3 comments about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother: Woman of the Century.

1. This is a lavish guide to the practically indistructable mother of the British Sovereign. She was Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons to her fellow debs in 1919, she was Queen as George VI's wife, but to all of us she is just the Queen Mum, bless her; the plucky lady with the common touch, who shrugged off gunshot wounds after a quarrel about gambling debts in an East End boozer, the massive-armed matriarchal powerhouse who has no time for nonces or liberty-takers. A marvelous book.



2. Many of the photographs in this book are not new. They have been seen before in other publications. Athough there are some good new selections of photos used. In all cases however, the photographic reproductions in this book are excellent. A very nice, personal gift copy that I would be pleased to give to a friend.



3. The photographs in this book are wonderful. A complete history of the life of the Queen Mother told through the pictures that appeared in The Daily Telegraph, this is a great buy.

3 comments about Cupid and the King: Five Royal Paramours.

1. I thouroughly enjoyed this book. Princess Michael's writing style is chatty and open, and she chose five interesting women to study. It's a great "beach read" for lovers of biographies, history or even royal gossip.



2. There have been royal mistresses for as long as there have been royals, but only a few have become legendary. And so a real-life royal, Princess Michael of Kent, has chronicled the lives of five of the most famous (or infamous) maitresses en titre in history. Not brilliant, but "Cupid and the King : Five Royal Paramours" is a good starting point.
   
   Nell Gwyn grew up in the gutter, the daughter of an alcoholic prostitute. But through bawdy charm and talent, she became a comedic actress on the London stages, and caught the eye of Charles Stuart. Though she wasn't as high-born as his other ladies, "Nellie" retained a place in Charles' heart until his death, and was faithful to him for the rest of her short life.
   
   Madame de Pompadour was an exceptional beauty who caught the eye of Louis XV, and was soon placed as his official mistress. Since she didn't like sex, she made herself invaluable to the king as a comforting friend, and created a salon where the cultured and artistic people of the time could gather. Unfortunately, her devotion to her king cost her her life.
   
   Marie Walewska was groomed from childhood to marry well, and help her family. But after being married off to a disgusting old aristocrat, the beautiful Marie met her girlhood hero -- Napoleon. For the sake of her country, Marie became Napoleon's mistress, and soon fell in love with him. But his ambition to create a dynasty ended their affair.
   
   Lola Montez was never what she seemed to be. After a nasty divorce, the Irish girl renamed herself, became a "Spanish" dancer, and lied constantly. She also snagged the heart of Ludwig I, king of Bavaria and terrible poet. As she bled the country dry, the angry inhabitants of Bavaria rebelled against their king, and sent Lola packing for the USA...
   
   Lily Langtry was a tomboy, a prankster, and her first taste of polite society was a disaster. But after marrying, she captivated London (and Oscar Wilde) with her beauty and charm. And then she captivated playboy Edward VII, his naive young cousin, and eventually reinvented herself as a respected actress.
   
   Yeah, it doesn't really say much that hasn't been said before. Many books have handled the history of courtesans and royal mistresses, and Princess Michael doesn't add much that is new to the mix. It's basically five short biographies, going over the entire lives of the subjects with plenty of interesting facts, but only a few new insights.
   
   Her writing style is solid enough, exploring the different personal and political facets of the mistresses, the kings, and their families. It's worth noting that even though the author is royalty, only the last of the bios reveals anything about royalty, upper-class society, and the effects of a royal mistress. The rest of the time it's typical "religion disapproved, pious queen suffered, money was spent" and so on.
   
   And four of the five have some great quality that sets them apart -- patriotism, intelligence, charm, or just loyal fun. But Lola Montez doesn't fit in. Despite Princess Michael's gushing, she seems like a callous, ditsy gold-digger compared to Madame de Pompadour or Lily Langtry.
   
   Though it doesn't add any new information, "Cupid and the King : Five Royal Paramours" is a pleasant read for people who are looking for juicy pre-tabloid gossip.



3. Finally! A book for all of us who love those trashy historical romances! At least, those of us who love the historical parts. I found this book extremely well-researched as well as an easy read. Powerful men and the women who love them are always fascinating and Princess Micheal of Kent does a fantastic job in giving us those juicy details to keep your attention focused and your eyebrows raised, as well as enlightening you on significant historical events in Europe in the 17th through the 19th centuries. I highly recommend this book for those of you who don't like to admit being a trashy historical novel reader....this is one book you can proudly display on your bookshelves!

5 comments about Son of Oscar Wilde.

