No comments about Smile and Be a Villain!.

No comments about Angel Face: A Memoir.

3 comments about Alfred the Great: War, Culture and Kingship in Anglo-Saxon England (The Medieval World).

1. I bought this book on the recommendation of a professor of mine when embarking upon my senior thesis this spring, and though Abel's book did not end up playing a large part in my paper, I went back to this book after the term was over. This book was an easy, quick, and absorbing read, while informative, cohesive, and clear in its aims and the points it was trying to express. My only criticism might be a minor one -- As an English major, I am more interested in the ideological, cultural, or literary influence or views of an individual. Naturally, as a history professor, Abels interests were not the same as mine. He devotes a lot of the book to details of Alfred's battles with the Vikings, and at times, this failed to hold my attention. This criticism, as a result, is only the result of a personal preference.



2. I enjoyed this book and, unlike some others, was engrossed by the military expeditions of Alfred the Great. The author gives enough information that one can well imagine how incredible it was indeed to fight off the Vikings. Further, the defensive works and the creation of the burghs led to modern economic England, and this point is brought out quite well.



3. Alfred, being the only English monarch styled "the Great", is a notoriously difficult subject to write history about. The Victorian cult of Alfred made him a marked man for the debunkers of the Dead White European Male focus of history. Attempts at an even-handed review of the Wessex king's life are fraught with peril.

   This book does the job magnificently. Alfred the warrior, ruler, innovator, strategist, and moralist are all presented well within the context of a 9th century Anglo-Saxon world. Alfred the pious and Alfred the ruthless are both shown as parts of the same man.

   While concluding that Asser's "Life" is a legitimate source of biography for Alfred, the author does not limit himself. Extensive use and comparison between versions of the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" is combined with what limited charter evidence survives, archaeological discoveries and an examination of coinage patterns to round out the picture of Alfred and his times.

   One major strength of this work is its very careful comparisons of Alfred and his activities to those of predecessor kings of Wessex and successor kings of the Anglo-Saxons. Alfred's reign is not studied in isolation. How Alfred was both traditional and innovative in contrast to his father and brothers helps place Alfred in the context of his times. The legacy which Alfred left his descendants (to become kings of all England) is given special attention.

   The author is circumspect in trying to get inside of Alfred's head. Alfred's physical afflictions are examined with an eye to a modern medical diagnosis and their effects on Alfred's personality. Using the marginalia in Alfred's own translations from Latin into the vernacular, the author tries to see inside Alfred the man - all the while cognizant that such a review is only speculative.

   This is a great book and a very good read.

No comments about The Perkin Warbeck Conspiracy, 1491-1499 (History/Prehistory & Medieval History).

2 comments about A New Ireland: Politics, Peace, and Reconciliation.

1. John Hume is a virtually unknown figure in the United States, but he has been steadily gaining recognition due to his work in the Northern Irish peace agreement. This recognition is overdue and much deserved. This monumental book outlines Hume's political philosophy - a philosophy which seeks to brush aside the vengefulness and intransigence of Northern Ireland's past, searching instead for reconciliation through justice for all. Hume is heavily influenced by Matin Luther King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy, and quotes from these two figures flavor Hume's text. Hume's themes may seem repetitive, and his ideas seem to be based on the shakey foundation of human progress, but this work demonstrates that he is a champion for for a true peace in Northern Ireland - a peace that is just for all.



2. I grew up in Belfast, and always had a lot of respect for the SDLP - initially Gerry Fitt and then John Hume being my political heroes. The book sets out with clarity mapping the real world experiences of John Hume and the progress - or maybe that should be regress - of the troubles in Northern Ireland. This book should be compulsory reading for kids growing up in Israel and Palestine, and probably Darfur and other regions of unrest. And of course, in Washington DC as well. Acheiving peace is not easy and does not come from the barrel of a gun. I don't recall the exact quote, and a friend is reading the book now, but it is along the lines of "Victory does not bring about peace - it simply puts it off". Never a truer word was said.

No comments about Boy in the Blitz: The 1940 Diary of Colin Perry.

2 comments about King's Counsellor Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles.

1. I question the selection of these diaries. Too much has been left out, I believe. It might have been better to do a diaries AND letters book. There is so little about the abdication that it shouldn't be in the title. This man was so knowledgeable that far better material must exist somewhere. As it is, it is almost boring, which is saying a lot for someone who led a far from boring life.



