William King Books

For the past several years Ihave been a student of late 19th and early 20th century Europe. A starting place had to be found, which is much easier said than done. My readings kept leading me back to Germany, i.e., Prussia. I only wish I had discovered Professor Cecil earlier. His two-part biography of Wilhelm II has proved indispensable. I can't fathom reading one volume without the other, but since this review speaks to Volume II, "Wilhelm II,Emperor and Exile, 1900-1941,we'll have a go. The best way to read Volume II is to read the last sentence of the book first, where Professor Cecil applies a paraphrase from the Duke of Wellington who was describing the late George IV. Cecil thusly applies it to Wilhelm: "a sovereign who lived and died without having been able to assert so much as a single claim on the gratitude of posterity." The joy of the book is getting to that last sentence. It's all in there: feuding with his uncle, King Edward VII of England; the "Mad Hare" Telegraph article; the absolute idiocy of the naval arms race with England;his ill-fated dependence on the rotting Habsburg Empire; his hatred of any form of parlimentary government; and finally his almost tragic descent when he had lost the confidence of German Military Command, members of his own family, and millions of the German people. Good books on Wilhelm are hard to find. This one, especially when taken with Volume I, is outstanding.

Lamar Cecil should be applauded for writing an objective biography of Wilhelm II. Whilst this volume is in keeping with the high standards of the first, I am a little bit disappointed that his life after his 1918 abdication is a bit too sketchy, possibly due to the fact that Wilhelm II managed to outlive most of his contemporaries. This book is not about Wilhelmine dilpomatic history, or the Great War, but a well researched treatise on the malignant effects of autocratic rule by an unstable, pompous incompetent.

Lamar Cecil presents a suspenseful yet satisfying book in Willhelm II. Not only does he express the inner thoughts of Willhelm, yet shows a personal side which expresses the crown prince's poryphia stricken reduced him to a stalk raving mad wildabeast. Not only was he stalk raving mad, the wildabeast confronted his homosexual tendencies with Eulenburg and Walderee.

One of the most critically acclaimed studies of Wilhelm II is Lamar Cecilýs two-volume biography (1989, 1996 ), deemed by one reviewer as ýthe best-available English treatment of the waning years of the last Kaiserý available. Cecilýs portrait of Wilhelm is largely critical: the emperor ruled ýmaladroitly,ý throughout a ýbarren career that was without virtue or accomplishmentý (ix); ýbluster, rhetoric, and natural swagger cloaked a profound emptiness, for ignorance and self-indulgence were his primary characteristics.ý (1). Cecilýs assessment of the Kaiserýs war role is no less disapproving. ýDomestic issues rarely interested Wilhelm II,ý he notes (191), and emphasizes that the Kaiser was far more enamored by foreign policy and military minutiae. Despite this martial enthusiasm, Wilhelm was ýby nature peaceful,ý (194) and opposed war in 1914, afraid that a European conflict would distract Germany from the internal threat of socialism.
Once the war began, Cecil shows, Wilhelmýs function was symbolic and superficial, at least as far as the imperial army was concerned. He often resided close to the front, was occasionally exposed to hostile fire, and relished hearing the roar of the guns. Cecil makes it clear that the Kaiserýs duties were limited to sending telegrams, war zone tours, medal presentations and other purely ceremonial tasksýýit was as empty an existence as he had had in peacetime.ý Cecil flatly asserts that Wilhelmýs ýpart in the war, especially as it concerned the army, took a secondary place behind the role of his officers.ý (210). He was for the most part shielded by his ubiquitous military entourage, fearful that his inability to ýwithstand the strains of warfareý would break him. ýThe Kaiserýs ignorance of the true nature of the struggle in which Germany was engaged,ý Cecil frankly summarizes, ýwas profound and his utility to his military leaders quite limited.ý He was in essence a figurehead, ýcontent merely to hear and endorseý the opinions of his generals. Soon after the war began, Cecil concludes, Wilhelm became ýa ýshadow Kaiserý (schattenkaiser), out of sight, neglected, and relegated to the sidelines in imperial Germanyýs hour of trial.ý (212)

This is the gold standard of Kaiser Wilhelm II biographies.

