The biblical library of the Essene at Qumran was kept in eleven man-made caves with a shelving system and hidden entrances. Its contents, popularly known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, were repressed for decades following their rediscovery, and it is possible that some finds are still kept secret. Based on the scroll fragments that have […]

The use of exorcism to control demons is a practice that originated with Solomon and his ring, circa 950 BCE. The Roman Church began ordaining exorcists of its own in 238 CE. This line of history and lore was used to create the league of exorcists in this novel.

While Geoffrey Chaucer’s activities as a diplomat in this story are based on history, his clandestine actives with the mercenary John Hawkwood are based on innuendo. It is generally agreed that Hawkwood inspired the Knight character in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. In his story, “The Squire’s Tale”, the magic ring of King Solomon appears (as […]

Each of the ancient books of magic that appear in the novel has its own history and advocates on authenticity. These include: The Sworn Book of Honorius, later used by John Dee, magician to Queen Elizabeth I; the Book of Raziel, used by the twelfth century Jewish mystics Chassidei Ashkenaz; the Testament of Solomon, the […]

Most of the named witches of the High Coven are based on accounts of real women tried or accused of witchcraft, some of whom were subsequently burned at the stake. Many of their spells, potions, and other exploits are taken from records of witch trials.