5 comments about The Quest for Corvo: An Experiment in Biography (New York Review Books Classics).

1. In agreement with what other reviewers have said, I enjoyed The Quest for Corvo primarily because of the ways the book displays the author's quaint but intense enthusiasm for his subject. This is, to me, the most interesting aspect of the biography, for the most defining (and perhaps most important) thing about Fr. Rolfe was not his literary exploits (relatively few, mostly unnoticed) or indeed anything he ever accomplished, but rather his eccentricity of character. And Symons' enthusiasm for Rolfe's eccentricity is infectious, and it lends not only authenticity but genuine merit to his choice to structure the book as a "quest" instead of as hagiography.

   Nonetheless, despite his intrinsically fascinating character, Rolfe should be approached first through Hadrian the Seventh, and not directly through The Quest for Corvo--if only because then the reader will be following in the biographer's footsteps.

   As for the content of the biography, I found its wayward structure refreshing, but confusing, especially with regard to the author's depictions and analyses of Rolfe's literary output. A bibliography or chronology would have been quite helpful. Also, echoing other reviewers, Symons's reluctance to speak at length about Rolfe's homosexuality (especially the elements that might still be considered deviant today) leaves too much of Rolfe's character and contemporary reactions to him concealed.




2. In agreement with what other reviewers have said, I enjoyed The Quest for Corvo primarily because of the ways the book displays the author's quaint but intense enthusiasm for his subject. This is, to me, the most interesting aspect of the biography, for the most defining (and perhaps most important) thing about Fr. Rolfe was not his literary exploits (relatively few, mostly unnoticed) or indeed anything he ever accomplished, but rather his eccentricity of character. And Symons' enthusiasm for Rolfe's eccentricity is infectious, and it lends not only authenticity but genuine merit to his choice to structure the book as a "quest" instead of as hagiography.

   Nonetheless, despite his intrinsically fascinating character, Rolfe should be approached first through Hadrian the Seventh, and not directly through The Quest for Corvo--if only because then the reader will be following in the biographer's footsteps.

   As for the content of the biography, I found its wayward structure refreshing, but confusing, especially with regard to the author's depictions and analyses of Rolfe's literary output. A bibliography or chronology would have been quite helpful. Also, echoing other reviewers, Symons's reluctance to speak at length about Rolfe's homosexuality (especially the elements that might still be considered deviant today) leaves too much of Rolfe's character and contemporary reactions to him concealed.




3. One summer afternoon in 1925, A. J. A. Symons and Christopher Millard, each somewhat obscure and eccentric literary figures in their own right, were sitting in a garden discussing books and authors that had never received proper recognition from the arbiters of literary history. Millard asked Symons whether he had ever read "Hadrian the Seventh." Symons acknowledged that he had not and that he was unfamiliar with the book. "To my surprise, [Millard] offered to lend me his copy-to my surprise, for my companion lent his books seldom and reluctantly. But knowing the range of his knowledge of out-of-the-way literature, I accepted without hesitating; and by doing so took the first step on a trail that led into very strange places."

   Very strange places indeed! Symons began reading "Hadrian the Seventh," a book written by Frederick Rolfe, also known as Baron Corvo, and originally published in 1904, and quickly felt "that interior stir with which we all recognize a transforming new experience." Symons went on to spend the next eight years of his life tracking down the details of the life and writings of Baron Corvo, one of the most eccentric, original and enigmatic English writers of the last one hundred years. The result was "The Quest for Corvo: An Experimental Biography," a fascinating book that has been in- and out-of-print since its first publication in 1934 and has enjoyed a literary cult following akin to that of the text ("Hadrian the Seventh") and the author (Rolfe, aka Corvo) that originally inspired it.

   As one reads "The Quest for Corvo," it seems that Symon's text represents the outermost of three concentric circles of eccentricity.

   The innermost, core circle is "Hadrian the Seventh," a strange and imaginative novel that tells the story of an impoverished, eccentric and seemingly paranoid writer and devotee of the Roman Catholic faith, George Arthur Rose. Rose, a brilliant, self-taught man whose candidacy for the priesthood had been rejected twenty years earlier, is unexpectedly approached one day by a Cardinal and a Bishop who have been made aware of his devotion and his shameful treatment by the Church. Rose is ordained and ultimately becomes the first English Pope in several hundred years. While a work of fiction, Symons' biographical investigations disclose that much of the story of "Hadrian the Seventh" closely parallels the life of its strange author, Frederick Rolfe.