1. I love this book.
   
   When I read it, I feel as if his son is in my living room telling me stories of the old days. It is written very honestly and colloquial, so that you can really go through it. And yet, the Europe at the early part of the century - it is different. This is a chance to read something and feel like the author is with you and telling you about himself and his family. Very sad in parts, but vivid, and at no time written to be a victim's story. Very good.



2. the Empire painted WIlde a degenerate, a scapegoat sacrificed for its own corruption and sins. THis book, written by his surviving son, with emendations and commentary and suggestions by his grandson, reveals the true Wilde, who early loved his sons and whose greatest loss in his pillorying by the EMpire was his family. Wilde is not the painted savant fruit he is pictured, but a true family man, a true nationalist Irishman (to know Wilde, know his mother), and a truly gentle genius.
   
   TO read this book is hear again the epic tale of sons in search of their lost father. In this case Telemachus never again sees Odysseus, and the aching yearning between father and son oozes gently from these pages like an embarrased fatal wound.
   
   THe greatest artistic work, and the most grecian tragic, as Wilde predicted, became his own life. TO understand WIlde, please read this book. What wonders of literature this talented son might have produced, besides his remarkable translations from the French, etc., had this gifted family remained intact, and even at home with Lady Wilde in Dublin. Perhaps Wilde's second son would never have died for the EMpire at war. But such musings lead to the despairing madness which ultimately tempted Oscar upon his early deathbed.
   
   Essential for any and all student and reader of Mr. Wilde. A universal legend of filial affection in its own right, as cross generational as any Garcia MArquez work. BEautifully written.



3. Vyvan Holland was just a child when his beloved father Oscar Wilde "disappeared" from his life in 1895. SON OF OSCAR WILDE is a remarkable story told by Wilde's youngest son. Holland makes no effort to answer burning questions about the demise of his father--one of the greatest figures of moden English literature. He never defends or condemns his father's actions. He cherishes the memory of a loving father. The Wilde family crisis changed Holland's life forever. Holland never saw his father or had contact with him after 1895. He was in his late teens before he was told the actual truth about his father. He had been so carefully protected from the truth by his mother's family that he assumed his father had been a bigamist or criminal. It was a relief to learn the reason his father had been imprisoned. Holland wrote his autography more than 50 years after the death of his father. He tells his story as he lived it. In 1895, Wilde was sentenced to two years of hard labor in prison for his homosexuality. The court confiscated his home and his property leaving his family broken-hearted. Even Holland's precious toys were sold at auction for pennies. The scandal was so great that his wife and 2 sons left for exile in Europe. Their surnames were changed and they lived in fear of the identity of their father being discovered. His mother died not long afterward during exile leaving the sons in the care of a guardian. Alone and lost and ashamed, the brothers were sent off to separate boarding schools. The brothers rarely saw each other again. Their mother's family made every effort to erase the memory of Oscar Wilde from their lives. Wilde died in 1900 never being able to make contact with his sons. Holland's writing can be dry at times and he often jumps forward and back in time but overall he has an incredible story to tell. Most people know the basic story of Wilde's demise. A brilliant literary mind went silent and Wilde could never write again after release from prison. The truth about Wilde's suffering wife and sons is finally told in this book. Although the family was forced into exile, their mother did not abandon Wilde and kept in contact with him until her tragic death. She knew his suffering but did not consent to allowing contact with the son. Only years later, did Holland learn of Wilde's great writings. So great was the scandal, that Wilde's books were basically banned in England. Several lives were ruined in a scandal that would be nothing more than jiucy fodder for the tabloids today. SON OF OSCAR WILDE gives some rare insight into a story that had never been fully told.



4. As an Oscar Wilde fanatic (I have read literally everything ever written by/about him) I was drawn to this book because of the new perspective about him that was offered: that of his child. Not only is it interesting to read about his Vyvyan's memories about him, but the biography is written in such a vivid way that one can actually feel the pain Oscar's son goes through when his father is sentenced to prison and when he dies. This is a must read for an Oscar Wilde fan interested in gaining a new perspective on the legendary writer...it is the closest one will ever be to understanding what it was like being in his family.



