Chaucer Books

This is an awesome book for any Marilyn Monroe fan - hundreds of amazing art images, most rarely seen. There was a time in the 20s and 30s when movie stars were not photographed for magazine covers but drawn by artists. MM missed that period during her life but she is now probably the subject of the work of more artists than any movie star before or since - many of these art works are to be found in this lavishly illustrated volume. Highly recommended!

Anyone who loves the image of Marylin Monroe will enjoy its rendition by various artists in this book.

I am an artist in this book and recommend it to the fullest! Check out page 164.

Marilyn Monroe was an icon of our time. It is hard to believe that if she had lived she would have just had her eightieth birthday. And it's hard to believe that she has been dead for forty four years. She was only 36 when she died.

This book, MARILYN IN ART is a beautiful collection of drawings made of her by a wide variety of artists. In some cases she is cartoon like, others more like classical photographs. Each seems to manage to capture some essense of the woman. The art is combined with short quotes from a wide range of people who knew her, worked with her, photographed her or had some kind of relationship with her.

The book doesn't attempt to answer any of the questions about her death, it doesn't go into a psychological analysis of the likelihood of suicide. Instead it is a tribute to her, to her work, to the times she helped to create. And in this it is a great book. Perhaps the art shows more of the inside of Marilyn than photographs could. It's a book hard to put down, even after you've been through it once.

The book has finally reached me and waiting for it was well worth it. What a great feeling to see some of my art work in it! A lot of the art works published in it is truly beautiful and there is everything to fit all tastes! What a pleasure it is to see some friends' paintings: William Davies, Albert Leonard, Mary Belzunce, Frederic Cabanas... Thank you to Roger Taylor for compiling such a superb book.A must for all fans!
Marc Gélis

Cliff Notes was purchased for my husband to try and get through "Canterbury Tales". That about says it all. Great participation.

I'm one of those rare people who have actually read all of THE CANTERBURY TALES in the original Middle English. However, when teaching the tales for the first time to my senior high school students, I realized there was a lot I had forgotten. The first place I went for assistance was CLIFFSNOTES: THE CANTERURY TALES by Dr. James L. Roberts. The book includes a brief biography about Chaucer's life, an introduction to the work, a list of characters, a summary and commentary about each one of the tales, character analysis of selected characters (Harry Bailey, the Knight, the Miller, the Wife of Bath, the Pardoner), a few selected essays, a review, and a list of further resources. I found Cliffsnotes extremely helpful in preparing to teach THE CANTERBURY TALES for the first time and I know that some of my students found it just as useful as well (Middle English and high school students don't mix very well together). A great tool to supplement one's reading, studying, and teaching of Chaucer's THE CANTERBURY TALES.

The CliffsNotes booklet on THE CANTERBURY TALES is a helpful supplement which will lead the user to a deeper understanding of a fairly difficult subject. It contains information about Geoffrey Chaucer and his work in addition to an introduction, brief synopsis and character map. Critical commentaries on The Prologue, individual tales and Chaucer's Retraction are included as well as character analyses of Harry Bailey, the Host, the Knight, the Miller, the Wife of Bath and the Pardoner. Three critical essays are added plus an index. Properly used this guide will make the learning experience more meaningful as long as the student reads the entire literary work and completes all classroom assignments.

Since "The Canterbury Tales" can be rather daunting for the student, I think this is an exceptional way to garner more of the needed information. The definitions are to the point, and the summaries aren't lengthy and over-bearing. If this is something to be read in the classroom, I see no reason why this shouldn't accompany the text.

The notes are really helpful as a supplement to the book. I had to do a paper on it, and it gives a lot of insight on important topics to consider.

This masterful political biography traces the life and career of one of the most extraordinary figures of British political history, Benjamin Disraeli. In doing so it gives insight into the whole structure of nineteenth - century British political and social life.
It is told chronologically and moves with a sure and even narrative pace. One particular helpful feature of the work is the detailed chapter- headings, which serve as a kind of summary of the work as a whole.
The story of 'Dizzy's spectacular climb ' up the greasy pole' to the Prime - Ministership, his rivalry with Gladstone, his closeness with Queen Victoria, his brilliance as strategist in defending and extending the Empire is told with quiet sympathy by Blake.
Also there is a close chronicling of Disraeli's personal relations, including those with his somewhat distant literary father, his especially supportive sister, and very close wife.
Disraeli's Jewish origins , his misunderstanding of them and yet his pride in defending them are also part of the story of this sensitive, insightful and supremely 'romantic' political leader.