   The second circle of eccentricity is, of course, the life of Frederick Rolfe, Baron Corvo, himself. It is the telling of this life that occupies Symons in "The Quest for Corvo," and the result is a fascinating, if perhaps not always historically accurate, detective story cum biography. Starting with his obsessive search for information on Rolfe and his meetings and correspondence with those who knew him, Symons brilliantly recreates a life-the life of a strangely talented artist, photographer, historian, and writer who led a life of seemingly paranoid desperation, ultimately dying impoverished in Venice at the age of forty-five.

   The third, outermost circle is the eccentricity of the author of the "Quest for Corvo," A. J. A. Symons, a founder of The Wine and Food Society of England, a collector of music boxes, and a master at card tricks and the art of forgery. Like Corvo himself, Symons died at an early age-he was only forty years old-and his life and his book is seemingly as eccentric as its subject.

   "The Quest for Corvo" is one of those little gems that deserve a cherished, if perhaps minor, place in English literature and the literature of biography. Happily, it is back in print again, courtesy of New York Review Books. Read it, and then read "Hadrian the Fourth" (also brought back into print by NYRB) for a fascinating turn in the world of the imaginative and the eccentric.




4. One summer afternoon in 1925, A. J. A. Symons and Christopher Millard, each somewhat obscure and eccentric literary figures in their own right, were sitting in a garden discussing books and authors that had never received proper recognition from the arbiters of literary history. Millard asked Symons whether he had ever read "Hadrian the Seventh." Symons acknowledged that he had not and that he was unfamiliar with the book. "To my surprise, [Millard] offered to lend me his copy-to my surprise, for my companion lent his books seldom and reluctantly. But knowing the range of his knowledge of out-of-the-way literature, I accepted without hesitating; and by doing so took the first step on a trail that led into very strange places."

   Very strange places indeed! Symons began reading "Hadrian the Seventh," a book written by Frederick Rolfe, also known as Baron Corvo, and originally published in 1904, and quickly felt "that interior stir with which we all recognize a transforming new experience." Symons went on to spend the next eight years of his life tracking down the details of the life and writings of Baron Corvo, one of the most eccentric, original and enigmatic English writers of the last one hundred years. The result was "The Quest for Corvo: An Experimental Biography," a fascinating book that has been in- and out-of-print since its first publication in 1934 and has enjoyed a literary cult following akin to that of the text ("Hadrian the Seventh") and the author (Rolfe, aka Corvo) that originally inspired it.

   As one reads "The Quest for Corvo," it seems that Symon's text represents the outermost of three concentric circles of eccentricity.

   The innermost, core circle is "Hadrian the Seventh," a strange and imaginative novel that tells the story of an impoverished, eccentric and seemingly paranoid writer and devotee of the Roman Catholic faith, George Arthur Rose. Rose, a brilliant, self-taught man whose candidacy for the priesthood had been rejected twenty years earlier, is unexpectedly approached one day by a Cardinal and a Bishop who have been made aware of his devotion and his shameful treatment by the Church. Rose is ordained and ultimately becomes the first English Pope in several hundred years. While a work of fiction, Symons' biographical investigations disclose that much of the story of "Hadrian the Seventh" closely parallels the life of its strange author, Frederick Rolfe.

   The second circle of eccentricity is, of course, the life of Frederick Rolfe, Baron Corvo, himself. It is the telling of this life that occupies Symons in "The Quest for Corvo," and the result is a fascinating, if perhaps not always historically accurate, detective story cum biography. Starting with his obsessive search for information on Rolfe and his meetings and correspondence with those who knew him, Symons brilliantly recreates a life-the life of a strangely talented artist, photographer, historian, and writer who led a life of seemingly paranoid desperation, ultimately dying impoverished in Venice at the age of forty-five.

   The third, outermost circle is the eccentricity of the author of the "Quest for Corvo," A. J. A. Symons, a founder of The Wine and Food Society of England, a collector of music boxes, and a master at card tricks and the art of forgery. Like Corvo himself, Symons died at an early age-he was only forty years old-and his life and his book is seemingly as eccentric as its subject.

   "The Quest for Corvo" is one of those little gems that deserve a cherished, if perhaps minor, place in English literature and the literature of biography. Happily, it is back in print again, courtesy of New York Review Books. Read it, and then read "Hadrian the Fourth" (also brought back into print by NYRB) for a fascinating turn in the world of the imaginative and the eccentric.




