Queen The Books

WHAT A JOY TO FIND A GREAT SERIES. WEASEL IS A MEMORABLE CHARACTER.
THIS IS EVEN SUITABLE FOR A BOY.

I LOVE fantasy and this book is great. I rank it with the Forgotten Realms and Artemis Fowl!!!
Absolutely wonderful!

I read this book aloud to my daughter in an effort to get her to realize that there are more books out there than Harry Potter!

It was a good read with enough action, twists and suspense that she frequently asked for "one more chapter..." at bedtime.

We're looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy!

Hilari Bell never disappoints her readers, giving us fresh ideas and life-like characters with intriguing situations that keep the pages turning. I've been a fantasy and science fiction fan for several decades and enjoy the novelty of her novels. Although her books are labeled "young adult", even us seniors and those between will enjoy her work. If the other books in the The Shield, Sword, and Crown series are as spectacular as Shield of Stars readers are in for a treat they'll read again and again! This one is as great as Hilari Bell's Songs of Power and Matter of Profit, my two favorites of her books (and in the top 10 of all books I've read.)

Shirin, the Christian lover and wife of Chosroe II., shah of Persia (+ 628 AD), really enjoyed three lives: one historical, one in the literary imagination of Islamic poets, and finally one in the Western, romantic reception of the oriental literary tradition in the 19th century. By tracing all three of these lives, the author opens a true and little known treasure box of near-eastern history, which will enrich feminist history of religion, literary studies, and general interest in the history of the near east alike.

Against a concise background chapter on the political and religious situation of Persia in late antiquity, the author first accounts for the scant historical traces of Shirin's life, a woman in a world dominated by male potentates and religious leaders and the struggle for dominance between the Byzantine and Persian empires; the discussion is detailed and takes on several controversial issues of interest to specialists.

It is fascinating to follow the author's account of how the historical figures of Shirin and Chosroe were transformed into archetypes of love in popular mythology and by the literary genius of poets such as Firdausi or Nizami, who dealt with eternal themes of true and impossible love, of jealousy and treachery. Additional discussions of pictorial representations in Islamic art document the important place of the Shirin-topos beyond poetry. These themes also cast their spell on Goethe, who became familiar with the literary Shirin through the work of Hammer-Burgstall, an Austrian orientalist. Here, Baum does not only discuss an interesting chapter in Goethe's later work, he also emphasizes the inspiration the West drew from the encounter with Islamic art, which is not the least of the benefits of this wonderful book.

This book performs a valuable service. It is the first monographic study of Shirin, the Christian wife of the Persian-Sassanian shah Chosroes II, who lived at the end of the 6th and at the beginning of the 7th centuries. Baum presents the historical background of this famous woman and her effect on later poetry and art in four chapters.
The first chapter gives a brief yet sound introduction into "Persia in Late Antiquity" (pp. 3-17); it is also an ecumenically balanced overview of Syriac Christian history in that period.
Chapter two explores Shirin as a historical person (pp. 19-61). In the center is her life on the Persian court in the framework of her relationship to her husband Chosroes II. In fact, one learns a lot about Chosroes' reign itself, his alliance with Byzantium, and Persian imperial intrigues. The author also clarifies the myth that Chosroes had been married with the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Maurice. About half of this chapter on Shirin's influence on Chosroes as queen of the queens focuses upon Sassanian politics concerning East and West Syriac Christians, i.e. the Church of the East and the Syriac Orthodox Church. This is an invaluable and historically rich chapter that clearly demonstrates how politics shape ecclesiastical history, and - in the context of the present topic - how Shirin shaped politics.
The following chapter three (pp. 63-83) traces the development of the various myths of Shirin and analyzes how the historic person entered literature and the arts. While Christian authors after the 14th century rarely mention her, Islamic writers had developed their stories already a century after her death. Among others, Baum describes the image of Shirin in Firdausi's "Book of Kings (Shahnama)", in the "The Tales of the 1001 Arabian Nights", and in Nizami's verse epic "Chosroes and Shirin". He shows how the latter was received and modified by later Persian, Indian, and Georgian authors. Furthermore, he analyzes the birth of the entirely unhistorical story of the love between Shirin and Chosroe's supposed architect Ferhard, which was adopted in Turkish literature: Ali Shir Navai's epic "Ferhard and Shirin" spread through miniature paintings from Asia Minor through Afghanistan, Persia and India.
The last chapter four (pp. 85-91) discusses Shirin's rediscovery in Europe by the Austrian Orientalist Josef von Hammer-Purgstall and its influence on German literature, especially on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "West-östlicher Divan".
On occasion, the reader might wish for more references in the notes. But there is no doubt that this booklet investigates a wide area of literature and synthesizes it with great profundity. It serves as a valuable source of information to the reader. The book jacket describes the author as historian, theologian, and philosopher, who lives in Klagenfurt (Germany); this is correct, despite the fact that Klagenfurt is in Austria.