This is a work of considerable scholarship which chronicles the life of one of Great Britain's outstanding statesmen. The book covers the political life of Disraeli admirably, but also gives a view of the private Disraeli: confidant of Victoria, prolific novelist, inventor of the crouton.

Robert Blake's study of Benjamin Disreali, twice Prime Minister and prolific novelist, is one of the best I've read. Both Disreali's personal life and political career are handled with respect, and there is no unnecessary conjecture to mislead the reader. The resulting biography is both fascinating and informative, advancing chronologically from Disreali's parentage to his death and detailing the aspects of his personality and the extraordinary good luck that enabled him to rise so far in the British political system. Throughout, the reader is offered anecdotes from acquaintances, excerpts from letters, and portions of the speeches that gave Disreali his reputation as a matchless orator. Particularly touching are the stories illustrating the friendship he and his sister shared, and the mannerisms which characterized his personality. Overall, Robert Blake displays great knowledge of both Disreali and the politics that he loved so much. Therein lies the book's only fault, from an amateur's perspective; at times the references to the system can confuse a reader not fully familiar with British politics. However, any admirer of this great statesman cannot afford to miss reading this work, which already shows signs of becoming a necessary reference. Any historian, amateur or not, could easily view this volume as indispensable.

Blake's Disraeli is not only flawless in its interpretation of Disraeli but also in its style. It is a work by which all other biographies must be judged. Simply put, it is the perfect biography.

During the high tide of the Victorian era, the political life of the nation was dominated by two men, Disraeli and Gladstone. Gladstone is an obvious choice for one of the top statesmen of the era, he was elected four times to the premiership. Disraeli was not quite so fortunate. However, given the short period of time that he was in office he accomplished a great deal. He brought the tories back from the dead, passed a reform bill and managed to acquire the Suez Canal. At the Congress of Berlin, Disraeli's command of the situation even impressed Bismark (not exactly a slouch in these sorts of things). Not bad from a rather foppish young man who specialized in "Silver Fork" novels (a fictional version of lifestyles of the rich and famous in the 19th century).

Blake's book is the best one on the subject of Benjamin Disraeli. The complex story of the novelist turned politican is brought out in all of its facets. Disraeli was probably one of the most interesting people to be prime minister (after perhaps Churchill and Walpole) and Blake's book shows the reader how he did it.

It is a great book and a nice additon to my collection of Diana books

The feeling I have when I look through "Diana In Art" is one of comraderie and warmth, of course with a touch of sadness at the loss, but it is a celebration of Diana's loving nature and her generous spirit. It's also amazing to see the different art from artists all over the world who admired the late Diana.

I am one of the artists who contributed to this book, and am honored to be a part of this tastefully written, compiled, and elegantly edited tribute to "The People's Princess." There are a few works by famous artists, but also a large selection of lesser-knowns (such as myself) who contribute a wide variation of creative styles and personal views of the beautiful Diana through their artwork. I received my copy a few days ago and spent several days reading it, and I am honored to have been a contributor to this touching and very warm tribute to Diana. The selections of quotes by Diana herself, and by friends and family, all contribute to the tone and mood of this tribute to her....she is still terribly missed.

I do feel she would've been fond of this book. There are enlightening quotes from a wide source of admirers that cast light on her spirit and life. I am under the impression that Diana wasn't the type to distinguish between the powerful and the common in her regard for people. Mem Mehmet follows suit with his selections which include the unknowns as well as the well established in the art world. I believe this was done in harmony with the way of Diana. Some of the work is serious, some strange, some traditional, some modern, and some simply comical. All are valid reminders of the affection and respect that were intended for her with each of these creative efforts. Most of this art is as original and special as Diana was, and all of it honors her. Congratulations Mr Mehmet, for following through with your obvious and deeply felt admiration for a lady you've helped forever remain in our memories.

Diana In Art is an excellent book of Art and Artists. A must have addition to any library. The greatest artists of the day including Andy Wharhol, Carlee, Andre Durand, Esrael Zohar and much, much more....

Looking forward to more of your books on celebrities!

Fantastic hard-cover book with work by artists all over the world. Some of the stuff is really beautifully done - you've gotta have this!

I am a librarian. Over the decades, I have had many art books pass through my hands. The compilation of fine artists by the author is glorious! The author's rigorous research in finding the artists whom he chose to be included within, certainly substantial.
In particular, the artist Susan Victor of murrrbeast.com, is
included in this book. It is about time that someone recognized her exceeding works. I would highly recommend this book -- especially to those in academia; the field of commercial art;
and anyone who simply loves art.