For a German history junkie, these volumes are a good 'fix'. The text is written humorously and yet fairly, without the usual bias one sees when "the victor writes the history". The analysis of the last Kaiser's life is placed in the context of the monarchical attitude of 19th century Europe, as well as the influence that his relatives in the British Empire had on his outlook. I've read the books twice. Without understanding at least some german it would be difficult to get the complete gist of what the author is trying to convey without it.

This was the best book I have read on wills. It has info from birth to now and it was good from start to finish. It tells about his ups and downs of his life and it is just very well written. It is a really good book so buy it if you like prince william

All right if you are a Prince William fan pick this one up, especially if youlike to read some good information too. This isn't a book just full of pictures, it has a lot of information about him and some lovely and rare pictures too. I'm warning you chapter 5 is a real tear- jerker as another of the reviewers put it and she/ he is right, it is a tear-jerker. Have fun reading this book it is the best I have read so far, but another book by Nicholas Davies, not yet published, maybe just as good be sure to try it, it is called----"William: King for the 21st Century"

I received this book for my birthday, and I first thought, "Oh great, another boring Prince William book." But as soon as I opened it, I couldn't put it down! Not only does it have a bunch of "never-before-seen" photos, but this book offers a unique, inside perspective on William that I have never read before. And the best part is, is not all pictures! (I am a fan of books with actual text). So, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to READ about Prince William, and not just gaze at adorable pictures (which the book also includes). But I have to warn you, chapter 5 is a tear-jerker!

I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was refreshing to hear a story about a wonderful young prince.

I loved this book! I thought it was good and very well written. It gives alot of good info and is a must have.

If you are an actor or want to know what it takes to become a great actor, this book is a must read. I have not found any book on acting that has kept me interested and intrigued as this book. It is a wounderful read for all seriously interested in acting.

What I enjoyed were, in addition to notes on the role, the notes on what it was like to be an actor in England after growing up in apartheid South Africa. Good to meet some of the greats of theatre: "Trevor Nunn", "Chris Hampton" etc as well..

As a studying actor, I could relate to some of the mental processes that Antony Sher revealed in his book "Year of the King." Through this journal, I was able to see how Sher prepared to play the role of Richard III, his thoughts when confronted with a problem, and in what places he looked to find the answer. This book showed me the importance of keeping a record of my own progress during a production. The only thing I wish from "Year of the King" is that a video had been included to allow us to see Antony Sher's end result!

I first read Year of the King 6 years ago while studying in London. I fell in love with the works of Antony Sher on stage and was thrilled to find this book. Its been a source of inspiration and admiration since and has opened my eyes to what a different world actors live in. I am now that much closer to understanding the intricacies of performance through the words (and sketches) of Antony Sher.

This is the best book I have ever read on the process of acting. It should be required reading for every actor! It details the process that Antony Sher went through in developing the character of Richard III. It's a "fast" read because you are so eager to find out what he will do next. Highly recommended.

This book of Blake's illustrations -- both color and detail black & white -- of his interpretation of the Book of Job is such a beautiful treasure.

`Blake's Illustrations for the Book of Job' by the great 18th century illustrator and poet, William Blake, is a superior source of inexpensive copies of these works, which the publisher characterizes as `among the artist's greatest achievements'.
The best feature of the volume, aside from its reasonable price, is the size of the illustrations. As long as one is willing to stress the spine of the book a bit, it is very easy to make excellent scans of the illustrations. And, if one needs especially high quality scans of the large color reproductions, you can cut out the page(s) to insure that they lay flat on the scanning bed with no shadow creeping in along the edges. Since the list price of the book is less than $10, it is virtually no hardship to buy two copies of the book to have one intact on your shelves while the second copy gives up its pages for your presentations.
For those unfamiliar with Blake's work, it's important to know that he did not one, but at least two full series of illustrations, both of which are in this volume. The first is a series of 21 black and white engravings, with borders including English and Hebrew writings relevant to the scene depicted. The second is a series of 21 larger color engravings, the Linnell set, made by manually applying watercolor to the black line image made by an engraving reproduction. Supplementing the color engravings are two additional sets (not of the full set of 21) called the Butts Set and the New Zealand set. There are some small variations in coloring and in line detail between the parallel images in the New Zealand set compared to the Linnell set reproductions. One advantage of the New Zealand set is that they are smaller, so they may be less difficult to scan and embed in a document.
Blake's Job illustrations are a terrific find for those who wish to do a Bible study of the Book of Job, as it reinforces the sense that this is one of the most powerfully written pieces of literature in the whole of Judeo-Christian scriptures.

