5 comments about Edward VI: The Lost King of England.

1. Chris Skidmore's biography of the Tudor boy-king, Edward VI, takes a lively and well-researched look at the court politics that surrounded Edward's six-year regency. While viciously infighting to increase their own power, titles, and wealth, Edward's ruling council also managed to set the course of Protestant reform in England, and to prepare the young king to assume power in his own right (cut short by Edward's death from tuberculosis in 1553, at the age of 15).
   
   Edward was an intelligent and able boy, keenly Protestant in religion, and inheriting the Tudor temper and love of ostentation; in other words, he was a lot like Elizabeth. Skidmore argues convincingly that Edward was, at the time of his death, already assuming power; thus, for example, Edward's notorious "Devise for the Succession," that disinherited both Mary and Elizabeth in favor of Lady Jane Grey, was the product of Edward's own wishes, only reluctantly supported by his council (who lost their heads over it anyway, once Mary came to power).
   
   Above all, "Edward VI" explains the complex politics of the time in a very clear and interesting way; it is a model of expository writing. Extensive quotes from contemporary letters, diaries, and poems immerse the reader in this fascinating world. The book also includes a quite helpful set of capsule biographies, geneological tables, notes, bibliography, and index. Most people who are interested in Tudor England will probably want to have this book in their personal library.



2. Packed between the glamorous, Hollywood friendly administrations of Henry and Elizabeth, Edward (and Mary) get little attention/glory. This first time author succeeds in explaining why Edward's reign is significant.
   
   The book is more of a history of the reign than a biography. While it speaks to Edward's youth, education, governing, etc., there is much more text devoted to other key players and the politics of the time.
   
   I don't understand this recent fad of book jackets for historical biography using cut off portraits. Here are some examples from my recent reading ... you can see many more in bookstores and libraries. Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burrand John Donne: The Reformed Soul: A Biography and The Pirate Queen: Queen Elizabeth I, Her Pirate Adventurers, and the Dawn of Empire. Female subjects sometimes have only the bodice and a piece of their chin: Catherine the Great: Love, Sex, and Power and Elizabeth & Leicester: Power, Passion, Politics.



3. Edward VI, son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour became King of England in 1547, aged 9, and died in 1553 aged 16. Edward's reign is often viewed as almost incidental in the Tudor dynasty: most of his regnal period was influenced by self-serving advisers.
   
   Edward was not merely a cipher. His role in the work of government was limited, but not non-existent. Henry VIII had originally intended that England be governed by a council of regency during Edward's minority. As a consequence of the struggle for power, as Henry was dying, Edward Seymour emerged as Lord Protector. In a court riven by factionalism, Seymour dominated until he himself was forced out and subsequently executed, by John Dudley (later the Duke of Northumberland). While it is difficult to catch significant glimpses of the boy behind the king, Mr Skidmore does provide images that show that Edward was not always sickly, and had considerable promise both academically and athletically. There is also evidence that Edward's influence on the religious change taking place was quite profound. Henry VIII's reformation was driven purely by expedience and was institutionally based. Edward, by contrast, was influenced by reformers and the 1552 Prayer Book marked a shift from doctrinal conservatism to a Church of England which was more fundamentally protestant.
   
   I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing more about the short reign of Edward VI, the reasons why he named Lady Jane Grey as his successor and the development of the Church of England. Edward's reign cannot be looked at in isolation: far too many of the dominant political figures featured in the previous reign. However, reading Mr Skidmore's book sheds new light on a significant period of English history.
   
   Jennifer Cameron-Smith



4. This book ia a wonderful read for those with a true interest in Tudor history. I found it to be facinating, extremely well researched and rich in detail. I gained a wealth of knowledge of not only Edward VI but of those figures that surrounded him that were key during his brief but none the less important reign. I look forward to any further works by Chris Skidmore.



5. Edward VI is still a lost king despite this author's attempts to reveal an undiscovered chapter of this little explored time in Tudor history. The entire book only carries 2 real chapters on Edward: most of this book is about Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland and their travails. Their machinations are the defining background to Edward's reign, but the book should be titled about them rather than Edward. This is a poor history of an intriguing figure.

