Flabellum a fan, later of an umbrella or canopy, was used as a mark of honour for bishops and princes. Prior to Vatican II, two fans of this kind were used at the Vatican whenever the pope was carried in state on the sedia gestatoria to or from an altar or audience-chamber. Through the influence of Count Ditalmo di Brozza, the fans formerly used at the Vatican were presented in 1902 to a Mrs. Joseph Drexel of Philadelphia, USA, by Pope Leo XIII; in return, she gave a new pair to the Vatican. The old ones are currently exhibited in the
Ekaterina Sedia just some of the wonders and horrors explored in this bizarre assembly of works from voices new and old. Introducing stories of circuses traditional and bizarre, futuristic and steeped in tradition, joyful and heart-breaking! And among the actors you will find old friends, be they sad clowns or free-spirited gymnasts, as well as new ones - mammoths, mechanical piano men, and things best not described at all. Ekaterina Sedia has six published novels based in a fantasy, urban fantasy, or “steampunk” aesthetic. Her best-known work is “The Alchemy of Stone”, which was on the 2008 James Tiptree, Jr. Award Honor