Average Rating:

.

Katherine Swynford: The Story of John of Gaunt and His Scandalous Duchess

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Alison Weir

August 07, 2008
I was disappointed. Katherine Swynford is barely a ghost in this book. On the other hand we learn an enormous amount about the cast of hundreds who knew or were related or even contemporary with her. The book jumps around a great deal as well, filling in history about people I had no interest in and drifting away from what was supposed to be the main theme. That was confusing. As there were no facts to hang Katherine's character or life experience on, this was a dry and very lifeless read. It did follow John of Gaunt's life closely although he never came to real life between the pages either, which would be my most serious criticism. There's also a lot about Geoffrey Chaucer but I didn't buy the book to find out about him!

Average Rating:

.

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Bill Bryson

June 01, 2004
I started out with enthusiasm with this book but should have read the title a little more carefully. A short 'history'of nearly everything with the emphasis on HISTORY. This book goes into great detail on how and when each new bit of information was discovered with biographies of the scientists involved. This was not really what I wanted to read about as would prefer just to know the latest most up to date information and there are plenty much more interesting books on these topics, I have been browsing the Lonely Planet version on space and science which is illustrated and topical. Dont wish to offend fans of Bill Bryson, it is probably my mistake.

Average Rating:

.

Innocent Traitor

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Alison Weir

June 07, 2007
Alison Weir is a respected historian who is often recommended as an antidote to inaccurate representations in historical fiction as written by other authors. This is her first novel, and what a novel it is. I was entranced from the first line, and even though I knew how it was going to end, I still hoped that there would be a change at some point near the end. That's the sign of a good writer - someone who can write so compellingly and with such suspense that you hope they can even change historical facts for you.

Lady Jane Grey was a pawn in the ambition of her parents and of the Duke of Northumberland, almost from the moment she was born. Never forgiven for the cardinal sin of being born female, she was beaten and tortured into becoming ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

The Lady Elizabeth

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Alison Weir

April 03, 2008
If you are interest in Elizabeth I in any capacity, then this is the book for you. I stumbled across Alison Weir's book on Lady Jane Grey, and was transfixed, so was delighted when The Lady Elizabeth came out. The book takes you through Elizabeth's childhood, her teenage years, until the moment that she becomes queen. It is both fascinating and compelling and I would recommend it to anyone who has any interest in this period, but more importantly for bringing to life Elizabeth I's amazing and intriguing personality. A fantastic, higly recommended read!

Average Rating:

.

3 Para

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Patrick Bishop

June 02, 2008
Patrick Bishop has now written several accounts of specific units or services in wartime, including the excellent "Fighter Boys" and "Bomber Boys", both about WW2 British fliers.

At first glance, this foray into contemporary conflict doesn't look promising; the paperback version is decorated with tawdry tabloid marketing blurb (and the statutory McNab/Ryan rave review) which makes it seem like another of the sensationalist glorifying accounts of recent conflicts that now seem to be cluttering the bookshelves of the nation.

Fortunately, Bishop is a better writer than that, so I persisted and was rewarded with a fascinating account of the British Army in Afghanistan, which focuses on the detail of day to day fire-fights without being the cheap tat that ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

The Basic Basics Jams, Preserves and Chutneys (Basic Basics)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Marguerite Patten

July 01, 2001
This, like many of Marguerite Patten's other 'Basics' other books, is simply invaluable. Particularly key, now many of us are growing our own & therefore understand the seasonal 'glut' dilemma - there are, I promise you, only so many cucumbers you can eat in a week ........

Average Rating:

.

"Who Do You Think You Are?" Encyclopedia of Genealogy: The Definitive Reference Guide to Tracing Your Family History

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Nick Barratt

September 01, 2008
This, like many of Marguerite Patten's other 'Basics' other books, is simply invaluable. Particularly key, now many of us are growing our own & therefore understand the seasonal 'glut' dilemma - there are, I promise you, only so many cucumbers you can eat in a week ........

Average Rating:

.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Alison Weir

November 22, 2007
An extremely readable book. The author gives a wonderfully real picture of the wives and the King and why the various relationships ultimately ended. History comes alive in this book and I can't pay a higher compliment than that.

Average Rating:

.

The Prince (Penguin Classics)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Niccolo Machiavelli, George Bull

February 16, 2004
This masterpiece of reasoning and good practical handbook on how to get ahead in real life if you happen to be already a man of some means, was a work of great humanity in an age when humanity was still considered disgusting and subserviant to the Lord above and his chosen servants on Earth. What a shot across the bows to all those religious hypocrites and Bible following automatons this must have been, then. Two elements surrounding this work's brave publication are crucial, I feel: One being that this was Italy, (as it became) and at its advanced stage of the great Renaissance, as we now know it, and the second being that it was written at a time which was just right to be publishing order challenging controversial works. After seeing the liberal benefits to man that the use of the printing ... Read More:

Average Rating:

.

Apache Dawn: Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > History
by: Damien Lewis

August 21, 2008
After reading Apache Dawn I felt Damien Lewis has given the public an insight into the excellent work our British Forces are doing in Afghanistan. After hearing about the the battles of last summer on the news it was good to read in to depth about what went on from a pilots point and a soldiers as i was only told a limited story. I would recommend any one to read as soldiers do not get any reconition for what they do out on tours and people can find out alot reading this book.