I've never been a fan of Madonna's music, but have admired her willingness to constantly re-invent herself. This new art book shows how others in the art world have viewed Madonna throughout her career. There are sketches, water colors, oils, and works from many other mediums with the artist's unique view on who (or in some cases, what) Madonna is.

If you love art, or love Madonna, this is the book for you. And it makes a perfect gift as well!

I bought a book in 1984 called "Marilyn In Art". I always loved to every now and then flip through it because it was so much fun to see the different ways these artists drew or painted (etc) the same subject. I happen to be a longtime Marilyn fan.
From what I understand, the author (compiler) of this book, Mem Mehmet, is friends with the author of the twenty year old Marilyn book, Roger G. Taylor (who also did an "Elvis In Art"). I had the paperback version of the Marilyn book, but was lucky enough to get the hardcover version of "Madonna In Art". I am also a Madonna fan (not as much as a Marilyn fan, but...), this book is a MUST for any fan of Madonna! Fantastic, fun renditions of Madonna in every style imaginable, which also makes it great for any artist or art lover. Along with each piece of art is a quote from Madonna herself or a celebrity or author, etc. about some aspect of the superstar which is fun to read. Unlike my paperback "Marilyn In Art" book, the hardback version of this is of the highest quality. Beneath the attactive book cover, the name is embossed in silver metallic ink (which is used throughout the book). Would make a wonderful gift for Madonna fans, artists, art lovers!!! I'd scoop up the hardcover before it's only available in paperback!

This is a wonderful book that gives the reader a feel for all social levels during the medieval times. I especially enjoyed The Wife of Bath's Tale. I recommend this book to anyone. It is interesting while being entertaining at the same time.

It was so lovely

Chaucer has given me a greater insight into life in the 14th century. We see the hypocrisy of the "genteel" people of the time. He has also transcended the boundaries of time for we can still see evidence of this hypocrisy in todays society. The Wife is a strong female character and the reader can not be certain if she is feminist or anti-feminist nor can they be certain if Chaucer is laughing at her or with her. This was a very crafty device by Chaucer's and he must be commended for it. This device is shown in how long Chaucer allows the Wife to speak about herself, it is the longest prologue in the book except of course for the General Prologue. The Wife's views and issues can also be seen in her choice of tale but her voice seems somewhat more subdued here and we can distinctly see Chaucer's own views and ideas coming out in the tale.The very poetic style in which it is written also intices the reader to read on. Altogether quite an insightful piece of literature.

There is no poet in any language of more extravagant wit and wisdom than old Geoffrey Chaucer, and no more universal, but for the challenge of the language. Like Homer in Greek, Dante in Italian, Chaucer set the bar too high for anyone ever to exceed him. And how fundamentally English he was, as if all the "personality" of our literature flowed from the same cultural spring!

My generation may have been almost the last to memorize the Prologue to the Canterbury Tales and to learn the few easy rules of pronunciation and syntax we needed to enjoy Chaucer. Helas! The times, they are a-changing. Still, a few years ago I had an irrational lust to revive my ability to read Middle English, just for fun. I discovered that there were audio-books of many of the Canterbury Tales, including the Wife of Bath's salacious masterpiece. Of all Chaucer's dramatis personae, the Wife of Bath is surely the most humanly convincing, the randy old dame! "Why, I'm probably just the right age to be husband number six," thought I. So I ordered this CD. By the time the CD reached me, I'd forgotten my urge to make use of it. In fact, I forgot I had it until yesterday, when it somehow popped out of the shelf at me.

Elizabeth Salter and her unnamed male foil speak the poetry of Chaucer with enough 'naturalness' to persuade me, particularly since recording technology was still rather crude in the 1300s. With the ability to pause the disk by remote, I find that I can follow the most familiar parts of the Wife's narrative comfortably. For most of the tale, however, I have to keep my eyes on the text. I wouldn't mind if Salter had delivered her words just a trifle slower, but then perhaps the rollicking cadences wouldn't have frolicked so mirthfully. There are lots of editions of the Canterbury Tales available with old and new English on facing pages, making the effort much easier.

This is probably not everyone's idea of fun, what with movies of Beowulf starring naked babes as Grendel's Mother and such. But Chaucer is too good to be lost. If YOU the parents of America no longer have the willpower to compel your teenagers to labor through the Canterbury Tales, then it's YOUR obligation to do so yourselves!

