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WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN USED HOMESCHOOL BOOKS!

HISTORICAL FICTION - EARLY HISTORY & THE MIDDLE AGES

EARLY HISTORY

The Mammoth Hunt (Heather Amery) $3 HB VGC  Lovely book showing life in the Stone Age, weapons, food, clothes and caves and cave paintings. Simple text for beginning readers. Fantastic illustrations. 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-Hunt-Heather-Amery/dp/0746001584 

The Knight And The Squire (Terry Jones) $6 PB EC In a small village in 14th-century England, a bright young boy named Tom is restless. Tired of studying and digging ditches, he dreams of noble crusades in far-off lands. He decides that he must have his freedom and flees to the forest to elude pursuers. There he meets the terrifying Wolfman, who becomes an unexpected friend. Throughout his eventful journey, Tom encounters a colorful assortment of characters, but none more lively than Alan, who leads them both to France to fight for king and country. With its non-stop adventure and marvelous humor, readers will be turning the pages as quickly as they can to follow Tom and Alan through ambush and skirmish, battle and siege. Terry Jones is a former member of the legendary Monty Python group. 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Squire-Terry-Jones/dp/1862050449/ref=pd_sim_b_img_1 

Teller Of Tales: The Story Of Geoffrey Chaucer (Margaret Stanley-Wrench) $5 HBDJ EC (Dustjacket a little tattered) Biography of Chaucer written for the older elementary reader. Nice illustrations. 9+ http://www.oakknoll.com/detail.php?d_booknr=90825 

 Jacob, The Boy From Nuremberg (Ejnar Agertoft, illustrator Robert Ingpen) $6 HB EC It is a celebration of the life of Albrecht Dürer, featuring the incomparable art of Robert Ingpen, winner of the 1986 Hans Christian Andersen Medal. This is a very special book that will give children a marvellous introduction to two master artists; Dürer and Ingpen. Lovely picture book. Recommended! 6-10 YO

There Will Be Wolves (Karleen Bradford) $5 PB VGC (Signed by author) With her ambition to become an apothecary and her secret book of healing arts, Monica is a prime suspect in the latest round of witchcraft accusations. To save herself from her fate of being burned at the stake, she must march in the people’s crusade to Jerusalem. Set in the Holy Roman Empire, There Will Be Wolves is both a history and medieval adventure story. Through her protagonist, Katherine Bradford exposes young readers to the reality of the Crusades. 10+ http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/There-Will-Be-Wolves-Karleen-Bradford/9780006479383-item.html

Anna Of Byzantium  (Tracy Barrett) $5 PB BRAND NEW In the eleventh century, the teenage princess Anna Comnena fights for her birthright, the throne to the Byzantine Empire, which she fears will be taken from her by her younger brother, John, because he is a boy. In this novel, Anna tells her own story, looking back on her former life from the convent to which she has been banished. 11+ http://www.amazon.com/Anna-Byzantium-Tracy-Barrett/dp/product-description/0440415365

The Herb Of Grace (Kate Forsyth) $6 HB EC It is the fifth year of the Lord Protector's rule, and not safe nor seemly to love bright colours, nor music, nor dancing, nor magic, nor any of the things that the gypsies most loved, and which made them who they were. But now life for the Finch tribe has gone even more horribly wrong – they have been thrown into gaol with only three weeks to live. The only members of the family to escape are Emilia and her cousin Luka who must travel to the New Forest to find the Wood tribe, whose rue flower, the herb of grace which can both heal and poison. On the way, the two children tangle with an impoverished widow, the thief-taker Coldham and a highwayman,  and find themselves caught up in a Royalist plot to restore King Charles II to his throne. 10+ http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/display_title.asp?ISBN=9781405037822&Author=Forsyth,%20Kate

The Blemyah Stories (William Mayne) $7 HB EC (Ex lib) In words and pictures of rare imaginative power, this book tells the story of a very special year in the life of a medieval priory. Wonderful illustrations and stories give a real insight into medieval monasteries and the lives therein. 7-11 YO http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/william-mayne/blemyah-stories.htm 

