No comments about Kings and Queens of Britain's Modern Age: FROM HANOVER TO WINDSOR: 1714 - TODAY.

No comments about Royal Racing: The Queen and Queen Mother's Sporting Life.

2 comments about The King's Mother: Lady Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby.

1. Lady Margaret Beaufort was the Countess of Richmond and Derby and the mother of a king, Henry VII, whose coronation put the finishing touches on the War of the Roses. Looking at her life is a wonderful way to examine this pivotal period in English history as she was a pivotal person, herself, during this period. Sometimes she was a pawn in the plans of others but often she created her own destiny, while all the time remaining a creature of politics and a survivor at a time when very many did not. The authors have done their research well and provide a very detailed account. Often the financial details can be very revealing and occasionally monotonous to the casual historian but always important. This is a very good study of an important woman.



2. Let's face it, women of the medieval times aren't too well known, and those that are, such Eleanor of Aquitaine, are hidden behind shadows and are really only noticed through the male figure(s) in her life.
   
   That being said, Jones and Underwood did a great job in illustrating just who Margaret Beaufort really was. Not only do they capture the influence that she had and the political maneuvering that she had to do, but they also capture her life after her son became king, showing her role in religious houses and orders as well as the universities.
   
   A great bio for a great woman. Anyone studying the Tudors should read this book. Anyone, for that matter, interested in England in the fifteenth century must read this book. Margaret Beaufort's role was just too important.

5 comments about Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark.

1. This is one of the best royal biographies of the year! The authors stick to the facts and do not reley on untrue rumors; at the same time they fully describe the personalty of Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.



2. Unfortunately this turned out to be merely a public relations book for Mary Donaldson of Tasmania, Australia...who became the Crown Princess of Denmark. Falsehoods, exaggerations, and omissions about Mary's history (dating relationships, friends, live-in lovers, unstable job history, her hanging out with Crown Prince Frederik in the Slip Inn "pick-up" bar in Sydney) made it shallow reading. It reads like a public relations campaign, with a false "edge" given to the reader to try to make it appear that the real Mary is in the book. However, the real Mary Donaldson is missing. It may well be that Danish journalist cannot research and write objectively about the royalty they support with their taxes. Pehaps in such a small country it is not "wise" to write truthfully about the royal family if you want to get ahead and/or keep your job. But it was certainly a pretty book and pleasant coffee-table reading. Perhaps that is the real purpose?



3. I have to agree with the one-star reviewer, in one aspect of her review: this is definitely a somewhat shallow, lets-generate-good-PR, type of biography. There's no real story here. The facts of Mary's life are presently blandly, but then, maybe there's nothing really exciting about her either. Mary seems like a nice enough person from a nice family. Frederik also seems like a nice person from a nice family. But there's no in-depth analysis of their characters, or their very different backgrounds. (You have to wonder, what did Queen Margarethe really think about her son's choice of an Australian commoner? But you won't get that kind of question in a "loyal" bio such as this one.)
   
   The book is already a little out of date, since Mary and Frederik have had two children as the date of this review, and this biography only covers up to their marriage. I don't dislike this book -- it's informative about the basic facts of Mary's life, and has several nice photographs -- but yes, it is disappointing if you want an in-depth, thoughtful biography of this person.



4. informative first info of Princess Mary and her courtship and marriage to the Crown Prince of Denmark...



5. This book is a decent entry into that genre of entertainment called "READ GOGGLE-EYED HOW ONE GIRL IN A MILLION GOT LUCKY!" It's decently written, wholly positive, not to say nearly hagiographic, and has nice photos. The outlines of the story of how the erstwhile Australian real estate/marketing executive met the Crown Prince of Denmark in a Sydney bar during the 2000 Olympics, and actually made it to the altar with him and is on her way to becoming Queen Consort of Denmark, IS remarkable. Unfortunately, it's the ONLY remarkable aspect of the book, because the two people involved couldn't be less interesting or more ordinary. The only thing extraordinary about Prince Frederik is the circumstance of his birth, and the only thing extraordinary about Mary Donaldson is the circumstance of her marriage, a mind-bogglingly successful grab at the matrimonial brass ring as ever was.
   
