Reviews (1)

A Romantic story about a loveless Princess who finds love.
James Hewitt wrote a book about his relationship with the deceased Princess Diana in 1992 about their affair that lasted from 1985 to 1991. It is an romantic and interesting story that people who love gossippy things. I found it passionately fastinating. ... Read more

Book Description

One of the most compelling and controversial figures in history, Akhenaten has captured the imagination like no other Egyptian pharaoh. Much has been written about this strange, persecuted figure whose freakish appearance—elongated and effete—is totally at odds with that of the traditional Egyptian ruler-hero. Scholars and laymen have speculated that he was a eunuch or a sufferer of a genetic disorder—or even a woman. Known today as a heretic, Akhenaten sought to impose upon Egypt and its people the worship of a single god, radically affecting the country in every way, from art to the written language. In this immensely readable reevaluation, Nicholas Reeves gives an entirely new perspective on the turbulent events of Akhenaten's seventeen-year reign. Reeves argues that, far from the idealistic founder of a new faith, Akhenaten cynically used religion for purely political ends in a calculated attempt to reassert the authority of the king and concentrate power in his own hands. In the process, he suppressed potential opposition by unleashing a terror that reverberated down the centuries. The founding of the new capital at el-Amarna was also politically motivated: Thebes, Egypt's premier city, had proved unreceptive to the king's ideas. Akhenaten's revolution ultimately failed as political, financial, and moral corruption overwhelmed the regime. His traditionalist successors showed little mercy. With a ruthless determination not seen in Egypt before or since, all trace of the pharaoh's existence was systematically expunged. Nicholas Reeves presents a provocative interpretation of Akhenaten and the Amarna period. Insights are provided into questions that have baffled scholars for generations—the puzzle of the body in Tomb 55; the identity of Akhenaten's mysterious successor, Smenkhkare; the fate of Nefertiti, his beautiful wife; and the theory that Tutankhamun, his son and true heir, was murdered. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

hitting the reader on the brain
Hitting Nail Head reviewer FELLOW shows little enlightenment in his comments. Limited intelligence, rather, all rote and book-learned thinking blazes thru, without a hint of common sense applied. I guess he never noticed Nefertitis eyes are BLUE, her skin is WHITE, and so are another couple of statues. He must be Art Deprived. OH WELL for you, nail hit on foot guy~your books must have had no illustrations.

I guess he also didnt notice Tut is asian looking as well as African looking. There are egyptian queen statues (go view them in ART) that look ENTIRELY oriental, as well as ENTIRELY african, and ENTIRELY caucasian. Dont the jews who claim to be from egypt have red hair and blue eyes sometimes? They certainly dont cross breed in their hasidic sect, yet there it is to look at. Amazing logic Mr. Nail shows. Modern Day Madagascarians have GREEN eyes and wooly COPPER colored hair - take a trip and learn your facts. It too is in AFRICA. Its obvious to me all races sprang from egypt and exodused to where they split up and remained till today, more than likely when violent ROME invaded, controlled by fear, and they preferred peace/exodus to fighting back. How each RACE today looks, indicates how the TRIBE who left looked. There were at least 12 tribes we know of, right? Or did you forget much of the bible is depicting Egypt?

Similar to how ALL DOG BREEDS stem from wolf, dingo, and fox mixed together, goes the logic of the races coming from Egypt. Egypt also PHYSICALLY went thru changing from very fertile, green land to desert as it is today, which would have caused an exodus of separate TRIBES to survive on better land. To mix the narrowed breeds of people we have today back together, you would result back with ALL the genes, looking like dingo, wolf or fox, i.e. EGYPTIAN originators, and people arent excluded from having racial, genetically-limited breeding same as animals.

Atenism was the fuzzy beginning of Roman/Greco imposition of forcing the "harm is good" philosophy on Egypt, the REMOVAL of belief in THIS life, and to trade living oppression for " heaven later ". They knew it was a bogus trade and didnt bite. The oppressors rewrote the egyptian Bible (which would be along the lines of the Psalms) to include a new Greco/Roman teacher purporting that "we should trade a stinky present life for a vague reward after death" or "pain is good"- this to a culture that believed one god made them, they never die, there is NO heaven, they return again and again in repeated lives, and LIFE is to be not a sorrow, but the blessing itself. Of course, Egypt never swallowed that logic, or reversing their current beliefs, as it was wholely absurd to them. It was all about oppression and roman RULE, and Ankhenaton was most likely doing what he had to do to try to appease the romans and greeks, (i.e. gain full control, and break the strong religious spirit of the people that indicated future TROUBLE to the romans)...while keeping the best peace he could for his people. It was one of the earliest attempts by the roman invaders, to remove the religion of the egyptian people, and it failed just like the whole 'throwing to lions escapade' failed. The author is on the right track when he says "it was an attempt to remove contact with god from the people", and "make the egyptian subjects more dependant on the king THRU using their devout spirituality and "need" for communication with god, as a weapon". Totally right. Go learn your egyptian Mr. Nail, they had 30 commandments that BLOW AWAY the ten we are left with today, they were ULTRA good compared to christianity in the modern world (vegetarian, never make another cry, never kill ANY living thing, etc.) They didnt believe in "loopholes", or "animal headed folks", they believed in all-inclusive GOOD, ONE GOD.

Mr. Nail, I contradict you, just as hinduism is today showing ASPECTS of ONE GOD'S personality thru varied pictures (strong elephant, all-reaching 8 armed, many-eyed all-seeing, etc), SO DID EGYPT draw him the SAME way. YOU probably also think HINDU = pagan, dont you. You need to broaden your horizons and learn a few basics. Egypt ALWAYS believed in one god, the invading roman/greco foreigners with THEIR OWN soap opera-ish, pagan diety pantheons mistook it for similarity on a personally-biased level, (they perceived what THEY were coming from)...and misrecorded it for history to come unravelled in the now.

Rather than a genetic disease, Ahkenatons face more likely betrays over inbreeding. The pharoahs of egypt were brothers and sisters, married, which caused inbreeding- ALWAYS not just a couple of odd times. Mr. Ahkenaton probably got unlucky in the process of his accidental genetic draw.

Good book for the new facts it shows. I bought it for the archaeological facts, NOT the opinions. :) If anything, Tut would have been murdered out of FEAR that what Ahkenaton did would EVER be repeated in the near future. Egypt and GOD were interdependant, not to be tampered with in the minds of the egyptians. Whats been left out, is that we're only pointing to Ahkenaton changing god's SYMBOL to "sun", and closing the temples. The facts omitted, are that this was only the tip of the iceberg - he tried to change ALL their beliefs and introduce the new "pain in life, pleasure in heaven" idea of oppression. It certainly couldnt have been ONLY a matter of symbol or something so small to cause his failure.