Despite the scarcity of information about early Islamic times and the Church of the East, and about historical women in particular, Baum has managed to paint a very nuanced picture of the influential queen Shirin.

This book is the first biography about the celebrate christian queen of Iran - an importand discovered wife in the history of the early middle age.

This book is a "must have" for every child's personal library and should be in every public library and school media center. As a professional children's librarian I would recommend it as part of any child's home library because of its quality and content. The material contained within this book is difficult to find in America, especially so well written and so beautifully illustrated. It was a joy to see it finally reissued. I still have my own childhood copy, although it is dog-eared and pages are loose. A perfect gift for any adult to give a child they care about.

The Snow Queen and other Tales is the perfect companion to The Golden Book of Fairy Tale Classics. The illustrations by Arienne Segur are amazing. These are the sort of books one does'nt see anymore with a definate "old world" feel to them. Indeed both volumes were not available for many years. But now they are at such an amazingly low price (these are hardbacks and large ones) there is simply no excuse.
The tales: Andersen's The Snow Queen, Baba Yaga and several other Russian fairytales are wonderful to read aloud and alone. With the added treat of Hoffmann's The Nutcracker they have strong appeal for the Christmas season.
As a child I received The Fairy Tale volume and a schoolmate was given The Snow Queen. My mother tried in vain to find a copy for me but they were sold out. This was Christmas 1966 for years I tried to locate it, no luck...until a week ago I was poking around on Amazon and ther it was! I recieved by copy a few days.
Let me say that this is beautiful, beautiful book! I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you a small person in your life buy it for them, if you love folk and fairy tales or know someone that does purchase it by all means! Heck! get a copy for yourself!

Like the sister book, "The Golden Book of Fairy Tales", this collection of fairy stories, with their ethereal illustrations, is magical. I had been read the aforementioned fairy tale book as a child in the early sixties, and the haunting stories and (especially) illustrations have stayed with me all my life. It is Adrienne Segur, whose artwork exemplifies perfection, that bring these old Russian winter tales to life. This book is perfect for a child at Christmas - the stories evoke snow and frosty enchantment. Along with the keystone chapters of "The Snow Queen", I found "Melito's Soul" to be heartfelt and spiritual, and the full (finally !) telling of "The Nutcracker" by Alexander Dumas in this anthology to be excellent. Good fairy tales are contained in countless volumes, but what sets this book,(and the fairy tale book) apart, is the artwork. Segur's full-color paintwork and sketches have a whimsy and charm that are otherworldly; her skill and detail display a rare talent by any standard. My two little daughters (and in a few years, my son) will now be able to dream these tales thru Adrienne Segur's eyes and imagination, and I am glad to be able to enrich and enchant their lives, as mine was as a child.

I also loved this book as a child in the 60's. I checked it out of the library until it finally disappeared from the stacks and I could no longer get it. As an adult, I searched for this book for years, finally finding it through an out of print book service and paying about $$$ for it. I was thrilled to have it, but unfortunately in the years since it had been printed, the lovely, dreamlike colors in the illustrations had faded, losing much of their emotional intensity. I am absolutely thrilled that this book has finally been reissued. It is a "must-have" for anyone who loves fairy tales or appreciates the art of illustration- in fact, as a working artist, I have to credit Adrienne Segur's work with inspiring me as a child to keep drawing. And if you are a ballet fan, this is a true representation of the rather creepy, very dark original tale of the Nutcracker, not the dumbed-down saccarine version fed to kids today. This is one of the best children's books, ever.

Found this book in our library and was excited about learning more of Dick Francis. I did get lost at times when he wrote about the race courses, but it was a thrill to get to know him. It is not a mystery, but there are some questions he still does not know the answer to. He writes a book a year, and I could read 4 or 5 of his books a year if he could write them that fast! Nice read.

