Novels
Journey of the North Star
- Paperback
- Kindle
Buy on Amazon: Journey of the North Star (opens Amazon)
This fascinating historical novel brings to life the Chinese court of Zhu Di, the Yong Le Emperor, who reigned from 1403-1424 and made China a world power. The story is narrated by the fictional eunuch Ma Yun, who served in the emperor’s court. Replete with military campaigns, religious ceremonies and the philosophical foundation that informs the Emperor’s decisions through times good and bad, Journey of the North Star will appeal to readers interested in Eastern religions, history, philosophy and the political outlook that still influences China today.
Reader's guide and bibliography (the author's Goodreads blog, 2012–2013) (opens Goodreads)
Also by Douglas J. Penick
Dreamers and Their Shadows
Two forged scrolls, a fifteenth-century teacher, and the American assistant drawn into their world.
Winter Light
Five essays on old age as its own time of life, told through Titian, Beethoven, Cézanne and others.
The Oceans of Cruelty
Twenty-five tales from India, retold: a young king, a corpse-spirit and the dark power of stories.
The Prince's Tomb
Fragments, verses and riddles invoking Prince Shōtoku, the visionary regent of early Japan.