No comments about China's First Emperor and His Terracotta Warriors.

5 comments about Madame de Pompadour (New York Review Books Classics).

1. Not much of a scholar of French history, but a huge fan of Nancy Mitford, I ordered this book as a tribute to the author. Once reading it, I found out much more about the French court of Louis XV and the intricate rules it observed than I ever thought I'd learn. And am very glad I learned them. The interesting, well-written biography hold the reader's attention and bring compassion to the often reviled lead character.



2. This biography was a refreshing and fun, written by a sympathetic aristocrat. The flavors, entertainment and relationships of the court come to life. It is hard not to develop a deep respect for Madame de Pompadour in the course of the book. Highly recommended.



3. Mitford was a writer who specialized in describing the intricacies of court life at Versailles , from fashions and decorum to architecture and romance. She was not quite as adept at the political situation of the time; while she doesn't gloss over it, there is no pizzazz in discussing. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book very much. It's colorful and conveys a sense of what Madame de Pompadour endured to become the most powerful woman in France and how she gained that power by being not only beautiful but very intelligent and alluring.



4. Anyone who has enjoyed Nancy Mitford's novels "The Pursuit of Love" and "Love in a Cold Climate" will appreciate what a deliciously witty writer she can be, especially when describing the lives of the privileged class. Reading her biography of Madame la Marquise de Pompadour (Mitford is strong on the use of proper aristocratic titles) one is not certain where Nancy's life ends and la Pompadour's life begins. Some of her comments are so ultra-sophisticated so as to be hilarious, such as calling the Parc aux Cerfs, where Louis XV kept his women, a "nice little brothel." This book may not be at the top of my list of serious scholarly tomes, but it is not without merit as a work of history, and one is given a colorful glimpse of another world.



5. Lord knows the Bourbons had a history of powerful courtiers, but Pompadour is in a league of her own, she had enormous influence over the king, Louis XV, and she wielded her power with great agility. She was feared and respected throughout the court, everyone knew she had the kings ear and heart. This is a fascinating book on this exceptional woman, she eclipsed the king and many more books have been written about her than the king and he outlived her and he reigned for fifty years over the most powerful country in Europe, but it was she that was memorable. I wonder what Louis would thought about all of this fuss over his mistress, we know what Pompadour would have thought....devine.

5 comments about A Profane Wit : The Life of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester.

1. A Profane Wit : The Life of John Wilmot, Earl of RochesterA fascinating and fairly complete biography of a brilliant yet doomed Restoration gentleman. Only recently have his poetry, letters and life been studied after an extremely long hiatus...partially because some of his poems were considered obscene, as was his life; in spite of a deathbed confession. I would suggest obtaining at least a complete copy of his poems to go along with this book. They are surprisingly readable even to one who has done little study of poetry in general. The biography does contain parts of his letters. A copy of "The Man of Mode" by George Etheredge (1676) would also be entertaining as Dorimant was based on the 2nd Earl of Rochester by the author, who was also close friend. Two recent plays have been written based on his life: "The Ministry of Pleasure" by Craig Baxter (1965)and "The Libertine" which recently was made into a movie.



2. I really couldn't better some of the excellent reviews already made about this book, so I'll keep mine short. I've spent many years enthralled with the Earl of Rochester's work and life. I have read almost all of the biographies ever written about him, which are numerous, and in my opinion this is the crown jewel of Wilmot biographies. It is steeped in depth of detail, but the most important fact about it is that the author manages to keep personal opinion out of the bio the whole way through. He states the facts and leaves it up to the reader's discretion to form their own opinions, unlike some of the other Rochester biographers.
   For those of you wanting the most up-to-date, detailed account of this wonderful poet's life, this is it. From birth to death and it's aftermath, this biography is the fullest and most accurate account of John Wilmot's life available. Poet, Libertine, Husband, Father, Lover, Cynic; every possible aspect of Wilmot's life and career are laid out for the reader here. While at times, the author possibly gives a little too much detail on persons not so important to the Wilmot story, the reader is richer for the knowledge in any case. Not only an excellent bio, but a great insight into the life and times of the court of Charles II.
   Wilmot fans should not pass up the chance to read this. :)



