No comments about Julien Green: A Critical Study.

No comments about The Irish Corsicans: Sequel to Loyalty.

5 comments about The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation.

1. It's amazing and refreshing that Mr. Mortimer can make 13th C English history come alive. This reads like a novel, and provides a lens through which to see the context in which the "barbarities" of this period must be appreciated. This historical period has been substantially inaccessible to me, using the available resources, and this book illuminates it beautifully.



2. Ian Mortimer is a meticulous historian with the ability to seamlessly blend momentous historical sweep with touching personal account. Edward the III is portrayed with all his strengths and weaknesses, ultimately emerging as a sympathetic character. Mortimer himself creates a new history of the period that goes beyond Froissart, Le Bel and other traditional medieval historians to find a history that is not jaded by period bias. He delves into primary sources resulting in a convincing and thrilling tale.
   
   It is rare for history to come alive as it does in this book. Battles are fought by flesh, blood, and spirit, and kings and queens agonize over their decisions, delight in their children, and experience the drama of the human condition which we all share. A marvelous book that will instill a love of this fascinating and pivotal time in English history.



3. Edward III reigned over England and Wales for over 50 years (1327 to 1377). He also had claims over Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man (from 1333) and France (from 1340).
   
   In this book, Ian Mortimer combines a very clear respect for his subject with meticulous research and succeeds in providing a detailed contextual picture of this monarch.
   
   Many with an interest in this period of history will know of Edward III as the king who started the 100 Years War, who won a number of battles (including at Crecy and Calais) - and who added Calais as a long standing English possession.
   
   `For the 30 years between 1334 and 1363 he was the greatest exponent of chivalric kingship there was.'
   
   The Black Death (1348-1349) occurred during his reign. The tragic loss of life and resulting labour shortages brought changes to the structure of society: a subject of study in their own right.
   
   Ian Mortimer lists five overarching achievements:
   (1) Kingship
   (2) Domestic peace
   (3) England's standing in the international community
   (4) Modernised warfare
   (5) Participatory government
   
   I agree with these broad headings, but would make special mention of The Statute of Pleading (1362). This was the first piece of legislation to officially recognise the English language - thus making the law (potentially at least) more accessible to all.
   
   I'd highly recommend this book to those with an interest in the life and times of arguably one of England's greatest monarchs. In his later years, Edward's authority waned but his achievements stand alone.
   
   Jennifer Cameron-Smith



4. Ian Mortimer goes a long way in this amazing feat of work. He lets us begin to see Edward III in his (Edward's)eyes. In some way he remakes Edward's story and protrays him as a warrior, a lawmaker, and a knight. This is the most amazing work on Edward yet.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who wants to go deeper into the life of an amazing man. Without a doubt the warrior-king known as Edward III was the real Arthur



5. This is a fine book about the long and memorable 14th century reign during which occured the beginings of the Hundred Years War, the Black Death, the height of medieval chivalry and the rise to importance of the House of Commons.
   The narrative moves along at a nice pace and the author writes with a genuine feeling for his subject and the time period. If there's anything negative to say about the style, it's that some readers may be left craving even more detail, as I was, being a great fan of the "Yale English Monarchs" series.
   Mortimer does, however, indulge in some revisionist history. For centuries it's been accepted that the subject's father Edward II was done away with after being deposed. Mortimer is a firm believer that Edward II survived for at least another 15 years, incognito, wandering through Europe. In spite my being a traditionalist, and not buying any of that, I didn't find that it took away from what was a well rounded and authentic portrait. Mortimer does present all the evidence in a rational and non-sensational way. All in all a wonderful, concise, well balanced book.

2 comments about The Beckett Actor: Jack Macgowran, Beginning to End.

1. My interest in Irish theatre brought me to this book. What a find! A fascinating look at a fascinating actor. The author brings alive the work and times of MacGowran. A well-researched and thorough work recommended for any student of theatre. I was especially impressed with the variety of interview subjects. Made me do a search for MacGowran's available work on video. While not a big fan of Beckett, I was impressed by the relationship between the playwright and this ultimate interpreter of his works.



2. I cannot imagine my life without the influence of Jack MacGowran as a crucial part of it. Young does an excellent job of bringing this amazing actor's life and work to the reader. But, after reading the book, please take the time to discover what Jack did best: Bringing the works of Samuel Beckett to life.

No comments about Duke of Wellington (British Library - Historic Lives).

3 comments about With Love from Diana: the Princess of Wales' Personal Astrologer Shares Her First-Hand Account of Diana's Turbulent Years.

1. I feel that Andrew morton protrayed Princess Daina as the Angel that we all knew of that helped those in need. I espesially enjoyed the chapter "My cries for help" talking of her problems with Prince Charles and her marriage. And that of her Bulimia. I would like to take this moment to thank Andrew Morton. For his kind words, and his honesty about Princess Diana. Sincerley, Catherine M. Catron



2. Author Penny Thornton describes 2 dreams she had in 1986 or '87, in which Diana is seen with "a white car moving ahead, leaving the black car behind." Consider that this book was published two years BEFORE Diana's accident, and this is nothing short of phenomenal!! Several other parellels occur in these 2 dreams, as well. This is a book worth reading for those who can't get enough of Diana.



3. I'm not saying that people don't have spiritual gifts, but I do question much of Penny Thornton's vision. I must agree with the previous "critic", however, regarding the dream about the car: it shocked me so, that I read it over and over and got tears in my eyes; (if this part is pure fiction, I would have a terrific bone to pick with Ms. Thornton about lies and playing with another's emotions!).The book is a good enough read, but nothing spectacular.

No comments about Roger Casement.

No comments about Slave Captain: The Career of James Irving in the Liverpool Slave Trade (Liverpool English Texts and Studies).

No comments about From the Inside: A Priest's View of the Catholic Church.

No comments about The Village of Longing.