No comments about Anne: The Private Princess Revealed.

1 comments about Representing Diana, Princess Of Wales: Cultural Memory And Fairy Tales Revisited.

1. This book is not entirely about Diana. It's more about royal princesses in history including Diana. She is mentioned here and there throughout the book, but the cover is deceiving. Too much money to spend on a book that you think is entirely about Diana. Unless you are a history buff, forget it. Diana fans may be disappointed.

No comments about Henry V (Great Rulers).

No comments about Mistresses.

1 comments about The Ebbs and Flows of Fortune: The Life of Thomas Howard, Third Duke of Norfolk.

1. Given all the books that have been written about the Tudor period it is extraordinary that none has covered Thomas Howard, the 3rd Duke of Norfolk. He lived through the reigns from Henry VII to Mary and played a major part in the maintenance of the Tudor grip on England. He even survived being sentenced to death for treason under Henry VIII, and spending Edward VI's reign in the Tower. Not bad for a staunchly conservative man of Catholic persuasions. (He avoided the block because Henry VIII chose the day appointed for his execution to die). Thomas Howard was released in the reign of Mary and died shortly afterwards at the age of 80. It is hard to think of any other aristocrat who was so fortunate. However, for once in the Tudor period, justice was done; he had backed his sovereign through thick and thin. Indeed, he has been much maligned as being no more than a 'yes-man' to Henry VIII and none too bright with it. But although he made no great claims to learning his contribution was immense. He communicated directly with diplomats, accumulated many works of art (preserving several of the Holbein portraits that are increasingly well-known today). He is perhaps best thought of as the last of the feudal lords, able to raise effective armies almost at will (though always in the interests of his liege sovereign).

   David Head is apologetic about the length of time it has taken to produce this work, which has been gestating for over a decade, notwithstanding that it formed the basis of his doctoral thesis. However it is clear to the educated eye that a colossal amount of work has gone into it. It is increasingly rarely that one can read a history book and be sure that it is entirely the work of the person whose name appears on the cover. Possibly the reason no-one has attempted a similar work to this in the intervening period is that its reputation for excellence and academic rigour (sorry, I'm English!) travels before it.

   This book is worth every penny to the serious scholar, although it may come as a bit of a shock to those who thought that Tudor History and Antonia Fraser were synonymous!

   John A.W. Lock

No comments about Lives Of The Queens Of England V1: From The Norman Conquest, With Anecdotes Of Their Courts.

2 comments about Elizabeth I (Life and Times Series).

1. Elizabeth is the subject of scores of biographies and this isn't one of the better ones. Williams' writing style is OK, but not deeply engaging, and he glosses over some of the most interesting periods in Elizabeth's life. The book is well-illustrated and is a decent introductory biography of Elizabeth, but it lacks the depth and insight any biography of this amazing woman should offer.



2. There is so much to learn about Elizabeth the 1st. In The Life and Times of Elizabeth the 1st, by Neville Williams an abundant amount of information is given about Elizabeth's life before and during her reign as Queen of England. Before Elizabeth became Queen she suffered through a rough childhood without a mother, being called horrible names by people and being imprisoned by her own sister. During her reign as Queen, Elizabeth had to deal with life in court, religious matters and being courted often by suitors, yet choosing to rule on her own. This book also has many illustrations, which helps you in your understanding of the book.
   
   I felt this book had a lot of useful information about Queen Elizabeth's life. I also found it a very intriguing read. This book relates to the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In To Kill A Mockingbird Atticus shows courage. He shows courage when he took Tom Robinsons case and tried to save him even though he knew in doing so he knew it could possibly hurt him and his family. Like Atticus Elizabeth also showed courage. She showed courage when she chose to rule England on her own even though she was being pressured to marry. There is so much to learn about this incredible monarch and what she went through throughout her life. I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up.

No comments about Hohenzollern: Tragic Private Lives.

No comments about Sons, Servants and Statesmen.

No comments about King George II and Queen Caroline.