Lee Swanson’s Journey Through Medieval History and Fiction

Exploring Medieval Europe Through the Eyes of a Bold Heroine

Lee Swanson blends historical accuracy with fiction, creating strong female characters and suspenseful plots, while exploring themes of love and duty in medieval Europe through his “No Man is Her Master” series.

Lee Swanson’s passion for medieval history has been a lifelong pursuit, deeply influencing his career and creative endeavors. Having spent over twenty-five years living in Germany and England, first as a soldier and then as a teacher, Swanson eventually returned to the United States, bringing with him a wealth of historical knowledge and experiences. His academic journey culminated in a master’s degree in European History from the University of North Florida, where he graduated summa cum laude. His thesis focused on the Hanseatic League, a powerful confederation of merchants from northern German cities, reflecting his deep interest in the intricacies of medieval commerce and society.

Now residing between Staunton, Virginia, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with his wife Karine and their dog Banjo, Swanson continues to weave his historical expertise into his writing. His “No Man is Her Master” series, featuring the bold and unconventional protagonist Christina Kohl, is a testament to his ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling storytelling.

Swanson emphasizes the importance of historical accuracy in his novels, striving to provide readers with an authentic sense of the times. In “She Serves the Realm,” the final days of Piers Gaveston are meticulously documented, shaping Christina Kohl’s movements and interactions. This dedication to authenticity ensures that the fictional narrative remains grounded in historical reality.

Lee Swanson masterfully combines meticulous research with captivating storytelling, bringing medieval history to life through compelling characters and narratives.

Christina Kohl, the series’ protagonist, defies the societal norms of the 14th century by seeking adventure and independence. Swanson was inspired to create a strong female character who is not defined by the men in her life. To achieve this, he cleverly has Christina assume her brother’s identity, allowing her to experience the freedoms of her male counterparts while offering a unique perspective on medieval life.

In “Her Perilous Game,” Christina navigates political intrigue and danger during King Edward II’s expedition to the Scottish borders in 1310. Swanson skillfully crafts suspenseful plots while maintaining historical authenticity, using real-life events as a backdrop for Christina’s adventures. The peril facing Gaveston during this time provides a believable context for Christina’s involvement in the earl’s story.

Portraying the turbulent period of Edward II’s reign presented challenges, particularly in depicting Piers Gaveston as a sympathetic character. Swanson’s novels explore the unlikely friendship between Christina and the powerful Earl of Cornwall, offering a nuanced portrayal of Gaveston that contrasts with his often negative historical depiction.

Swanson’s richly developed characters, drawn from the lives of merchants and nobility, are brought to life through meticulous research. He bases his characters on historical figures, such as those found in the correspondence of Hildebrand Veckinchusen, a Hansa merchant of the early 15th century. By blending historical sources with fictional attributes and personal experiences, Swanson creates characters that resonate with readers.

In “She Serves the Realm,” themes of love, duty, and sacrifice are explored against a backdrop of civil unrest. Swanson hopes readers will see Christina as a person who remains true to herself, despite her flaws and mistakes. Her impetuous nature sometimes leads to danger, but her strong sense of right and wrong drives her to defend those she loves and even those who have wronged her. Swanson also highlights the possibility of romantic love between two women in the Middle Ages, challenging modern assumptions about historical relationships.

Through his novels, Lee Swanson invites readers to explore the complexities of medieval life, offering a fresh perspective on history through the eyes of a remarkable and resilient heroine.