Compiled new results by a forcible story.
This book is an interesting reading instead of archeological study.
N.Reeves includes result of the new archeology that there is not in C.Aldred and D.B.Redford.
However, a total style of reciting is forcible In a direction to affirm his insistence.
I think that we cannot understand a king before 3,300 year with a human being general idea of the 21th century.
It violates the same mistake that it considers him to be a pacifist and a devoted husband to liken him to a revolutionist and a dictator.
Even if it is hard to understand a real image rising from a document , it is historical fact.
I want to avoid judging a past with our value judgment of the present age.
What this book should evaluate is to have arranged a point at issue about this time to a compact, and it's demerit to lack humility for the history.

Queen Kiya Speaks
When I read the review "Hitting the nail on the foot" it almost made me cry, he was so on the money Heaps of people who write books about Akhenaten miss the point of what he was trying to do. To all those authors out there who find Akhenaten a monster,the MAN was trying to unite everyone under one God so there would be peace in their hearts, in Egypt at the time there was 42 GODS which kept people apart and fighting like today with all the different religions Akhe was trying to unite people as one with God the bright shining light that is within all off us , so he made the sun his focus which represents the beautiful light beings we truly are. Yes Akhe was ahead of his time and for some people he still is.So Nicholas Reeves think again before you think Akhe is a monster.

New Ideas on an Old Favorite
Akhenaten has long been a favorite of Egyptologists...and like many of the other reviewers I've followed the available published material over the years. Unlike some other works, this book is shorter and more readily accessible, especially for those without their MA in history. That said...if this topic interests you, please seek out more information. Other reviews have fabulous suggestions.

Great illustrations, succinct text, and a new theory on the identity of "Smenkhare" make this book well worth reading.

Hitting the Nail on the Foot
Not sure what it is about Akhenaten that authors tend write about him as either a saint or a monster. This book is of the monster variety. Whereas in previous decades it was the fashion to see him as a saint, the current fad is to see him as a monster. I'd like to point out one obvious fact: AKHENATEN WAS A HUMAN BEING. (I can imagine him having a sense of humor and an interest in palace gossip). The only author to present him as a human being was Allen Drury in his two-volume novel in the 70's.
I have read as much about Akhenaten, Nefertiti, Tut, and the Amarna Age as I could lay my hands on. I don't think that any author has written the truth about Amarna as they have very divergent ideas about who was there, what they were like, and what they did. The writings - fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc. - range from total absurdity to serious scholarship. Mr. Reeves' book is of the latter category.
One of the things about the fiction that irks me: I'm rather fed up with reading about blond-haired blue-eyed, etc., ancient Egyptians. Excuse me as I present another obvious fact: EGYPT IS IN AFRICA, NOT EUROPE. I would guess that most ancient inhabitants of the Two Lands had skin color in various shades of brown and black, black hair, and brown eyes. Probably most people born in Egypt before 400 AD were ethnically and culturally an admixture of African blacks and west Mediterranean whites, with odds and ends of other peoples thrown in to the mixture. Just look at portraits of Akhenaten and Tutankhamen, and it's obvious that they had some black African ancestry; Nefertiti probably did too.
Having vented those feeling, now to Mr. Reeves' book. I seriously disagree with his ideas that the Aten religion was superficial; we just don't know much about it because so much evidence was destroyed by Horemheb and the 19th Dynasty kings. In my opinion, the Atenist religion was Earth's first known monotheism and the purest one; it was a religion of light and ma'at. It was an attempt to cut through centuries of dark and mysterious religion and superstition and to present the one true God as a loving person who cares for everyone and the whole world. Modern archaeologists weren't in Amarna and Thebes when all of this was going on. I consider Atenism to be my religion; it's the only one that's ever interested me.
To me, Akhenaten was a young man, a true mystic, with radical, original ideas (it's possible to borrow from other people's works and thinking and still be original; this happens all the time in the Arts) who sought to bring a religion of light, truth, and ma'at to his nation. However, he made some serious mistakes in doing so. I think he became coregent at about 20 years of age, had a 2-year coregency with dear old dad, reigned as sole pharaoh for 15 years and died at age 37. Many archaeologist, scholars, and other writers have condemned him for losing the empire, closing the temples of other gods and thus wrecking the economy, making himself and Nefertiti as the only two people who could approach the Aten (i.e., God) directly, being a tyrant by trying to force his religion on the nation, and for being so wrapped up in his religion that he neglected the governing of the country. Well, I don't think all their "evidence" would stand up in a court of law.
Yes, it was a mistake for him to close down the temples of what he considered false gods and forbid their worship. It was also a mistake to for him to proclaim that only he and Nefertiti could approach the Deity directly, and other people had to pray to the royal couple. I do think that he did his best to govern the country wisely; his mother probably taught him how (dear old dad was mostly interested in wine, women, food, and architecture). As for losing the empire, some of the blame should devolve on Amenhotep III. Also, how much of the recovered Amarna correspondence was Akhenaten aware of? It would seem that one of the court officials, Tutu (or Dudu), may have been bribed to keep some of the letters from the king's attention. How was Pharaoh to know who to believe in the letters from Canaan? They all professed to be his loyal subjects. And without rapid communication, it was hard for him to know who was telling the truth.
What Akhenaten did was a real heresy and revolution in thinking, art, and language that he intended to be good. He gets condemned by modern people for the supposed results of what he did. How was he to know what would happen? There was no guidelines then. Was he supposed to have gotten degrees in Economics, Psychology, Political Science, and Comparative Religion? Where would he have gotten this knowledge, Yale or Oxford? Remember, we're talking 1350 BC, thiry-four centuries ago, over three millenia ago.
As for Nefertiti becoming a king and renamed Smenkare, uh-uh, I don't think so. (Smenkare was a real person, a shadowy royal male who married Meritaten, and probably the half-brother of Akhenaten and Tutankhamen with whom he shared the same mother; his father being Amenhotep III). Has anyone ever considered that in the last years of her husband's reign, Nefertiti may have kept from the public eye for reasons of health? Perhaps her health had failed, and she was ill much of the time. One possible reason could be too many pregnancies too fast. We know that she had six daughters who survived birth, but how many miscarriages and stillbirths did she have?
The thing is that the evidence is too fragmentary to draw many conclusions. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Was there ever a ruler, man or woman, quite as fascinating as Eleanor of Aquitaine? The ruler of France's largest kingdom from the age of 15, Eleanor (1122- 1204) was renowned for beauty, intelligence, and the thoughtful application of power.Her marriage to her second husband, Henry Plantagenet of Normandy, brought her to the English throne; the birth of their sons John Lackland and Richard I Lionheart forever changed the face of medieval European history. Always at the center of her world, Eleanor remains a fascinating figure even today, and Amy Kelly captures the whirlwind of her life in this entrancing biography. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

The definitive biography of Eleanor of Aquitaine
This is a scholarly work that does not attempt to cater to the pop-culture-obsessed masses. If you are looking for a book that is simple and easy-to-read, this one is not for you. Kelly takes an in-depth look at the life of one of the most fascinating people of all time, and she writes for people who already know something about the period. This book was written well before the recent trend towards revisionist and dumbed-down history, and the serious reader is better off for it.

