Book Description

Albert Einstein has now been named the greatest man of the 20th century; however, his brilliant mind wasn't always recognized.He did poorly in school; after college he nearly starved before finding a job. Then, he published his first Theory of Relativity and won worldwide fame as a scientist and a leader in the cause of World Peace. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from New Statesman (1996), published by New Statesman, Ltd. on September 5, 1997. The length of the article is 885 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Albert Einstein: A Biography.
Author: John Maddox
Publication: New Statesman (1996) (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 5, 1997
Publisher: New Statesman, Ltd.
Volume: v126Issue: n4350Page: p44(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description

One of the 20th century’s most profound thinkers not only transformed the direction of scientific endeavor but also influenced other fields such as psychology, linguistics and ethics. This volume comprises 23 papers delivered at a 1979 symposium and includes examinations of Einstein’s impact on scholarship, culture, and more.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Poop on Einstein
This book is an excellent introduction to Einstein - if one happens to be a theoretical physicist with an IQ of 186.In other words, this book is abstruse in the extreme.The essays describing Einstein's theories dependheavily on formulas and equations.This begs the question, "so whatis the book for?"Other sections of the book dealing with Einsteinand the Bomb draw from Einstein's letters, which is good, but the lettersreally speak for themselves anyway.The section I thought might interestme, Einstein's perspective on language and thought, turned out to be abunch of psychobabble that obviously comprises someone's ill-conceivedthesis.The tone of the book, furthermore, is sickeningly sycophantic.Weall recognize Einstein as a great man.What a pity that this book doesn'tbring us any closer to knowing why.The picture on the cover, however, isprecious.It looks like Inspector Clouseau on the trail of the dreadedLibrary Fine Evader.I do not recommend this book to any but scholarswho've already read everything else on the subject. ... Read more

Download Description

"In the autumn of 1558, church bells across England ring out the joyous news that Elizabeth I is the new queen. One woman hears the tidings with utter dread. She is Amy Dudley, wife of Sir Robert, and she knows that Elizabeth's ambitious leap to the throne will pull her husband back to the very center of the glamorous Tudor court, where he was born to be. Amy had hoped that the merciless ambitions of the Dudley family had died on Tower Green when Robert's father was beheaded and his sons shamed; but the peal of bells she hears is his summons once more to power, intrigue, and a passionate love affair with the young queen. Can Amy's steadfast faith in him, her constant love, and the home she wants to make for them in the heart of the English countryside compete with the allure of the new queen? Elizabeth's excited triumph is short-lived. She has inherited a bankrupt country, riven by enmity, where treason is normal and foreign war a certainty. Her faithful advisor William Cecil warns her that she will survive only if she marries a strong prince to govern the rebellious country, but the one man Elizabeth desires is her childhood friend, the irresistible, ambitious Robert Dudley. Robert revels in the opportunities of the new reign. The son of an aristocratic family brought up in palaces as the equal of his royal playmates, Robert knows he can reclaim his destiny at Elizabeth's side. Elizabeth cannot resist his courtship, and as the young couple slowly falls in love, Robert starts to think the impossible: can he set aside his wife and marry the young queen? Philippa Gregory's The Virgin's Lover answers the question about an unsolved crime that has fascinated detectives and historians for centuries. Philippa Gregory uses documents and evidence from the Tudor era and, with almost magical insight into the desires of Robert Dudley and his lovers, paints a picture of a country on the brink of greatness, a young woman grasping at her power, a young man whose ambition is greater than his means, and the wife who cannot forgive them. " ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Poor continuity
I can only review this book in context of having read The Other Boleyn Girl and the Queen's Fool in quick succession.I quite enjoyed the other two books -- I would not consider them fine literature, but enjoyable reads, which whet my interest in learning more about Tudor times.In fact, after reading the first book, I watched a series of documentaries about Henry VIII's wives!So, I was looking forward to reading this book, too.

Unfortunately, I was annoyed with it as early as the first few pages. Why portray Elizabeth in The Queen's Fool as flirtatious, shrewd, ambitious and cunning, only to paint her in this book as simpering, weak, indecisive and unable to take action on her own?Why describe Elizabeth and Robert as being involved with each other in the Queen's Fool BEFORE she took the throne, only to forget all that?I understand why Amy needed to be redefined, but at least make her sympathetic, instead of annoying.The two Elizabeth's described in the two books are comletely different people -- and I didn't like the Elizabeth described in the book that was about her (The Virgin's Lover).A book about the strong, shrewd, politically astute, flirtation, lusty who knew just how to manipulate the men around her -- as depicted in the Queen's Fool -- would have been fun.This book was not.

That said, I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 or none because I was compelled to keep reading it, and it did prompt me to want to do a little research into the history -- and I plan to re-watch the movie Elizabeth this evening!

