1 comments about The King's Wife: George IV and Mrs Fitzherbert.

1. marie never let any man make a victim out her.the prince of wale was a spoiled brat who fell more in love with her than she in him.she survived 2 husband befor prince of wales lost heart to her.she made sure she got a wedding ring own her finger even with her marriage to the prince being illegal in the eyes of the crown.in the end her place in prince life change she made sure her and her childern recieve money to live comfortable lives from the crown.

2 comments about Wrestling with God: The Story of My Life.

1. This is a wonderfully candid reflection on the life of one of the 20th century's theological trailblazers. Readers of Lloyd Geering's many books will know that whilst he was Principal of the Knox Theological College (Presbyterian) in sleepy Dunedin, New Zealand, he was charged with heresy for writing a paper that reinterpreted the story of the resurrection of Jesus in a symbolic fashion. At his church trial in 1967 he was exonerated of the charge. He soon published an expanded version of his thoughts in "God in the New World".
   
   The strength of "Wrestling With God" is that Geering gives us (for the first time) a complete background to the development and maturing of his theological ideas. By the early 1970s Geering was effectively forced to resign from the Presbyterian church, realising that if he were to change people's thinking about God it would have to be outside the traditional religious context. Accepting an offer from Victoria University in Wellington, Geering became the first Professor of Religious Studies in a secular New Zealand university. For the next decade and a half, Geering exercised a key role in the development of a superb department dedicated to the study of all religions from a humanist perspective.
   
   Geering continues to live in good health and has published a series of excellent books (including "Tomorrow's God") to inspire those of us who consider ourselves to be exiled from the church. He is an active member of the Sea of Faith movement, a good friend of radical theologian Don Cupitt and has close links with the Westar Institute in California.



2. This book tells a man's story, from childhood in the Depression to high honour in his native New Zealand. He proved a bright student and became a Presbyterian minister, whose studies of modern scholarship brought conflict with those who took biblical stories literally. A trial for heresy ensued. He was vindicated, but moved to teaching religious studies at university level.
   Two other themes warm this story and inform it: the author's family life and his growing concern for the environment.
   This is a book to encourage many (but especially those of a Christian background) who seek a modern way of faith.

5 comments about The Diana I Knew: Loving Memories of the Friendship Between an American Mother and Her Son's Nanny Who Became the Princess of Wales.

1. I've read most of the Diana books on the market, and this one is my all time favorite. The warmth, candor, and respect that Mrs. Robertson uses in describing her ongoing relationship with the late former Princess of Wales is refreshing (who else treats Diana with dignity anymore, anyway?), well paced (I can stay into it, even on the treadmill), and wholly respectable (staying exclusively in the realm of what Mrs. Robertson herself saw, learned, or experienced, and not crossing the line into lurid speculation, armchair psychology, or maudlin reflection). This is an idea purchase or gift with anyone having an interest in Diana, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly as a sweet (I know it's an overused word, but it's the RIGHT word) tribute to the relationship from one mother to another and their friendship which spanned 17 years.



2. I guess that I'd have to give this book about 3 1/2 stars if I could do that, it's an interesting little book to read. Written by Mary Robertson, the American woman who once employed Diana as a nanny, it isn't nearly as bad as some critics would suggest.The book starts with an Aug 31-Sept 6th recap of learning about Diana's death and attending the funeral, in the next chapter and for most of the book details Robertson's experiences over the years with the Princess. While Mrs. Robertson does talk about herself (not particularly boastfully)she tells a lot of harmless little details about Diana, various meetings & so on, that you just don't see elsewhere. I wouldn't put it at the top of your list of books to accquire but it makes a nice little addition.



3. I bought this book as soon as it came into the shops and have read it so many times. It is good to read Mary's account of her relationship with Diana. One of the most readable books I have ever read. I wonder if Mary has written other books?



4. I wanted to read this book for the longest but it was unavailable. I finally bought it used through Amazon.
   I was not disappointed! A truly readable and enjoyable book. Diana often was dismissed by critics as a shallow, self-serving woman who only "cared" about people when the cameras and press were recording an event.
   Mrs. Robertson refuted this often repeated attack of Diana's character by showing us that behind the scenes and away from the press, Diana continued a warm friendship with this American woman and her family. A common family who could in no way further Diana's reportedly selfish agenda.
   Why?
   The only explanation is that Diana truly was a very warm and caring person. The book captures that simple quality of Diana.
   Many books have been written to show the world what the real Diana was supposedly like.
   These books deride fans for believing in a media image of Diana and have attacked Diana's every move.
   Mrs. Robertson knew the "real" Diana and her memories are refreshing, honest and much in tune with Diana's worldwide image.
   Mrs. Robertson's friendship with the Princess of Wales was not based on a phony media image.
   Thank you Mrs. Robertson for writing this book and showing us the lovely "inner" Diana.
   Diana proved it was possible to be warm, unpretentious, radiant AND royal.