For intelligent and curious readers only
Ms. Kelly's biography of Eleanor is one of the most engaging examples of historical fiction that I have ever read, and as a result, I've re-read this book three times. Ms. Kelly clearly identifies her primary sources and is frank about issues in Eleanor's life that are disputed. She also writes, when appropriate, with a sense of irony that is probably lost on less perceptive readers -- and thus the inappropriate references to "self-righteous" style (an unfortunate misnomer common to those unfamiliar with English in our age of sloppy thinking and writing since the reader probably means "over-wrought" style, which is used in cases where Ms. Kelly is conveying some idea of the weightiness and pomp that are perceptible at courtly occasions. How anyone could be "horrified" by this book is beyond me since that word is more appropriate to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre-type of movie than a fine biography based on scholarship. I think that that particular reader's judgement tells us more about his/her state of mind than it does about this book. Ms. Kelly does us all a great favor by relating something about the huge constellation of important characters who constituted the Renaissance of the 12th Century and who played a role in Eleanor's life. After all, she moved in the most elevated circles of one of the most intriguing eras in history. To those who find it baffling that Ms. Kelly relates information about such key figures as Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbe Suger, Abelard and Heloise, Kings Louis, Philip, Henry, Richard, and John, and that she conveys something about the vast difference in outlook between the "heretical" inhabitants of the langue d'oc versus their couterparts in Paris, I can only ask: why read at all? This was one of the most active periods of philosophical development in the Middle Ages, and Ms. Kelly's discussion of the theological arguments between the nominalists and realists is essential. Perhaps a bit of brushing up on history and philosophy is necessary for some people, and I always have on hand the family trees of the various royal families. How sad that the disgorgement of our public schools seems to have created a demand for dumbing down and stripping out of the very things that go into re-creating the spirit of Eleanor's time. One cannot read a book about this period without having some previous knowledge of history. Otherwise, Ms. Kelly would have had to supply long digressions of instructional material that would have interrupted the story line. In other words, one cannot have a perfect vacuum between one's ears when reading beyond the world of today's political slogans and sport scores.

Great biography but rough read....
This biography will probably ranked in my book, one of the best on Eleanor of Aquitaine next to the one written by Alison Weir. While Weir's book is far more readable, Kelly's book sides with a more scholarly approach. This book wasn't meant for the casual reader but for serious mediveal history readers. With that in mind, I thought the book was well written, superbly researched and provides a great deal of insights as well as cause and effects of Eleanor's presence in history.

If you are serious about understanding Eleanor of Aquitaine, I would strongly recommended this book and the one by Weir as the two books that will covered her life with justice and with completeness.

Incredible research- stilted prose
Anyone who has seen the spectacular "Lion in Winter" can only surmise what the real Eleanor must have been like if she resembled in any way Katherine Hepburn. This weekend vignette captures the essence of this remarkable woman - perhaps the most remarkable of the Middle Ages. Ms. Kelly has obviously undertaken a labor of love with prodigious research, meticulous documentation and references to primary sources. In many ways the scholarship evidenced here is the outstanding feature.

The story is one that is almost familiar - we are in the time of the Crusades, the Normans have conquered England and the Plantagenets are in control. It is simultaneously the story of the rebirth of Britain as an independent political entity. The Aquitaine was a much desired territory with economic, military, religious and historical import. But princess Eleanor did not marry to fuse or protect her kingdom. She apparently possessed a quick, far-reaching mind and knew that a woman in her position could go far.

She was a renaissance woman: Devout (financing Crusades and traveling to the Holy Land), scheming and daring (divorced Louis for the up and coming Henry), politically astute and above all a power broker of the first degree. She grew too powerful for Henry who kept her under a form of house arrest. She then had intrigues with her son, Richard I (the Lion hearted) but finally became undisputed ruler of England in all but name. Lastly she became involved in the affairs of her son John.

The story is more interesting that the writing which is pedantic at times, occasionally stilted and formal, sometimes almost obtuse in its language and references. This is NOT a tale for the unknowing layman since it presumes a knowledge of the early Middle Ages. Despite all this it is an incredible biography - perhaps the best around - of Eleanor.

In praise of Kelly's prose
Amy Kelly packs more infomation and lyricism into one paragraph than most writers do in two pages ... Read more

Book Description

It seems almost unbelievable that 31 August 2002 will mark the fifth anniversary of the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales. In the years that have followed that devastating tragedy, there have been several attempts to rewrite her history, or even to portray her as something other than what she was. In addition, there have been extravagant accusations and conspiracy theories about her fatal accident, all adding to the fog of myth and supposition that has gathered about her memory.

The author of this remarkable memoir was a crucial figure in the Princess's life for many years from 1987. In that time, he became a close friend and trusted confidant who shared her most private moments. His first-hand account takes issue with many of the so-called 'facts' about the Princess that have appeared in books and the media since her death, and provides an affectionate, if not always uncritical, insight into this complex, troubled, but ultimately deeply fascinating woman.

Here is the authentic voice of someone who played an important role in Diana's life, becoming a friend and confidant not only to her, but to her sons as well. It is the voice of a man who is, above all, an exceptionally perceptive observer of the extraordinary events he watched unfold around the Princess during what was perhaps the most crucial period of her life. Packed with anecdotes, his account provides the most intimate portrait of Diana to date, as well as a fitting tribute to one of the outstanding figures of our age. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Finally, equilibrium!!!
I just finished reading Ken Wharfe's wonderful account of his time with Princess Diana. I have read over sixty books on the royal family and this, by far, seems to be the most balanced account of Diana. I never had the opportunity to meet her but I knew that she could not have been as 'off balance' as much as has been presented in the past. Catherine Walker mentioned in her book that Diana had a wonderful sense of humor and Ken Wharfe expounds on that to give us examples of what she found funny and how lighthearted she could be at times. I also was not surprised that she could be a handful at times. While the world knows her past, her indescretions and some of her pain, she never let the British public down when it came to representing the royal family. It always amazed me that she could go from being with the most destitute of people, showing her caring for them, and then be at the most extravagant parties looking as though she was comfortable at both ends of the spectrum. One of the most eye-opening parts of the book is the difference of the protection officer from Scotland Yard and the protection offered by the Al Fayed family. It didn't occur to me until I read this that Mr. Wharfe had the opportunity to stop whatever may have come into play if it could possibly affect the safety of the Princess. He could do so directly with her without having to answer to the royal family since he worked for Scotland Yard. The Al Fayed protection team was hampered by the fact that they worked for their boss and I suppose their primary objective was to make all parties happy along with security and trying to keep their jobs all at the same time. It turned out to be a tragic combination. This is a well balanced book on Diana and Charles. It shows all sides and I hope that someday William and Harry will read it and realize that the author had compassion for their mother and father. I truly believe Mr. Wharfe had the best interest of the Princess in mind when he put pen to paper. I do believe she would have been proud.

