Neuschwanstein Castle - is probably the most visited castle of all time. Discover its history, intriguing facts & travels tips!

Italy is one of the most romantic places in Europe for a honeymoon. Click to see 1-2 week suggestions for your Italy honeymoon itinerary.

Maurice Lalau (1881-1961) is a name I had never seen before this week. He was a prolific French illustrator, perhaps better known in his own country than he is in the United States. I could find very little about him, either online or in print sources. I did find a capsule review of the The Romance of Tristram and Iseult, published October 8th, 1910, in the New York Times, under the heading, Philadelphia Book News, with the following text: PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 7. -- Next Monday has been fixed for the issue by the J. B. Lippincott Co. of a sumptuous edition of "The Romance of Tristram and Iseult," translated from the French of Joseph Bedier by Florence Simmonds. This promises to be one of the most beautiful of the gift books of the season, the distinguishing characteristic of this edition being the thirty-two remarkable colored illustrations by Maurice Lalau. The scary part is that the review states there are 32 illustrations, and the edition found at archive dot org, only has 20 remarkable color illustrations. If there are an additional 12, I dearly want to see them. Click the link to view these amazing illustrations in their original context at archive dot org. The Romance of Tristram and Iseult was published by William Heinemann out of London, and by J. B. Lippincott out of Philadelphia, in 1910. William Heinemann is the same publisher who published much of Arthur Rackham's best known work. It is a wonder more attention has not been paid to this illustrator. When I view the larger body of Lalau's available art and illustrations, I see parallels to the line work and drama of Arthur Rackham, including his droll sense of humor; and the composition and colors of Edmund Dulac. I strongly suspect and propose Maurice Lalau's influence, or perhaps he was influenced by them; and if I were ever to earn an advanced degree in art history, I would explore this potential connection. If anyone has knowledge of Maurice Lalau, please share your information in comments, and add any links. Here are a few bits of information I've come across, here, here, and here, and here. What I love about these illustrations is the rich color, and fully realized world, the room interiors and building exteriors executed in loving detail, including trunks and tapestries, musical instruments, books, looms, clothing, games, utensils, and a child's toys; and the drama of every scene, where every figure is a personality, major or minor, with an integral role; and the balance of indoor and outdoor presentations, and the depictions of sunset, daytime and moonlight. I can only imagine the artist immersed himself in historical description and visual references, and made numerous preliminary sketches. I copied these illustrations at the highest possible resolution, and worked with the brightness and contrast to lighten them just a touch to bring out the detail, while retaining the original color tones and balance. The original scans are exceptionally good. Click on each image for great detail. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1908 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Frontispiece: Tristram and Iseult Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1908 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 The castle rose by the sea-coast, fair and strong, well fortified against all assault and all engines of war. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1908 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 She alone, cunning in the use of philtres, could save Tristram. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Tristram spurred his horse against him with such fury... Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 At this moment Bragwaine entered, and saw how they gazed at each other in silence, ravished and amazed. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Eighteen days from that time, having convoked all his barons, he took Iseult the Fair to wife. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Above in the branches the King was moved to pity, and he smiled gently. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Unless the King would send his nephew out of the country, they would retire into their castles and make war upon him. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1908 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Presently the news spread throughout the city in the darkness. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 The lovers lived crouching in the hollow of a rock... Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 All night, passing through the beloved woods for the last time, they journeyed in silence. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 The palace gates were thrown open to all comers; rich and poor might sit down and eat. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 She stretched out her arms on either side, the palms open. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Under the trees he pressed her to his heart without a word. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1908 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 She took the magic bell, rang it for the last time, then threw it into the sea. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1908 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Then the two on foot, with shattered shields and hauberks unbuckled, defied and assailed each other. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 The Queen sings sweetly. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 King Mark and Iseult the Fair were seated at chess. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1908 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Tristram disguised himself as a beggar. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1909 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 She gave up the ghost and died beside him for grief. Maurice Lalau ~ The Romance of Tristram and Iseult ~ 1910 Translated from the French by Florence Simmonds London: William Heinemann, c1910 Title Page

Want to create stunning fantasy photography? Check out this list of the most beautiful and magical fantasy photography examples and ideas. Learn more about famous fantasy photographers and what techniques they use.

From their first look at dawn, to their ceremony in the woods, to their reception on the river flats, Levi + Aurora's wedding was truly a fairytale.