5. In recent years we've been treated to many thoughtful and highly readable studies on the nature of biography itself, such as in Richard Holmes's FOOTSTEPS and Janet Malcolm's THE SILENT WOMAN. Symons's THE QUEST FOR CORVO could almost be a sketch for these later, deeper studies in its very metatextual approach to what it means to compose a biography of Frederick Rolfe, one of the strangest figures in fin-de-siecle British letters. Although later biographies took this work to task for its errors and omissions, that shouldn't dissuade you from enjoying how Symons juxtaposes differing perspectives on the quarrelsome and paranoid Rolfe's actions and behaviors, and his desire to get at the "real man." Greater drawbacks, I think, might be Symons's homophobia--which, while very common for its time, seems a bit hysterical today--and the fact that Rolfe (or "Baron Corvo," as he liked to style himself) as a person either enchants readers completely or eventually becomes as tiresome to them as he did to his contemporaries. Still, even though Rolfe's antics do grate on some people's nerves a bit after a while(as they did mine), the fascination of his personality remains quite compelling.

   This edition features a beautiful cover and paper stock (as do all NYRB editions) and an intelligent and thoughtful introduction (which, unfortunately, they do not always).

5 comments about Once In A House On Fire: A Memoir.

1. Andrea Ashworth's book is testament to the strength in the human spirit. I was going backwards and forwards between feeling repulsed by her mother's inaction to being amazed at the coping strategies and abilities of Ashworth and her sister's. I feel it hard to swallow that at the end of the book Ashworth thanked her mother for her spirit, etc. I wonder what has happened since the book was published and whether her mother has recognised how she has failed her children. Her 'blindness' and selfishness was astounding. Ashworth's book was interesting also due to tha fact that it was based in Manchester and it was a valuable social commentary and insight into what parts of the city was like before. A must read for everyone to wake up to the fact of how prevalent abuse is in society and how it manages to escape people who choose to look the other way.



2. Andrea Ashworth is brave, smart, and amazing. I will later tell you why. First, I will discuss the base of the plot of the book. I have read this book about her childhood and teenage memoirs of life with her family, and know now what she went through. Following the death of her real father, she lived through a situation with two different abusive stepfathers, who emotionally and physically abused her mother, and occasionally her and her younger sister. This type of situation is an oft kept "secret" in this world-a subject that does not often get talked about; a problem that very rarely gets "cured". Against a backdrop of East London, and Canada, Ashworth recalls her tale. It is amazing that Ashworth, who is now an adult, remembers details far back into her childhood so vividly. It is amazing that she got through that part of her life without too many "visible" scars. I will not tell too much more of the story, you must read it for yourself. But again I say that Andrea Ashworth is brave, smart, and amazing. She is brave to recall this story; smart to address it, so that this world renowned secret can be uncovered and maybe tackled as a real problem for many families; and amazing to survive and then tell it to us later. Her story surely helped her deal with her past, and thus it will probably help others learn about abuse in families, and help others who may or may not have experienced similar situations in their lives as well.



3. What can I say about this book except it was incredible? I read it in 2 days on holiday, I just couldn't put it down... the only thing is, I wanted it to go on even after it had stopped... I just kept thinking - What happened next? As one critic of the book said, it is only a shame that she had to live it to write it.



4. Some books disappear from your memory a day after you've read the last page. Some books stay with you forever, and constantly bounce back with tidbits of emotion. Andrea Ashworth's 'Once in a House on Fire' clearly fits in the second category. How she managed to survive intact and come out at the other end as a seemingly balanced person is beyond belief.

   A brave tale witten by a very brave young lady who coped with the horrors of growing up with abusive 'fathers'. Five stars for the book - ten stars for surviving.




5. Andrea Ashworth writes with a conciseness and beauty that I can only marvel at. Talking about the emotive and heartbreaking subjects in this autobiography, she manages to horrify with a simple sentence or describe the feelings of childhood with sublime ease.

   The story is of growing up in Manchester in the late 70's and early 80's. Ashworth lost her father at a young age; the first of a series of events that lead to domestic violence spanning a decade. We feel pain at the desperation that Ashworth's mother must have felt, anguish at the treatment of the children's futures and a constant sense of anger as we veer from disgust at the "Dads" as well as hatred for the mother that allows her children to be maltreated in these ways.

   The domestic violence campaign in the UK at the moment would receive a welcome boost if this book was more widely known. I constantly asked the question of why the mother stayed with such obviously useless, bullying and degenerate men, on more than one occassion having to put the book down to calm myself.

   I found myself at times with little respect or feeling for the mother, as I could not understand how she could stand by whilst men, that were not the father of Andrea or her sister Lawrie, beat them, locked them away for days or ripped up prized possessions as a way of venting their cowardly anger on those truly defenceless.