Great Read!
I have collected books, magazines,and what not on Princess Diana since her engagement to Charles, and never in the 22 years of collecting have I found a book that is so worth reading! While it gives an insight to the pain and hell Diana was going through while Charles cavorted with Camilla, it also shows how strongly the Princess tried to "make her marriage right" and how only after continual rejection by her husband did she begin her affair with James Hewitt.
This book also shows a loving and devoted father in Charles,and equally shows the strenghts and weaknesses in both the Prince and Princess. It also shows the mischieviousness of William and Harry as well.
If you are looking for a "tell all" book, you will find a bit of that here, but mostly you will find a very balanced, very human look at both Princess Diana and the world in which she lived. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone doing historical research on the Princess and her day to day life.

Worth buying
This book is an excellent, balanced, well-written account of Diana's life and a heartwarming glimpse into Diana's personality. The author has no axe to grind nor is he trying to make a buck by using the most shocking stories he knows. Instead, he has produced a very readable, fun book on Diana. I would not say this is THE one book to buy on the Princess of Wales but if you like to read about Diana, this is probably one of the Top 10. There is plenty of interesting new information to make it worth your time.

Interesting Insight!
I found this book a believable and honest account of Diana's
bodyguard's relationship with her. Enjoyed reading about the
great times and not so great times she shared with this bodyguard
and the difficult job he was required to do. His loyalty is
evident in the book and also his sadness at the end of their
working friendship. Great book!

Interesting Comments About Diana's Life
Ken Warfe's book about Diana Princess of Wales was one of the more balanced and interesting accounts that I have read about her life from 1987 through the mid 90's. He was Diana's body guard provided by Scotland Yard and at one point considered himself to be close confidant for Diana in a professional way. His account neither condones or disapproves of her conduct but objecively describes her life at the time. In it, he tells about her affairs with James Hewitt, James Gilbey and Oliver Hoare yet doesn't divulge seamy details that he may have been aware of. He does a fine job of describing what Diana's life was like at that time in the royal family and how her some of her choices were effected by Prince Charles actions, particulary, his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. He doesn't make excuses for Diana's actions some of which are very immature but impartially describes the scene and the people involved. Wharfe doesn't deny that his job was difficult at times. In fact, he is very open about Diana's complex character. He describes a woman who can be very difficult yet fun to be with, manipulating and needy yet extremely caring and selfless, a person obsessed with being in the spotlight yet wanting a "normal" life. I felt that her bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, captured her life for that time period in a well thought out, easy to read and balanced presentation about one of the most fascinating people of this century. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not just Elizabeth but why she matters
Anne Barton, an emerita Cambridge, England professor of literature and history, called this book 'scholarly, wide-ranging, lively and witty', and she doesn't give out praise lightly: she also described it as 'a fascinating cultural history of England itself in terms of its obsession with Anne Boleyn's resilient daughter.' This was in the London Review of Books, which rarely gets that sort of thing wrong, so I bought it. And she was dead right. This is a stunning book -- broadens your whole sense of history. And such a joy and a stimulant to read. I can't think how they'll ever follow it, but thank goodness they wrote it.

Gloriana in all her posthumous glory!
This is a dazzling piece of cultural history about all the things people have wanted to be true about Elizabeth I whether they are or not, with fantastic pictures drawn from the plays and novels and movies in which her endlessly glamorous afterlife has been lived. It's a great book about why this enigmatic, dangerous woman matters and has mattered: it's funny, it's heartfelt, and it's scholarly too. Perfect for the thinking Glenda Jackson/Bette Davis/Cate Blanchett fan in your life, and a penetrating, witty meditation on fame, womanhood, and history. ... Read more

Book Description

The romance between Joséphine de Beauharnais and Napoléon Bonaparte is one of the most dramatic in history, but the crucial role this beautiful, intelligent woman played in their partnership has never before been completely acknowledged. In this spirited biography, rich in detail and anecdote, Eleanor DeLorme brings the exotic empress to life, revealing how greatly Napoléon confided in "his incomparable Joséphine" and depended on her sense of style to set the tone of his empire. An important patron of the arts, Joséphine collected works of the highest quality, and her exquisite and extravagant taste was admired and adopted all over the Empire. Along with portraits of the empress, her family, and numerous dignitaries, this elegant book contains many period images of significant events in Joséphine's life. Based on a close study of the couple's letters, the memoirs of Joséphine's two children, and other primary sources, DeLorme's delightful text describes all the amazing facets of this fascinating figure. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Read also "The Emperor's Lady" by F.W. Kenyon
My fascination with the Empress Josephine began with "The Emperor's Lady" by F.W. Kenyon. It was published in 1952. Mrs. DeLorme's book sounds like a good complement to this book, with its indepth commentary on Josephine's impact on art, fashion, and her insights into Josephine as a contributing partner to Napoleon's career. If you like historical fiction, you will also enjoy "The Emperor's Lady".

New Insight to this Historical Figure
This was a Christmas gift from my in-laws and a real treasure that is hard to put down.

Despite Delorme love affair with the French she is surprisingly honest in this biography of Josephine. There are many interesting insights into this strong female figure, both politically and personally. For instance she is quite a bit like Abigail Adams in that both women were true partners to their spouses political positions and worked deligently on their behalf. Josephine was also a single mother for sometime and realised to late in life that Napolean was the love of her life.

All in all, this is a comfortable read and a great gift idea.

New Insight to this Historical Figure
This was a fabulous Christmas gift from my in-laws and is a rather addictive read.