   Unlike the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Mary Donaldson (as well as the handful of other commoners who wed European Crown Princes in the last few years) had some maturity and world experience before catching HER prince, and thus seems to have been able to make the most of her tremendous opportunity without paying for it later with misery and disappointment.
   
   Catty as that sounds, they look like a well-matched couple and Miss Mary, who seems to have quite a bit of backbone, has gone on to adapt to a new country, new religion, new language, new public role, while giving the Danes the next generation's male heir AND the first little princess born to the Danish royal family since 1946, all within the first two years of marriage. Except for a few bumps, most notably some difficulty mastering Danish (she has continued to improve here, and it IS a notoriously difficult language to learn as an adult), she has adapted well and is reasonably popular among the Danes.
   
   The book does give lots of detail about how the couple kept the relationship going while separated by continents between summer 2000 and October 2003, when Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe, finally gave her consent to the marriage. If you enjoy those sorts of details, and those describing Mary's adjustment leading up to the couple's sumptuous and, I must admit, quite gorgeous wedding in May 2004, you'll enjoy this.
   
   This book is already outdated. As Frederik and Mary approach their fourth wedding anniversary, they already have two children, foreign tours under their belts, and Mary's hairdos and wardrobe have undergone some noticeable shifts. However, I'm sure other books will follow to catch everyone up on the doings of one of Europe's latest Golden Couples. Meanwhile, tuck this into your purse as you ride the bus, or into your tote as you head for the beach - that's about its level of insight.

No comments about Prince of Europe: The Life of Charles-Josephde Ligne.

5 comments about Diana in Search of Herself: Portrait of a Troubled Princess.

1. While you may not agree with the point of view that Smith takes in this book... it is a well written book. Easy to read and interesting.



2. This is perhaps the only serious piece of writing on the late Princess of Wales that I have read. While not presented as a scholarly biography (we'll need to wait years for that), the book does take several steps back from the hysteria and romanticized adulation attending Diana's years on earth and attempts to provide objective analysis rather than breathless, tabloid-style speculation. Diana fans for whom she could do no wrong may be outraged by Bedell Smith's detailed portrait and her conclusions; this is a book only for thoughtful readers who are willing to set aside their preconceptions of the subject.
   
   Although Bedell Smith is by no means the first person to suggest that Diana was suffering from a clinically-defined mental illness, Borderline Personality Disorder (called by some "Emotion Dysregulation Disorder"), her discussion of the subject helps shed some light both on her subject's behavior and the fate of her disastrous marriage. This is interesting material, and the author was brave to include it, given the manner in which Diana continues to be idolized by her admirers.
   
   Reasonably well-written and readable, meticulously-researched and documented. Especially recommended to those who take a jaundiced view of the modern cult of celebrity.



3. This is one of the most boring, tediously written books I have ever read. I am only reading it for lack of another book at the moment. If Diana based her life solely on what ever tattle magazine writes, I would be depressed and bulimic too. I am sure she had other things to worry about besides cheap gossip rags and what they wrote. At least I hope she did. Who cares about all the silly magazines? The book makes it sound like this was her mission, it is tedious and soooo bring.



4. On the positive side I couldn't put this book down. Before I read this book I had never really been interested in Diana, although I was shocked by her death. This book doesn't delve deeply into her death. Instead the detail is about everything that happened to her from 1981 until 1997.
   
   The problem with the book is that it is obvious that despite claims of objectivity, Prince Charles is more sympathetic than Diana. I can't buy Ms Smith's psychiatric diagnosis of Diana that she was a borderline personality. Clearly Diana was troubled. However she may have been in fact been victimized by the royal family during the time she was married, separated from Charles and divorced. Certainly Ms Smith makes an excellent case that Diana showed poor judgment and lived in a fantasy world as well as showing signs of extreme mental disturbance(many details Princess Diana herself was the first to expose).
   