Blake's Illustrations for the Book of Job makes me want to take a Bible study course, just to learn as much as I can about the compelling sketches so beautifully printed on the pages of this eye-catching book. Each lovely oversized page of this book depicts a Scripture episode found the Biblical Book of Job, all of them worth meditating on. I am particularly impressed by the images Blake paints of God, who appears consistently benevolent even in the face of Satan. This book creates fascinating imagery, painted by a man whose life was, apparently, somewhat fixated on this particular subject. Blake painted these images sometime in the early 19th century, but they are still contemporary and memorable. I really love this book for its artistic interest and as a subject for an art history course.

I was shown a copy of this book 25 years ago. Blake's art transformed my world. I have been a student of Blake ever since. I still go back to this book often. This book, in a few pages, gave me an entry into Blake's system.

My brother has got this book and everytime I go to his place I look at it.I even remember when it came out.It is a fantastic book and I love it.That is why I have purchased a copy...

This is a tender, loving look at Prince William and his royal heritage. There are plenty of color photographs of the royal family showing clearly the love of the proud parents as well as photographs of them as babies. This book will warm your heart and have you ooohing and aaahing within the first few pages. This is a must for anyone who is interested in the royals or anyone who loves babies. If each picture is worth a thousand words, then this book is priceless. It is a pure joy and holds the memories of a family which was dealt a tradgic, cruel blow.

There is a nice informal picture of Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and Prince William on the front cover. On the inside cover and the next page is a family tree of Prince William's relatioship within the British Royal Family and with the Royal Families of Europe. The Prince of Wales' coat of arms which Prince William will inherit when he assumes he title.

I have had this book since its publication, I have read it many times, and I have looked at its beautiful pictures so many times. I've really never paid much attention to Prince William's horoscope which was written at the time of his birth by John Naylor, President, Federeration of British Astrologers.

The following is taken from the horoscope : "... Conservative in thought and basically cautious in action, though not without strong prejudices too. These qualities will be combined with an uncanny intuition which will enable him to read minds, anticipate actions.

"...he has a good share of courage, ambition, aggression and physical vitality, quite a temper, and a vein of foolhardiness...

"...Prince William's horoscope has the hallmark of monarchy, whereas his father Prince Charles' lacks this distinctive feature, as did King Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor's.

"A good I.Q. and a useful academic ability is indicated, but it is an intellect which is imaginative and artistic, which inclines toward idealism and perfectionisim, rather being pragmatic, anaytical or rational...His ready sympathies and his emotionalism make him a romantic, gullible, susceptible to flattery, a 'good fellow.'

"Prince William has an affinity for the sea...Yet, more than most members of the royal family, he has intellectual capabilities. He leans towards being an academic...he could develop an interest in constitutional law...

"Not only because he is a prince, but because he has great charm, is sensitive, sympathetic and responsive as well as being full of vitality, he will wreak havoc with feminine hearts...

" The astrological picture is therefore of an affectionate, sensitive yet lively child, courageous, and possessing a vein af aggression which will flare from time to time. He will need and demand, a lot of affection and attention, being prone to vivid emotional affection and approval.

"...In maturity he will have a vigorous, active dispostion and will be capable of becoming a considerable stateman, combining keen intuition and a feel for public mood and reaction with a useful capacity for leadship...

"...Yet the most interesting indication in regard to Prince William's future occurs in the late 1980's. Both he and his mother, the Princess of Wales, are Cancer subjects...Different but comparable indications occur in the horoscopes of the other principal royals, the Queen, Prince Philip, and Prince Charles. Royal stars suggest that the second half of the 1980's the winds of change will blow through the royal corridors; the younger generation, Prince William amongst them, coming into greater prominence. Happenings in the summer of 1985 will set this trend into motion."

I included these excerpts because I believe that are most interesting in view of all that's happened to Prince William in his short life.