3. This is an extremely detailed account. It in fact reads much like a text book...dates included.



4. With the release of THE LIBERTINE there is a renewed interest in the life and poetry of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester. My own interest began when I was taking a class in Restoration Literature. While I was taking this class it was rumored that there was a movie version of the mad Earl's life out there somewhere (rumor was that it had been finished for some time but that studios were reluctant to release it) but then just a few weeks after the class was over a holiday release date was announced and I saw the film on opening night. I enjoyed it thoroughly as a person with a slightly more than casual interest in this character and time period. And left the film wanting to know more.
   
   I think there are probably several groups of fans for the film. There are the fans who like Johnny Depp and will see anything he is in (I'm not one of those although I will admit to liking DONNIE BRASCO & Jim Jarmusch's DEAD MAN). But then there are those who come to the film because they are interested in Rochester himself. These fans can probably further be divided up into those who are amused by Rochester the legend ( the mad, bad, and dangerous to know libertine) and then there are those who are curious about Rochester the actual historical figure and author of many fine lyrics. James William Johnson's biography will appeal to those who have an interest in not only Rochester but the entire social, political, military, economic, and literary milieu of 1660's and 1670's London. I think the reader with only a casual interest in the subject might find this treatment to be too complete. I for one found this biography to be almost too exaustive; that might sound odd but Johnson spends so much time on Rochester's mother and her family politicking, for instance, that I found myself nodding off during these parts. The family tree at the end of the book is helpful if you are a completist and want to know every detail of John Wilmot AND his extended families lives (before his birth and after his death) but for me this was more than I really wanted or needed. In short Johnson is a Restoration scholar and Johnson's biography is really written for other Restoration scholars.
   
   The Rochester that makes it onto film is, as one might suspect, a sensationalized version of the real thing. Thats not to say that the things in the film did not happen (most of them did) but the film makes it look like the life was all salacious scandal and street theatre. It wasn't. The film also seems to take great pains to show you the great pains that John Wilmot went through in the last three years of his life as his body and face suffered the effects of a syphilis that was greatly aggravated by alcoholism. The film, intentionally or no, creates a martyr. To the filmmakers Rochester's atrophy is presented as a kind of heroic metaphor for unwillingness to compromise (even if that unwillingness to compromise meant that he lived only for the moment and only for himself). This probably tells us more about ourselves and our times and values than about the social times and values of 1660's and 1670's London--we seem to be socially programmed to equate a short life with a beautiful life. This is probably due to the allure of an early death promulgated by rock star's and actor's and artsits's of various stripes dying young; but then maybe this has always been true. I suppose the short beautiful life myth always assumes that its better to burn out than to fade away. That would be the myth on the mind of the filmmakers (or the myth that the filmakers rely on to bring audiences to the film). This mythos implies that some people are just not meant to or able to live a normal life, or at least not able to accept the limits and boundaries that most accept. These types are Depps's specialty. Johnson's book is, however, to its credit, not about perpetuating a legend or a mythos. In fact Johnson's book goes a long way in exploring the life or inhabiting the life in order to show us what Rochester did within the confines of a very limited set of social and intellectual possibilities. Rochester's drink-driven poetry and riotous actions were attempts at a kind of semblance of freedom that he actually did not have. When sober the reality was that he was confined to a very specific social station and almost all of the major decisions of his life were decided by his superiors (his mother, teachers, king). His life was virtually dictated to him every step of the way. It is not surprising that he struck out against authority (including his own). But he also (in verse and in life) struck out against women, and (as his critics were quick to point out) he often caused trouble that others had to pay for (sometimes with their lives).
   
