Books and other materials that informed and inspired The Memory Painter, organized by lifetime:
BJARNI & GARNISSA
The Secrets of the Viking Navigators, by Leif K. Karlsen
This book is such a gem. After I had finished reading it, I tried to contact the writer to thank him, only to find out he had passed away in 2008. Mr. Karlsen’s passion for Viking navigation and his book were invaluable to me while writing Bjarni’s story.
This book is such a gem. After I had finished reading it, I tried to contact the writer to thank him, only to find out he had passed away in 2008. Mr. Karlsen’s passion for Viking navigation and his book were invaluable to me while writing Bjarni’s story.
BODHIDHARMA & HUIKE
The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma, by Bodhidharma, translated by Red Pine
The Root of Chinese Qigong, by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
Qigong – The Secret of Youth, by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming
The Penguin Book of Zen Poetry, Edited & Translated by Lucien Stryk & Takashi Ikemoto
Zen Meditation Plain & Simple, by Albert Low
BARTOLOMEO & KATARINA
Famous Violinists of To-day and Yesterday, by Henry Charles Lahee
A fascinating article by Roger Hargrave titled Seeking Mrs. Guarneri
The documentary film Violin Master, Two Gentlemen of Cremona, directed by John Forsen.
An informative video from Anne Akiko Meyers regarding the Vieuxtemps del Gesù.
LORD ASANO & OISHI
The 47 Ronin Story, by John Allyn, now titled 47 Ronin
I had the privilege to visit the gravesite of the 47 Ronin at Sengakuji Temple many years ago. I bought this book (it was originally a small pocket book) from a vendor right outside the graves. I am happy to see that it has been reprinted and is now widely available.
I had the privilege to visit the gravesite of the 47 Ronin at Sengakuji Temple many years ago. I bought this book (it was originally a small pocket book) from a vendor right outside the graves. I am happy to see that it has been reprinted and is now widely available.
Japanese Death Poems, written by Zen Monks & Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death
Two Japanese films that depict the 47 Ronin Story:
Chushingura, directed by Hiroshi Inagaki
47 Ronin “Shijushichinin no shikaku”, directed by Kon Ichikawa
NATALIA & ALEXANDER
The online collection of Alexander Pushkin’s poetry.
ORIGENES & JULIANA
Life in Ancient Rome, by F.R. Cowell
This book is an excellent overview of daily life during the time of the Roman Empire.
This book is an excellent overview of daily life during the time of the Roman Empire.
THOTH & HERMESE
The Giza Power Plant, by Christopher Dunn
The Message of the Sphinx, by Graham Hancock & Robert Bauval
Both of these books provided a wonderful springboard for me to dive off from as I wrote the ancient Egypt chapters. If you are interested in learning more about the theories that helped to build Thoth and Hermese’s world, then check out these books.