5. Mary Robertson tells of a Diana that could have been one of our daughters or the girl next door who babysat for us. She explained several incidents, such as Diana eating out of their refridgerator that were so human. One wanted to reach inside the book, pull out Diana, and hug her. The way she opened up to the Robertsons is detailed and the pictures are so special. Mary Robertson writes as she knew Diana; she doesn't brag about knowing the Princess, but truly explains "The Diana She Knew." Highly recommended-definately one of my most favorite Diana books because the author is not intending to capitalize or sensationalize.

3 comments about Aubrey's Brief Lives (The Penguin English Library).

1. "Brief Lives" has always been a delight, but it was Oliver Lawson Dick's scholarly editing that revealed Aubrey's genius. And Lawson Dick's Introduction, "The Life and Times of John Aubrey", is a miracle of synthesis and compression: certainly one of the finest biographical essays ever written. This Nonpareil Books edition is sumptuous - a joy to read in these days cheap, quickly produced paperbacks.



2. Lives of the rich and famous recorded a time when there were no libel laws meant that even the dirt that wasnt fit to print could be disseminated, whether true or not. It still makes fascinating reading.



3. This collection of short narrative portraits of famous and semi-famous people by a recognized scientist and author is among the most interesting reading you'll enjoy. His information is detailed and personal and Aubrey's writing style is a fine pattern for modern readers as well.
   
   I recommend this book without question.

No comments about Elizabeth I: The Golden Reign of Gloriana (English Monarchs-Treasures from the National Archives) (English Monarchs-Treasures from the National Archives).

2 comments about Prince of Wales: A Biography.

1. Gift books have a habit of piling up on me before I have a chance to read them. This book was somewhere in the pile at the time of Diana's death. At that point, I blew the dust off and hunkered down to read it. It's certainly not fast reading. I found it very informative although I have to admit I didn't read every word. It did give me a much better insight into the lives and functions of the British Monarchy. As for the story of Charles and Diana, it's obvious that they should never have married.



2. I love this book. Even though it is a few years outdated, before the official divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, it is still enthralling nonetheless. Mr. Dimbleby approaches the life of Prince Charles in nothing but respect, for a change. He opens up Prince Charles for you, and you learn about all of the good he does. It is amazing how much Prince Charles has done for unemployed and underprivaledged youths and areas. Through all of the tabloid-al journalism, you really get a good taste of the true Prince of Wales. I recommend this book to all royalists and monarchists and anyone wanting wanting true information instead of the tampered information often portrayed on tabloids.

2 comments about Shakespeare's Lives.

1. This book is the most thorough book on the life of the Bard



2. If you love Shakespeare, buy this book--you won't be disappointed. Schoenbaum doesn't discuss the plays, but instead the man who wrote them--or, more specifically, the differing ways that his life has been interpreted. That's right, it's a biography of Shakespeare's biographers, leading us step by step through several centuries of interpreters of the Bard, and the various wacky ways they have interpreted his life. It might not sound compelling, but boy it is. The early portions of the book are good enough, but it really takes off when the author starts to discuss the "Baconian" heretics--authors who have argued that Francis Bacon (or some other aristocratic, and therefore supposedly more intelligent, fop) actually wrote the world's greatest plays. He wonderfully illustrates the bizarreness of the men and women who originated this fanciful claim, and explains how it has unfortunately caught on in the popular imagination. (One of the first "Baconians," the not-coincidentally named Delia Bacon, is a tragically grotesque character worthy of Shakespeare himself.) This is a hefty book that you won't finish in a single sitting, but I still highly recommend it.

3 comments about Diana, Her Life and Legacy.

1. This book is one of the best I have seen that respectfully looks at Diana's life and her impact on others. Using Diana's own words, quotes from others who knew her, and expressive photographs, the author captures the many facets of Diana's life that made her so unique. Highly recommended.



2. Anthony Holden has put together a lovely tribute to the late Princess of Wales. It's a well designed book, with nice pictures (from Diana's formal portraits to her everyday life) and engaging text. If you like to collect Princess Diana memorabilia, this book would make a fine addition to your bookcase.



3. This is a wonderful picture book for the collector of Princess Diana memorabilia. The tribute from author William Holden was touching, with various tidbits regarding his relationship with the Princess. There was a nice mixing of color photos from her private and also her public life. The pictures in this book seem to bring out the laughter and charming spirit that was the Princess Diana.

No comments about The Warden of English: The Life of H.W. Fowler.

No comments about Elizabeth Tudor: Portrait of a Queen.