Customer Reviews

A Play of Lords (Joliffe, Book 4)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've read almost all of the Dame Frivesse books as well as the A Play of... books by Margaret Frazer. This book again features Joliffe as a member of the acting troupe, but it is a much slower pace than most of the author's books. She spends most of the book on the machinations of power in England in the early to mid 1400's. I usually enjoy the historical detail, but, for me, this time the story suffered for it.

As a fan of the Joliffe (and Frevisse) series, I would say that "A Play of Lords" is among Frazer's best. Frazer is exceptionally skilled at writing these medieval history-mysteries. She is quite deft at integrating historical facts with fiction. "A Play of Lords" is no exception. It includes facts about intriguing political events that took place during the time period in which the book is set. The mores of that medieval time period are fascinating. Frazer puts factual and fictional elements together and produces (as she always does) a remarkable story and one that transports the reader to Medieval England, which comes alive with her detailed descriptions. As I read, I 'saw' the streets of London and 'walked' along the Thames. I enjoyed the conversations between the characters. It is always a joy spending time with 'the company' and the other characters that Frazer creates. She puts such depth to her characters that it is impossible not to respond to them one way or another. In this book, Mak proves to be an appealing addition, especially in light of Joliffe's assessment of him and then Mak's reaction to that assessment. Of course, Joliffe is an enticing character, and he makes a few decisions that are surprising. Actually, there are several surprises that will keep you turning the pages. The plot held my attention all the way to the end, and there are some laugh-out-loud moments along the way. All in all, "A Play of Lords" is educational; it is humorous, and it is edifying (one of Frazer's many skills includes her astonishing ability to capture the different aspects of human nature, not least the moral aspect). I completely enjoyed reading "A Play of Lords"; I am already awaiting the next Joliffe. In the meantime, thank goodness, there is a Frevisse coming out in Jan.'08 (and that is not soon enough).

I have no idea how this book would strike someone who had not read the others starring Joliffe, the travelling actor and playwright living during the reign of Henry VI of England. Having read those books, I like this one right well. As a part-time historian myself I am not jarred by any painful inaccuracies, the feel of the time and place and people is right. The mysteries are why I read the books however, and this one is OK although not the author's best effort ever.

I just love Margaret Frazer's books. The only problem is that I can't put them down until I've finished reading them. I highly recommend this historical mystery series with the Players (traveling acting troupe) and the other with Sister Frevisse. They are a lot of fun and you learn something too. A combination that I appreciate. Please keep them coming.

If you like history, especially that of medieval times, you have to love the books of Margaret Frazer. Starting with her Sister Frevisse series (loosely based on the character types of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales) one is treated to sensible solutions of difficulties encountered by human beings since day one. Frevisse was a nun, and convents seemed to be no more immune from such problems as any other sector of society.

There were sixteen in this series, and then the author turned to another small, but very visible and busy, portion of the world of that time - the players. Theater, in other words. Ante-dating Shakespeare by more than a hundred years, we learn all about the traveling groups of actors and writers, for whom any element of society is fair game to be satirized or used as a learning tool.

Joliffe is a young man (mid-twenties, maybe) who is both a gifted writer and a crafty actor. He becomes part of a small group of actors headed by Bassett (50-ish), his daughter Rose, her son Piers, Ellis (Rose's sometime lover) and Gil, the younger man who plays most of the women's parts.

In this, the fourth of this series, the troupe (which has become part of Lord Lovell's household) comes to London for the opening of Parliament in the autumn of 1435. Henry VI is but 14, and not old enough to rule on his own, setting up constant battles for the right to supervise him. His father had brothers, and so did his father's father. It's all these uncles and great-uncles who clutter up the scene, keeping everyone off balance! [Eventually (but not in this book) all these uncles (and their off-spring) will lead the country into the Wars of the Roses.]

Until that happens, however, do read Margaret Frazer's fascinating stories. She's as good as it gets, and her writing is so graceful and evocative that you feel you are there - in 1435, along with the rest of the actors. Her insight into the theatrical world of that time is marvelous, and should be considered must reading for anyone who loves theater. I'd happily give it ten stars if I could!

I've read both the Frevisse and the Joliffe mysteries and I prefer the Joliffe mysteries. (Sometimes I can't even finish the Frevisse mysteries) While I agree with the reviews that state that there isn't much mystery in this book it is a pivotal point in Joliffe's life, which is perhaps why it is one of my favorites. It shows how he starts down the path that creates the Joliffe you see in the later Frevisse mysteries (such as The Traitors Tale, which I can also recommend). The groundwork for the War of the Roses is already being laid and intrigue replaces mystery in this story, but mostly I think its purpose is to transition Joliffe to sleuthing on a grander political scale.