   In his own day Rochester was Restoration England's most celebrated bad boy, but that fame or infamy only lasted about five years ( a time in which he claims he was perpetually drunk). By the time he was 30 he was already a has-been on the London social scene. The public lost interest in him partly because he could no longer do what had made him so famous (the syphilis caused sexual malfunction) and also because the climate of the country had changed and grown more morose due to war, plague, and fire. But also the public lost interest in him because bad boys become tiresome after awhile; they wear out their welcome. In the last years of his life he was someone the public loved to hate.
   
   There are several biographies of Rochester out there. I think each biography has something to offer. If you are interested in this whole time period then Johnson's biography is the best because it situates Rochester's life among the other lives and the major trends and happenings of the time. If Johnson's biography has a weakness it might just be that he does so much contextualizing that you feel like the focus is on the time period as much as it is on Rochester himself. Another option is to track down a copy of the out of print biography of Rochester by the novelist Graham Greene. This biography called LORD ROCHESTER'S MONKEY was written in the 1930's but not published until the 1970's (for censorship reasons). It's concise and lavishly illustrated and I found a nice used first edition here on Amazon for pennies. The advantage of the Greene biography is that he concentrates on the major events of Rochester's life with an especially keen focus on the Elizabeth Barry relationship and an equally keen focus on Rochester's intellectual-emotional world view and temperament. (Many in Rochester's day read Hobbes and were influenced by Hobbes materialism and it was Hobbes' philosophy, some argue, that led to the rampant selfism that Rochester was so famous for but Greene argues that Rochester never totally followed this program of thought and even struggled against it as he attempted to evolve some kind of classically inspired social ethic that is, sometimes, evidenced in his poetry). Perhaps one problem with Rochester the poet is that he almost always writes through some masque or persona and he seems never to have written except when incensed at someone and so the poetry tends to be polemical or invective or scathing satire but rarely, if ever, do you get a measured estimation of his real values and beliefs. Greene, as you would expect, is especially good at analyzing Rochester's lyrics and what makes them so interesting. Johnson's reading of individul poems is informed by current gender theory and since Rochester often wrote in the guise of a woman this works. Greene's book is a nice option for those who are literary but do not require (or desire) the academic armature and trendy theorizing as well as the leave-no-stoned-unturned thoroughness that you get with scholarly biographies. If you have the time read both the Johnson and the Greene.
   
   If you are interested in this period I would also recommend an excellent PBS miniseries called THE LAST KING (available on DVD). Rochester himself makes only a couple of brief appearances but this is an excellent and entertaining way to familiarize yourself with the England of Charles II and the surronding cast of characters (Lady Castlemaine, Duke of Buckingham, Nell Gwynn, etc...) that will be mentioned in any Rochester biography.



5. I must confess that I had never heard of John Wilmot, second Earl of Rochester, until I saw the Johnny Depp movie "The Libertine". After that, I just had to read a biography of a person who appeared to be extremely interesting. This work was not a disappointment, for it detailed Wilmot's life and times, and also went deeply into both his prose and his poetry. He certainly was a mirror to the Restoration Age, and is unfairly forgotten now, but I hope that the movie, and this well-written book, bring him back to the recognition that he so justly deserves.

5 comments about Trump : The Art of the Deal.

1. The Art of the deal is the only book written by Trump that I recommend; however, I rate this as one of the finest autobiographies I have read.
   
   The Art of the Deal takes you behind the scenes and into the thoughts of one of the great deal makers of our time. Donald jumps right in with a detailed daily account of his business dealings for an entire week offering a genuine feel for the life of high society and big-time business decisions. He goes on to discuss his childhood and the brilliance of his self made father whose millions enabled Donald to jump start his own career in Manhattan.
   
   Donald spends the bulk of his book discussing in detail his triumphs in Manhattan; from starting as unknown developer to gaining celebrity status as an entrepreneur. He outlines his often unpopular decisions such as filling half of one of his buildings with the homeless while waiting for tenants to give up their leases. He also outlines his knack for efficiency by taking over the construction of the Wollman Rink from the city and finishing the project in far less time and for reduced costs. Donald further discusses his entrance into the casino industry in New Jersey as well as his plans to build the world's tallest building on the west side and court NBC as its main tenant (something that obviously did not come to fruition). Perhaps this book is at its best in its discussion of Trump Tower, Donald's largest love and possibly most significant investment having been profitable even before completion of construction.
   