This book is a must have for any Dick Francis or horse racing fan. This was the first book of his that i have read and now i have all of his so far. What i was looking for was a book to tell me about this little known sport. Now i know a great deal about it. I'm hoping for a newer version to tell about what has happened since the book waas written. I read the older 1950's or 1960's print with the pictures of Devon Loch in the Grand National. That was what most intrigued me about the story and what made him fall like that. Like i said this is an excellent book and very informative!

My passion for horses and horse racing was apparent even when I was a child. Dick Francis' books allowed me the experiences I dreamed of through his words. I learned more through his books than I could have anywhere else in the United States. It is said that truth is stranger than fiction, and Mr. Francis' autobiography is testimony to that! I now own a 5 year old (retired) Thoroughbred, and Mr. Francis' adventures are in my thoughts!

This book was originally written shortly after Francis' retirement from racing. It chronicles his life in detail up to that point (1957), and all fans of his mystery novels will enjoy seeing the germs of his books in the events of his life. I won't give the really surprising ones away here, but an example is the story in the autobiography of Francis' experience flying during WWII. Readers will understand where he got the knowledge to create several heroes who are pilots. The only reason I don't give this book a 10 is that it is very early Francis--his first book, as near as I can tell, and the quality of the writing as a bit uneven. The edition I read (1982) had no photos--a terrific disappointment, but there were apparently photos in other editions, as Francis refers to them once or twice in the text of the book. Try for a different year! The end of the book is an addendum bringing fans up to date on his life between 1957 and 1981; I've ordered the 1995 edition hoping for a little more added material. If you love horseracing or Dick Francis' books, read this!

This is a ggood calendar for Stara Wars fans, but it is the 'Queen Amidala' calendar, not the 'Decoy of queen Amidala' calendar. What I mean is, the girl on the cover of the calendar is not queen Amidala, it's her decoy, Sabe`. Sabe` is Queen more in the movie than Padme`, (The REAL queen) is queen. They showed only a little of the REAL Amidala. 0h well, I guess that this is a Sabe` + Queen Amidala calendar.

I gave this calendar as a present to my friend Brian, and he LOVED IT! He is absolutely obsessed with it and Queen Amidala. This calendar is a great depiction of the movie, and of the Queen. It shows all of her many costumes, and tells a story of its own about the Queen. Brian thanked me for WEEKS!

This is a beautiful calendar with great photos of Natalie Portman, who plays the character Queen Amidala! This calendar starts in May and ends December of 2000! A must for any Star Wars or Natalie Portman fan.

Other Queen Amidala items give you bits and pieces of her costumes, but this calendar is comprehensive and *beautiful*. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew that it would be great-- I was not disappointed!

This book is truely fantastic. This book outlines the three gospels side by side so you can easily compare them. The book gives indepth explanations that are easy to read and understand. A good book for the person studying Theology or doing a church project, or just for your personal development.

Studying the Synoptic Gospels serves as an introduction to the study of source criticism, form criticism, and redaction criticism of the Gospels. It is not intended to be a primer on exegesis or general hermeneutics of the Gospels, but to teach how they were formed, what components were involved in their construction, and how the distinctive theologies of the evangelists can be determined.

Stein writes his book serving "as an introduction and a work manual" (13) and it sufficiently accomplishes both. The work is comprised of three major divisions: (1) The Literary Relationship of the Synoptic Gospels, (2) The Preliterary History of the Gospel Traditions, and (3) The Inscripturation of the Gospel Traditions. The first section, which is nearly half the book, deals with literary or source criticism. It seeks to answer the questions posed by the Synoptic Problem. What is the literary relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke? Which Gospel was written first? Which Gospels are dependent upon other Gospels? Et cetera. Ultimately, he argues that there is interdependence within the gospel tradition (chapter 1), that Mark was written first (chapter 2), and that Matthew and Luke independently used Q (chapter 3). Though there are some problems with this paradigm (chapter 4), the solution to the Synoptic Problem is best found in the two-source theory (chapter 5). He also discusses the value of source criticism (chapter 6).

The second major division deals primarily with form criticism. Stein first addresses the rise and presuppositions of form criticism (chapter 7), then the general reliability of the transmission of oral traditions (chapter 8), as well as discussing the value of form criticism.