Still, stick with the Other Boleyn Girl and the Queen's Fool, and don't read this one.You'll enjoy the other two, and you'll be annoyed at this one.

Disappointing
I was thrilled with Gregory when I read "The Other Boleyn Girl." What a superb historical novel! I enjoyed "The Queen's Fool" almost as much, although I don't think it was as strong a book. But "The Virgin's Lover..." Let's just say it's tough to find good things to say about it.

This novel seemed to drag. Unlike the previous books in the series, it also seemed scattered. Instead of the book focusing on the impressions and life of a central character, "The Virgin's Lover" attempts to use Amy Dudley in a similar way, but must move on to Cecil and Lord Dudley for views of the court.

In addition, some of the characters seemed quite changed from when we first met them in "The Queen's Fool." Amy Dudley came across as a nearly insane, bipolar character in "Fool," but is not portrayed in this light at all in "Lover." Lord Dudley is shown fairly molesting Elizabeth in "Fool," making us all assume they must have a somewhat physical relationship already, but in "Lover," it's as if they've never been anything but friends until their physical relationship begins later in Elizabeth's reign. Etc.

I haven't given up hope for Gregory, though, and I still eagerly anticipate her next novel.

Gripping, But Inaccurate
As a work of fiction, this is an excellent book. I love historical novels and this one kept me turning the pages, as I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.

As far as historical accuracy was concerned, though, I felt it left a lot to be desired. Other reviewers have already mentioned some of the minor errors, such as the references to riding side-saddle and drinking from wine glasses. But the biggest inaccuracy by far was the portrayal of Amy Dudley as a semi-illiterate fool who had no idea about her famous husband's need for status and recognition. This is far from the truth - Amy would have been skilled in running an estate and, after her father's death, the proceeds from his estate were paid directly to her. She was also able to read and write legibly: some of her letters to tradesmen still exist today.

Like some other reviewers, I also found the portrayal of Elizabeth I unbelievable and I certainly don't believe that she and Robert had a full-blown love affair. As Queen, Elizabeth would always have been surrounded by servants. She would also have been only too aware of the false accusations that had been made about her mother, Anne Boleyn, so it hardly seems likely that she would sneak off for an illicit bonk whenever the fancy took her (that's British slang for sex, by the way!) And who made those little hand-sewn 'guardians'...?

Overall, I would have liked to give this book two scores - 5 for its compelling narrative, but only 1 for historical content.

not there
I loved "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The Queen's Fool" finding them, actually two of the most wonderful, fascinating, gripping books I've ever read. The best! Then went to the early trilogy and was so disgusted I threw them in the garbage. Now there's "The Virgin's Lover." I paid lots of money to buy this in hardcover, expecting to be transported, and I'm on page 53 and still plugging away, trying to get into it. Seems likely I'll chuck it. It just doesn't flow like TQF and TOBG, feels "made-up" and stilted where those came totally to life. When I read TQF and TOBG I thought they were the result of an artist finally coming into her own, so complete they felt almost channeled. This, on the other hand, seems more like someone trying to cobble something together, forcing it rather than feeling it.

Could have been better...
This book is okay, but it doesn't shine like "The Other Boleyn Girl". I think readers expecting a follow up to that book of the same caliber are going to be disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book is very interesting.
This book I read, Albert Einstein, was a very interesting book. It showed little known facts about his life that were very interesting to know. The book told how Einstein got to be smart. It also showed his life accomplishments and famous things he did. I reccomend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the life of Albert Einstein. ... Read more

Book Description

An abused child, yet confident of her destiny to reign, a woman in a man's world, passionately sexual -- though, as she maintained, a virgin -- Elizabeth I is famed as England's most successful ruler. David Starkey's brilliant new biography concentrates on Elizabeth's formative years -- from her birth in 1533 to her accession in 1558 -- and shows how the experiences of danger and adventure formed her remarkable character and shaped her opinions and beliefs.

From princess and heir-apparent to bastardized and disinherited royal, accused traitor to head of the princely household, Elizabeth experienced every vicissitude of fortune and extreme of condition -- and rose above it all to reign during a watershed moment in history. A uniquely absorbing tale of one young woman's turbulent, courageous, and seemingly impossible journey toward the throne, Elizabeth is the exhilarating story of the making of a queen.

