The main thing to get across is the contrast with ancient and modern systems of government. The key element in 'feudal' society was oaths - lords took oaths to kings (as did all free men under the Carolingians), kings took oaths to god (and often to their subjects), peasants took oaths to lords ...

Another in Tales of the Wild (Peter Thomson)

When Effran's inability to keep his mind on the job keeps him from college his parents find a tutor. Is Magistra Solstra just a teacher, or does she have a sinister plan? Why is her library full of snakes? Why does his fellow student carry a skull?

To add, the decidedly illiberal Islamic Republic of Iran has seen a marked decline in poverty - from c20% before the revolution to 3% today.

True - but hardly a liberal one. It would be stretch to describe the politics of China, India, Vietnam, Nepal and most of Africa as liberal.

For that matter, any statistics on poverty (or anything much else) before 100 years ago in Europe and more recently anywhere else are pretty dodgy.

Shakespeare built a theatre that catered to all - the Globe had a standing area and was in a low-class area (another at Blackfriars was more upmarket). Ten per cent of Londoners went to see Hamlet. Some plays (eg A Comedy of Errors) are pure slapstick, but the court enjoyed a good bear-baiting too.

Having one's internal organs slowly dissolved by demonic juices (he does get better).

What makes you think theories in the humanities are not testable? Brett's book on Roman military doctrine draws on archaeology and sources (texts, inscriptions, depictions ..). His arguments rest on this evidence, and could be refuted or modified as further evidence comes in (and it will).

Can't brainwash the brainless?

Well, yes they do. They appear in several of my books (Tales of the Wild). Why not? I had not thought up to now that this was an anomaly.

Reminds me of an Australian cartoon from the 70s - small guy with battered suitcase at back door of house "You Poms, bog-Irish, Abos, Spics, Wogs, Wops, soap-dodgers, Balts, Eye-ties got room for the odd Slope?"

Pre-modern - a lot more common than most people think. People picked up languages in the bazaar, or on voyages or pilgrimages, or in the street. Still common in places like India today.

It's a lottery. The writing and the occasional praise has to be its own reward. I accept that I'll not hold a winning ticket and so don't try too hard (I try to write better - the marketing is too much effort).

And as fast as they wear out new ones are needed, for today's compliance only buys another day.

It's one of Eleanor Janaga's interests: going-medieval.com

The dignity wraith claims another victim.

It's amazing how very little people poop in fiction.

Read to my mum. We both teared up when Bergthora refused to leave Njal.