   Since the time when he finished the book, Donald's life has taken numerous turns many of which fall outside of real estate development. The Art of the Deal at its core is all about his real estate empire. Donald gives off none of the arrogance that he is often associated with, the only exception being in his aggressive approach to business. If you enjoy the real estate industry and want to hear from one of its great tycoons, The Art of the Deal is essential reading.



2. This is a excellent wealth of information and insight in Mr. Trump's life and business dealings of his early years. Learned he is a very good man. It is as intended very inspiring. Made me fill like I needed to go out and build sky scrapers as well, witch after reading this book now believe we all do in ways that fit each of us. Recomend reading his following book next Trump: The Art of the Comeback for more clairity.



3. Wow, The Donald has no real wig on this cover! Actually, this book is quite different from his later books. Here he gets into detail much more often and gives you better insight into the rise of his career (his fall and second rise came after this book).
   
   In this book you'll get the examples about Trump that made him rise. He was as bold then as he is now. Only difference was he had less money, but it'll make you realize that if you want to be succesful in the future you have to act succesful in the present.
   
   All the casino's and buildings he built early on in his career are mentioned in the book and the details about the deals are fun to read. Just consider this is a one-sided story, but the examples fit their goal.
   
   This book is like The Donald without a wig: strange, but fun to see.



4. Great book!!! I purchased this book because it was a best seller. Glad I did, it was before all the drama with his wives and near declaration of bankcruptcy. It explains his roots to his rise as one of the wealthiest land owners. Great read, hard to put down.



5. The fact that this book was written years ago makes it more valuable to someone who's looking for a good business book. Trump has developed his brand in an amazing way utilizing his abbility to relate to people. That way is making deals. Definetly a great book that teaches you one of the most important lessons to learn in business: how to make deals.

5 comments about A Princess Remembers: The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur.

1. A Princess Remembers is a terrific book for anybody who wants to understand India--what it was, what it is, and how it has made the very bumpy journey from then to now. Not only does it give a very good glimpse of the system of Maharahas that once ran the country, but because Gayatri Devi served in the Indian Parliament, it provides a fascinating window on the triumphs and pitfalls of an emerging democracy. The Maharani has lived a life that reaches from the not-so-old days of Purdah--when a princess was not free to show her face in public when men were present--through the jet-set world of a more modern, educated royalty, to the productive (and not-so-productive) era of state and world politics. Her life reflects, from a high mirror, the tremendously complicated life of her beloved state of Jaipur and her country, and as such, it definitely deserves to be read. But her story also explains much for those of us who have traveled to India and marveled at the forts and the grand palace hotels, and even, perhaps, met scions of the old ruling families. The picture of India that a traveler forms is not truly coherent without literature about the Maharajas. This book provides a rare, personal, readable, non-scholarly source, a vital piece of the enormously complex puzzle that is today's India.
   
   Susan O'Neill, author, Don't Mean Nothing: Short Stories of Vietnam



2. This book gives a detailed picture of personal life of Maharani Gayatri Devi. Kind of gave me more thoughts on how the India could have evolved had it been not given to the hands of Nehru(subsequently to Indira Gandhi). The book has details of early childhood, adolecense, after marriage and post independance aspects of the life of Gayatri Devi.
   
   I think the book needs a updated version, with one or 2 chapters dedicated towards her life in 80's and 1990's. This is one of the best auto-biographies I have ever read.
   
   A must read for some one interested in Indian history just before and after independance; also for folks interested in dwelling into royal lifestyles.



3. I read this book over a span of 2 days, which leads me to conclude that the prose and sequencing are comparable to any best seller fiction. For a person born in independet India, it was fascinating to read about the jet setting lifestyles of the royals 80 years ago. The author has a selective memory and chooses to speak about the non-controversial aspects of royal living, which was immensely enjoyable. However I wish she had devoted some more pages on the cultural differences between Cooch Behar & Jaipur, for instance what language did she use to communicate with her husband , his other wives....english?? How did she adjust to the lifestyle in post independence India.