Shortly before dawn a royal-blue Rover police car proceeded out of the gates of Kensington Palace and sped towards Paddington to St. Mary's Hospital. There were only four people in the car - the chauffeur, the personal detective, Prince Charles, and his twenty-year-old wife. Shortly after five o'clock Diana, Princess of Wales, was admitted to the Lido Wing. For once in her twenty-one months in the glare of publicity, there was not a photographer in sight. However, it was not to reamin this way for long. By the time Buckingham Palace released the news of the princess' arrival, there was a continous, steady stream of well wishers and onlookers. By ten o'clock the fist flowers had arrived.

Within the hour after the birth of Prince William, Buckingham Palace made its official announcement. However, the news traveled faster by mouth. There were tremendous choruses of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and chant variations on a footbal theme of - "Nice One Charlie-Give Us Another One."

The crowds began to swell in anticipation of Prince Charles' emergence. I can remember watching TV and wondering if he were ever going to come outside. Of course, when he emerged, it was the first time he had been seen in public that day. There was lipstick on his cheek and soon there was more. He appeared to be extremely happy as he spoke of his first-born in glowing terms such as "beautiful" and "marvelous form" and he himself was "relieved and delighted" and duly impressed by the experience of attending the birth. With warmth and concern Prince Charles thanked everyone for their interest and concern. I was almost 11:30pm when the Prince left for home at Kensington Palace.

Anyone who was watching TV will never forget the Prince of Wales leaving the hospital the next day with the glamourous Princess and their baby prince. Prince William was the first direct heir to the Throne who was born in a hospital. Princess Diana could not wait to get him home. They certainly appear to be a radiantly happy couple as they leave the hospital with their small bundle of joy. picture p. 123

I hope there is a republication of this book so that those who don't have it will be able to puchase this beautiful book.

This book is a must for all who collect books on the Royal Family or just enjoy reading about them.

This refers to the hardback edition which was published in 1982 and measures 91/4x113/4 inches.

This is a tender, loving look at Prince William and his royal heritage. There are plenty of color photographs of the royal family showing clearly the love of the proud parents as well as photographs of them as babies. This book will warm your heart and have you ooohing and aaahing within the first few pages. This is a must for anyone who is interested in the royals or anyone who loves babies. If each picture is worth a thousand words, then this book is priceless. It is a pure joy and holds the memories of a family which was dealt a tradgic, cruel blow.

In this surprisingly compact book, Professor Brennan documents characteristics of the dehumanizing rhetoric which has accompanied so many atrocities of history. His text provides persuasive evidence that the rationalizations used to justify destroying other human beings are rather uncreative, falling into only eight categories. Brennan classifies these alibis of destruction into "Deficient" humans, nonhumans, animals, parasites, diseases, inanimate objects, waste products, and the Orwellian "legal nonperson." He focuses upon the plight of women, European Jews, American blacks, the unborn, and the disabled.

Brennan's commentary on the "semantic gymnastics" by which some people have dehumanized others is sharp, though pedants like myself would enjoy several hundred pages asking whether semantic corruption precedes mass oppression, or merely rationalizes oppressive actions already in progress.

While reading the concluding chapters, I was reminded of Simone Weil's comment that force turns a person into a *thing*, an object, a non-human. Brennan shows us the powerful force of words, those mere utterances that have for too long confined men and women to toil, terror, and death.

Author William Brennan takes a much-needed look at the semantics of oppression. He effectively shows that the language used to justify the treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government, African Americans prior to the end of slavery, and European Jews during World War II is the same language used to speak of the unborn in today's culture.

This is an eye-opening book and there can be no denying the author's powerful thesis.

William Brennan is a Pro-Life activist who has provided the Right To Life movement with a very useful tool by authoring DEHUMANIZING THE VULNERABLE. Brennan shows how dehumanizing language is used to devalue vulnerable populations such as the unborn and the elderly. The historical examples he offers are quite convincing as he traces the dehumanizing efforts made against women, European Jews, Soviet enemies, African Americans and Native Americans. Opponents of such groups often try to depict them as inanimate objects, waste products, nonpersons and even diseases.

Brennan makes his case with clarity. Anyone interested in Right To Life issues will find this book to be a good investment.