I found the backdrop of the political powerplays added to the intrigue. I enjoyed this one more than any of the other Joliffes. Frazer's attention to detail is so greatly appreciated!

Fourth in the Joliffe medieval mystery series revolving around a small troupe of players.

My Take
Oh, this was too fascinating! Not so much a mystery this time as a political assessment of the broken alliance with Burgundy and how all the maneuverings are an attempt to drive down the price of English wool. That's the gist of it.

In the meantime, we get to enjoy the grand success Lord Lovell's Players are experiencing leaving us wondering how they will make out once they are on the road again.

I suspect that the previous three stories were setting the scene for A Play of Lords, building Joliffe's reputation for figuring things out, leading to the bishop's proposition.

Frazer is just amazing in how well her words convey us back in time from the manners to the clothing and, most especially, the dialog. When she includes the wit, you can't help but fall in love. This series is a buy for me.

The Story
Lord Lovell and his household have gone to London for the opening of Parliament and he wants his Players there as well. The performance Basset and company put on that first night inspires the Bishop of Beaufort to request Joliffe write a play that makes the Duke of Burgundy look an idiot and make the Dauphin a villain to defuse tension against Burgundy in London.

Joliffe has three days. A most successful play as it causes the Lord Lovell Players to be in demand at some high and mighty households including the Duke of Gloucester's. The king's heir, no less. Being so successful does have its negatives as they discover when they're attacked on the street. Combined with the intel that Joliffe assembles from wandering the streets...well, it's not always safe to come to the attention of those who rule over you.

The Characters
Joliffe Southwell is the writer for Master Basset`s troupe as well as an actor. He has been gaining quite a reputation for mystery solving which is how he came to the bishop's attention. Basset's daughter Rose sews and repairs the wardrobe as well as maintaining the props. Her son Piers does well in imp and feminine roles while young Gil is doing quite well as the newcomer. Ellis is also a good actor and loves the reluctant Rose.

Lord and Lady Lovell are wealthy, not Duke of York wealthy, but well enough that they can afford their own troupe of players. John Hyche is the gatekeeper for their London home. Mak is one of the London servants and has been assigned to ease the Players' stay in London although it turns out that Mak has more than one master.

Bishop of Beaufort is also a cardinal of England and the bishop of Winchester; he's also one of the very young king's guardians and a relative--one of John o'Gaunt's bastards. I can't figure out if Master Fowler is the bishop's door warden or spy secretary.
James "Jem" Smithcot is a constable of Farrington Ward and come to investigate the attack on the Players.

The Cover
The cover feels quite medieval in how the people are portrayed let alone it's a busy city street with people coming and going, banners flying from house fronts, and St. Paul's Cathedral towering over all.

The title says it all on several levels including the to-and-fro that Joliffe observes is indeed A Play of Lords as the lords, dukes, merchants, and bishops maneuver for the best advantage.

A PLAY OF LORDS by Margaet Frazer gives the reader more than a glimpse into the world of medieval theater. I love good theater in any form and a traveling player is my nickname. Writing, casting, staging, costuming, make-up is all there for the reader to enjoy along with the mystery.
The Joliffe books are best read in order as the company and the background are developed one on top of the next,
A word of caution: Don't have several on hand because as you finish one you will open the next and keep reading to find out what happens next with Basset, Elias, Rose, Piers, Gil and Joliffe now that they have some protection against the rough edges of survival in medieval England.
PS, Margaret Frazer's notes are helpful when trying to keep all the historical personages seperate from the fictional ones.
Nash Black, author of SANDPRINTS OF DEATH

More steeped in political history than any of the previous books in the series, this fourth volume has murder as incidental rather than the focus of the story. Joliffe and his troop have accompanied their patron Lord Lovell into London as part of his entourage in the late autumn of 1435. They are scheduled to perform for Bishop Beaufort, uncle and advisor to young King Henry VI. Their success with the bishop sharpens his interest in them, and he asks Joliffe to spy for him as they play for London's elite. With the threat of war brought closer by the treachery of the Duke of Burgundy and the public's outrage against anything and anybody to do with him, London is a hotbed and Joliffe discovers a whole new world of intrigue and danger. Those more interested in the untangling of the threads of a murder mystery may be disappointed by this volume, but it is more than amply offset by the intricacy of political intrigue and the rich descriptions of 15th century London life, and opens up more possibilities for the future of the series.