How we spent a great time at the best preserved citadel in Europe – Sighisoara, Romania These colourful old streets within the citadel of Sighisoara will always stay in my mind…

Colmar…A village? No! It’s a capital. The Capital of Alsatian wine. It is not difficult to have a romantic weekend in Colmar France

Who among us ladies hasn’t dreamed of a knight in shining armor? Or, living in a time when valor prevailed and honorable men did great deeds and women of character loved them. (I did say we were dreaming, right?) These historical romances will take you there. Since the medieval period in European history spanned the 5th century to the 15th century, all the stories on my list take place during that time; however, some Scottish, Irish, Viking and Pirate/Privateer historicals from that time period not listed here can be found on those specific “Best Lists” (links on the right side of my blog). All of these listed below have garnered 4, 4 and ½ or 5 stars from me: A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught Autumn’s Flame by Denise Domning Baron of Godsmere and Baron of Emberly by Tamara Leigh Betrothal by Jenna Jaxon (the first part of a 3-part story) Bianca by Bertrice Small Blackheart by Tamara Leigh Blue Heaven, Black Night by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham) Bond of Blood by Roberta Gellis Bride of the Lion by Elizabeth Stuart By His Majesty’s Grace, By Grace Possessed and Seduced by Grace by Jennifer Blake By Possession, By Design, Stealing Heaven, By Arrangement, The Protector and Lord of a Thousand Nights, 14th century London series by Madeline Hunter Candle in the Window by Christina Dodd Come the Morning, Conquer the Night, Seize the Dawn, Knight Triumphant, The Lion in Glory, and When We Touch from the Graham series by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham) Crimson Secret by Janet Lane Damsel in Distress by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham) Desire Lines by Elizabeth Kingston Desire of the Heart by Katherine Vickery (aka Kathryn Kramer) Devoted by Alice Borchardt Enchantress, Kiss of the Moon and Outlaw, Welsh trilogy by Lisa Jackson Everlasting by Kathleen Woodiwiss Forever and a Lifetime by Jennifer Horsman His Stolen Bride by Shelly Thacker Honor & Roses by Elizabeth Cole Impostress, Temptress and Sorceress, Welsh trilogy with fantasy elements by Lisa Jackson Keeper of the Dream by Penelope Williamson Knight’s Honor by Roberta Gellis Lady of Fire, Fire and Steel and The Fire and the Fury from the Fire Series by Anita Mills Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Roberson Lady of Valor from the Warrior trilogy by Tina St. John Laird of the Wind by Susan King Lespada by Kathryn Le Veque Lie Down in Roses by Heather Graham Lily Fair by Kimberly Cates Lord of Desire, Lord of Temptation and Lord of Seduction, Risande Family trilogy by Paula Quinn Lord of Vengeance by Tina St. John On a Highland Shore and Rivals for the Crown by Kathleen Givens Princess of Fire and the sequel Knight of Fire by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham) Prisoner of My Desire by Johanna Lindsey Rose of Rapture by Rebecca Brandewyne Sense of Touch by Rozsa Gaston Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale Siege of the Heart by Elise Cyr Silk and Steel and the sequel Desire and Deceive by Cordia Byers Silverhawk by Barbara Bettis Spellbound by Nadine Crenshaw Sword of the Heart by Maureen Kurr The Angel Knight by Susan King The Bedeviled Heart by Carmen Caine The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux The Breaking Dawn by Jayne Castel The Bride Gift by Sarah Hegger The Christmas Knight by Michele Sinclair The Conqueror, Promise of the Rose and The Prize, trilogy by Brenda Joyce The Deepening Night by Jayne Castel (7th century Britain) The Devil to Pay by K.C. Bateman The Dragon Tree by Marsha Canham The Falcon and the Flower, The Dragon and the Jewel and The Marriage Prize, the Plantagenet trilogy by Virginia Henley The King’s Pleasure by Heather Graham The King’s Rebel by Michelle Morrison The Last Knight by Candice Proctor The Lily and the Falcon by Jannine Corti-Petska The Lion’s Bride by Connie Mason The King’s Man by Elizabeth Kingston The Knight’s Scarred Maiden by Nicole Locke The Outlaw Knight (aka Lords of the White Castle) by Elizabeth Chadwick The Raven and the Rose by Virginia Henley The Rose of Blacksword by Rexanne Becnel The Swan Maiden and The Stone Maiden from the Maiden trilogy by Susan King The Warrior’s Game and Spring’s Fury by Denise Domning The Wild Hunt by Elizabeth Chadwick The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss Through a Dark Mist, In the Shadow of Midnight and The Last Arrow, Robin Hood trilogy by Marsha Canham Uncommon Vows by Mary Jo Putney Untamed, Forbidden and Enchanted, trilogy by Elizabeth Lowell Warrior Poet by Kathryn Lc Veque Warrior’s Song, Fire Song, Earth Song and Secret Song, medieval series by Catherine Coulter When Love Awaits by Johanna Lindsey Where Love Dwells by Elizabeth Stuart Winter’s Heat by Denise Domning Wonderful, Wild and Wicked, trilogy by Jill Barnett I hope you will consider my own award-winning Medieval Warriors series: The Red Wolf’s Prize Rogue Knight Rebel Warrior King’s Knight On Amazon And The Refuge, An Inspirational Novel of Scotland

Literary treasures from around the world feature in the first of a series of postcard collections from Oxford’s Bodleian Library. From the slaying of a unicorn in a medieval English Bestiary to the incarnation of an 18th-century Thai Buddha, each image is chosen to represent a letter of the alphabet

Dreaming of visiting one of those beautiful small towns in Europe filled with old-world charm, delicious food, and incredible scenic beauty? Here are 15 of the most magical fairytale small towns that you need to visit!

Let's talk about patio decorating ideas and porches too and how to make your outdoor space into a romantic sitting area.