No comments about The Lives of Thomas Becket (Manchester Medieval Sources).

2 comments about The Death of Oliver Cromwell.

1. I disagree with Jay Freeman's assessment of this book. The author meticulously reconstructs Cromwell's last days and reveals the royalist Dr. Bate's account as a tissue of lies and misrepresentations. While the verdict might well be a Scotch one (that is, "not proven"), McMains makes a strong if not absolutely convincing case for poisoning.



2. While it is true that the case might not hold up in court, I found this an interesting read and would recommend it to anyone interested in cromwell.

No comments about Lawrence of Arabia: The Selected Letters.

No comments about William Shakespeare (Biography Audiobooks).

No comments about Charles II and the Duke of Buckingham: The Merry Monarch and the Aristocratic Rogue.

2 comments about Strange Adventures of the Dangerous Sports Club.

1. I have never read a better explanation into what drives people to extremes of sensation. I have rarely laughed so loud. Martin's low key style well serves a high key content. In their own words, those who were involved in the wonderful adventures of the dangerous sports club describe events that made extreme sports an artform. Martin provides the background, memories and the ongoing story as the club and its members ultimately lurch into obscurity. If you have the least imagination, you will laugh and be inspired.



2. Were these good-natured loons on a death wish or life wish? You decide. A must read for any armchair traveler (or anyone who has strapped balloons on an armchair and traveled). Mr Lyster writes a mean cool prose.

No comments about Henry VIII: A European Court in England.

5 comments about Lloyd George and Churchill: How Friendship Changed History.

1. This book was a terrible compolation of ridiculous fact and capricious opinion. The author, clearly a pompous man, makes enormously random and unfounded claims. His theories are ignorant and foolish, accompanied by tedious and gramatically poor writing. Truly an atrocious piece of writing.



2. As a professor of political science at Columbia University it is shocking to see that such a terribly written and outrageous theory could be published. This book is a disgrace to the field and should be noted as the most aweful piece of writing I have ever had the displeasure to read. The author believes himself infallible and is clearly suffering from delusions if he could seriously consider this as a serious piece of academic literature. Overall, the worst historical interpretation ever written.



3. I have to agree with the other two reviewers. This is one of the silliest books that I have ever read. The grammar and syntax in this book are lamentable and it is extremely boring. This truly is some of the worst writing I've ever read. My advice is to run from any book that this man has the audacity to publish. Hardly a scholar and nowhere near being a writer, this author should truly give up!!



4. Not only is this the most boring book on the market but it is absolutely ridiculous. Historical facts are completely incorrect,(...)Worst of all, the grammar and vocabulary used in the book are just plain aweful. I have no idea how this book ever got published. Please go get your eyebrows waxed before reading this sad, painful garbage.



5. For as long as I can remember, I have had an interest in the biographies of great statesmen. I wanted to read about the lives of the men that have changed the world and understand what made them unique, what gave them the ability to be such influential historical figures. But reading about the bare-bones facts of a person's life does not reveal their inner motives; it does not tell the reader what forces drove these men to lead such influential lives. It was not until I read Rintala's book about the friendship between Churchill and Lloyd George that I discovered the missing link: combining psychology with biography. Not only does this book give the reader a fascinating perspective into the relationship between these two men, it tells the reader what forces shaped their personalities. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seriously interested in understanding the lives of two of the most powerful people of the 20th century. If you think you know the lives of Lloyd George or Winston Churchill by reading other biographies, your understanding of these two men will not be complete until you have read this book.

5 comments about Richard Branson, Virgin King: Inside Richard Branson's Business Empire.

1. I was given this book as I'm a great fan of Richard Branson. I used to think - "Wow, what a great man". Now I think - "Hmm, what an interesting guy - I'd like to chat with him over a beer!". The book is well written and held my attention well, The author at first paints a picture of Richard as a somewhat ruthless man, but by the end of the book it is easy to see that the author has an admiration for him which goes beyond his ability to make a million. The book is also an interesting insight into the workings of the music and airline industries. If you have a strong opinion about Richard Branson, love him or hate him, I'd recommend this book.



2. Richard..Iam the only Arabian RnB, Soul and blues singer in UK and globally too! You have one talented artist here who has gutts too and faith in himself but need help..forget financing me..just hear me sing email me please and let us talk...



3. Though Branson's achievements are impressive and many, the book is heavy with praise and lacks the depth and detail I was interested in reading about.



4. A good book detailing the rise and riches of Richard Branson. A truly good book for entrepreneurs.



5. I'm with the above Arabian Night.
   I'd like to make dinner with you and dance real slow.
   But I would be happy with a job and honored to serve you :)
   What'd yah say, big boy?

1 comments about Scientist, Soldier, Statesman, Spy: Count Rumford : The Extraordinary Life of a Scientific Genius.

1. I have not yet read this book; the above star rating is arbitrarily placed to make it possible to post this note and should not be taken seriously. I am sorry to note, however, that the publisher's ignorance of their own product is made evident in the following quote from their review, above: "This is the first book to examine the life of this brilliant but difficult man." That is certainly not so. The late eminent scientist and scholar, Sanborn C. Brown, wrote two biographies of Rumford: "Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford," intended for the serious reader, and "Count Rumford, Physicist Extraordinary," a shorter version intended for the younger reader that, inter alia, omits some of the details of Rumford's extensive sexual adventures. Both are excellent (and the first, at least, is listed by Amazon.) In addition, there are at least half a dozen older biographies of Rumford, ranging from good to boring, and dated beginning about 1845. Rumford's complete works have been published in five volumes. Volume 5 deals with his social innovations, and is fascinating and entertaining reading even for the technically unsophisticated reader.