2. Tommy Lascelles saw it all, but was raised in the grand tradition of the English Gentleman so censored himself way to often in writing his diary. So much has, therefore, been lost. Still, I highly recommend it for the "feel" it gives to a now gone era.

5 comments about Isabella and the Strange Death of Edward II.

1. With an opening prologue espousing the imperial aims of Edwards 1st and focusing on the height of the English mediaeval period of the fourteenth century, Doherty focuses on London's expansion to become a true European capital and how Edward's dreams were thwarted by the Scots. Into the mix came the marriage of his son, the future Edward II and Isabella, the daughter of Philip IV of France
   The first half of the book details the history of the couple right up until Edward's somewhat painful death (as reported by Swynbroke) whilst incarcerated at Berkeley. Opening with the political dynastical struggle between Edward and Philip to create future power for their respective countries the two were betrothed in 1299 with what could be seen at the time as a heavily bound contract promising all kinds of dire retribution if any party should renege on the deal. We move swiftly through the sudden death of Edward I in 1307, having some detail on the relationship between the King and the to-be Edward II, Doherty heavily emphasizing Edwards fiercely emotive personality traits. If a fiend you were a friend for life, if an enemy, he never got. This is a trait that is prevalent through Edward II's life and heavily affected his decision making. Two figures leap out as having lived and fallen with him. Firstly, Gaveston who was ultimately elevated to Earl of Cornwall and given such a place of prominence that the nuptials of Edward and Isabella were portrayed in a rather insulting manner to the French nobility. However, given Isabella's age at the time this does not seem to have been too problematic. After Gaveston's exile in 1308 and subsequent `execution' following an English noble revolt headed by Lancaster, Isabella rose in prominence and indeed fortified several treaties between Edward and Philip, whilst Edward eventually rounded on Lancaster and the remaining rebellious lords and had them effectively proscribed. Post-battle of Bannockburn where the Scots crushed the English in 1314 Edward became increasingly emotive in his rulings and Isabella found herself the subject of many plots. It is at this time Hugh de Spencer (or Dispenser as there seems to be some conflict of his name) the Younger rose to favourite under Edward, again to the same degree as Gaveston but this man appears to have been far more brutal. Indeed Doherty tries to suggest that Isabella's ultimate separation and rebellion against Edward in 1326 was due to the suggestion that there ultimately be an `open' relationship amongst the three of them. This in turn, `justifies' Isabella's adultery with Roger Mortimer during he initial self-exile in France and subsequent dealings in England when she returned to invade and execute de Spencer and capture Edward, forcing the coronation of their son, Edward III.
   The second half of the book deals with the uncertainty surrounding Edward's death during incarceration, firstly placing his movements during those last few months then his subsequent burial away from Westminster as a `deposed prince'. Doherty gives time to discussing the movements of the body (it took several months to carry out the funeral due mainly to the military expedition in Scotland) before detailing the funeral of Dec 20 1327. After the internment Isabella seems to have forgotten her dead husband, moving swiftly to arrange the marriage of her son and Phillipa of Hainhault. Unfortunately, Isabella appears to have succumbed (with Mortimer) to excessive rapacity and governmental monopolisation resulting in Lancaster plotting rebellion and eventually falling out with her son, Edward III. After Edmund, Earl of Kent's admission that Edward II was not dead but imprisoned at Corfe Castle and there was a plot to free him - in itself a ludicrous turn of events - led to many arrests and death for treason. Nevertheless, by the fall of 1330, Isabella was in exile and Mortimer executed as all they had done was replace Edward's tyranny with their own. It was now the young Edward III decided to act in conjunction with Pope John XXII. Edward's close friend Montague managed to get Mortimer to declare that his word was above the King's and promptly pulled off a coup, imprisoning Mortimer then securing his execution. At the trial of Berkeley we learn that Thomas Gurney, William Ockle and Maltravers were identified as the regicides. All bar Gurney were eventually pardoned, he dying whilst under arrest. Isabella escaped and henceforth no reference was made to her being involved in any of the crimes committed. Doherty skips through the remaining 28 years of her life, noting her piety and charitable goodwill.
   Come Chapter 7 the main protagonists are dead and hence Doherty's historical recreation ends. He spends the remaining 60 pages discussing the true events surrounding Edward II's death. He focuses on a letter from the papal notary Fieschi (dated by modern historians to around 1337) who claims to have met Edward II, detailing his life on the run until he ends up at a monastery near Milan. Going through the letter section by section, Doherty firstly seems to pass the letter off as fabrication then comes a more neutral stance is saying that he fundamentally believes that Edward II didn't die, but that Fieschi got his information second hand rather than in a direct interview.
   Doherty's account of Isabella and Edward II and III is a good starting point for anyone wishing to gain an instant understanding of the history of England during the early fourteenth century. Immediately accessible to the general reader, it is useful for the pre-university student or for those wishing some standard reading of the subject though it should be noted the quality is nowhere near university standard. For more detailed analysis of the time and the personages involved there are better books out there, but this is not intended to be overly critical. It is a good general overview of the history with some `suggestive' theories that aren't really expanded on, that can leave the reader with questions to which the answers need to be sought elsewhere.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, logically formatted book. Unlike many non-fiction works covering this period in history, the auther manages to provide a great many pertinent facts without confusing the reader. Mr. Dougherty's hypothesis is that perhaps Edward II was not killed and may well have escaped his imprisonment and lived out the rest of his life abroad in exile. Could it be that the body contained in a tomb in Gloucester Cathedral does not belong to King Edward II? The arguments in this regard are convincing, reasonable and thus, most interesting to ponder. The absence of photographs was a slight disappointment but they are not integral to the understanding of this very good book.



