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Get in Touch
BarbaraBarnett.com

Keeping The Past Deliciously Present

Bram Stoker Award-nominated Barbara Barnett writes at the intersection of history, folklore, science, and mystery

Pour yourself a cup of mead and settle in — the conversation spans centuries.
From Renaissance faires to Regency dramas, folk ballads to fantasy worlds.

NEWS!

I’m thrilled to announce my new illustrated book on the world of Renaissance Faires, coming from Rizzoli in September 2027.

This project brings together so many things I love: history, folklore, performance, fantasy, immersive culture, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

More details to come, so be sure to follow along by joining the mailing list--and on my Facebook Page or on Bluesky

NEWS: My Nightmare Magazine essay "The Merry Macabre of the Renaissance Faire" is eligible for a 2026 Bram Stoker Award in Short Nonfiction. If you are an HWA voting member and have read the piece, I would appreciate a recommendation on the 2026 Reading List.
NEWS: I will be at ConFluence in Pittsburgh in July in the Dealer's room to chat about all thing fantasy and Renaissance faire--and signing books
NEWS: I will be presenting two talks at this year's TudorCon in October! More information to come

The H Word: The Merry Macabre of the Renaissance Faire

by Barbara Barnett

The Faire gates swing wide to the tune of a jester and fairy blowing bubbles the size of beach balls. People laugh. Music drifts from every direction. Kids wave foam swords as the tantalizing smell of turkey legs and garlic mushrooms wafts through the walkway. Laughter echoes from the mud pit; a juggler drops a flaming torch and the crowd cheers as if it were intentional. Read at Nightmare Magazine

Books from Barbara Barnett

Dive into books by award-winning author Barbara Barnett.

The Royal Reel

Raise a goblet to stories worth toasting — film, music, television, and books — where chivalry may meet camp.

Field Notes from the Renaissance (Faire)

Behind the scenes of the Renaissance Faire Companion, Resources, and more!

The Queens Court

A hearty welcome through the castle gate and into the world of turkey legs, jesters, velvet doublets and magic. Whether your a veteran rennie or faire-curious newcomer, this is your guide to the wonder, weirdness and wild joy of Renaissance faires.

Stay in Touch

Stay connected with the world of pop culture commentary and Renaissance lore. Stay in touch with the author Barbara Barnett

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