The third and final section covers redaction criticism. Here the author elaborates on the rise of redaction criticism (chapter 10), its method and practice (chapter 11), and its value (chapter 13).

Stein addresses the order in which one should perform source criticism, form criticism, and redaction criticism, but notes that there is not a clear-cut order because they all interrelate at different points (243-244).

There are a number of factors that make Stein's work very helpful to the student. The back of the book contains a glossary with over forty frequently used terms like, "ipsissima verba," "pericope" and "Sitz im Leben." But the glossary plays only a minor role. There are also many figures and charts. The charts depict the synoptic parallels in a helpful line-by-line comparison, which makes it easier to compare the texts. Not only do the charts exist for visual aid, but they are intended to be used as an exercise for the students to do hands-on work with the parallel passages following Stein's color-coded methodology (29-30). The table of contents is also neatly formatted, outlining both major and minor sections for reference. Additionally, at the end of nearly every chapter is a conclusion or summary of the discussion designed to solidify the material (46-47, 94-96, 119-123, 141-142, 152, 169,193-194, 216-221, and 279).

One aspect of this book that can be viewed both positively and negatively is the fact that it is based on the English text of the Gospels rather than the Greek. The obvious advantage is that is accessible to a larger audience. Students who are not trained in the Greek can utilize this as a textbook. Since Stein uses the Revised Standard Version (RSV), the more literal nature RSV makes the parallel passages easier to compare. It was a smart move for the author to retain the RSV rather than use the more popular updated versions such as the NIV and NRSV that are less literal (and thus harder for synoptic comparisons). Yet how useful is such a book like this to people who have not studied Greek? Obviously one cannot truly engage in such matters as redaction criticism without a good grasp of the Greek text. Yet Stein does refer to Greek words every now and then when he deems it necessary to make specific claims about the text. Nevertheless, I think that the English text is appropriate because Stein is not seeking to train redaction critics, but to get students' feet wet in the disciplines of these criticisms. Ultimately, the English text is helpful because it helps the reader quickly move through the text to get the big picture of what is happening. After one reads Stein's book and is interested in the various disciplines of Gospel study they can study the Greek text of the Gospels for themselves. After all, this book is merely an introduction to such matters.

There are several theories that take a stab at solving the Synoptic Problem that the author does not address. This should be understood as an advantage. The book does not intend to describe a thorough history of the Synoptic Problem and reference to the countless solutions would only bog down the reader. He does deal in greater detail with the Griesbach hypothesis and the two-source hypothesis (to which he subscribes). More interaction with the Farrer theory would have been a welcome addition to this book with its recent advocates like Mark Goodacre (yet even this second edition is already five years old). Stein also writes in a non-technical manner and includes a healthy dose of redundancy, both of which contribute to accessibility of the work.

Throughout Studying the Synoptic Gospels, Stein generally writes with a pragmatic approach. He does not get so caught up with the theoretical that he loses touch with real world matters when approaching the issues. Along this vein, he also questions the limits to which some have taken Q: "In light of the hypothetical nature of the Q source, the wisdom of various attempts to do redaction-critical work on the theology of the Q document or on the Q community must be questioned" (121).

He acknowledges that it is "impossible to know what was going through the mind of Luke when he wrote and why he might have omitted this or that account from his Gospel" (112). He similarly states: "We can never reconstruct with certainty the mental activity of the Evangelist when he wrote his Gospel" (147). This is an important point since so much of source criticism is based on the intentions of the Gospel writers, especially Matthew and Luke.

On the other hand, there are times when biases come to the forefront of the text. When discussing the Griesbach hypothesis Stein emphatically states that it is impossible for Mark and Luke to have changed Matthew's text ("Why do you ask me about what is good?") to Mark's ("Why do you call me good?") (146-147). This seems strange in light of his earlier comment that it is impossible to know the mind of the Evangelist.

In the end, the book stands out as a fine introduction to such matters. The book's order is nicely organized, and the student is not lost--even though there are some difficult concepts to grasp. Ultimately, Stein encourages the students and reminds them of the importance of such pursuits with quotes like the following: "Thus for many scholars, especially in the nineteenth century, the solution to the Synoptic Problem was a prerequisite for a proper study of the life of Jesus" (154).