   In any event I would recommend reading this book but judging it with a skeptical eye.



5. The author had done a substantial amount of research and logically connected the dots together. This book helps me to solve many of the puzzlement I had over Princess Di's behaviors as well as the motivation behind her shocking TV interview and the book by Morton. She obvious had many serious emotional, psychological-mental issues. Mental dysfunction has many levels. Although Princess Di was not a wacky psychiatric case., she was indeed a case in certain degree. She was more unbalanced person than the average people. Prince Charles was just one of the wrong man she had related. Just look at all her love affairs and the lovers she had... as well as the way she "love" them. They all went wrong for her and she had made mistakes with each of them. That's something call a track record.

5 comments about Prince Charles: The Sustainable Prince.

1. According to Nostradamus, the anti-Christ will come from the Far East and wear a blue turban. He calls him Mabus which in the mirror spells Sudam. I believe Charles has a lot of power behind him, and I expect anything of all the crazy people that lead this world. The Bible says that in the last days, there will be wickedness, and there is, so look out!! We are going to go out in a ball of fire.



2. My mother made me read this. Told me it would change my views of the world once I saw what a U.N. researcher had discovered about Prince Charles. Now, I'm not a Prince Charles fan, but this was no research. Much of the book is the author's repetitious assertion that sustainable development is an evil conspiracy that places nature over man, and threatens to reduce human population by 90%--supposedly a goal of Prince Charles. (Yes, the prince wants to reduce the world's population to 500,000,000 people.)

   First, one should question the internal logic here. The book presents Charles as if he were the Antichrist who wants to rule the world. Maybe he does, but if he reduces the world's population by 90%, what will he be ruler of? Wouldn't any smart prince prefer a vast domain over a diminished realm? According to the book, Charles leads the World Trade Organization (or, at least, is one of its top players), and the W.T.O is also part of this population reduction conspiracy. But if the merchants and manufacturers of the W.T.O. reduce the world's population by 90%, don't they also reduce their markets by 90%? Why would a group of world merchants want to reduce their potential income by 90%? Consider the prince's close alliance with Bill Gates: do you really think Microsoft wants to sell only millions of operating systems when it could hope to sell billions? Population reduction hardly fits the expansionist billionaire mentality. And those who run W.T.O. sweatshops, surely prefer a large slave population that may someday even wear Nike shoes.

   Second, one might question the kind of argument by innuendo the author wages: We know Charles is involved in world conspiracies because he's connected to so many major organizations like the W.T.O. and the U.N. Well, he is a prince, isn't he? Think about it. Did you really expect he would only belong to the London Hopscotch League? Ms. Veon also tells us that the U.N. places the U.S. under British charter. I'm not too fond of the U.N., but I don't recall any circumstance in which England had more say over U.N. activities than the U.S. or where it dictated U.S. actions. It seems to me we throw our weight around as well as anyone else in that particular disorganization, so I'm not too concerned that we're puppets of the English imperium. In fact, I think a few people in the U.K. feel the exact opposite might be true. (Though hearing the English argue that the U.S. is too imperial is a bit of a laugh.)

   Finally, consider Ms. Veon's insistence that sustainable development--which tries to balance environmental concerns with economic concerns--turns Genesis on its head, giving nature dominion over man: The argument comes from a misguided theology that says God created earth for humans...




3. Joan Veon's writings are not myth. This lady has done her home work. She has proven herself to be an accomplished Reporter and Researcher of the United Nations and she has done a scholarly job on blowing the whistle on "Charlie", Prince of Wales.

