Filled with the author's legendary wit and humor, My Early Life is Winston Churchill's fast-paced memoir of his life from earliest childhood to age 30Filled with the author's legendary wit and humor, My Early Life is Winston Churchill's fast-paced memoir of his life from earliest childhood to age 30. While this account is replete with WLSC's many battlefield exploits, my favorite parts of the book take place far from the theaters of war. I found the stories of his childhood, education, and early political exploits to be much more insightful in understanding the man Churchill would become. It is also interesting to see what can be gleaned exclusively from an autobiography as opposed to a work by any other writer. For instance, no one else could capture WLSC's seemingly still raw hatred of his school years or the matter-of-fact candor with which he discusses the advantages of his social connections. My Early Life is an absolute must for any true Churchill devotee. ...more
Two Houses, Two Kingdoms chronicles English-French relations between 1100-1300, principally concentrating on the interactions of the two nations' ruliTwo Houses, Two Kingdoms chronicles English-French relations between 1100-1300, principally concentrating on the interactions of the two nations' ruling families. While the subject matter is interesting, this focus, regrettably, leads to the reader often being inundated with names as Hanley explains the marriages and political alliances not only of monarchs, but also assorted royal siblings and offspring. ...more
This is an excellent biography. Jones manages to get past both the stereotype of Henry V as an austere conqueror and Shakespeare's fictional party-goThis is an excellent biography. Jones manages to get past both the stereotype of Henry V as an austere conqueror and Shakespeare's fictional party-goer turned responsible monarch to portray a complex multifaceted individual. This achievement coupled with the author's crisp writing and brisk pace make Henry V a truly enjoyable read. ...more
The River of the Gods is about the efforts of two men to discover the source of the White Nile. (As I understand it, the White Nile later combines wiThe River of the Gods is about the efforts of two men to discover the source of the White Nile. (As I understand it, the White Nile later combines with the Blue Nile to form the river that ultimately flows through Egypt.) Set in the second half of the 1800s, this history is as much about the men and their rivalry as their journeys. While some of the middle section is a bit of a slog, overall, this is an exciting tale of Victorian-era exploration. ...more
Portions of Young Queens are quite good. These sections detail the policies, alliances, and influences of these leading women, as well as important ePortions of Young Queens are quite good. These sections detail the policies, alliances, and influences of these leading women, as well as important events in their personal lives. Unfortunately, for every interesting page, the author seems to include two that focus on trivial minutiae such as childhood pastimes and penmanship styles. (Does anyone really care whether Mary, Queen of Scots preferred drawing or sewing when a girl?) My 3rd grade teacher once told me that I should not include insignificant details in my book reports; "I don't need to know what John Cabot ate for breakfast" were her exact words. It is a shame that no one seems to have shared this sage advice with Ms. Chang....more
Heaven's Command chronicles the rise of the (2nd) British Empire in a novel manner. The bulk of the story is related through a series of vignettes, whHeaven's Command chronicles the rise of the (2nd) British Empire in a novel manner. The bulk of the story is related through a series of vignettes, which are meant to come together--like the tiles of a mosaic--to form a picture of the empire's ascent. As with any story collection, some are better than others. But, the overall quality is fairly high.Â
Does an overall picture of the empire emerge? Sort of. One certainly gets a good sense of its scope and diversity. However, I cannot say that I came away with any real understanding of how an empire on which the sun never set truly came into existence....more
This is a generally well written and informative biography. Interestingly, Morris presents a more positive portrait of John than most accounts. PlanThis is a generally well written and informative biography. Interestingly, Morris presents a more positive portrait of John than most accounts. Plantagenet fans will likely also discover a few new details about his reign. On the other hand, those reading about this period of British history for the first time may be a bit overwhelmed. Additionally, the author employs the unusual technique of shifting back & forth between two chronologies, which can be confusing.  ...more
The Blazing World covers Britain's political, religious, and social evolution throughout the tumultuous 1600s. This vast scope is both the book's greThe Blazing World covers Britain's political, religious, and social evolution throughout the tumultuous 1600s. This vast scope is both the book's greatest strength and its chief weakness. On the one hand, Healey writes about many momentous happenings such as the Gunpowder Plot, Civil War, Restoration, and Glorious Revolution. On the other hand, the work's vast breadth requires the reader to be assaulted with so many facts and names that it all passes by in a blur. While I admire the author's ambition and goal, I am not sure such summary treatment of events is of much use. ...more
It is not surprising that Rutherford is a working geneticist. The sections of this book that deal with the science of eugenics are brilliant. UnfortIt is not surprising that Rutherford is a working geneticist. The sections of this book that deal with the science of eugenics are brilliant. Unfortunately, the rest of Control does not measure up. Overall, the work reads like a 250+ page op-ed article railing against the philosophy and use of eugenics. Virtually every page of Control reiterates one of these arguments. While my stance on eugenics is fairly similar to the author's, I do not enjoy works that tell me what to think and have an even less favorable view of publications--like this one--that attempt to shove certain principles down my throat. I truly wonder whether the title refers to the aspirations of eugenicists or to the influence Rutherford attempts to exert over his readers.   ...more
The subject matter of Convict Colony--British settlement in Australia from the First Fleet to the crossing of the Blue Mountains--is interesting. UnfThe subject matter of Convict Colony--British settlement in Australia from the First Fleet to the crossing of the Blue Mountains--is interesting. Unfortunately, this book is not. The prose is generally dry & reads like a textbook. The audiobook version exacerbates this uninspired presentation with a lackluster "performance"; the narrator rarely takes the trouble to modulate his voice. ...more
Young Titan is a work for the true Churchill enthusiast. This is very much a personal biography, focusing on WLSC's youthful romances and interactionsYoung Titan is a work for the true Churchill enthusiast. This is very much a personal biography, focusing on WLSC's youthful romances and interactions with friends and colleagues. Those seeking to learn more about the major events in which Churchill participated during the covered period--e.g., Tonypandy and Gallipoli--are better off seeking other sources. On the other hand, staunch Churchill aficionados will find that this book provides some insights on the great statesman that are difficult to find elsewhere....more
Summer of Blood is a detailed and vivid account of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Jones masterfully explains the social and political situation that leSummer of Blood is a detailed and vivid account of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Jones masterfully explains the social and political situation that led to the uprising and paints a vibrant picture of the actual insurgency. However, like the rebellion itself, the narrative peters out after Smithfield. ...more
This book is not quite what I expected. Given the title, I thought the text would cover the sinking of the eponymous vessel and the events that followThis book is not quite what I expected. Given the title, I thought the text would cover the sinking of the eponymous vessel and the events that followed. A portion of The White Ship does deal with these happenings. However, the overall work is principally a biography of Henry I.