The Minstrel And The Dragon Pup (Rosemary Sutcliff) $6 HB EC (Ex lib) A wandering minstrel adopts a sweet-natured dragon pup, and his songs flow more easily and more joyful than ever before because he now has something to love. But the companions come to grief when a wicked showman kidnaps the pup to use in his show. The minstrel searches for his beloved dragon while his songs grow sadder. Lovely picture book giving a first look at medieval life. 7-10 YO http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=4386206&matches=16&author=Sutcliff%2C+Rosemary&browse=1&cm_sp=works*listing*cover 

Sorochintsy Fair (Nikolai Gogol) $4 HB BRAND NEW This story is based on a traditional Russian country tale about a beautiful young girl who is wooed and won at the Sorochintzy Fair by a dashing suitor who uses the villagers’ and his future father-in-law's superstitions to overcome the obstacles to the hand of his lady love. Something special for lovers of Russian fairy tales set in the medieval era with spendid illustrations by Gennadij Spirin reflecting the Russian spirit. His pictures are miniature marvels of precision and stupendous craftmanship. They are magnificently rich in detail, painted with the finest strokes. 7-10 YO http://www.alibris.co.uk/search/books/qwork/6210286/used/Sorotchintzy%20Fair 

The Wool Pack (Cynthia Harnett) $3 PB GC (Light tanning) This thrilling story of a boy’s adventures in pre-Tudor England, when the wool trade (and the king) became embroiled in the money-lending of the Lombards, just at the time when Columbus discovered America, is vivid with detail. Everything from Nicholas's clothes to the treats of a country fair are described with memorable detail. A wonderful portrayal of 15^th century life in England. 11+ WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE MEDAL http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wool-pack-Puffin-Story-Books/dp/0140301534 

Inigo: The Adventures Of A Saint (Michael Hansen) $5 HB EC Courtier, soldier, knight, pilgrim, servant of the Great King, he was born 500 years ago. The reader goes on an amazing voyage with Iñigo, travelling with him on his life of adventure. By the time of his death, Inigo's band of seven companions had grown to 1000. Today this group, the Society of Jesus, is spread throughout the world. http://www.davidlovellpublishing.com/title.php?isbn=1863550186

Dick Wittington (Kathleen Lines, illustrator Edward Ardizzone) $3 HB GC (Ex lib) Retells the traditional tale of the poor boy in medieval England who made his fortune through his cat and became Lord Mayor of London. A lovely picture book, great illustrations. 7+ 

Usborne Simple Readers “Black Knight’s Victory” (Heather Amery) $3 HB GC Lovely book showing life in the Middle Ages, castles, tournaments and knights. Simple text for beginning readers. Fantastic illustrations. 5-9 YO  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-Hunt-Heather-Amery/dp/0746001584   (Same format) 

Crispin – The Cross Of Lead (Avi) $5 PB BRAND NEW The awesome story of a young peasant boy in 14^th century medieval England. ‘Asta’s son’ is all he’s ever been called and the lack of name is appropriate, because he and his mother were the lowliest of low in the manor farm in which they lived. But the 13 year old who thought he had little to lose soon finds himself with even less – no home, no family and no possessions except his mother’s cross of lead. WINNER OF THE NEWBERY MEDAL 10+ Our family has thoroughly enjoyed this captivating tale! http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0786808284.asp

The Knight Who Was Afraid Of The Dark (Barbara Shook Hazen, illustrator Tony Ross) $3 PB FC (Cover creasing) Great picture book about Sir Fred, a brave and popular knight by day, but at night a kee-bumping, heart-thumping coward. Can Sir Fred ever overcome his fear of the dark and win the hand of the fair Lady Wendylyn? 6+ http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=3570998&matches=19&author=Hazen%2C+Barbara+Shook&browse=1&cm_sp=works*listing*title 