One of my favorite books, Dehumanizing the Vulnerable illustrates how human beings are reduced to non-human status by those who wish to destroy them, and it starts with the power of words. Everyone from unborn babies to people of certain ethnic backgrounds have been the victims of those who were the "pro-choice" movement of the time. ("Pro-choice" in owning a slave, murdering Jews or "terminating" an unborn baby.) This book is relevant not only to those who oppose abortion, but those like myself who oppose the entire spectrum of aggression (including war and the death penalty). Invaluable for all human rights activist, whether your focus is on the rights of humans in the womb,out of the womb---or both.

What else could you expect!

There isn't much to say...its exactly what you should expect when ordering Shakespeare...seriously.

4 of his best i strongly recomend this group of storys.

Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth are Shakespeare's greatest works. These fantastic stories, coupled with strong footnotes, make for superb reading material. I would recommend this book to beginning and master Shakespeare readers.

Having a love of literature, and being an English Lit. major has given me the oportunity to read most of Shakespeare's works. Shakespeare's talent and genius has surely endured and his beautiful writings are essential to mankind not only in the classroom but throughout our lives. His tragedies speak the loudest to me, as they are charged with drama, emotion and memorable quotations. Having to choose a favorite book of all time I would say, "Othello." Yet Hamlet is my second favorite drama of Shakespeare's, and Macbeth also holds strong. I do not care for King Lear but having Shakespeare's 4 greatest and most popular tragedies in one book is a collection worth having.

Okay, so I am reviewing Hamlet. Its good. Everyone should know that.
But more importantly, the character Hamlet is a microcosm of us all. Our potential for reluctance, revenge, soaring intellect, and noble actions. Shakespeare created in this character a person who transcends the play he is in and helps to create a realistic humanity in fiction that has rarely, if ever, been equaled. A good reader is a rereader and Hamlet should be reread after life intervals. This text keeps giving, and that is a marvelous gift!
As for the Pelican Shakespeare series, they are my favorite editions as the scholarly research is top notch and the editions themselves looks good as an aesthetic unit. It looks and feel like a play and this compliments the text's contents admirably. The Pelican series was recently reedited and has the latest scholarship on Shakespeare and his time period. Well priced and well worth it.

This really is "The Tragical History of Hamlet Prince of Denmark" and not only the Prince but his family. Not only his family but his friends. The tragedy started in the previous generation. Will it end with Hamlet?

Many people are interested in dissecting underlying themes and read more into the characters actions than was probably intended. Many of phrases from Hamlet now challenge Bible for those popular quotes that no one remembers where they came from. The real fun is in just reading the story and as you find that it is not as foreign as you may have thought; you see many characters like these around you today.

A synopsis, Old Hamlet conquered Old Fortinbras seizing Fortinbras' land. Now that Old Hamlet is dead, Young Fortinbras wants his land back and is willing to take it by force. Meanwhile back in Dänemark Prince Hamlet who is excessively grieving the loss of his father, the king, gets an interesting insight from his father's ghost. Looks like Old Hamlet was a victim of a "murder most foul"; it appears his mother and uncle were in cahoots on the murder. On top of that they even get married before the funeral meats are cold.

The story is about Hamlet's vacillating as to what to do about his father's murder. However he does surprise many with his persistence and insight.

You will find many great movie presentations and imitations of the story; this is an intriguing read but was really meant to be watched.

oh yeah. what the world needs is my opinion on "hamlet," by william shakespeare. seems that the jury is still out on whether this is a good book or not. well, here it is: my seal of approval. great stuff mr shakespeare. i hope that i helped your writing career with this review. you go, guy.

The Pelican Hamlet is an attractive, straightforward, inexpensive paperback edition for readers already familiar with Shakespeare. The text is based primarily on the second quarto edition with some additions from the Folio; a section at the beginning includes the lines from the Folio that were not incorporated in the text. (These include the "Denmark is a prison" remarks in Hamlet's conversation with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.) The scholarly introductory matter is rather dry but provides the usual information about the theater in Shakespearian England, etc. Glosses are adequate for those who have read the Bard before. Less experienced readers may find them a little skimpy.