   Those who disagree with this statement simply have their head stuck in the sand. The UN is quietly taking over the United States and our leaders are assisting them in the disolving of our Constitution. Who permitted the giving of our Land and Parks to the the UN? Why do we suddenly find our former National Parks now named, "International Biospheres? Who allowed the assigning of American Armed Forces to Foreign Commanders of the UN "Peace Keeping Forces?" These are traitorous acts, all very unconstitutional, but the general public has absolutely no interest in, or knowledge of, these happenings and seriouness of the consequences of these acts. Consequently, when they awaken and find they are now Governed by the New World Order and that the United States Government and Constitution have been disolved, they will be fulfilling some Biblical prophetic phrases such as, "there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." The British Monarchy, unfortunately wields more power, in the UN and world wide, than can be imagined. This book will show you that Prince Charles will inherit more than the title, "King of the British Empire or Commonwealth of Nations." World dominance and dominion have always been the objectives of Lucifer and his followers.

   I am a Born Again Christian and a former History and Government Teacher and all I can say is, "Joan, you get an "A+" for your efforts. This book is a must read and heed for all Patriotic and Christian Americans.




4. Joan Veon's writings are not myth. This lady has done her home work. She has proven herself to be an accomplished Writer and Researcher of the United Nations and she has done a scholarly job on blowing the whistle on "Charlie", Prince of Wales.

   Those who disagree with this statement simply have their heads stuck in the sand. The UN is quietly taking over the United States and our leaders are assisting them in the disolving of our Constitution. Who permitted the giving of our Land and Parks to the UN? Why do we suddenly find our former National Parks now named "International Biospheres?" Who allowed the assigning of American Armed Forces to Foreign Commanders of the UN "Peace Keeping Forces?" These are traitorous acts, all very unconstitutional, but the general public has absolutely no interest in, or knowledge of, these happenings and seriousness of the consequences of these acts. Consequently, when they awaken and find they are now Governed by the New World Order and that the United States Government and Constitution have been disolved, they will be fulfilling some Biblical prophetic phrases such as, "there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." The British Monarchy, unfortunately wields more power, in the UN and world wide, than can be imagined. This book will show you that Prince Charles will inherit more than the title, "King of the British Empire or Commonwealth of Nations." World dominance and dominion have always been the objectives of Lucifer and his followers.

   I am a Born Again Christian and a former History and Government Teacher and all I can say is, "Joan, you get an "A+" for your efforts in writing this book. This book is a must read and heed for all Patriotic and Christian Americans.




5. Because I think he had nothing to do the Prince of Wales is unwise and a Cheater and say rude things about his Parents think he should honor them for the Queen and her husband Tried their best for their children .
   that's wasnt 's nice To blame his marriaged failed for his parents it's his Fault . I Totally HATE this BOOK!!!!!!!!

No comments about The History of King Richard III (Hesperus Classics).

No comments about The Assassination of Princess Diana.

5 comments about Charles: Victim or Villain.

1. This book is very interesting! The author is obviously a GREAT fan of Prince Charles! From interviews that I have seen with the author, I fully expected a Diana-bashing book and I wasn't far from the mark! Just the mere fact that the Princess of Wales is not here to defend herself against these so-called "facts" of Ms. Junor's shows you what kind of diabolical mind the author has! Ms. Junor herself is making quite alot of money writing about the misfortunes of the Prince & Princess of Wales. I should hope that the proceeds for this book would go directly to royal charities and those who are TRUE victims all around the world! Surely Ms. Junor would not want to line her own pockets with this scathing book - or would she? Think on, Ms. Junor!



2. Where does the author get her evidence? First that Diana was first to cheat, second she threatened Camilla Parker Bowles. The book seems to justify the fact that Charles was involved with Mrs. Parker Bowles from even before the marriage and that it was alright because Diana was scheming and nasty to him. It tries to create a spin on the royal marriage favoring Charles and his liaison with Camilla. This is the book to buy if you are ardently pro-Charles and agree that Diana was completely to blame for the breakup of the marriage.