   I feel I am in a very good position to make this attack on the mother of Andrea Ashworth and her sisters. I was part of a young one-parent family when my mother was widowed with two children at the age of 26 and I live in the same city as this book is set. At no stage did she wallow in self-pity, allow anyone to lay a finger on me or my sister or watch any hope of either of us making something of ourselves go down the drain because someone else was jealous or ashamed of success not being their own. Because of this, we have broken the shackles of one-parent families and are, like Andrea, striking out on our own having got to University.

   To this end, the book is perversely warming that despite being against literally all the odds, Andrea made it. We are not told if Lawrie and Sarah also escape the clutches, but we sincerely hope so; it would be such a crying shame if Lawrie did not fulfill her ambition to be a dancer.

   In terms of the way this book is written, Ashworth shows an almost criminal ease in the way she describes everyday occurances. With just a well chosen verb or colour, the writing takes on a poetic slant at great odds with the horrors it describes. I found myself stopping to go back over certain words or phrases which were such a joy to read.

   Unlike Ashworth, I struggle to come up with the correct words to describe this piece of work. The reader is taken through the whole range of emotions in this primarily dark and distressing book. No read has ever angered me as much as this or involved me as though I was actually a part of the story. The common effect is having your cheer for the ascent of good in the book to be muted by the rise, once again, of the bad. This book simply is brilliant

No comments about Henry VIII: Court, Church and Conflict.

5 comments about Harrison (Editors of Rolling Stone).

1. This is a beautiful and lovingly produced book of George Harrison's life in pictures with comprehensive articles and tributes written about George and heaps of great photographs and more. George's wife, Olivia Harrison wrote a moving personal Foreword that brings tears to the eye and touches chords in hearts. No George Harrison fans should miss this much sought-after item. However, whether or not you are a George Harrison or Beatles fan, this is a great book to read and a wonderful gift to give.



2. Geroge is consider one of the quiet one in the band "i think" but not on the music, his talent surpass any
   other musician and is really sad not to have him anymore . In this book you'll find a great deal of pics since
   the Beginning and from his solo career , a must have book to put in your collection



3. Having been a "LLOG" (Lifetime Lover of George)I have read plenty about him. In general, his music is the best way to get to know George: it is unique, multi-textured, honest, witty, loving and spiritual. However, for reasons I certainly can't fathom, generally his post-Beatles work (with about two exceptions) got no respect!
   Of course I loved the photos, but in my opinion the written tributes from his wife, Olivia, and his friends/fellow musicians are what sets this book apart. Paul Simon's is particularly descriptive: I felt as though I was visiting Friar Park (the Harrison's home in England) right along with him; walking through George's beloved gardens, sitting in front of the fire, listening to an impromptu ukelele concert, receiving a thoughtful surprise upon returning home to the U.S. "He wasn't particularly quiet, he just didn't DEMAND to be heard." Beautifully put. (Note to Paul Simon: you just might have a second career there; I would buy your first novel!)
   This is also a great book for aspiring guitarists, as it gives mini-descriptions of particularly noteworthy ("Essential") Harrison performances, illustrating the subtleties and unusual but brilliant choices George made (at times even innovative or ground breaking) musically. People who previously believed that Lennon and McCartney were the ONLY geniuses in the Beatles will re-think that belief after reading this section particularly: they might even listen for certain passages in certain songs and think, "YEAH, WOW! That IS amazing!" They might give George's solo work (besides "All Things Must Pass") a listen and be pleasantly surprised. But we "LLOGs" have heard and appreciated the subtle brilliance of George Harrison all along.
   This book is a must-have for any George Harrison or Beatles fan, or any guitar or rock history aficionado.



4. For the recent Birthday of Georgie Boy, I can review this item as the best way of remembering one of the best humans that have ever walked this earth.



5. I must challege Candace Scott's remark in her review :
   
   "But it's a stretch, to put it mildly, to place Harrison in the same league as Lennon & McCartney as a songwriter. Ouch! I love George as much as anyone, but still expect truthful history to be written"
   
   I agree, George should not be placed in the same league as Lennon & McCartney because he was totally in his own league ! What is Candace making the comparison to here ? It was George, partially inspred by Pattie, his first wife, who led the other Beatles into the rich Vedic culture of spiritual India that inspired so many of their finest musical and lyrical masterpieces.
   
   So in that context, the "truthful history to be written", is that George was even partially responsible for some of the finest compopsitions of Lennon and McCartney.George gave great emphasis to the chanting of the Holy Names of the Lord, as in the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, as found in "My Sweet Lord", and "It Is He ( Sri Krishna )", which is the ultimate function of music, according to the ancient wise sages, gurus and spiritual masters . This Krishna mantra has helped millions of people to give up harmful drugs, animal killing, etc...How many song-writers are doing that with their music today ? George was the innovator, to turn scripture into pop songs. He was divinely empowered and had the integrity to do this, not caring if he was "fab" to the eyes of the masses, unlike anyone before him.
   