The Midwife’s Apprentice (Karen Cushman) $5 PB EC, $3 PB GC (Minor cover wear , light tanning) In medieval England, a nameless, homeless girl is taken in by a sharp-tempered midwife, and in spite of obstacles and hardship, eventually gains the three things she most wants: a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.…….NEWBERY MEDAL. 10+   http://www.amazon.com/Midwifes-Apprentice-Karen-Cushman/dp/006440630X

Tales From English History “The Admiral Of The Queen ” (Jean Smithson) $2 PB GC Chapter book for the confident reader. Join John Hawkins, captain of the Solomon as he carries goods for the Queen. 8+ 

Tales From English History “Turgar And The Sea-Wolf” (Jean Smithson) $2 PB VGC Chapter book for the confident reader. Story is set in a medieval monastery. 8+ 

Eagle Boy (Rodney Bennett) $3 HB EC Stephan, lame since birth and mute, is befriended by a golden eagle which finds him in the cave where his parents hid him when his life was endangered by a rumor that his infirmities marked him as a child of the devil and thus responsible for widespread crop failures in their medieval village. Life in the eyrie is risky but free, and in sharp contrast to the poverty-stricken life of the village. Stephan grows strong, and becomes like the great bird, wild and untamed as they fly together over the mountains. When he outgrows the nest, he is left with a kindly hermit who tries to civilize him and teach him to speak. Although he has no memory of his parents, he returns to the village to help them when he learns they are in danger. With the eagle's help, he saves his father's life. 10+ 

The Forestwife (Theresa Tomlinson) $4 HB VGC It is the reign of Richard The Lionheart and a 15 year old girl flees the comfort of a medieval manor house to escape marriage to an elderly widower who had rotten black stumps of teeth and smelt of sour ale and saddle grease. Mary learns how to find shelter, food and even medicine deep in the woods, even though it is a harsh life. 10+ http://www.theresatomlinson.com/forestwife.htm (Cover art different) 

The Baron’s Hostage (Geoffrey Trease) $3 PB VGC (Tanning) As Prince Edward is being held prisoner by Simon de Montfort, his page Michael becomes involved in an attempt to free the Prince. A courageous and adventurous lady in waiting aids his plan. 10+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/t/geoffrey-trease/barons-hostage.htm 

Ned Only (Barbara Willard) $2 PB VGC Ned is a servant at Winterpicks Manor, working in the kitchen for the tyrannical Sir Joshua Bidgood. Life is hard for the boy and he often comes close to despair when Welsh drovers, driving geese and cattle to London, enter Ned’s life and change it forever. An exciting story of love, loyalty and one boy;s quest for independence. 10+

Redwall Series (Brian Jacques) 

Great activites here: http://www.redwallwinter.com/ 

Mariel Of Redwall $4 PB GC Mariel Of Redwall $4 PB GC (Cover creasing) The first book in the second trilogy about the adventures of the legendary mice of Redwall Abbey, This story revolves around one small but ferocious mouse, Mariel. Mariel and her father, Joseph, are captured and tortured by the evil searat Gabool. After he throws Mariel to the ocean, leaving her for dead, she washes up on the shore near Redwall Abbey. With the help of the residents there, Mariel begins a quest to defeat Gabool and rescue her father. 10+
http://www.eden.co.uk/shop/cover-images/mariel-of-redwall-1102131.html 

Mattimeo: A Tale Of Redwall $4 PB VGC (Ex lib) Slagar the Fox is determined to vanquish peaceable Redwall. Gathering his mercenary band of rats, stoats, and weasels, he advances upon the abbey with a cunning scheme-rather than making courageous battle plans, he will steal the children of Redwall from under their parents' very noses. And his prize captive will be Mattimeo, the headstrong young son of Matthias, the fearless mouse warrior! A great adventure! 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Mattimeo-Tale-Redwall-Brian-Jacques/dp/0441006108 (Cover art different) 