4. it is an amazing book if u want to have an insight to the lives of our so called indian royalty...a life full of nothing but parties and balls ... going to france for shopping the sarees...amazing..especially for a woman who was born in the times when the whole country was struggling against the britishers...and all the country was involved except theses so called royalty who are interested in showing off their close relations with the british..i am amazed when they claim their love for the country yet they didn't do anything to make this country independent..all they are lamenting is their loss of titles when millions lost their lives ...complete apathy and lack of feeling for the land they were born in...it is eye opening.. a must read book



5. This story is enjoyable because it's her real life and it opens up a priveledged world most of us never get to see. It's pleasure reading and it's escape reading. There is nothing ground breaking or earth shattering here but maybe that's the point. It's an open look at a life that didn't turn out exactly as expected but was lived with joy and appreciation. You get to experience her grace and her zest. I liked it, I've even kept my copy but I doubt I'll be pulling it out to read again any time soon.

5 comments about Diana: The Portrait.

1. First of all I saw this book at the library of Hansabanka Latvia . I decided - I want this book. When I ordered it in Amazon I thought it is not this book because price was about less than $ 15. When I received Diana's album The Portrait I saw - it is book I need !



2. I bought this book as a gift for my 97 year old mother (still mentally alert and an avid reader) and had it delivered to her house. She complained that the print was peach colored and very light and she couldn't read it, but that the pictures were beautiful. Assuming that I had received a bad copy I went to a Barns and Noble store, purchased a second copy, and sent it to her.
   
   Upon inspecting the second copy, prior to sending it, I quickly discovered what the problem was. The font size in this book is very tiny; so small I have to struggle to see it and I have intraocular lens implants and read a couple of books a week. I solved the problem by including a big magnifying glass in the book shipment.
   
   The bottom line is; the print in this book is just too small for older eyes. Otherwise, it's a beautiful book.



3. This is a well organize book. The photos are excellent. I have seem most of the photos, but not all. This book is well put together. As I turn the pages, I remember the outfits and events. This would make an excellent gift for a Diana fan.



4. I have this book and let me tell you, this books has the most beautiful and stunning photographs of the Princess Diana I have ever seen. I am so glad that my birthday is 2 weeks after hers (july 1st) mine is July 13th!!!! I just love looking at the photos, especially with her 2 sons William and Harry. This is a book I will treasure forver of our beloved princess. What a remarkable women. I suggest for those who haven,t read or seen the amazing photographs in here should.



5. I love Princess Diana. I love Diana so much that I went to Althorp to pay my respects to her. This book, Diana: A Portrait brought back those memories. The book is filled with photos of Diana throughout her life, not just when she was a princess. Many of the photos come straight from items that are on display at the exhibit at Althorp, such as her school uniform and report cards. I feel that the book is a companion to that visit I made. If you get the opportunity to go to Althorp, by all means do go. If you can not get to Althorp, this book brings the Althorp exhibit and feeling to you. The photos are beautiful as is the text about Diana's life. The price tag is steep, but this book is a must for a Diana fan. As the exhibit says: The work continues.

2 comments about Diana: A Princess Remembered.

1. Lovely picture book in tribute to a lovely lady. If you are a fan, you will also appreciate the bonus DVD that comes with the book. I'm glad I bought it, well worth the money.



2. Very nice picture book of the life of the late Princess as photographed by Glenn Harvey. It's divided into sections, sometimes a country- other times by subject matter and not all in chronological order. Almost all of the shots are of the Princess (some of these appear to have been cropped just to show her) with a few crowd shots or something like that.
   
   The text is a sort of autobiography of Mr. Harvey as he followed Diana around, it's worth reading and very respectful of the Princess.
   
   The DVD is a kind of slide show, set- in my copy (from Amazon.UK last January)- to a jazzy piano soundtrack. It is also worth a look.
   