Josephine, via DeLorme, is not whom you have traditionally accepted nor, as was anticipated, was she drawn completely out of proportion by DeLorme admiration for her and France in particular. Instead you find this book lays out some interesting facts about Josephine that I found interesting [the visual of her cool attitude to Napolean, who loved her deeply, out of self-preservation and continued until it was too late and he was forced to divorce her]. Quite the struggling single mom there for a while and, as with Abigal Adams, a strength behind the power whilst she was there. Like I said, not at all whom you have learned about before now.

This is an easy read, not at all text book in style, and yet you are reading about an interesting part of history and some of the major figures involved.

If you know someone who loves biographies this is not one to pass over. ... Read more

Book Description

A genius, a beauty, a leader, and a manipulator, Elizabeth I has fascinated and enthralled her public for centuries. The era that bears her name was the most exciting and dazzling in England's history.Witty, cruel, brave, and cantankerous, Elizabeth fascinated and exasperated her intimates, and when she died in 1603 at the age of seventy, she was at the height of her public popularity. Christopher Hibbert's masterful biography introduces a new generation of readers, aware of the challenges women face in wielding power, to perhaps history's greatest monarch.He has given readers today a reason to appreciate and marvel at one of the most remarkable women who has ever lived.

"[Hibbert] never writes a dull or an incomprehensible page...the details of [this book] are often brilliantly illuminating."(Antonia Fraser) ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A somewhat laborious book, with little insight to Elizabeth
Perhaps I was expecting too much of this book when I began reading it; I had hoped that this work would provide an interesting and intimate portrait of Elizabeth, as well as a clear account of the contributions of her reign. However, the book did not succeed at doing either. The book provides some interesting events of the period, but too often keeps the reader at a distance from the Queen. Through cumbersome and lengthy sentences, and boring verbiage, the author loses the reader in the reader's attempt to maintain an interest in the life of Elizabeth I. Having finished the book, I reflected on what I had learned about Elizabeth and found that I had more questions about events that were discussed in the book, than I did before I read the author's account of those events.

I highly recommend that any reader looking for a detailed and balanced account of Queen Elizabeth I look elsewhere.

An excellent fact-based story on Queen Elizabeth I
This was a hard book to put down! It is filled with interesting facts about the English monarchy. Christopher Hibbert does an excellent job giving the reader a feel for what life was like during the reign of Elizabeth I. After reading this book, I learned much about this very unusual woman and gained a better understanding of how her strength, intelligence, and cunning enabled her to command the respect and love of her people. Christopher Hibbert also reveals a very fascinating human side to a legendary, historical figure. I highly recommend this book to lovers of English history.

a good read for those who are interested in Elizabeth I
This is a biography of Elizabeth I, The Virgin Queen. And that's exactly what it is. Queen Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry the VIII is a legend, which Mr. Hibbert attempts to address. Often, this is a dry and, at times, tedious read. However, the details of Elizabeth's physical appearance, politics, and idiosyncracies are extremely interesting. The author details life with Elizabeth and her court, including both of the Queen Marys, Robert Dudley, Sirs Walter Raleigh and William Cecil and others.

The time line is obscure - Mr. Hibbert jumps around quite a bit and it can be confusing to the reader that isn't paying exacting attention. I wouldn't recommend it to a casual reader looking for a lot of melodrama and action. But, all in all, this is a good read for those who are interested in Elizabeth I.

A good Introduction to Elizabeth I
I've been a fan of Hibbert's historical works for many years and this is a solid one-volume introduction to a woman whose fascinating life almost seems made for the movies (as it frequently has been). However, specialists in Elizabeth should be aware this is definitely an introduction and does not go into the depth that authors like Alison Plowden bring to their multiple volumes. And I did find - having read a great many books on Elizabeth - that there was an indefinable quality to Hibbert's work that became slightly irksome. In the early 20th century and before, it was standard convention to write about Elizabeth's prevarication, her changes of mood and occasional bad temper, and the despair of her (all male) counselors, as a typical example of an emotional women who happened to be queen. I've even read volumes which imply that Elizabeth's reputation is largely due to her male council keeping her feminine weaknesses under control. Only in the past decades has that slightly condescending tone been dropped and Elizabeth seen for the statesman she was (albeit, still a difficult woman!) I detected the slightest hint of that condescension in Hibbert's book, particularly in his later chapters dealing with Elizabeth's agonies in deciding how to deal with Mary Queen of Scots. For that reason only, I rate it a "4" and not a "5." With that slight caveat, an excellent introduction overall.

Not just a boring bio
For those interested in the life of Queen Elizabeth, I recommend this biography. Unlike a cold interpretation, Hibbert allows us an accounting that reads fairly easily with descriptive details lively enough to keep the pages turning. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sleek and sophisticated like the princess herself, Diane Clehane's Diana: The Secrets of Her Style thoroughly analyzes the princess's role as an international fashion icon. Through interviews with Diana's designers and stylists, original sketches by her designers, and more than 100 photographs, Secrets details Diana's evolution from a dowdy, plain schoolgirl to a Versace-touting diva who harnessed the power of glamour to achieve humanitarian goals. Broken into four stages of development, Clehane's book interweaves behind-the-scenes anecdotes with Diana's public image. When the princess wore shimmering, crescent-shaped earrings to meet the leaders of Saudi Arabia, for example, the press reported that the earrings were an extravagant, costly gift from her hosts. In truth, the striking accessory was merely costume jewelry she bought for less than $40 at a popular department store. Another telling insight comes from Diana's hairdresser, Richard Dalton, who styled the princess's coif differently for the state opening of Parliament in 1984: "It knocked the Queen off the front page," and stayed in the headlines for days afterwards. Subsequently, Diana and Dalton were careful about making any changes to her lush locks, for fear of taking limelight from the royals and creating political rifts. --Rebekah Warren ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Author Captures Diana's "Style"
More than just a "fashion parade" of Diana's clothes, this book captures the real essence of the Princess of Wales herself as seen via what she wore. The author, DianeClehane, admits that she is a great fan of thePrincess, yet she gives an honest account of Diana's transformation fromunknown nursery-school teacher to international superstar. She candidlypoints out "fashion mistakes" that the Princess made along theway in her public life while also leading the reader to an understandingthat Diana's "style" was so much more than her clothes.

Dianahad a figure and height which enabled her to wear clothes beautifully, buteven more important than that is the personality which shone forth. It isthis which Ms. Clehane has successfully revealed in the pages of this book.She has, with grace and eloquence, drawn the line between fashion and styleand shown that the clothes did not make Diana. Diana made the clothes.

This is a great book.
In the Foreward, the author writes, "DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES, WAS ONE OF FASHION'S BRIGHTEST STARS.She found a way to articulate something all women instinctively know:our clothes speak more fluently - andhonestly - about ourselves that words ever could.While Diana popularizedpearl chokers, designer handbags and short hair, her greatest contributionto fashion was her intuitive understanding of the power of style.It was agift she used wisely.

