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Saving Mr. Calvin

Viewing comments for Chapter 31 "Saving Mr. Calvin - Chapter 26A"
Golf's legacy and future

13 total reviews 
Comment from lancellot
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Hmm, it seems like the nobility is still a problem, in this era too. Interesting how your main characters just shrugged off the proclamation (added risk and drama) so easily, and totally disregarded the Barony.

Let's so how this goes.

 Comment Written 05-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 06-Sep-2023
    They weren't the only ones to shrug off the proclamation. In reality, it had to be repeated again in 1471 and in 1491 (under a different king then--James III). No one took it too seriously seemingly.
Comment from lyenochka
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Wow, you actually quoted from an actual historical even in 1457 when James II banned golf. That makes your book gain so much more weight. And since "Foon" is so little known, your smart characters can even use this to their advantage to still have their tournament!

 Comment Written 05-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 06-Sep-2023
    I chose this particular era in the history of the game for precisely this reason--the ban on golf by the Scottish king. It actually had to be repeated in 1471 and again in 1491 because no one paid much attention to it.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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So, the king is attempting to interfere with the game. It will be interesting to see what happens. I can't wait to read more. Thank you for sharing this addition with us.

 Comment Written 05-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 05-Sep-2023
    He did indeed, not only in 1458, but then again in 1471 and 1491, so apparently his efforts didn't go over very well. This part is factual and was the main reason I chose this era to jump into, being one of the few facts historians know about golf back then.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
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Was there ever a ban of gowf as in the decree and was the decree real? Just curious. If their team doesn't win the game this time and with the decree in place, they may be very old before they can marry and keep the deal. They seem to have some ambitious changes to the game.

 Comment Written 04-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
    Yes, and this was the actual proclamation. However, another just like this came in 1471 and another in 1491, so I really don't think they were taken very seriously.
Comment from Jay Squires
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I've seemed to pick up on some similarities in the names you've chosen for the characters in both Holland and Scotland. Just my imagination? Or is it intentional?

You've introduced the conflict brought about by the King's edict. I was wondering, in light of the seriousness of the edict, whether the use of "beloved" was intended to be ironic? You do have it offset in italics. If indeed he isn't "beloved", you might choose to indicate it in Alex's tone of voice.

This promises to be a good tale!

Jay

 Comment Written 04-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
    Not your imagination. Definitely intentional on the name similarities.

    Yes, "beloved" was meant in sarcasm (perhaps I should make that a little stronger.) James II was not well liked from what I read. They didn't have much respect for his edict, because the same edict was issued again in 1471 and again in 1491. Poor James died 2 years later than this story when a canon he was standing next to exploded. James IV, however, became the first golfing monarch when he took up the game in 1502.
Comment from jmdg1954
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Alright. We have some law breakers amongst us.

Well I guess it was important to practice archery yo keep a keen eye ready and available fir battle?

Good chapter, Jim. Looking forward to the match.

John

 Comment Written 04-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
    Thanks, John. I think there must have been quite a few law breakers because they ended up having to reissue that proclamation in both 1471 and 1491 as well. Either it wasn't enforced or they were willing to suffer the consequences for a little gowf now and then.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
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More and more this game - gowf - is beginning to resemble the one I know (little) of:-) I think they're going to get caught by the king's officers though. Is that part based on fact, or did you make it up? It's so unusual to read about a war that is being fought in "spare time".

The writing it self is flawless here:-)

Pam

 Comment Written 04-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
    Yes, that proclamation was indeed issued, and was one of the reasons I chose this era to jump into. It wasn't all that effective, though, because they issued the same directive in 1471 and 1491 as well.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
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And all along I didn't see the Ryder Cup coming forth until 1927. I guess James II got his due and had it delayed until the present day. I await the continuation with bated breath.

 Comment Written 04-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
    Yep, early forerunner. I think you'll like the final two formats that will be proposed, Tom.
Comment from w.j.debi
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Ooo, a hint of danger is introduced as the King has outlawed playing gowf so his soldiers can hone their archery skills. Most likely they can get away with it, but there is always that odd chance they could get caught.
Everyone seems eager to play so they have the gowf bug for certain.

 Comment Written 04-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
    The ban was repeated in 1471 and again in 1491, so I'm guessing it wasn't all that successful. Where there's a will, there's a way.
Comment from Paul Manton
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Well, I'm aye up laddie fer yon Ryder Cup, ye ken!
And I never miss it - especially if we stuff the yanks (begging your honor's pardon)! Not a little heat - but sometimes little light - and the excitement of several million Englishmen screaming at their televisions!

You are maneuvering the story swiftly in that direction of course - and how good that the Snogs have been gentled into agreement by your generosity. But a SCOTTISH king banning golf!! Uneasy lies the arm that pulls the bowstring (Mixed Metaphor of the Month!) He will soon be gone to that great target in the sky! (and NOT the 19th hole!) GRRR!

Your usual easy on the eye, ear and mind writing, Jim. The characters purr along with the story. Glad we had the bonus of Snog acquiescence - now for the fun! (Unless everyone ends in prison of course.)

Best from Paul

 Comment Written 04-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
    Yes, that ban may throw a kink into the monkey wrench, but I'm guessing that since it was repeated both in 1471 and 1491, it wasn't all that successful.

    So far the Snogs have been reasonable, but will it remain so for the final two formats?

reply by Paul Manton on 04-Sep-2023
    Baited breath!!!