3. I knew when I picked up this book that Ms Junor was always very anti-Princess Diana - even when she was alive she was very outspoken - and was obviously very pro - Prince Charles. I had hoped though that with the death of the Princess even this hardened lady would present a balanced view of both sides. Instead I was left with the distinct impression that she had swallowed the whole "poor Charlie " line. It takes two to make a marriage and two to destroy it. But her bitterness towards both the princess and the Queen were quite frankly astonishing - especially for someone who used to be editor of the Majesty magazine. This lady has more chips on her shoulder than a totem pole.

   I was horrified when Ms Junor decided she had the right to take on the role of amateur psychiatrist. That for me - was the end. I finished the book - but at the end of it all her superior attitude and downright condemnation of the Princess was appalling. I have no illusions that the Princess was not perfect. But she sold the princess as someone so calculating and evil that it does not equate with anything the rest of the world saw. I am not sure any of us thrown into that kind of limelight at the age of 19 would have coped any better - most of us would not. That does not excuse bad behavior. We all behave badly but most of us do not have "staff" to tittle tattle and exagerate our worst points.

   I enjoyed certain parts of the book and learned a lot more about Prince Charles - assuming that that part of the book is a true and detatched discription. However - having just read the introduction to another biography where the biographer states that it is easy to become self absorbed with the person they are writing about and to loose their sense of detatchment. I feel that Ms Junor did not achieve that.




4. This book is very pro-Charles which was to be expected. After all, both author and Charles are still alive. Diana can't fight back. And who knows what the truth is anyway?

   There isn't anything really new in this book except details about how news of Diana's death was received at Balmoral, actions of Charles and the Queen then, etc. There are conflicts with other accounts I've read. Was Diana's face damaged? Was an autopsy done in Paris? Other sources said her face was unmarked and body was not autopsied until it was returned to London. It is little details like this that make me wonder about rest of the book. What is the truth?

   I continue to be amazed at the influence the press has in England. Do they really have that much control over the Royal Family? Apparently they just make stuff up and everyone believes it. The Royals are so out of touch and isolated. I think they should just be left alone and out of the newspapers like they used to be.




5. This is a run down on Prince Charles' behavior. A single guy(and a future king) cheats with his friend's(Andrew Parker-Bowles) wife(Camilla); then continues to cheat with this same married woman while engaged to Lady Diana.
   Then takes gifts to his married lover against the wishes of Lady Diana. On his honeymoon, tokens of his continuing love affair shows up in Camilla photos falling from his diary and cuff-links(two C's connecting).
   The new Princess of Wales is rightfully hurt and confused.
   This behavior of Charles hardly gets the marriage off to a good start.
   Throughout the marriage, Diana is witness to numerous occasions where Charles(through actions or words) declares his never-ending love for a married woman and continues with his adultery.
   Charles and Camilla showed as much disregard for Andrew Parker-Bowles' feelings as they did for Diana.
   What is especially upsetting is that rather than publicly admit he was a heartless, cheating man, Charles continued to portray himself as a loving husband to Diana and a respectable man who would one day be crowned king. He was willing to let his subjects believe he was an honorable man.
   Not only is the future king a cad, he is a liar as well!
   Besides there is NO evidence showing Diana as metally ill, un-balanced or anything before her association with Charles. As for her tantrums, I would site inmaturity and sheer frustration as the reasons for her outbursts.
   Diana was a normal, sane, healthy young woman prior to her engagement. Her bulminia did not start until after she moved to Buckingham Palace and she realized she was a Lamb to the Slaughter. It was then she realized her future husband did not love her and was very much committing adultery with a married woman. Adultery was something that Charles would continue to practice throughout their marriage.
   What is equally the mark of a cad, is Charles even cheated on his mistress!
   To write a book that basically white-washes Charles' moraless antics, is a disgrace and an insult to everyone's itelligence.
   He is a Villain if I ever saw one!!!!!