"Diana made us believe in transformation andreinvention and she did it through the clothes she wore.Her emotionallife was mirrored by her appearance.Her journey from a ratherordinary-looking kindergarten teacher to Her Royal Highness to a stunning,independent single woman was rifle with images every woman could relate to. To women of all ages who grew up believing in fairy-tale endings, Diana inher unabashedly romantic wedding dress was the embodiment of a modern dayCinderella.In her short black cocktail dress worn as 'revenge dressing'to upstage her unfaithful husband and strike at those who underestimatedher, she became a role model for embattled survivors.In photographs whichcaptured her toned body dashing off to the gym in colorful workout closthes( the same ones we own!),she represented the physical ideal of theninties:radiantly healthy, sensual and strong.

"Many of us saw ourown reflection in Diana.When she exchanged ball gowns and tiaras forsimple suits and straight hair, we recognized - the idealized version ofourselves - in her.We wanted to be like her, and she, it seemed, wantedto be like us.That is the essence of her appeal:Diana wasEverywoman.

"...Ultimately, Diana was not a woman that could ever becompletely understood.Complicated and simple, outwardly sophisticated andemotionally naive, she was - so we made ourselves believe - just like us. In truth, she was like no one else in the world."

Diana had thatinnate ability of putting clothing, colors, and accessories together whichothers dared not to try.She possessed a sense of style in clothing and incolors which always seemed to complement her surroundings regardless ofwhere she was.In short, Diana looked elegant in everything she wore, andshe always chose clothes that clearly conveyed respect for her hosts.Asthe most enduring fashion icon of the modern age, Diana was the woman thatmillions of women wanted to look at and look like, but unfortunately, therewill never be another Princess of Wales like her.

This is a great bookand a must for all who collect book on Diana, Princess of Wales.

A stylish and substantive tribute
I own all the books written about Princess Diana and this one is very special. Yes, the writer is a fan but I think it adds something to the sincerity of the text. It seems Ms. Clehane spent a great deal of timeresearching her subject and got some very touching material from those whoknew her well.

The photos are beautiful (many that I've never seenbefore) and the sketches are very interesting, too. I love the tribute thatMs. Clehane wrote in the introduction of the book. She expresses herfeelings beautifully.

I found all the stories to be accurate. And as forerrors, I found several in the Georgina Howell book that was $10 more.

This book has a lovely spirit.

A gushing tribute by a fan, for fans.
Currently there are about four different books on the market focussing on the fashions of the Princess of Wales. This one was written by a fan, and it suffers for that; the text is gushing and adoring, and just repeatsstories told elsewhere. It also needed a good edit--notice the typos andmisspelling of "Dutchess" [sic].

For more thoughtful text (andthe same pictures), buy Georgina Howell's book.

nothing new here
Add this gushing paean to the Diana beatification movement. It's nicelyproduced with pretty photos and some designer sketches you may not haveseen before, but the text is a rehash (some appear to be incorrect if thefirst versions I read of them are accurate) well-documemnted Dianaanecdotes. I was really ready to like this book, but was disappointed--no"secrets" revealed within. sorry. ... Read more

Book Description

One of the most colorful characters in modern history, Catherine II of Russia began her life as a minor German princess, until the childless Empress Elizabeth and Catherine's own scheming mother married her off to the Grand Duke Peter of Russia at age sixteen. By thirty-three, she had overthrown her husband in a bloodless coup and established herself as Empress of the multinational Russian Empire, the largest territorial political unit in modern history.

Portrayed both as a political genius who restored to Russia the glory it had known in the days of Peter the Great and as a despotic foreign adventuress who usurped the Russian throne, murdered her rivals, and tyrannized her subjects, she was, by all accounts, an extraordinary woman. Catherine the Great, the first popular biography of the empress based on contemporary scholarship, provides a vivid portrait of Catherine as a mother, a lover, and, above all, an extremely savvy ruler. Concentrating on her long reign (1762-96), John Alexander examines all aspects of Catherine's life and career:the brilliant political strategies by which she won the acceptance of a nationalistic elite;her expansive foreign policy;the domestic reforms with which she revamped the Russian military, political structure, and economy; and, of course, her infamous love life.

Beginning with an account of the dramatic palace revolt by which Catherine unseated her husband and a background chapter describing the circumstances of her early childhood and marriage, Alexander then proceeds chronologically through the thirty-four years of her reign. Presenting Catherine in more human terms than previous biographers have, Alexander includes numerous quotations from her reminiscences and notes.We learn, for instance, not only the names and number of her lovers, but her understanding of what many considered a shocking licentiousness."The trouble is," she wrote, "that my heart would not willingly remain one hour without love."

The result of twenty years' research by one of America's leading narrative historians of modern Russia, this truly impressive work offers a much-needed, balanced reappraisal of one of history's most scandal-ridden figures. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Enlightened Despot?
This is a scholarly work, telling of the life of Catherine II of Russia in one relatively short volume. The author covers court intrigues and domestic and foreign policy in an economic, yet informative style. He leaves the examination of the more sensationalist stories surrounding Catherine for the final chapter, attempting to debunk the weirder myths.

The most interesting parts of the book were the ones in which Alexander concentrates on the nature of government in eighteenth century Russia: Catherine's hold on power was never really sure -there was constant rivalry from her own family, from courtiers and the armed forces. Indeed, Catherine achieved power via a coup against her own husband, Peter III.

It's also a study of "enlightened despotism" - Alexander portrays Catherine as being relatively progressive (at least in intent), and gives her credit for reforms. Yet Russia was light years removed from anything which might be termed liberal in the modern sense. Rule was the prerogative of a small social class. The French Revolution came as a considerable shock, yet Russia was not immune from class turmoil: the Pugachov uprising being the main one. Perhaps this highlighted how Russia and other states depended on coercion and disempowerment of the mass of their own people for social stability. I felt that the author could have examined this in more depth than he did.

An interesting, balanced and serious study.

G Rodgers

Good but not Great
This is a good book to read to get a handle on the reign of Catherine the Great and late 18th C. Russia. Alexander covers the court intrigues, the attempts at reform, the complexities of foreign policy. He also avoids treating Catherine's personal life in a sensationalistic way.

So if you read this book, you will learn a lot. On the other hand, the book doesn't really come to life in the way Massie's "Peter the Great" or Avrich's "Russian Rebels" did. It is recommended only to those with a serious interest in the time of Catherine, such as students, and not the casual reader.

