A bargain Ransom

I am delighted to let you all know that A King’s Ransom is currently available at a bargain price. You can buy the e-book edition for only $1.99, either as a Kindle or a Nook, and I believe the reduced price is good until January 26th. Unfortunately, only my American readers can benefit from this promotional bargain. Here is a link to my publisher’s Facebook page, although it can also be bought on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. https://www.facebook.com/PutnamBooks/...
Now, on to my Today in History post, a day late. On January 13th in 1151, one of the more significant figures of the twelfth century died, Abbot Suger of St Denis. He was a highly influential and respected counselor to two French kings, Louis le Gros and his son, Louis VII, first husband of our Eleanor. He was also a historian, author, and artistic patron; at one time he was even considered the originator of gothic architecture, although historians today don’t give him quite as much credit for that. We have him to thank for the survival of the elegant crystal vase that Eleanor presented to Louis at the time of their wedding, which resides today in the Louvre. Some historians have speculated that if Suger had not died when he did, Louis and Eleanor might not have gotten divorced, for Suger was adamantly opposed to the dissolution of their marriage. From all I’ve read of Abbot Suger, he was a benevolent influence, clever and generous, his only “flaw” a taste for luxurious living. But since my livelihood depends upon the accession of the Plantagenets to the English throne, I suppose I have to be glad that Abbot Suger did not get more time on earth than his biblical three score years and ten.