Reviews (30)

Informative but shallow
This book concentrates on the period from the Queen's birth to her accession to the throne and then, for some unknown reason, tacks on the bare facts concerning the demise of her regime in the last few pages of the book. Why?- As an American who did not learn English history by heart, but absorbed it as part of an undergraduate European History class, my memory was jogged by the allusions to the War of the Roses, Wyatt's Revolt, iconoclasm etc. But methinks I learned more from that undergraduate textbook than from this semi-biography, which, to use one of the more precious phrases of the author's, is a "sauve-qui-peut" of styles and objectives. The text is larded with such verbal flourishes...Pretentious?....Yes, for this book covers ground already covered and is short enough to be read in a day. It is NOT a scholar's endeavor. Moreover, its entwining of the speculative, the matter-of-fact, the sentimental effects a jarring effect upon the reader from chapter to chapter (indeed, within chapters). Nevertheless, the book does manage to accomplish its basic goal and give the reader an idea of what the young Elizabeth was like and the influences upon her upbringing that were to influence her reign.-But, to my mind, this is not a book for those seriously interested in Elizabeth or her era. Go to the books recommended by the other reviewers for that.-This book is for beach readers who don't like to admit it.

An Exceptional Book
If you have ever wondered about one of the most successful rulers, Queen Elizabeth I, you should read this book. "The Struggle for the Throne"chronicles the life of Elizabeth from her birth in 1533 until her coronation in 1559.
Starkey does a wonderful job of recreating the whole political and religious atmosphere of 16th century England. Most of the book is based on the fight between Protestants and Catholics in England during this time; which was the main influence in Elizabeth's struggle for the throne.
Starkey really brings out the most fascinating, dangerous and overlooked part of this fascinating woman's life. The years that formed her personality were these. The book is a quick read that reads more like a novel than an indepth political study. This brings out the drama of the story out more vividly in your head. I would recommond this book to anyone interested in Queen Elizabeth I.

before Gloriana
This biography by David Starkey tells a story of Elizabeth during her early years, as a princess and during the first several years as Queen of England. Some of the material have been retold already but the author writes with certain amount of clarity. Starkey made sure that the reader understand that Elizabeth had a relatively good childhood, a wealthy landowner even before she became a Queen and her powers were quite considerable, probably enough for her half-sister Mary to take into account. This proves to be a very readable book and gives us a good understanding of Elizabeth's early life and how it helped shape her as a Queen of England.

History At Its Best
It's both a rarity and a treat to find a history book that reads like a novel. Starkey's book is an amazing view into the early life and reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and a must-read for any aficianado's of the Tudor dynasty.

A fascinating look at the early life of a great queen
As a fan of the monarchy and a lover of British history, Elizabeth I is my favorite monarch and the Elizabethan/Tudor period is one of my favorite periods of history. This book enhanced my understanding of the period and rounded out a historical figure who is, at the very least, sometimes romanticized and idolized.

If you're looking for a book that will give you a complete picture of the virgin queen, this isn't it. This book very thoroughly explores her life prior to becoming queen. Her actual monarchy has perhaps 50 pages devoted to it. Starkey does, however, make this clear up front. This book will give you a greater understanding of the woman who later became queen.

Starkey's narrative is chock full of interesting facts, but he is careful never to make it dry or dull. He intersperses humor and unique anecdotes throughout the book. He is a talented storyteller, even if he does use the phrase "willy-nilly" a few too many times. This book also contains two sections of illustrations, mostly consisting of paintings of Elizabeth, her family, and the prominent people in her life. It is a good supplement to the story and includes many of the best portraits of the period.

Finally, I would urge anyone who has the chance to see Mr. Starkey speak to not pass it up. I saw him speak at a signing for his other book on the wives of Henry VIII and it was extremely memorable and fascinating. He is also more than willing to discuss any questions readers might have about the history or about why he did certain things in his books.

Overall, Starkey presents a fascinating, unique, seldom-seen view of one of England's most beloved monarchs. ... Read more

Book Description

Thirty years after the 1937 disappearance of Amelia Earhart, investigators learn the truth. They make two trips to Saipan and find evidence that Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan were executed by the Japanese before WWII. Fully returnable. ... Read more

Book Description

At the age of twenty-three, Amelia Earhart began her lifelong love affair with aviation. The details of her tragic final flight are well known, but this bold portrait instead focuses on the heroine's dynamic life. The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, Earhart was an irrepressible adventurer and accomplished pilot as well as a fierce advocate for women.
Inspiring, colorful, and full of exciting details, Robert Burleigh and Bill Wylie's new collaboration shows Amelia Earhart as she's never before been portrayed.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

great for a unit on flight
Amelia Earhart Free in the Skies is a comic book style biography. We learn lots of neat thing about Amelia in this book. We learn that she made roller caosters in her own back yard with her sister. We learn about the ways she learn to fly and about her famous flights. Through out the book there are also facts mentioned about the Wright Brother and Charles Linburg.

I like that the book was written in a comic book style. Sometimes kids feel like biography are boing. This format spices things up a bit making them enjoy the reading. The illustation are also interesting to look at as they read.

I would recommed this book to reader ages 8-11. The books tells just enough about the Amelia Earheart without overwhelming the reader with details. It would make a great book to read during a unit on flight. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A good overview of Eisenhower covering a broad time frame
Covers IKE's life from his childhood through his Presidency ... Read more