The book wasn't great!
I have read several books on the history of Russia, like Peter the Great, and the Romanovs, but this book frankly bored me. The author definetly knows his stuff about Catherine, but I got so tired of reading about all the political stuff in this book. I wanted to know more about her personal life, more details about her comings and goings, not about how she ruled her Russian cabinet officers. Also the use of vocabulary was way over my head, so it made it hard to enjoy reading because many times I needed to get the dictionary, and I feel I have a fairly good vocabulary. I would not recommend this book unless you want to know about Russian administration in her time.

Catherine the Great: Rent the Movie
I have read history books more interesting than this book. When i purchased the book i thought that it would be an interesting work. The book started off interesting. Then, as it progressed it got worse. Rent the movie. It would be much better. Trust me.

The Best Biography of Catherine II I've Seen
Alexander does a marvelous job retelling history without sensationalizing it. Many past biographers undertaking the job of writing about Catherine the Great have often focused too much on her sexuality, rather than her political prowess. John T. Alexander, however, thoroughly examines the political and cultural context of her life, and refuses to insult the reader's intelligence by dishing gossip or repeating long-held opinions. Having read four other biographies of Catherine the Great, I can assure you this one is probably the best. Impartial, informative, and interesting. ... Read more

Book Description

Edward I--one of the outstanding monarchs of the English Middle Ages--pioneered legal and parliamentary change in England, conquered Wales, and came close to conquering Scotland.A major player in European diplomacy and war. with Philip IV a decade later.This book is the definitive account of a remarkable king and his long and significant reign.Widely praised when it was first published in 1988, it is now reissued with a new introduction and updated bibliographic guide. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Excellent biography on one of England's best rulers
Along with J.R. Maddicott's biography on Simon de Montfort, I would put this biography as one of the best biographies written for historical figures of this time period. Good thing is, they both compliment each other well.

Michael Prestwich's work proves to be superbly researched, highly informative and above all for me, very readable. It does help to have some previous reading on the subject since Edward I had a long career from his teen age years and it kept going until he died. The thick book covers all aspects of Edward's long and colorful life in richness of details and facts.

In this book, you will not see Edward Longshank of that movie, Braveheart, which probably did its outmost to ruined the reputation of this great ruler. In this book, the reader will understand why many regards Edward I as one of England's greatest rulers, easily in the top five, maybe the top three!!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this subject and had read on this material before. Good background reading would be helpful in getting the most out of this book. Written by a great scholar for other scholars or "scholar want to be".

excellent look into Longshanks' life
This books is so rich in historical fact and details, drawn from medieval records of that period. For someone wanting more than the superficial, this book supplies it, showing Edward in a scholarly fashion rather than the usual pro or con look. It's very details in what it cost to run Longshanks' kingship, right down the wars against Wales and Scotland.

Very balanced in presentation and offers us a deep insight into the man who remade England, conquered the Welsh and Irish, fought France and faced the rise of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

Highly recommended.

scholarly exposition of the memorable reign
Edward I (Yale English Monarchs) by Michael Prestwich is an extremely well researched, cross-referenced and influential book on the subject of early Plantagenet history. Drawn on the original records of the age (late 13th, early 14th century) is portrays different achievements of the productive reign - Edward a Lawgiver, Edward a Warrior in Scotland and France, Edward a Family Men, Edward a Diplomat, and ... of course Edward loosing his temper. Especially well presented are the accounts of the Household and Exchequer, and a review of Parliamentary activities of Edward. Books somewhat dry tone is justified by extensive reference collection. A great first scholarly introduction to one of the most important reigns in British history.

Informative, but DRY
A bit dull, but likely the best researched volume available on E1. I would recommend this title more for scholarly use than for the "armchair historian", as I think it would fail to hold the attention of any but the most devoted reader. Contemporary documentation dealing with the private Edward must be quite limited, so reliance upon administrative documentation is inevitable, but it makes the work less than personable. Prestwich's, "The Three Edwards", though grander in scope actually seems to hone in better on the personalities of the subject (and his son and grandson, to boot!) That being said, I doubt one could find a more detailed and comprehensive study.

Competent, albeit unmemorable.
Undoubtedly well researched and competently presented, I was left with the wish that the author had leavened his work with an occasional touch of humor. Only my deep interest in English history kept me going to the end, especially through long descriptions of the activities of the king's household that could have cured insomnia. Considering the inglorious end to the reign of his son, Edward II, an epilog chapter to Edward I's biography would have been welcome, or at least more attention paid to the relationship between the latter and his heir. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An Uncommon View of Royalty
Childhood at Court is an entertaining look at the lives of royal children at the British Court from 1819 to 1914, roughly the lifespan of Queen Victoria and her son Edward VII. There have been innumerable biographies of Queen Victoria and her children, but none that have focussed only on their childhoods. This book therefore fills a gap, and does so with an interesting, fresh style which makes use of plenty of anecdotes, some well known, others more obscure. I was interested to come across some of these stories, because I have read many histories and biographies of the period, and many of Van der Kiste's anecdotes were brand new. Both Queen Victoria and her son Edward VII had childhoods best described as dysfunctional, but its interesting to see how the future king seems to have learned from his parents' mistakes and given his own children a happier upbringing. Queen Victoria also seems to have mellowed as she grew older, and its nice to read about the antics her younger grandchildren and great-grandchildren were allowed to get away with, like slapping the Queen's hand and saying "Naughty Grandmamma!!"

This is a nice addition to anyone's library of books about royals or books about children.

Very interesting!
This book was so interesting! Enough has certainly been written about Queen Victoria that you'd think yet another biograpy of her and her family is not what the world needs: but this book is very much true to its title in concentrating on Victoria's childhood, that of her children, and that of her grand-children. People say that Childhood was invented in the Victorian period, and it is fascinating to see how an ultra-priveledged upbringing changed in the 100 years that this book covers. Even the changes that took place while Victoria's children were growing up is fascinating: the eldest daughter was married to a German prince at age 15, while her youngest daughter didn't marry until she was in her late 20's!

I definately recomend this book to anyone who is interested in british royal history, or the history of childhood. Since Victoria's children married all over Europe, anyone who is interested in European history would also find this book well worth a read. Since it is not too long and not too dry, it would also be a good book for a teenager or young person who is ready for adult non-fiction, but wants something that they can relate to.

Luck of Birth
I found this book an enthralling read from start to finish. It transported me through time to the Victorian and Edwardian eras - a fascinating study of the lives of the matriarchal Queen Victoria, her children and grandchildren.
John Van der Kiste paints a vivid picture of the lifestyle of the aristocracy. I couldn't help comparing their lives to the poverty-stricken living in squalor, but that is for a different book.

