An Antic Disposition: A Medieval Mystery

From Publishers Weekly
In his fifth medieval mystery (after 2003's Widow of Jerusalem), Gordon puts a delightful and original spin on Shakespeare's Hamlet: Prince of Denmark. In 1204, the members of the Fool's Guild are in hiding in the Black Forest. To while away an evening, Father Gerald, an elderly priest, recounts the efforts of an upstart Danish lord, the prototype of Hamlet's father, to win the Danish throne in the mid-12th century. Father Gerald relates his story through the eyes of the court jester, Yorick, who is adored by the lord's young son, Amleth. Father Gerald's fellow fool, Theophilus, tells the second half of the story, providing an insightful, alternative version of what happens in Hamlet, at the same time revealing more of his own background than was previously known. Gordon deftly shifts point-of-view among his principals, each of whom expands and reimagines the events in the Shakespeare play. What emerges is a riveting tale of ambition, subterfuge, betrayal and revenge. It takes a bold author to rewrite the Bard, but Gordon has made an excellent job of it. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


From Booklist
Gordon--Thirteenth Night (1999), Jester Leaps In (2000)--takes readers on a fascinating trip through history as he recounts the "true" events behind Shakespeare's Hamlet. In 1204, the Fool's Guild is hiding from Pope Innocent III's army in the Black Forest. To amuse the group while they hide, Theophilos, one of the best-known jesters, tells the story of his teacher, Terrence of York, better known as Yorick. The fools played an important part in the Danish civil war of 1157, serving as emissaries and spies while trying to keep bloodshed to a minimum. Yorick served in King Orvendil's court, where he also befriended the king's son, Prince Amleth, who grew up preferring a career as a fool rather than a monarch. The story of what brought the fools to their sylvan hideout-- a fascinating mix of betrayal, treachery, and love--will keep historical-fiction readers turning pages. Meticulous period detail mixed with adventure makes this an excellent read. Barbara Bibel
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
In 1204 A.D., the Fools' Guild is on the run from an enraged Pope Innocent III and the Papal troops he's dispatched to destroy them. Now, hidden in their secret enclave deep within the Black Forest, the fools, troubadours and novitiates, including the jester couple Theophilos and Claudia, come together for their evening gathering to hear Father Gerald, their ancient leader, tell one of the greatest stories from the history of the Guild.

It begins in Denmark, during a time of civil war when three men laid claim to the throne while a fourth watched and bided his time. Into the strategically crucial town of Slesvig, the Guild sends Terence of York, who is promptly dubbed Yorick by the Duke's young son, Amleth. What unfolds is a tale of treachery, tragedy and bloodshed that is the true story behind one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies. But Father Gerald's history contains secrets never known to anyone outside the Guild, and as he recounts it, Theophilos feels a chill steal over his heart.

For not even Father Gerald knows the ending of this story. But Theophilos does.



About the Author
Alan Gordon is an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of New York and author of four previous books featuring Theophilos, the jester. He lives with his family in Queens, New York.



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In his fifth medieval mystery (after 2003's Widow of Jerusalem), Gordon puts a delightful and original spin on Shakespeare's Hamlet: Prince of Denmark. In 1204, the members of the Fool's Guild are in hiding in the Black Forest. To while away an evening, Father Gerald, an elderly priest, recounts the efforts of an upstart Danish lord, the prototype of Hamlet's father, to win the Danish throne in the mid-12th century. Father Gerald relates his story through the eyes of the court jester, Yorick, who is adored by the lord's young son, Amleth. Father Gerald's fellow fool, Theophilus, tells the second half of the story, providing an insightful, alternative version of what happens in Hamlet, at the same time revealing more of his own background than was previously known. Gordon deftly shifts point-of-view among his principals, each of whom expands and reimagines the events in the Shakespeare play. What emerges is a riveting tale of ambition, subterfuge, betrayal and revenge. It takes a bold author to rewrite the Bard, but Gordon has made an excellent job of it. (Jan. 30) Forecast: Fans of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead will have to check this one out. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.


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