5. For more than 20 years Oscar Wilde has been one of my favourite author, perhaps the favourite author. Because the life was taken away from him he could not wrote all the plays, poems and stories I want so much to read, so I have read his works over and over again. Each time I find something new/something to enjoy; partly it is his wonderful point of view, partly his good sense of humour. For a long time I have been aware of his downfall, but don't know what exactly happened until recently. I also knew that he was married and that he and his wife had two sons, and sometimes I revolved in my mind: What happened to them? Where did they go? So when I found the book Son of Oscar Wilde at Amazon.com I bought it immediately. This is a beautiful book by man who knew and loved his father, but suddenly his father was no longer taken place in his life. Why? It took him more than ten years to let himself to try to find the answer. In this book he tells the world how. Everybody who like Wilde's works, love an honesty, are interested in the Victorian time or want to try to understand the consequences of hate should do themselves the favour to read Son of Oscar Wilde. Vyvyan Holland wrote: ..."my father's character was his great humanity, his love of life and of his fellow-men, his sympathy with suffering. He was the kindest and gentles of men, an he hated to see anyone suffer." After reading Son of Oscar Wilde I do believe this is also the description of his son. Vyvyan Holland died in the year 1968 so I will not get the opportunity to thank him for his book, nor can I thank his father for all the good times he have gave me, but both, father and son, deserved my thanks.

5 comments about A Summer Bright and Terrible: Winston Churchill, Lord Dowding, Radar, and the Impossible Triumph of the Battle of Britain.

1. This book gave me a new slant on a subject that I thought I knew. I didn't appreciate the Air Marshall until I read what he accomplished in saving England from Hitler.



2. Anyone searching for a decent history of the Battle of Britain, a biography of Lord Dowding, insight into the development of radar OR the role of Winston Churchill in any of these will have to look elsewhere. In this poorly edited atrociously written volume the author manages to take fascinating material and reduce it to a sort of peculiar tabloid scandal sheet. It is painfully unclear what Fisher's intent is in writing this book, at one point it seems like he is trying to ressurect the reputation of an "unsung hero" but at the next he is doing his best to make fun of the very person that he has built up. The style of the book borders on the peculiar -there are no notes or citation, just a somewhat sparse "bibliography" yet we get large sections in quotation marks & whole mental dialogs that occur in the heads of the protagonists, who "chortle" and sneer at each other on every third page -don't get me wrong here, Fisher has written a very "post-modern" book, there really are no heroes, just different levels of fools, knaves and villains, all of whom steal from each other, cut each other out of the credit, thwart each other's ambitions, and generally behave like a nasty set of academics at a faculty meeting from hell. As an example of the egregious errors in this text, for some reason Fisher seems obsessed with tanks -even though he conspicuously ignores Churchill's role in their initial development. Again and again he talks about tanks "winning" the First World War & "breaking the back" of the German armies. This is odd, given that the tank arrives in the First War in September of 1916 -half-way through- and had little if any impact on the situation on the Western Front. Strangely, the role of the Royal Navy's blockade in "breaking the back" of Germany's will to fight seems to have escaped Fisher's notice... Fisher's cultural biases are also very much to the fore: at one point the English pilots spend their time between missions either throwing up or suffering from diarrhea. Their American counterparts in the meantime "chat". Fisher regularly allows his purple prose to wander into this sort of silliness & one is constantly wonderingif things really were as terrible (and silly) as he says how on earth did the Germans not win? In all seriousness, this is a very stupid and above all "little" book that simply isn't worthy of the subject. It is not just that readers will be mislead by Fisher's poor use of the material it is more that they are likely to not bother to pursue the many important themes that ctually emerged in the run-up to the Battle of Britain because they are so turned off by the shallowness of the schloarship exhibited here. One reads this book for the same reason one slows at car wrecks, out of a morbid interest in calamity.



3. Well worth buying since this area has not been properly covered to my knowledge. Disagreeably journalistic style.
   With all due respect to Dowding and none to the Air Ministry, someone should extend the book's scope and write a book on all the cock-ups and how they came into being and were tolerated. Examples: Leigh Mallory insubordination, no camouflage paint on planes, why 1932 jet wasn't developed, formation flying, no deflection shooting practice, insufficient swopping of fatigued/fresh pilots between groups, no calling back of semi-trained pilots who were jettisoned before finishing courses, etc, etc. Most of these errors were obvious before fighting started.
   A Summer Bright and Terrible: Winston Churchill, Lord Dowding, Radar, and the Impossible Triumph of the Battle of Britain



4. A Summer Bright and Terrible: Winston Churchill, Lord Dowding, Radar, and the Impossible Triumph of the Battle of Britain by David E. Fisher is the story of more of the more eccentric military geniuses, High Dowding, the Commander of RAF Fighter Command during The Battle of Britain. I mention eccentric because Dowding's bend-of-mind makes folks like Patton and Montgomery seem dead normal.
   
   In fact, if you combined Patton's belief in reincarnation and the afterlife with Montogomery's stubbornness, you get a pretty good idea of how - under normal circumstances - loopy this man was. Fisher describes a man that openly spoke of discussions with dead fighter pilots and who married a woman whose dead husband recommended to Dowding that he do so. The woman, by the way, had had dreams about a man named Hugh - vastly older than she - who had protected her as a child.
   