The book begins with the story of Queen Victoria's own childhood which it goes into in some detail. It shows how she developed from a shy and insular young girl to a matriarch of the first order. We are then taken through the early married life of the Queen and the Prince Consort and the birth of each of their nine children.

There is a lot of fascinating detail in this book about the family life of the Queen. There are many anecdotes about the children, and although contact between parent and child was much less than we would have in a modern day family, it is plain that Victoria and Albert were loving and devoted parents who took a keen interest in the development of their children.

As time progresses we are introduced to the Queen's grandchildren and great grandchildren. It is interesting to read of the contrast in the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra as parents, as unlike Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as you could wish. They were much more lively and fun loving and this really comes across as you read further.
There are some wonderful anecdotes about King Edward and his grandchildren. His geniality sparkles from the page.

There seems to have been an about turn with George V who was a much more distant parent. It was interesting to read about all his children, as one usually hears most about the two brothers who later became King.

If you like English or European history you will find this book fascinating. It gives a flavour of the time and is eminently readable without being too heavy, even when going into politics, and without being frothy.
It is fascinating to learn of the inter-personal relationships within this massive family descending from one remarkable lady.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and felt that the individuals almost leapt from the page. I understood far more about them and their role in England's future having read it.

To make a history book riveting takes a particular talent and this author seems to have this in abundance. John Van der Kiste has a talent for getting right into a subject so that you can really imagine that you are there as an observer.

I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, shook the world. No one who lived through those days in the late summer of 1997 will ever forget the unprecedented outpourings of grief, shock, and anger that followed. And in the days leading up to her funeral, it seemed as if the whole of humanity had spontaneously united to mourn her loss.But who was this young woman who had come to symbolize so much to so many? How was it that she could reach out to touch lives not only of whole communities but individuals, too? What lay behind her inspiration-and what will be the lasting impact of her legacy?No book yet written about Diana has come close to the person so many people speak of as having been a beacon of light in their lives. Here, for the first time, is the Diana that many of those closest to her knew.Written with the full cooperation of the late princess's estate, Diana: The Portrait tells Diana's story through her own words and the words of people, both famous, and, until now, unknown. Beautifully designed, it is a lavishly illustrated with nearly 500 images of Diana, including many pictures never previously published, taken from sources including the Spencer family archive, the Althorp Museum, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund archive, and the private collections of the friends, charities, and individuals whose lives she touched.Drawing on over 200 original interviews, including those of family members and friends, many of whom have never spoken before, this remarkable book will stand as a unique and lasting testament to the life and work of one of the extraordinary and enduring icons of the 20th century. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Watching Queen Elizabeth place flowers at a makeshift memorial to Dianain 1997, journalist (and renowned Nixon-basher) William Shawcross sympathizedwith the often misunderstood monarch: "I thought how lonely she must feel, andhow perplexed she must be by the vast changes through which Britain has passedin the decades since her accession."

The U.K. is now not quite so united, not quite so British, not nearly sopowerful as it was in the time of her father, George VI. Elizabeth has struckmany observers as a lonely, aloof soul, struggling valiantly to hold a difficultfamily together while assuring her nation that the constitutional monarchyremains relevant in the modern world.

Over half a century of rule, Shawcross suggests, the queen has risen to everyoccasion and capably led both the British Commonwealth and the royal family,even if both have given her plenty of troubles in the bargain. This well-writtenand nicely illustrated portrait does a fine job of showing the many ways she hasearned the affections, respect, and consent of her people. --GregoryMcNamee ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Simply Brilliant!
I read the book in one sitting, and while it covers all a book can given the enormity of its subject, I was left wanting more. Give the author credit for capturing a remarkable monarch.

Shattering the Myth of Monarchy
Those who believe that the institution of monarchy is archaic and serves no purpose in the modern nation-state might find Mr. Shawcross's book somewhat suprising. Employing a succinct writing style, Mr. Shawcross provides his reader with a fascinating glimpse into the woman who, by accident of birth and unforseen dynastic events, has occupied the throne of Great Britain for half a century and who, in a quiet, unassuming way, has exacted considerable influence over the politics of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and world. This book shows the error in characterizing the Queen as a mere figurehead. Indeed, her role as confidant to prime ministers, the political knowledge and wisdom she has acquired through her lengthy tenure as sovereign, her ability to lead by example, and her steadfast willingness to dedicate her life to the service of her nation and the Commonwealth, combine to produce a portrait of a woman who is anything but a token head of state.

This book successfully argues the case for monarchy. Politicians, scandals, and events come and go, but there, above it all, remains the Queen.

A Clear, Thorough Bio
I found this book very interesting. I suggest all Britons campaigning for a republic read this book. It proves how influential and important the monarchy really is. It also proves what a brilliant woman Elizabeth II is and how she has come to embody the ideal constitutional monarch. What I found most interesting is her actual involvement in British (and many Commonwealth) affairs. Most Americans think of her as a mere figurehead who opens up hospitals here and there. This is far from the truth. As she is probably the most experienced diplomat in Britain, her sage counsel to Prime Ministers has proven invaluable. I urge those who pass off Elizabeth as dispensable to read this book and see how indispensable she really is. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An Awsome and Orginal Piece
If you love the Tudors, and you already have your basic facts down, you'll really enjoy this orignial look at Henry VIII. Profesor Smith allows a look at Henry VIII as a person, revealing a personality that may have belonged to this great King. Definately worth the read.

sucked
sucke

Easily the best biography of the mercurial Tudor monarch
More than four centuries after his death, Henry VIII remains one of the most fascinating monarchs in English history. As a result, numerous biographies have been written about him - and his equally famous six wives. But only Lacey Baldwin Smith's biography does justice to both subject and reader. He avoids the easy trap of portraying Henry as a misogynistic tyrant who twisted religion and politics in the pursuit of personal gratification. Such a treatment, sadly popular in current biographies, is an insult to any student of history. Instead, Smith brings Henry alive in the context of the turbulent sixteenth-century; he is seen as both man and king, troubled soul and tyrannical monarch. When you have finished this brilliant and learned work, you will have a new and profound understanding of Reformation England - and its contradictory leader. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Overall, well-balanced and a worthwhile read
As a Diana-partisan, I was prepared to dislike this book because it was written by an author who is a friend of Prince Charles. To my delight, I found the book to be an interesting, even-handed account of the very human foibles of two people and not a biased excuse for Prince Charles. (Well, not quite--Benson did try that tired excuse that Diana tricked the naive Charles into marriage, but he made only the weakest attempt at it.) For that reason and for the interesting insight this book contains, I recommend it. The only reason why I didn't give the book a higher rating is the few minor factual errors that should have been caught by a good proof-reader knowledgeable in the history of the British Royal family. ... Read more