A Redwall Winter’s Tale $6 HBDJ EC (Ex lib) Young readers who have watched their older siblings devour the Redwall series will be overjoyed to find a Redwall tale just their pace. Brings the saga of the lively badger, mole, squirrel, and mouse denizens of Redwall Abbey to a younger audience. In this cozy, happy story, Bungo the mole-babe and his friend Tubspike the hedgehog maid are beside themselves with excitement as they await some very special guests on the last day of autumn. Little do they know there's another, even more special guest on his way. 6-9 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Redwall-Winters-Tale/dp/0099432870

Pagan Series (Catherine Jinks) 

Pagan’s Crusade $4 PB EC Down on his luck and kicked in the pants one too many times, Pagan Kidrouk arrives on the doorstep of the Templar Knights in medieval Jerusalem, looking for work as a squire. Expecting only a respite from life on the street and a few square meals, the sixteen-year-old finds himself hard at work for Lord Roland de Bram — a not-so-exciting life of polishing Lord Roland's armor, laundering his garments, and even training to fight by his side. But as the Infidel Saladin leads his army to Jerusalem, it becomes more and more difficult for Pagan and Lord Roland to decide what action to take or whom to trust. Is a bloody battle for control of the Holy City inevitable?. 11+ Recommended! http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/catherine-jinks/pagans-crusade.htm 

Pagan In Exile (Book 2 in the series) $5 PB EC (High quality publication) It’s 1188, and the infidels have conquered Jerusalem. Forced into exile, 17 year old Pagan escapes to France with his lord, the noble Roland. But Roland’s homecoming is marred by conflict as his family clash both with neighbours and each other. 11+ A NOTABLE AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/catherine-jinks/pagan-in-exile.htm 

Pagan’s Vows (Book 3 in the series) $5 PB EC (High quality publication) Pagan and his noble lord Roland become novices at the Abbey of St. Martin, where they will prepare to learn the twelve steps of humility and take the oath of obedience. Pagan discovers just how corrupt and dangerous life in a monastery can be. 11+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/catherine-jinks/pagan-s-vows.htm 

Pagan’s Scribe (Catherine Jinks) $5 PB EC  (High quality publication) When he becomes scribe to Pagan Kidrouk, Archdeacon of Carcassonne, bookish Isidore is plunged into the real world – the world of Pagan, Lord Roland and Roland’s older brother, Lord Jordan. But the real world, Languedoc in 1209, is a dangerous place, for this is the year in which papal forces from the north begin their bloody crusade against the Cathar heretics. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/catherine-jinks/pagan-s-scribe.htm

The Mantlemass Chronicles (Barbara Willard)

$5 each PB EC 13+ The Mantlemass series, set in the heart of Sussex in Ashdown Forest, follows two families, the Mallorys and Medleys, through nearly one hundred and sixty years of history, starting in 1485 just after the Wars of the Roses, and ending in 1644 with the events of the English Civil War. 

The Lark And The Laurel When her father goes into exile after the fall of Richard III, a sheltered sixteen year old girl is sent to stay with an unconventional aunt. The historical descriptions and politics that play out in it are wonderful. Social customs, class structures and well-worded descriptions of late medieval to early renaissance England fill the book. 

The Sprig Of Broom In sixteenth-century England, a boy of humble birth searches for his identity while Plantagenets plot to reclaim the throne from the Tudors. Set during the time of the War of the Roses, this is the story of Medley Plashet, a young man whose father disappeared ten years ago. Medley sets out on a long and dangerous journey to solve the mystery of his heritage--a journey that leads to a stunning revelation. 

A Cold Wind Blowing Set in the 1530s, as King Henry VIII brings change to England and the Mallory and Medley families are affected indirectly and personally by the effects of the dissolution of the monasteries. Plans for a new church have to be abandoned, the local community of Priors is disbanded - and into Piers Medley's life comes a strange silent girl, Isabella. He is intrigued by her silence until he finds she has a hidden secret that could ruin the entire village.