Dr. Stein has provided an excellent source for the study of the synoptic gospels. He writes in an easy-to-understand manner while still providing a great amount of detail. There are several useful charts and diagrams, and the parallel synoptic passages are written in neat, vertical columns for easy cross referencing.

The first section of this book discusses the literary relationship of the synoptic gospels. After establishing the clear literary dependence between the synoptics, Stein provides a very compelling argument for the priority of Mark and its subsequent utilization as a source for Matthew's and Luke's gospels. Those unfamiliar with Markan priority will learn a great deal from this section. The existence of Q as a written work is the next topic tackled. Objections to Markan priority and the existence of Q are handled well.

The second section covers form criticism and the oral transmission of the gospel materials prior to their use in written form. This area will again be very informative to those new to the topic. In the final section, Dr. Stein discusses redaction criticism and its applicability to hermeneutics. Stein comes from a conservative theological background, so I'm sure some conservative readers may be questioning whether or not critical scholarship is of any use. Clearly the author believes that it is, and I would agree. As for the issue of biblical authority, Stein believes that although Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source, and also that they altered their source in some cases, Matthew and Luke provide an inspired interpretation of Mark in those parallel passages where one writer differs from another.

This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in studying the relationship between the synoptic gospels. I know I'll be referring to it for a long time.

Stein, perhaps as well as anyone in the field, shows a mastery of the critical issues surrounding the gospels. The breadth of the topics he hits - Markan priority and source criticism, form criticism, redactional patterns - somehow manages to achieve depth.

Readers will find his parallel text layouts helpful. His readings are stretching at times (e.g. he believes that Matthew redacts Jesus' teaching on the lost sheep to be a parable for the church, which gives us an example of inspired hermeneutics).

The second edition is almost identical to the first. While a couple minor mistakes still slip through, this should be seen as a first-rate resource for the teacher, pastor, and student.

Great book!! another Bible for me for great design and detail for young designers .

All of the books on historical fashion published by the Victoria & Albert Museum are beautiful, and this is no exception. I saw this exhibition while I was in London this summer and I was pleasantly surprised at liking the book because I always assumed that publications wouldn't be able to measure up to seeing the garments in person. Instead I found that the book gives me a chance to appreciate each beautiful garment at my leisure, and read the history about Queen Maud (which gives a context and feeling of `realness' to the clothing). The book features Edwardian coronation gowns (literally, Maud wore one for the coronation of Edward VII, her father), sportswear (riding gowns etc.), and dresses and suits through the late 30's all beautifully photographed and described.

Beautiful book. Beautiful images. I wanted MORE images but that's just me.
Cool to see some other designers works besides the greats like Dior and Balenciaga. There are a few outfits that really take my breath away. If it had more images I would have given it 5 stars! but it really is a 5 star book for most people.

This book is excellent for costuming ideas. It has large, sharp pictures that show the details on the dresses beautifully.

I seem to be the only person who has gone to SAS to actually have read this book. It was really good, pretty bleak, but I loved it.

All SAS students should read this book to get some insight into JWO!

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I can honestly say that I have not read J-Wo's book yet, but I will for sure because it's gotta be totally good. i am also going to purchase: This Book is for All Kids but Especially My Sister Libby. libby died- by jack simon who is also known as breakfastclub and is dairyman88's boyfriend.
Anyways good luck reading this book. i totally recommend it just becuase J-Wo is the author.

Although i have yet to read this book- J. Works (J-wo) is the coolest man ever. GO J-WO!

I thoroughly enjoyed R. Sachs's work. He draws on his rich knowledge of classic Jewish sources and secular philosophy to craft a beautifully written work that is both insightful and thought-provoking.

I think this book should be required reading for all those in our government who are looking for and working toward a peaceful solution to the war in Iraq. Rabbi Sachs draws on his deep understanding of the Torah and of human nature in discussing the basics of a religious perspective on the seemingly irreconcilable problems of relationships in the middle east. He has moved beyond the political, geographical, religious discussion of the issues which create enmity and sets our thoughts on basic theological components which we must consider if we are serious about healing our divisions. He takes us deep into our own hearts and challenges us to heal our own hearts first.

After a decade of growing anti-Semitism, some Jews seem more willing then ever to retreat from the secular and non-Jewish world. Sacks's book is a ringing rebuttal to this view, quoting a variety of Jewish sources. For example, he quotes the Talmud: "for the sake of peace, the poor of the heathens shall be supported as we support the poor of Israel..."