   Maybe not the best, most informative book on Diana but it is worth having if you're interested in her.

5 comments about The Sun King.

1. This book is an absolutely amazing piece of work. I was introduced to it while looking for audiobooks on ITunes. The audiobook was so enjoyable that I felt compelled to purchase the actual book to read along with it.
   
   Mitford makes each of the historical figures come alive, and makes an opulent and enclosed society accessible to readers of any age. The work is gossipy enough to be interesting, but not to such a degree as to detract from the historical accuracy. I would recommend "The Sun King" to anyone who wishes to learn more about the age of France's greatest king and the people that surrounded him.
   
   The only drawback is that for one to fully appreciate the book, they should have a very basic knowledge of French and European history (at least as far as names and dates are concerned). Having long been interested in history, I did not find this a problem, but I can see how one who was not familiar may find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Otherwise, this book is about as close to perfection as I've seen.



2. Ok, I will freely admit that this may not be considered by some to be a scholarly historical assessment. I have been interested in the reign of Louis XIV since childhood when my mother purchased for me a coffee table book of photographs of Versailles. I wondered what could possibly have taken place at such a monstrous and wonderful palace. Since then I have read at least a dozen books on the period which tend to focus on the development and impact of absolutism in 17th century Europe. But this little book is a gem because of its author. Nancy Mitford was the daughter of an English Baron and spent her life as both an academic and a socialite. Her telling of the lives that swirled around Versailles palace is authenticated by the impression one gets that she would have been completely at ease in that setting. This book was written in 1966, just 7 years before her death. Her style sounds more like gossip than history, but is generally regarded as very well-researched. I warn you that if you read this book or one of her other historical biographies, you are in danger of becoming hooked on Mitford and will probably seek out some of her other well-loved books. This was a very enjoyable book and I find myself going back to certain chapters from time to time. One of the most memorable portions is the end where she describes a ghoulish sacrilege; the looting and desecration of the tombs during the revolution. As any good book will, it fascinated me and left me wanting to know more.



3. Nancy Mitford is best known as an author of witty, elegant novels like The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate. In the 1950s and 1960s she also produced a number of historical works, of which The Sun King is one of the best.
   
   The Sun King is a personal biography of Louis XIV. It does not deal in great detail with the political, military, or economic issues of Louis XIV's reign but primarily focuses on his personal life and that of his family. Louis married his double first cousin Marie Therese of Spain (she being his genetic sister for all intents and purposes, the reader is amazed that his family turned out as strong and healthy as they did). He also had three major mistresses and a string of casual acquaintanceships which produced a number of illegitimate children. His numerous relations also produced a quantity of children and had many extramarital relationships.
   
   A major part of the book deals with the construction of Versailles. Indeed the book seems almost to be a biography of the chateau. The profuse illustrations, including many photographs of the chateau and its grounds, add immeasurably to the pleasure of reading this work.
   
   But the most compelling reason for reading The Sun King is to enjoy Mitford's elegant, witty, prose style, which is as much in evidence here as in her novels.



4. Here's "Lifestyles of the Obscenely Wealthy and Powerful"! I admit I'd never read much about this period of history (I'm fond of joking that my in-depth knowledge of politics and history more or less ends with Elizabeth I's death), but the bit I read at the bookstore made this book irresistible. I passed up an Alison Weir for this, but I don't regret the choice at all. It is both charming and knowledgable, with a witty, personable, almost gossipy tone.

   There's a lot of information here, packaged with lots of pictures and glossy pages. It is a lovely book to look at purely on an aesthetic level. But do take the time to actually read it! Though sparse in areas, it is a rich look at the life of Louis, and at the lifestyle of a courtier of his day. The creation of Versailles is gone into in much detail, as are sexual politics and wartime attitudes. Mostly this focuses on Louis' personal life and that of his court and how Versailles came about, so there isn't much here about actual wars or about international politics. But what there is is just stupendous. I'd call this a must-have for a beginner in French history. I'm very glad I got it.