Having purchased this recording to hear the voice of Toby Stephens as much as to enjoy this classic play, I found the experience totally satisfying in both regards. The other reviews have well covered many aspects of the performances of the main characters. I would like to focus on Toby since this is linked to amazon.com's ALL Toby All the Time site and might be useful to other fans. Toby plays Edmund (or Edmond per the liner notes), the bastard son of the Earl of Gloucester, an ally of King Lear. Honestly, Toby is brilliant in this. A perfect part to display all the rich tones in his voice and he make the most of it. He has a soliloquy early in the play plotting against his brother and bemoaning the fact that the accident of his birth leaves him with no inheritance. He has a big section at the end displaying his wonderful range, also. There's swordplay, calling out ( think of that voice that called "Jane, Jane"), whispering, mocking, pleading - lots for Toby lovers to appreciate. I am on my second time through and enjoying it even more. The liner notes are quite helpful to place everybody. (Beware - my copy came with several blank pages including the page that should have had Toby's picture and bio. Fortunately, Naxosaudiobooks has been very responsive and is mailing me a replacement.) This is no substitute for him in all his visual glory but it satisfies by reminding me what a magnificent talent he has to display when given words worthy of it.

Although the liner notes describing portions of Act 4 in the boxed set I received were a little amiss, it would be hard to see how the performance itself could be improved. Paul Scofield is absolutely extraordinary as Lear as is Alec McGowen as Glouster and Kenneth Branagh as the Fool. Five stars isn't enough! It's rare that a story like this, which can become quite complex if one isn't familiar with the action, can literally jump off the recording and present us with visual images all along the way. Every actor deserves the highest praise for his/her performance!

This series of Shakespeare's plays is read by artists who have wonderful skills, and you can understand the dialogue better than most stage productions. Frequently Shakespearean stage productions, for time constraints or other reasons typically abridge the complete text. These readings are complete, and can be followed word by word from the written plays. They are the best means to prepare to see a stage production, and can be used as a benchmark for judging performances. Often the directors of contemporary productions make other modifications beyond the text for modern audiences. If you want to hear how the classic version should sound, then this is it.

"We are all struggling; none of us has gone far." Perhaps not, but the world presented in these poems of a Bhakti, devotion is a different, further, place, one of struggle yet, but also of ecstatic love. Kabir is a poet from India Fourteenth century, while Bly a poet of our time. He tries to bring this home with specifics for our age, for example, "a loaded gun" rather than "deadly weapon" . These are not translation, but are Robert Bly's "versions". Divided into 4 sections "The Gardener is Coming", "The Wanting Creature", "The Bride Want Her Lover", and "The Guest is Inside You". There are some startling lines in these poems; for example:
if you can't find where your soul is hidden, for you the world will never be real.

When you're trying to find a hardwood forest, it seems wise to know what a tree is.

There is a moon in my body, but I can't see it.

This short book is rich, the short introduction gives a setting of Kabir, while the poems themselves are nicely illustrated for example "Krishna with Flute", help to give an otherworldly effect. The afterward by John Hawley, helps to locate Bly, and proposes a connection from Thoreau to Bly.

Beautiful translation of one of my favorite mystic poets! Robert Bly's translation of Kabir allows us to experience this mystic poet in a personal way without losing any of the beauty of the poetry. Really enjoyed this book.

Indeed these poems are of such a depth that it is difficult to render their content. Let's say it's the Sufi tradition in full. Just glimpses of the Absolute Truth expressed in words. Let the power of the sound embrace your whole being. Excellent!

It's so hard to find WISDOM these days...
not "moral/ethical" wisdom, or "financial" wisdom,
but ECSTATIC WISDOM.
So few people are interested in the subject of
actually experiencing divine ecstasy...they're too
tied down by dogma, worship of imagery & robotic
ceremonies, etc. That's why this Kabir book by Mr. Bly
is so refreshing...like a real literary Oasis.
It's LOADED with wisdom of the divine ecstasy kind.
I don't care about any translation controversies...
I just approach the book as its own entity...and
understand the ecstatic wisdom it radiates.
I want to thank Mr. Bly for producing this book of
ecstatic wisdom poetry...there's so little of it
available. THANK YOU MR. BLY.