   To minimize George's ability as a song writer in anyway only helps to disclose one's own superficiality, and lack of spiritual consciousness.
   
   George's songs overflow with essential messages of the futility and temporality of things material, such as "All Things Must Pass", the dangers of becoming too materially attached "Beware of Darkness" , the concern for living in harmony with this planet "Save The World", etc...
   
   In "Isn't It A Pity", George gives the essence of spirituality, by prompting us to develop equal vision and gratitude toward all beings, including animals :
   
   "Some things take so long
   
   But how do I explain
   
   When not too many people
   
   Can see we're all the same
   
   And because of all their tears
   
   Their eyes can't hope to see
   
   The beauty that surrounds them
   
   Isn't it a pity
   
   I was very disappointed by Candace Scott's inabiity to see that "beauty that surrounds her" and lack of gratitude towards the very substantial and deep contribution George made through his music in transforming the lives of millions of people. I went on to become a Hare Krishna monk over thirty years ago because of his music, and devoted the best years of my life to feeding free vegetarian meals to tens of thousands of people, helping others off drugs, and so many other volunteer activities.
   
   George Harrison is my first guru, and awareness of his contribution to the upliftment of the world will only increase as time goes by. Please read this book for it's deeper purpose.
   gaura_acbsp@yahoo.com

2 comments about William Tyndale (Heroes of the Faith).

1. From the cover (loosely): Five hundred years ago, no one had a copy of the Bible in the English language. One man dreamed of spreading the gospel by putting the Bible into words the English peasant could understand. Then church officials objected to his work, Tyndale determined to continue his translation efforts, no matter what the risk. In spite of persecution, hunger, and hardship, Tyndale persevered with his mission until he was betrayed, arrested, convicted as a heretic, and burned at the stake.



2. This is a wonderful book. I have never read anything so well writen. There are even explanations for the less common words right next to the word instead of having to go to a dictionary or the back of the book.
   Very honest writing they always tell you when something is speculation and not proven fact.
   Lots of information about the people surrounding the main subject, I really couldn't put this book down. Only took me a day and a half to finish it even with working full time and household chores.
   I plan to read many more from this series.
   Well worth the price.

4 comments about Perdita: The Literary, Theatrical, Scandalous Life of Mary Robinson.

1. The late 18th Century is a fascinating period of contradiction. The circumspect lives of George III and his wife are at odds at the so-called crème de la crème of society, including the Prince of Wales. Mary Robinson's life story reveals the opulent lifestyles, decadence, and life of privilege of England's aristocracy and nobles. A great commentary on this period.



2. For the eighteenth century, I suppose you could call her a great 'beauty' as she was privileged to be painted by the famous Gainsborough and other artists of that time. She was a social climber who had her own opera box complete with mirrors. As the actress portraying 'Perdita' in Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" she captured the fancy of George,the Prince of Wales, and became his mistress at the risk to her reputation and career. Had it happened in today's society, she could have married him and become royalty.
   
   Born in a former monastery in Bristol, England, on November 17, 1757, she was a notorious figure of society, theatre, and literary circles. She derived from Irish roots, she was the perfect 'Juliet.' After her betrayal (in which she produced letters to negotiate a future), she became ill with rheumatic fever and turned to writing Gothic novels. Living in the old ruins of a catheral as a lonely, introverted, sad child, she had a vivid imagination and used it in her books.
   
   She was a product of her time and used whatever wiles she had as a female to further her activities, whether in theatre, politics, royalty, celebrity writers or just her own poetry and fiction. She wrote a memoir of her sordid beginnings and sham of a marriage, which had allowed her to live a fashionable life in London for a short time, then to fall to the bottom of the ladder in debtors' prison. Her early years were one of abandonment and marriage one of infedilities. She had good teachers along the way.
   
   This was well researched and much effort put forth to show the truth, no matter how bad. Her triumphs were greater than her failures.



3. For those who enjoy the Regency period and life of George IV, this is one of the most perfect books to introduce you into the life of the period. It was a brief, intense and fascinating life which pushed the established mores to their limits.
   