3. With such interesting subject matter, I had high hopes for this book. However, it is so sluggish I can hardly get through it. The language and writing style is faux-scholarly and circuitous. As a result, the story doesn't "flow" and I find myself forced to reread several parts. The author glazes over the juiciest bits as well. There must be a better telling of this story somewhere out there!



4. If your knowledge of Edward II is as sketchy as mine was, you'll think that the strange death in the title of Paul C. Doherty's book refers to the gruesome manner in which Edward was supposedly assassinated. Edward is widely thought to have been killed by, in the translated words of a contemporary chronicler, "a red hot poker being thrust up into his bowels."
   
   Certainly that is a strange death, but Doherty finds evidence that there is much more strangeness in what happened after Edward's downfall. Doherty agrees with most historians up to the point where Edward is captured, imprisoned in Berkeley Castle, and forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Edward III. Only fifteen years old, Edward III would be subject to his mother's control, and that of his mother's lover, Roger Mortimer.
   
   Accepted history says that Edward II tried to escape from Berkeley Castle in 1327, was quickly captured, then killed by agents of Mortimer. Doherty thinks Edward's escape was successful and that Isabella and Mortimer buried a look-alike to prevent attempts to reinstate Edward II. He offers several possibilities about what happened to Edward II after escaping, but comes to no definitive conclusion other than that he was not murdered at Berkeley Castle and is probably not buried in the tomb that bears his name in Gloucester Cathedral.
   
   Isabella and the Strange Death of Edward II is a short book, only 262 pages including footnotes, bibliography, and index. Doherty explains everything lucidly enough so that I was swept up right into history without knowing much about the characters beforehand. He explains the sources and their biases, and how he came to his conclusions. If you enjoy Doherty's book, you may also like Alison Weir's Queen Isabella (2005), in which Weir goes a step beyond Doherty, and decides that Edward II not only escaped, but ended up a hermit in Italy until he died in 1341.



5. I just finished reading this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think alot of the book reviews on Amazon.com reveal more about the reviewers than the books.
   
   My opinion of this book is based on what I was looking for when I bought it. I love history but I don't have time anymore for an in-depth historical study, I'm not an history professor. I just want a book that gives the main facts in a logical sequence and adds a few interesting details. I just wanted to know what the basic story of Edward II and Isabella was in an easy to read style and that's what this book gave me.
   
   I don't have time to read books that detail me to death or get so far off track that you keep wishing the author would just get back to the main subject. I don't like authors who can't convey a simple concept in a simple paragraph that is easy to follow. This book is guilty of none of those flaws.
   
   One reviewer said the book was dull, how could it be when the subject is described in 236 pages and covers a fairly eventful story? I thought the author was very judicious in deciding what to put in and leave out.
   