5. Nancy Mitford came to me by way of this book and, ignorant of the incredible talents that lie with her, her sisters and the aristocratic family into which she was born. Since then, I have devoured Nancy's fiction, her personal history and I have much more to learn. However, it is her talents as a biographer and historian, perhaps best exemplified with this book, that I believe she achieves the realization of her greatest gift; that is to send life into the dead hand of history. In "The Sun King" history comes alive as I have truly never experienced. Here is a book that takes heretofore one dimensional characters and fills their frames with humanity, giving them dimemsionality, life. She uncovers the perspective that sheds light on each characters good and bad side, turning Louis XIV, Monsieur, The King's wives, his children, in fact the whole of the court at Versailles into a vision in one's head that makes it easy to understand why the Ancien Regime in France can still provide relevance to a contemporary world that approximates it so little. Relevance and topic interest, to be sure, is the most amazing feat for a historian to achieve. Nancy Mitford with "The Sun King" stands among rarified company in such an achievement.

5 comments about Diana and the Paparazzi.

1. For all intents and purposes, this IS "Dicing With Di", the book written by these same idiots a decade ago. My guess is that they're trying to ride the wave of publicity the 10 Year Anniversary of her death brings and tried to update their old, sorry book. Shame on them. The first one wasn't good . . . why they bothered with updating it is more than I can understand.



2. I was disappointed to find that this book, promoted as new, is basically an updated version of "Dicing with Di", written in the late '90s. As I was reading it I thought it sounded really familiar, so I sat down with the new book and "Dicing with Di" and found many of the same stories. Yes, there were a few different pictures, but nothing to be able to say Wow!! about. And adding a note written 10 years after the first book to the end of the new book doesn't constitute "new". Knowing the amount of time these guys spent chasing Diana, you'd think they'd have enough stories and pictures for a totally new book. Save your money and just re-read "Dicing with Di."



3. This book appears to be a different version of events than the book these two men wrote whilst the Princess was still alive. (Dicing with Di) Their first book was much better, and probably more honest. For somebody with thousands of unpublished photos of the Princess they should have just made a photo book - it would have been more interesting and sold more copies. I was disappointed.



4. I rated this one star because zero wasn't an option. I'm not quite sure what exactly the authors were attempting to accomplish with this book. Well, apart from continuing to make money off the very person that to this day, try to blame for her own untimely death. These two Gentlemen, and I use the term Gentlemen loosely, do not acknowledge nor do they accept any personal responsibility for their contribution to the upset and ultimate death of Diana. The bottom line is, Diana Windsor and Dodi Fayed were victims. Victims of the media's need to take photos and make money off them, victims of our need to buy them and victims of a drunk driver. Was the driver of her car drunk? Yes. Should he have been driving? No. Would he have been if they had been left alone that evening? No. Would Dodi Fayed have allegedly told his driver to speed away from the Paparazzi? No. There wouldn't have been a reason to. No chase! No Crash! We are to blame. The media for chasing them to get pictures and us for buying them. One criticism that really bothered me in this book was the "How Dare She" attitude of the authors, that Diana thought she should be allowed to walk down the street or shop in a store without harassment from the media or public. Well, she should have been able to. Despite the fact that she was famous. She was always willing to oblige when on public display. That should have been enough. Any one of us would have reached the point of hysteria and began acting out if we were constantly hounded as she was. Anyone who says differently is a liar. The authors also state that the Diana "Paparazzi Years" had ended six months prior to her death. This is an obvious attempt to step away from blame. They ended the night the Paparazzi played a part in killing her by chasing her car at a high rate of speed until it crashed.
   This book reads as if to invoke sympathy from the public for the paparazzi who hounded Diana for her verbal attacks on them. They received none from me. Nothing really new to this book. Maybe some previously unpublished photos. They all look like photos I've seen before.



5. The book was ok, reads like the other books by people who either knew Diana, worked for Diana, or took pictures of Diana. I expected to see new photos in the book that was not seen before. There is a couple.
   
   Disappointed to say the least........