   The Prince of Wales (lat to be George IV) became enamoured of Mary Robinson in her portrayal of Peridita in Shakespeare's, A Winter's Tale. She was a young actress, escaped from a bad marriage and strange father. She took to the stage for some income (as many women of the period did instead of taking up prostitution as such)
   
   The Prince of Wales became known as Florizel to Robinson's Perdita and she was his first 'major' mistress. Their lives intertwined for a brief period in his early adulthood - the beginning of what is known as the 'extended regency'. Robinson was then mistress to many of the influential peers of the time, and was even friends with Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire;
   
   At a time when Georgian morals were of questionable value (everything in private, nothing in public)- when profligacy, spending, appearance and general splendour were the order of the day - Mary Robinson orbited on at the perimetre of acceptability. An actress, an abadoned wife, a mistress, and more.
   
   I found this book overlong, but worth the effort to read. It is one of a series of books about women on the edge of society in this period, and has been great to build up a picture of life and living in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. The author has gone to enormous efforts to track down information on Robinson, and it has paid off. There seems to be a good depth of research to back up the work. Overall a good read and well worth making the effort



4. I'll confess I would never have looked at this book if it hadn't been for the fact that I decided to read the 10 nominations for Richard and Judy's Best Read 2005.This book has been the biggest surprise of the lot,because, to be honest, I was not really looking forward to it.
   How wrong could I be ? This is a dazzling story of a fascinating woman. I am afraid to say the other biography in the Richard and Judy list,"Feel" by Chris Heath, which is all about pop singer Robbie Williams, comes off a very poor second when compared to this volume. Sadly of course there's no doubt which book will sell more.I wish all Robbie Williams fans, or indeed the fans of any of the over-hyped celebrities of today, would read this book and find out that maybe their hero's or heroine's exploits are not so special after all when compared to what the subject of this biography got up to.
   Mary Robinson, whose nickname was Perdita, was married at 15 and her marriage was something of a disaster and included spending some time in prison with her husband. She then made herself into one of London's most celebrated actresses and was a friend of the outstanding theatrical figures of the day.She became a leading figure in the glamorous high society of the city, reputedly being the most beautiful woman in Britain.She voluntarily gave up her theatrical career to become the mistress of the Prince of Wales, thus heightening her celebrity even further. Reading about this time of her life it appears that she was just as famous or infamous as any contemporary celebrity.Maybe more so.There are many obvious similarities.
   In the second half of the book the plot changes almost completely as Mary, after being ditched by her royal lover, re-invents herself as a writer. She is so successful in this enterprise that she becomes one of the leading lady literary figures of the era. She is primarily a poetess, but also writes plays, novels and political tracts and she becomes friendly with both leading political and cultural figures.
   It is an absolutely fascinating tale, made more moving perhaps by the fact that she was not lucky in love, suffered a debilitating illness for many years and finally died young at the age of 43.
   All this is retold in an easy and entertaining way by Paula Byrne and I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone.

5 comments about Shackleton.

1. I cannot praise this book enough. It is an amazing account of an astounding man. It starts very early in his life and continues throughout. I was especially interested in the Endurance, so I glad they went into that. This is a great book, and a great look into this man's amazing life. I highly reccomend it. 5/5 stars.



2. "Shackleton" is a superb biography by a well know writer on polar exploration. It's long, about 700 pages of text about Sir Ernest Shackleton from birth to death at 47 years, and complex, with dozens of major characters.
   
   Shackleton was a failure at nearly everything he did. His business ventures never panned out; he was an uncaring and indifferent husband; his expeditions never achieved what he hoped; he made enemies who stabbed him in the back. His virtues, the author tells us, were those of the Irish including a compelling personality and a gift of gab. He was, first and foremost, a leader of men under adversity. In society, he was always a bit of a bounder; in Antarctica he inspired trust and awe among the members of his expeditions.
   
   Shackleton and his rival, Sir Robert Scott, exemplified the best English tradition of the inspired amateur. They really didn't have the skills to explore the Antarctic and they seemed impervious to learning much. Their expeditions were one mishap after another and only Shackleton's leadership and drive saved him and his men from death on the ice. Scott was not so lucky -- or competent. The hardships suffered by the Antarctic explorers are almost inconceivable to us today. We are better clothed for a walk in the park on a snowy day than they were for facing the worst weather this planet can devise. Therein is much of the fascination with the story: men against the elements -- and the elements have the advantage.
   
   Huntford tells the stories of Shackleton's three Antarctic expeditions in the early 20th century in impressive and fascinating detail. Through it all runs Shackleton's secret fear that his heart may not be equal to the task and that he might, as happened on his first expedition, collapse and disgrace himself.
   
   Smallchief



3. This is one of the best biographies I have read in years. Shackleton is a compelling figure, but this is not an exercise in hero worship. Shackleton is presented with all his faults and flaws. He's a leader extraordinaire, but he's not much of a husband and even less a financier. Extremely enjoyable even if you know the outcome of Endurance's voyage.