Henry lead an exciting and interesting life and Spencer generally tells his story well. Nevertheless, combining such a full life with a description of The Anarchy that followed Henry's death is a too tall an order for such a slim volume. Parts of the book are overly abbreviated, often involving little more than a flurry of names and barebone descriptions of major events. The White Ship may be a good introduction to this period in British history, but it will not satisfy anyone seeking to actually learn about these times....more
Dan Jones is a talented writer, but, in this work, he attempts to cover far too much material. The result--especially in the book's early chapters--isDan Jones is a talented writer, but, in this work, he attempts to cover far too much material. The result--especially in the book's early chapters--is often a barrage of names and events that resonates only with those who already know the subject matter. However, such knowledgeable readers will find little of interest in this superficial overview. The narrative does improves later in work when Jones shifts from a chronological to a topical approach. The section on the age of exploration is particularly well done....more
Revolution Song treats readers to six very interesting short biographies all set during the US revolutionary era. However, it fails to connect these nRevolution Song treats readers to six very interesting short biographies all set during the US revolutionary era. However, it fails to connect these narratives in any meaningful way. Shorto repeatedly argues that each of his subjects fought for freedom in his or her own manner. But, even this broad claim is difficult to sustain. For what freedom did George Sackville fight--the freedom for Parliament to tax the American colonies? The freedom to rid his reputation of the stain from Minden? Margaret Coghlan did fight for freedom, but she did so principally in England and against the laws and mores of mainland British society. I do not see how her plight--although very sympathetic--has much to do with the struggles of the colonials. Revolution Song is, in essence, a collection of six brilliant (and true) short stories, but not compelling as a unified work of history. ...more
The Red Prince is an easily readable and concise biography of John of Gaunt. Those familiar with Gaunt's life will learn nothing new here as Carr engaThe Red Prince is an easily readable and concise biography of John of Gaunt. Those familiar with Gaunt's life will learn nothing new here as Carr engages in relatively little analysis of events or her subject's character. On the other hand, given the paucity of sources from that time, the absence of such speculation may be a merit rather than a fault....more
Warriors of God is a well written, fast paced history of the third crusade that is centered on its two great antagonists, Richard I and Saladin. ThrouWarriors of God is a well written, fast paced history of the third crusade that is centered on its two great antagonists, Richard I and Saladin. Through the eyes of these leaders, Reston's account admirably details both perspectives of this great struggle. However, while I was very favorably impressed with the author's prose, I did find myself questioning his abilities as a historian.
I have only limited knowledge of the crusades, but have read a fair amount on Richard. Virtually every account of the Lionheart discusses his sexual orientation and the nature of his relationship with Philip Augustus of France. The clear consensus seems to be that no definitive judgement can be made on these points. And yet, Warriors of God unquestionably declares that Richard and Philip were lovers. Reston's one sided treatment of this issue leads me to question where else he may have erred or, at the very least, oversimplified....more
The Brothers York is well written and provides excellent coverage of Edward IV's reign. Penn furnishes ample detail on virtually every aspect of EdwarThe Brothers York is well written and provides excellent coverage of Edward IV's reign. Penn furnishes ample detail on virtually every aspect of Edward's government, from foreign affairs to domestic and economic policies. He also presents a passable picture of Edward's personal life. However, the book is weaker when it deals with the periods before Edward's ascent and after his death. In both instances, the author attempts to cover complex situations in far too summary a fashion. ...more
The Spy and the Traitor is the rare marriage of fascinating source material and masterful writing. This real-life spy story reads like a brilliant espThe Spy and the Traitor is the rare marriage of fascinating source material and masterful writing. This real-life spy story reads like a brilliant espionage novel, combining suspense, action, and importance of the intelligence obtained by our protagonist. ...more
The Splendid and the Vile attempts to cover the Churchill family and some its intimates during the London blitz and the prelude thereto. Given that itThe Splendid and the Vile attempts to cover the Churchill family and some its intimates during the London blitz and the prelude thereto. Given that it, therefore, deals with some of the most exciting events in recent history, Larson does a remarkably poor job of keeping his readers engaged. The book's fundamental flaw is its constant shift in perspective. It jumps from following one person to another so that just as you are getting into an individual's story, the narrative flow is broken. Perhaps a better title for this work would have been Random Assortment of Blitz Stories. ...more
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