   Another reviewer said the author made some factual errors; they are minor errors I can live with (if they really are errors?, I didn't research them). I think when it comes to events that occurred around 700 years ago and the primary sources are usually written by people with agendas we can't be 100 percent sure of anything except maybe a basic outline of events and the dates of the events themselves, maybe? This reviewer also said the author used "de Spencer" in error instead of "le Spencer", or whatever, I mean come on, get a life. Does a factual error like that really detract so much from the story or hinder most peoples ablility to enjoy it? If I decide to be a scholar on this subject someday then I'll worry about if the minute details are in error or not.
   
   I also enjoyed the authors description of the mystery surrounding Edward's death, some think he got away and a body double put in the King's place. I doubt it myself but the author gives the basic facts in an objective way and lets you decide for yourself.
   
   If you want a book that just gives you the basic story of Edward II and Isabella written in an easy to read style then this is the right book for you.

1 comments about That Great Lucifer: A Potrait of Sir Walter Raleigh.

1. Everyone knows Sir Walter Ralegh as the gallant courtier who spread his cloak across a puddle so that his queen might pass dry-shod. A commoner who never lost his thick Cornish accent, Ralegh was nevertheless precisely the sort of man likely to catch Elizabeth's eye: handsome, intelligent, witty, well-spoken, and possessed of enough pride and independence to speak his mind, even to his queen. The term "Renaissance man" seems coined with Ralegh in mind: He was a poet, soldier, privateer, explorer, scientist, historian.

   He could also be stunningly naive, and surprisingly inept at the art of courting favor. His first meeting with James I, Elizabeth's successor, was a disaster. Accustomed to priviledge, Ralegh approached James unannounced, even though the king heartily disliked such surprises. When James observed that he might have had to fight for the throne, Ralegh's response was, "Would to God you had! Then Your Majestry would have known your friends from your foes." An honest sentiment and possibly a shrewd one, it not the sort of observation likely to endear him to the new king. James already had reason to be wary of Ralegh, for some of Ralegh's enemies had been plying James for months with negative reports. Ralegh's recent behavior seemed to support these dark hints: he was one of the few dignitaries who did not bother to contact James after Elizabeth's death to assure the new sovereign of his loyalty. Worse, Ralegh presented the peace-loving king with a proposal for seizing the West Indies from Spain. James had been told that Ralegh was a warmonger and possibly a traitor. With his own eyes he perceived another, more subtle threat: this handsome, powerful, and persuasive man was a living reminder of Elizabethan glories.

   Ralegh's fall from power during the reign of James I was as swift and spectacular as his rise under Elizabeth had been. His enemies rejoiced, as did the common folk who then and now love to see the mighty brought low. Ralegh's greatest triumph, perhaps, was the courage and wit he exhibited through his trial, imprisonment, and execution. In a last interview with a friend, he advised him to come to the beheading early if he wished to get a place. "As for me, my place is assured," he quipped. His last words, spoken to the hesitant executioner, were, "What dost fear? Strike, man, strike!"

   Margaret Irwin is a novelist as well as a historian, and this comes through in the tone and quality of her writing. This biography is far more entertaining than most fictorical fiction I've read. It's full of telling anecdotes, vivid descriptions, and dead-on characterizations. Considering the complexity of her subjects and the paradoxical nature of Ralegh himself, this is a remarkable achievement.

   One minor disappointment was the lack of a bioliography; there were several incidents and anecdotes that I would have liked to explore in more depth. Even so, it's an entertaining story, as well as a window into a fascinating time.

2 comments about Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse, Princess of Great Britain and Ireland: Biographical sketch and letters.

1. I love reading biographies its always interesting to read about another person's life but its even more fun to do when its basically written by themselves as this book was. Alice certainly had an interesting life and I've always liked reading about her charity and nursuing work. Someone who was born into wealth, power and connected as she was an yet prefered to spend her days helping the poor and sick is very admirable. I enjoyed reading her letters and learning more about her. Towards the end the letters get fewer and fewer of course as she's got an ailing family and her own death draws near. An excellent read.



2. you don't get princess alice really character in this book.this book gloss over her life.we don't get how strain her relationship with her mother queen victoria was.how emotional she felt about a husband who didn't share her interest.her such in religion to find comfort from marriage on the rocks.her interest in nursing,unwed mothers and working mothers.