   So, was Hugh Dowding a nut case?
   
   It doesn't necessarily matter because this man also was responsible for some of the most innovative developments in aerial combat: multi-gunned monoplane fighters, radar and its associated ground-control infra-structure and the twin-engined radar carrying night fighter. Along the way, he also managed to stand up to Winston Churchill and maintain a cadre of the aforementioned fighters in England when the PM was bound and determined to lose them all in an effort to save France.
   
   And in return for these efforts, he was villified in person and behind his back; left in suspense as to his future for months on end, dis-obeyed by several of his immediate suboridinates and, ultimately, force out of service.
   
   The story is one of the most true examples of doing the right thing, despite and in spite of the potential repercussions. An absolutely excellent work. I only wish that Fisher had footnoted the book. By not not doing so, he hoists himself on his own petard of chastising those who mis-quote or fabricate.



5. I discovered Lord Dowding as the author did through Dowdings book "Lynchgate". The Battle of Britain, whilst not the saviour as most believe put a serious dent in Hitlers War Machine. Britain was to remain free and a "stepping stone" back into Europe.
   
   Without Lord Dowding none of this would have been achieved. Bombing had been shown to be the way of modern warfare and fighters stuck in a time warp could not catch them. Dowding's obstinacy and prescience established a data-linked system of radar, operation rooms and fighters. Without him the World may have been a much different place.
   
   Since owning and reading the book, I have lent it out to various people, some who admit to only occassionally reading! Everyone has been awe stuck by the story. Our debt of gratitude to those who fought the Second World War is aptly enhanced.

2 comments about Yale English Monarchs - William Rufus (The English Monarchs Series).

1. I was impressed with the amount of detail on William Rufus by Frank Barlow. He pieced together a time in English history that seems to be looked over by most historians. Barlow makes a strong analytical approach to dispelling public perception of William Rufus. He makes sure you understand that the remaining documentaton on William Rufus is so fragmented. And that that does remain is from one point of view, the Church which obvouisly does not favor William Rufus. Barlow points out William II was a more capable ruler than most give him credit for and this angle is enough to make this book a must read for those interested in Norman History and the English crown.



2. William Rufus (William the Red), second son of William the Conquer,took over England while his older brother's back was turned and ruled it for little over a decade before being killed in a strange hunting "accident" in the New Forest. That's about all the space he gets in history today, except the claims that he was a homosexual, an atheist, an all-round bad person and the less said the better. While this book takes pains to look at and question these charges,it is not the only subject that the author deals with in William's regin. Despite being a "wild and crazy guy" and running a court that looks like a frat house, William seems also to have been an able adminstor, a good diplomat and a strong enough miltary leader to keep his elder brother out of England and the Saxons quiet. I enjoied this book, one of the few on the subject and a serious study of it's subject. A good source on a rare subject.

1 comments about Mary Queen of Scots: An Illustrated Life.

1. Elizabeth I, queen of England and cousin to Mary of Scotland, once referred to the Scottish queen as a "daughter of debate." It is difficult to imagine a more apt description of this enigmatic and ultimately illusive monarch. Was she a vixen or a victim, a canny politician or a tool for scheming nobles, a devout Catholic or a woman more concerned with pragmatism than piety? In this new and beautifully produced biography, British historian Susan Doran acknowledges the variety of opinions but adds nothing new to the discussion. Given the scope of the book--192 pages, over half of that devoted to illustrations and notes--this is hardly surprising. What Doran does very well, however, is provide an engagingly written introduction to Mary's history.
   
   Doran clearly lays out the basic issues of Scotland's 16th century politics: the conflict between kirk and church, the uneasy relationship with England, and the powerful, contentious nobles who bonded together in ever-shifting alliances. Matters became even more complicated when Mary began to seek a second husband, for any marriage alliance she formed had the potential to upset the balance among Scotland's nobles, and between Scotland and her powerful neighbor to the south.
   
   One of the reasons for Mary's enduring fascination is the unsolved mysteries that haunt her story. Who murdered her second husband, Henry Lord Darnley? Was Mary complicit? Was she involved in an adulterous affair with James Hepburn, the Earl of Bothwell? Was she abducted and raped by Bothwell, or did she marry him willingly? Doran does not address these controversies in detail. She cautiously absolves Mary of Darnley's death, but thinks it likely that Mary had some knowledge of a plot against him.
   
   The author concludes that Mary was significant not because of her achievements--which were admittedly few--but because of her dynastic relationship to the Guises in France and the Tudors in England. In fact, Mary's only enduring legacy was her son, James VI of Scotland and I of England. Yet Mary continues to fascinate, and Doran offers just information to satisfy a reader looking for an approachable overview.
   
