large and loyal fanbase.The first scholarly work to focus exclusively on the Boy Wonder, this collection of new essays features critical analysis, as well as interviews with some of the biggest names to write Dick Grayson, including Chuck Dixon, Devin Grayson and Marv Wolfman. The contributors discuss his vital place in the Batman saga, his growth and development into independent an hero, Nightwing, and the many stroyline connections which put him at the center of the DC Universe. His character is explored in the contexts of feminism, trauma, friendship and masculinity.