4. I've read a pile of books about Shackleton and polar exploration and no author I've read compares to Roland Huntford. He is the most authoratative and insightful reporter there is on the subject. This book is a fascinating story of a great explorer who didn't do so well at being the husband and father. That could be said for a lot of his contemporaries, who were heroic in the ice but a misfit at home. I love Huntford's books and only wish there were more of them to read.



5. Biographer Roland Huntford has combined extensive research and superb story telling into an amazing tale of a most contradictory figure of Edwardian England. At the turn of the 20th century, Ernest Shackleton was one of the heroes of the British Empire. But, by the time of his death, in 1922, he was quickly on his way to becoming a forgotten man. What is most surprising is that he became a hero at all, because he accomplished nothing that he set out to do, and his life was a personal and financial failure. And most of it was his fault. His first Antarctic sojourn to the South Pole was with his later rival Captain Robert Scott. Scott and his fellow explorers had to carry/drag Shackleton much of the way home without them coming close to reaching their goal. His second assult on the South Pole he led himself, but was forced to abandon his quest with only 100 miles to go. Before Shackleton could make his next attempt, Scott reached the South Pole, but died before he could return. So, Shackleton's next venture to make a name for himself was to walk across Antarctica. Before he could begin his cross-continent trek, his ship, the Endurance, was caught in the ice and crushed. Shackleton and his band of hapless men fought bitter cold, starvation, trecherous seas, etc., as they struggled to survive. Yet, without having accomplished his goals he became a hero, because he was an adventurer who never gave up, and that met the criteria of that time. However, the reason he was mostly unsuccessful was because he refused to accept the proven methods of ice exploration. He wouldn't consider using skis or dogs, ways that had previously been proven to be successful and most historians now believe would have made the difference between his success and failure. Instead, he struggled with horses and motorized vehichles, methods that had already been proven disatorous. But, struggle on he did, and that made him a hero in his country's eyes. Another factor Shack pointed to with pride: he never lost the life of any of his fellow explorers. But, in fact, he lost several members of a seperate supply party, because of lack of preparation for which he was notorious. Yet, in the diaries his men kept, he was constantly praised for his strength and attitude. However, these must be regared with a jaundiced eye, because - by contract - all diaries had to be turned over to Shackleton at the end of each voyage. Yet, proper due must be given, for it would be easy to understand why Shackleton could have given up at numerous occasions and just laid down and died. But he persevered, and brought his men back with him. In addition to his continuous failures as an explorer, Shackleton was an adulturer, left his wife and children at the financial mercy of others (even his mistress), constantly chased financial windfalls which never had a chance of success, died 40,000 pounds in debt, ostrasized himself from his family, was a heavy drinker, in fact, pretty much a cad. He failed to fulfil his writing and lecture committements. He didn't pay most of the men who risked their life in his employ. As author Huntford sums up his life: "Mental sloth was Shackleton's fatal flaw." It was the World War that showed Brits what true heros really were, and brought about their almost immediate lack of interest in this hapless and hopeless wanderer. So, why should we care about this man and devote the time to read this almost 700 page book? Because Huntford has written such a brilliant biography that places us at death's door, in violent conditions, against tremendous odds and then gives us the joy of overcoming. Huntford delves interestingly and deeply into the rivalries of the explorers of the day and into the fascinating personalities of the men who went with Shackleton. We get it, warts and all. A first class biography with very helpful maps and dozens of great pictures.

1 comments about Margaret Thatcher: A Tribute in Words and Pictures.

1. Not every British Prime Minister is a Thatcher or Churchill. Not every American President is a Lincoln, Kennedy, or Clinton. And even rarer a jewel is a woman who can lead a country not as a token female but a first among equals, whether they are man or woman. Such is the legacy of Margaret Hilda Roberts Thatcher, who in her 8 decades of life has epitomized the sheer force of will, intellect, fortitude, and backbone that brought Britain back from the brink of bankruptcy. One need not agree with Thatcher's reign but one thing is for certain: she was a woman of fierce drive with the intellectual and political savvy to boot. Most of all .... isn't it grand to know that in the machinations of international politics ... there are those world leaders who understand the courage and strength of conviction.

2 comments about The Amazing Grace of Freedom: The Inspiring Faith of William Wilberforce.