   In addition to being a worthwhile introduction, this is a beautiful, high-quality book. The full-sized portraits--over twenty of them--are seldom seen in such rich and vivid color. The illustrations include a number of contemporary sketches, documents, and letters; in fact, there are perhaps a few too many letters--over twenty full page reproductions and ten partial pages. It is interesting to see Mary's handwriting and some of her famous ciphers, but thirty pages out of 192 seems excessive.
   
   Doran's notes for Further Reading, however, are a treasure trove. She mentions several biographies and books on general topics, then suggests books dealing with the issues, events, and people discussed in each chapters. On issues about which historians disagree, she frequently suggests books that give various viewpoints. It is this section, in addition to the well-written overview, that makes this book an exceptionally good starting point.

No comments about Henry VIII (Profiles in Power Series).

4 comments about Queen Elizabeth II: A Woman Who Is Not Amused.

1. A great book about the Queen. Lots of information, but not too over the top with details and hard-to-understand writing.



2. Three years ago, I added this book to my too-large collection of books about the Royal Family. I started re-reading it this week when looking up something about her disinterest in clothes while reading the reports of her visit to Australia. Whoever is doing her hats now should be drawn and quartered!

   This is an enjoyable book and I can only feel a bit sorry for the Queen. For all of her worldly possessions, she leads a rather dreadful life. Smiling, looking interested, holding flowers, etc. must almost drive her out of her mind! She does a good job of it, though, and for that I give her credit. It's a good show. I've been watching it for over 40 years!




3. One of the best books on the British Royal Family and on Queen Elizabeth in particular.

   Reading this book one can see that Mr. Davies is quite knowledgeable and has done his homework where researching the subject is concerned.

   Queen Elizabeth may not be easily amused - and she has every right not to be - but I certainly was highly amused and entertained.




4. Ever since I can remember I have been fascinated by the British Royal family; watching the weddings of both the Waleses and the Yorks, reading Majesty magazine each month, etc. I bought this book to find out more about the Queen and Prince Phillip. I finished this book within two days and still find myself drawn to it. The depth that the author reaches, describing the Queen's marriage, family, responsibilities, daily life - it is all covered with a thoroughness that makes the reader feel as though they knew Her Majesty personally. Undoubtedly there are other books available that detail Queen Elizabeth II's life, but this one will stand out due to it's ability to draw the reader into the world of this remarkable monarch.

1 comments about Sir Francis Walsingham: A Courtier in an Age of Terror.

1. This biography written by Derek Wilson on Sir Francis Walsingham appears to be half-baked for the movie that just came out called "Elizabeth: The Golden Age, a historical fantasy movie where Sir Francis is the center stage as principle advisor to the queen. As it is written, the author didn't appear to make any great effort in this biography, most of the information given seems to be bit redundant. When I say that word, it basically means that if you read any serious book on Elizabeth I or any book related to that subject, you have basically read this book as well. The author appears to be repeating what is already written before hand and just centered the book around Sir Francis Walsingham. Thus, the book lacks insight and fresh information on a man who played an very important part during the last half of Elizabeth's reign. For the first half of the book, the main subject matter appears to be historical background material to up to the time when Walsingham finally become a major player. The author insert his name here and there to keep us honest.
   
   It could be that there isn't that much information on Sir Francis Walsingham or the author didn't put much effort in finding any. What you got instead is a rather generic facts and figures on Walsingham that you can probably pick up if you read an excellent biography on Elizabeth. The crux of the book lies around Walsingham's snare of Mary, Queen of Scots and crushing of Sir Anthony Babbington's conspiracy. Of course, this episode have been retold many times and ironically speaking, this book doesn't add anything more to it. (Funny but you can probably get more from watching that episode from Elizabeth R regarding this incident!)
   
   In some ways, this book is very familiar to another book published earlier titled "Her Majesty's Spymaster by Stephen Budiansky. I took that author to task because he could have written a nice biography on Walsingham in that book but didn't, something this author tried to do but failed. If you need which one to pick to read on Walsingham at this time, I would recommend Budiansky's book since it better written and got more information on subject at hand.

1 comments about An Un-American Childhood.

1. So I had Ann Kimmage at SUNY Plattsburgh for freshman comp. I read her book and I absolutly loved it. She tells her story in such a way that you feel like you are right along side of her. Livingi n Russia during the time she did was very dangerous. I loved the stories about her parents. They seemed like the coolest people out there. This book is great and it is true. Ann is a wonderful lady and a good teacher. No wonder why her book is awesome!