By and large, this is not the sort of book that imparts new information so much as the sort of book that tells us what we already know- a kind of pep-talk for burnt-out, bummed-out Jews. I liked it, but thought it was a bit too long for its message.

This is a beautifully written and inspiring work. It is rich in personal anecdote, story and example. It teaches the essence of Jewish ethics as a way of living in the modern and post- modern world. Rabbi Sacks speaks much in this book about responsibility. He speaks much about the world having gone to far in concentrating on individual development alone, without demanding connection and contribution to family and community. His message is that the Jewish covenant with God is one for recreating the world as better place, for improving the situation for others. He is concerned here with social justice and with righteousness. He believes that the seperation of the ethical from the religious is like separating two different parts of the brain that are meant to work together. He believes the Jewish imperative is to be both holy and good. And also he teaches this means finding a way to make tikkun olam and improve the well- being of all of mankind.
Rabbi Sacks tells us inspiring stories of people who have suffered and somehow managed to in that suffering still give to others. He tells us about many of the people who do goodness and acts of kindness for others modestly. He says that when he as a young person a young Rabbi first began to officiate at funerals he discovered that what relatives wanted said about the person who was gone, was nothing about their wealth power achievement in the world, but rather about their kindness and goodness to others.
His message is that each individual human being can by being good to others help mend the brokenness of the world. It is not that he is naive or believes that all the problems of this world, many of which he discusses in detail in this book can be instantly solved by such goodness. But rather that such goodness and giving to others cannot only help make it better for them, but can be the key to finding and making meaning in one's own life.
This book is a sound sane sensible ethical and moral guide for humanity.
An outstanding work but a teacher who understands that it is better to love than to fear, and better to light a single candle than to suffer in the darkness.

I looked for this book because it was recommended as a 'classic' with an exceptional plot. I was not disappointed, though in these days the murderer would not come across as such a shock as in the past. It is tragedy to see the same thing happens in the real world today with much more blatant intention (sigh !) I was still confused by the ending of the story - I know who the murderer of the murderer was, but 'how' was the poison slipped into the drink ?

I came across this book from another mystery book, which ranks the former as the best. Curiously, I got one and started challenging myself with full attention and judgement. I had to admit I failed.. when I saw Druly Lane finally pushed himself out of the case. Highly recommended.. it's OUT of my expectation, but it's GREAT!!

A bit dated in some ways, but the plot is one of the most ingenious ever concocted, and the story has an emotional edge that stays with it even after two-thirds of a century.

I anticipated, as possibilities, the two alternative conclusions, one proposed by Inspector Thumm and the other by District Attorney Bruno. But both were logically flawed and disproved by Drury Lane. I failed to see the actual solution, but Drury Lane's meticulous analysis clearly demonstrated that the abundant clues pointed to a single answer.

I recently read (and reviewed) Ellery Queen's remarkable "The Tragedy of X" and I immediately went in search of "The Tragedy of Y". The eccentric retired Shakespearean actor, Drury Lane, introduced in X, again assists the New York police department in their investigation of a puzzling series of deaths. The tone is more dark and somber than in X and the mystery even more puzzling. The final twist was unsettling.

The notorious Hatter family in New York had been named the Mad Hatters by an imaginative reporter. The name fit. Given our cultural progress in the last several decades, today this dysfunctional family might have even qualified for a tasteless TV series. The story begins with an apparent suicide of York Hatter, or what at least appears to be the body of York Hatter. From the beginning we have uncertainty.

This story was classic Ellery Queen writing as Barnaby Ross. Some events appear a bit fantastical, but never actual fantasy. Y was written in 1932 and we readers today encounter situations that seem odd and dated. The medical practice is old fashioned and the medical science is suspect. A young woman takes a relaxing walk, alone, in a park at 10:30 PM. A servant is paid a remarkably large sum, $75 per week, to work in an uncomfortable situation. A watch has a radium dial. A pair of men's white oxfords is a clue. And Ellery Queen provides us with an occasional vocabulary exercise: chirography, eremitic, invertible, saturnine.

There are two more Drury Lane mysteries - The Tragedy of Z and Drury Lane's Last Case. I don't expect that they will be easy to find, but I am sure that the effort will be worthwhile.