1. This is an excellent book. It has beautiful pictures and is laid out in an 'easy to read' manner.



2. If you're interested in Wilberforce and want to learn more about his life-- but are not excited about the idea of ploughing through long (or possibly dull) biographies, this book is perfect. Accessible, colorful, and refreshing, it's a well-organized collection of 'articles' written about aspects of Wilberforce's life, friends, colleagues, relationships, influence, and legacy. The variety of authors who penned the book gives it balance, and gives you insight from the perspective of people in different walks of life (who have different reasons for being drawn to Wilberforce).
   
   This is definitely not a 'coffee table book' in the sense one is used to; it's basically just a great anthology that looks attractive like a coffee table book. You'll get some great inside info on the film Amazing Grace as well, but it's not at all the focal point of the book--no fluff involved. Also, the physical quality of the book makes it absolutely worth more than its low price--I was actually surprised that this was not a $24.99 book. Highly recommended.

5 comments about While My Guitar Gently Weeps : The Music of George Harrison.

1. The review title refers to the monumental critical analysis by Ian MacDonald, Revolution in the Head: The Beatles' Records and the Sixties, which this book closely resembles both in structure and style. I think it is, in a word, AWESOME that a solid critical appreciation of George Harrison's entire body of work has been issued. Simon Leng has done a truly commendable job of treating Harrison's solo discography with the respect and attention is deserves. There is, in fact, much more to George's post-Beatles ouput than "All Things Must Pass" (though that is certainly the peak of his accomplishments) and Mr. Leng offers opinions of it all, song by song.
   
   As with the Ian MacDonald work, this book is written by someone who is obviously a major fan - but not a fanboy. A clear-eyed objectivity is (more or less) maintained as Leng analyzes Harrison's music. I didn't agree with every single opinion of every single song - but it did inspire me to relisten to George's music from a different perspective. Ultimately, I believe that's exactly what this type of book should do. The focus is squarely on the music (though some biographical information is included in between discussing the albums, which is welcome - especially since George's career isn't as well known or documented as Lennon and McCartney's).
   
   If you're a longtime fan of Harrison's work, you're likely to find something new to listen for. If you're a newcomer, you're likely to want to immediately acquire any of music you aren't familiar with.



2. This is a pretty good book. Unlike it's competitor, or companion "here Comes the Sun", this book is coming from a primarily music-analysis point of view, rather than a spiritual hagiography/biography. The analysis is pretty much song by song and focuses mainly on his solo albums, not his Beatles work, so anyone who wants to read about the first and early forays into Indian music will not find it here- that said, he does go into detail about the people who worked closely with George in the production of all his work (including the introductions to Ravi Shankar and some of the faces behind the scenes).
   I liked this book- if I had to pick one or the other of the two competing
   "musical histories" I would choose this one, if only because while it recognizes George's spiritual quest could not be divorced from his music, it focuses on the mechanics of that music rather than the personalities of (and the followers of) the "spiritual masters" he encountered on the way.



3. Finally, someone analyzes George's musical catologue with the scholarly insight it deserves. Simon Leng understands how to connect the events in George's life to his artistic endeavors. Mr. Leng ably demonstrates that he has pondered long & hard about George's majestic contributions to twentieth century arts and beyond. Bravo.



4. Anytime a major rock star has several books written about him, they are all basically rehashing the same information under a different title. This book "Then Music Of George Harrison", by Simon Leng, is without question the ultimate reference work on the recorded works of George Harrison. Every album and every single song George ever recorded, is given encyclopedic treatment. No stone is left unturned, as chart rankings, session players, and historical significance of his music is discussed in detail like never before. George's monumental album "All Things Must Pass", is given a 34 page chapter alone, as the author tells of tales from the musicians who participated in the recording, as well as the making of the album, which still stands today as one of the greatest albums in rock history. I found this book to quite an enjoyable read, and a must have edition to any rock n roll library. Beatle fans take note that this is essential!



5. This is a book every Beatles' fan should have. Simple as that.
   
   I like the way Leng has documented in almost painstaking detail the music of George Harrison. The former Beatle did let his guitar do most of the talking; he was a phenomenal guitarist and a nonpareil lyricist. Leng does an extraordinary job of pulling together the persona of George Harrison together with his music; an almost yin-yang relationship at times based on this book.
   
   Leng has done a good job of researching his material; Harrison's concert dates, tours and song reviews are provided. The former Beatle's affinity for Eastern religion/philosophy is duly noted in this work and how it molded him and his music. Many credit George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, the man who taught him how to play the sitar for merging Eastern and Western musical styles to create something unique and wonderful.
   
   It is plain that Leng respects George Harrison, the man and the artist and those who played major roles in his life. This is truly an excellent work on the youngest Beatle that will leave readers thinking about him for a very long time.