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London: The Biography

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Peter Ackroyd

August 21, 2008
Rambling, unfocused, poorly researched, and little real history. An enjoyable holiday read perhaps, but those looking to learn about the origins of this great city should look elsewhere. Most of the discussion centers on the 17th and 18th centuries and most of the anecdotes come from only two souces. The author could have taken the trouble to do a little more research! Very disappointing.

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What They Teach You at Harvard Business School: My Two Years Inside the Cauldron of Capitalism

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Philip Delves Broughton

August 07, 2008

Philip Delves Broughton was on top of the journalism world as the Paris bureau chief for The Daily Telegraph of London when he got itchy feet and decided he wanted to go to business school. Setting his sights on Harvard, he was pleased to get in.

I attended Harvard Business School while in law school many years ago. I was surprised to find out how many things are similar to when I attended. The student complaints were similar, too.

I thought that Mr. Broughton did an excellent job of explaining what the case system is all about and what occurs in preparing for and during a class. If you've always wanted to go to HBS, here's a chance to take a peek.

The book's strength is in exposing the values behind ... Read More:

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Clips from a Life

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Denis Norden

October 01, 2008

Philip Delves Broughton was on top of the journalism world as the Paris bureau chief for The Daily Telegraph of London when he got itchy feet and decided he wanted to go to business school. Setting his sights on Harvard, he was pleased to get in.

I attended Harvard Business School while in law school many years ago. I was surprised to find out how many things are similar to when I attended. The student complaints were similar, too.

I thought that Mr. Broughton did an excellent job of explaining what the case system is all about and what occurs in preparing for and during a class. If you've always wanted to go to HBS, here's a chance to take a peek.

The book's strength is in exposing the values behind ... Read More:

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In Search of Robert Millar: Unravelling the Mystery Surrounding Britain's Most Successful Tour de France Cyclist: Unravelling the Mystery Surrounding Britain's Most Successful Tour De France Cyclist

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Richard Moore

June 02, 2008
Like some of the other reviewers I had not realised the extent of Robert's achievements until I read this. He was a great rider and it will take some time and changes in the way we train cyclists in this country before we see any male rider as good all round as he was. The book itself evoked real anger in me, where it talks about Robert being duped into second place in the Tour of Spain. This sort thing shows a lack of self esteem on the part of those who pulled it off. And denied both Robert and Britain of a win in a major tour. I found the email correspondence at the end of the book both fascinating and poignant. If Robert ever reads any of this stuff on Amazon all I can say thank you for being an inspiration to me and many others. It is people like Robert that ... Read More:

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Understanding Organizations (Penguin Business) (3rd Edition)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Charles B. Handy

January 01, 1987
Charles Handy is arguably the UK's top business "guru", but in my opinion this title somewhat diminishes his life's work, which has gone beyond matters of simple business administration into a philosophy of life and work, and is imbued with a spirituality that I find infectious (even though I am not a very spiritual person). This, however, is his seminal management text, and there is but a hint of the philosophical musings of "The Empty Raincoat" and "The Hungry Spirit".

Understanding Organisations was first published in 1976, and my fourth edition (I don't know why Amazon describes this as the third edition - that must be an error) was published in 1993, with a revised introduction in 1999. It cannot claim to be entirely up to date, therefore, but it remains ... Read More:

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Slash: The Autobiography

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Slash, Anthony Bozza

May 06, 2008
I picked this book up safe in the knowledge that it was bound to be an eye-opening story of one of the most popular guitarists of the last generation or two. Whether or not I'd find it all that enjoyable was debatable but I'm pleased to say that I flew through it's pages as quickly as Slash etches out a guitar solo.

At over 450 pages it should satisfy any Guns N'Roses & Slash fans and I never once found myself bored. It's extremely well-written and as I've long admired Slash without knowing all that much about him the book really does open things up about the guy. I have to say I found myself often grinning at the larger-than-life character that I think Slash has created as much as is natural but I guess the same goes for the majority of big-time rock stars. ... Read More:

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In the Frame: My Life In Words And Pictures: My Life in Words and Pictures

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Helen Mirren

October 02, 2008

"The tiaras and silvering hair of Britain's sexiest sixty something - it's all here, in In the Frame: My Life in Words and Pictures, a glossy hardback scrapbook of photographs extensively annotated by Helen Mirren. Born Ilyena Vasilievna Mironov in Chiswick, London, in 1945." Eva Wiseman

Helen Mirren, my image of the perfect woman and actress, warts and all, beautiful to look at as she ages and beautiful in mind and soul as I got to know her a little better. I think she will love the title I chose for this review, like me, she's a little bit raunchy and rock 'n roll. Helen was asked why she wrote this book. It seems that she has been asked many times to write her story, but could not think it through. A good friend suggested she write it like a scrapbook. ... Read More:

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Burlesque and the Art of the Teese / Fetish and the Art of the Teese

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Dita Von Teese

March 01, 2006
'Burlesque and the Art of the Teese / Fetish and the Art of the Teese' is a stunning look at the history of both Burlesque and Fetish from the point of view of one of the most famous models and Burlesque dancers of today, Dita Von Teese. It has stunning imagery and is well presented, without being lascivious or in poor taste. This book is class all the way. The various sections focusing on the history of both arts are fascinating, with information you would never have considered and you can tell Dita is both knowledgeable and passionate about her art. If you're a fan of Dita or just interested in Burlesque or Fetish then this is an excellent place to go, and though slightly unorthodox, this would make a wonderful coffee table book.

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The Fallen: Searching for the Missing Members of The Fall

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Dave Simpson

September 18, 2008
Although not an obsessive Fall-fan by any means, the concept and Herculean-size of the task the author sets himself is very compelling and I really enjoyed reading this. He comes across as very likeable, puts himself and his thoughts about The Fall and his quest across just the right amount - not too much (Hornbyish self-indulgence this ain't). Some hilarious stories and also some disturbing stories and insights, particularly into the comparisons with cult-management.

It's also quite inspiring - in the US everyone is brought up to believe they can be President; in the Prestwich area of England, you could well grow up to be in The Fall. All round, highly recommended to anyone interested in 'different' music and the bands that make it (and aspiring cult leaders!!).

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Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran: My Life in "Duran Duran"

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Biography
by: Andy Taylor

September 04, 2008
There is not much new here -in my opinion the best account of a rock star's excessive lifestyle to date is Bit of a Blur by Alex James. While Andy Taylor's account is frank and funny, it is somewhat disjointed (please pardon the pun) and failed to live up to my expectations. Andy Taylor is definitely talented and comes across as being a likeable prankster but his overwhelming sense of self-importance is omnipresent throughout the book. On one page he extols the worthiness of Live Aid and later admits that he squandered almost half-a-million pounds on high living. I cannot see the logic in that but a lot of the stories are engaging and this book helped me to pass a wet Sunday. It is not the best lifestory I have read but nor is it the worst. A fair read. Joyce Miller