LadyT - late in on this discussion, but I'd agree, Byatt doesn't exactly wear her research lightly. I am a bit of a magpie for random information, so don't usually mind too much, but there were definitely sections that felt like "here beginneth the lesson on ...", which didn't particularly serve the book well. On the characters (alarmingly) I think they are loosely drawn from various eminent Victorians - rather alarming that Fludd had a real life model.
Not going to bang on about Mantel - I think she is great, but no need to add more. Not read much great stuff lately. Just finished Shantaram, some kind of fictionalised autobigraphy of some derry-doing in India by an escaped armed robber. Not sure I'd recommend it - its kind of entertaining, but the writing style is pretty poor and the ego gets in the way. Count of Monte Christo is way, way better for that kind of thing - I remember staying up all night to finish that. Kiwi - I remember being slightly disappointed by instance of the fingerpost, but can't now remember why.
Oh and LadyT, your talk of that exhibition reminded me of the Cloisters in New York - have you ever been? Its this slightly mad thing put together from various medieval (mostly French I think) sites, shipped out and glued together on the northern tip of Manhattan.
katie - glad to hear you know what is up with your dad and hope it passes soon.
kayz - I read your other thread, but don't have much to offer in the way of advice, just sympathy. Glad you are sounding brighter and are getting out.