The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring by Ruth Sanderson

A retelling of a classic fairy tale, if less known nowadays, with a few tweaks.  Alexi acquires a magical golden horse who gives him good advice, but the tsar resents the only Alexi can ride her.  When Alexi finds a firebird's feather and gives the tsar it, the tsar starts with demanding the firebird itself.

Gloriously illustrated.

Creating Characters: How to Build Story People by Dwight V. Swain

All sorts of useful techniques.  Working back from events to suitable character.  The difference between motives and purposes, and the need for them.  Humor.  Background.  And more

Chivalry in Medieval England by Nigel Saul

An overview. Everything from the knights' fees (and the tendency even of early Norman kings to charge you for not showing up, and use the money to hire professionals), to the decline of number even as the status went up, attempts to force men to become knights, the luster kings lent it, the evolution of coats-of-arm -- chivalric tales and how they matched or didn't -- or influenced -- real life. The first rise of status toward nobility, and the later sinking as they were fit for the House of Commons.

Borderland: Origins of the American Suburb, 1820-1939 by John R. Stilgoe

It opens with a very brief account of the use of "suburb" as a pure insult -- the poor region outside the city walls, vulnerable to attack.

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Waltz the Hall: The American Play Party by Alan L. Spurgeon

An American pastime in rural places where -- gasp -- dancing was considered a sin. So the young people of courting age got together to play games instead. Which might involve music. And pairing off the girls and boys. And moving about in rhythmic patterns. But it's a game, not dancing.

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