This book is a great find for harpists interested in early music. The music is written with the lever harp in mind and includes markings for lever changes. The accompanying CD is a great boon in hearing how the music is supposed to sound as well as an aid to pronunciation of the Early English. I highly recommend for harpists interested in historical re-enactment.

This is a great sample of early music set for modern instruments/singers. It is for harp and voice primarily, but can be used for other instrumentation with very little modification. The CD is very good as is the peripheral information in the book.

This Songbook, and especially the CD that accompanies it, make Chaucer a living presence for the contemporary reader and listener. Many of Chaucer's pilgrims define themselves in part by the music they play or sing, and the characters in the stories they tell (even the rooster and chicken in "The Nun's Priest's Tale") express themselves musically. Until Carol Wood put this collection together, and arranged and performed the music for it, no one had made this rich context available. But not only is the work a triumph of musicological scholarship, the playing and singing are lovely quite on their own. Every edition of Chaucer (who wrote a number of poems, or portions of poems, for music) ought to include this CD in a pocket in the jacket!

This book has historical context; The Wife's prologue and tale; New Historicism Criticism regarding The Wife; Marxism and Psychoanalytic Criticism; and Deconstruction and Feminist Criticism. For anyone doing a paper, class, or any type of study regarding The Wife of Bath, this is an excellent book to have. It is easy to read and understand. You get to view the Wife of Bath from 5 different critical perspectives and each chapter ends with a Works Cited page which is an excellent reference for further research.

I recommend this book to anybody interested in Sir Geoffrey Chaucer's Wife of Bath or the Canterbury Tales. The essays and articles are insightful, well-written, and extremely thought provoking. If you are a fan or a student studying the Canterbury Tales and you need to read more about the Wife of Bath, this is the book for you. I love the style and design of the book. It is well structured and organized. No other book out there covers the Wife of Bath like this book.

Beilder takes a whirlwind review of the world of Chaucer criticism. In his introduction, Beidler shows the reader the many levels of thought that are still occuring about Chaucer to this very day.

Having just read this scholarly yet lively and witty presentation of Chaucer, his works and his times, I have to praise it to the skies. I obtained it in prime condition from an Amazon bookseller for under $6, and it is worth infinitely more--if one can find it.

Chute's book should suffice for anyone who wants to become intelligently acquainted with Chaucer. About 50 pages are given to exploring the characterizations of the Canterbury pilgrims, what they represent and how Chaucer's personal associations led him to understand as living people those who in previous medieval literature would only have been types. Expecially valuable is the selected bibliography, with 9 pages of general and literary background materials.

It is worth noting that Anya Seton gave credit to Chute's scholarship and friendship in the development of Seton's historical novel "Katherine" which covers this period with great detail and fidelity--and lovingly includes Geoffrey and Philippa Chaucer and the courts of Edward III and Richard II.

I came to this after reading G.G. Coulton's genial and gentle "Chaucer and his England" and Peter Ackroyd's "Short biography" of Chaucer. (The latter became increasingly superficial the more I read from Chute.) An added pleasure is her own charming endpiece map of Chaucer's London and her witty little "rubrications" at the beginning of each chapter--her adornments of the opening capital letter-- in the period's style of, to quote her, "affable imbecility."

In her discussion of each characterization in "The Canterbury Tales" Chutte proves herself a worthy commentator and companion to Chaucer. She ends her book with this summation: "Setting himself against the weight of medieval authority, Chaucer wrote of English men and women and wrote in the English tongue. He did not do it for approval or for money or for fame. He did it for love, and there is the evidence of six centuries to show that a love like that is not betrayed."

Geoffrey Chaucer of England is a charming book with an elegant gravitas that becomes the subject and the century. If the fourteenth, whose sobriquet is `that unfortunate century', was a time a-swirl with violence and chaos, it was also the world thru which Chaucer, no stay at home, dreamy-eyed, garret-loving poet, moved with dignity, grace and humor. The depth of detail provided by Ms. Chute's impressive scholarship and the clarity of her lucid writing make that distant time clear and accessible. This book will charm you, as will Ms. Chute herself.

it is a very good book, with illustrations to color of great quality, and some drawings of Boucher.excelente considering the number of pages and the price.

David Wakefield holds a long and special interest in French art and literature and has other publications on the topics to his name, so BOUCHER, a study of the artist whose works have become synonymous with the Rococo period of mid-18th century France, is a logical study for his talents. BOUCHER examines the sum of his prolific career and his history, providing a survey of his works, changing times, and influences. Full-page color photos use his paintings as stepping stones to understanding his art and early roots in Dutch naturalism. An excellent survey.