Butler Books

Horror, of horrors, it looks like Gussie Fink-Nottle may have finally broken off with Madeline Bassett and there is little or nothing that even Jeeves can do about it. Diets, steak and kidney pie, mute lutes. Add Spode who will take anybody who makes Madeline cry and tie them into a painful knot and you have the makings of a tragic ending for poor, poor Bertie. Or do you? Either way, there is tons of fun from the first page to the last and lots of twisted plot lines, weird happenings, and buckets of hard drinking.

This was the first Bertie and Jeeves' book I'd ever read. If you're interested in British humour, exquisite-snobbish language and witty puns, or in bizarre but classy situations, this is just the book for you. Wodehouse possessed this wonderful characteristic of balancing an unfortunate situation with a good dose of modest humour. The title says it all! Thoroughly recommendable.

What could the Nobel Prize for literature signify if PG Wodehouse not only didn't win one, but never made the short-list? Good grief. What other writer living or dead, in Nobel's own words, "help[s] dreamers, as they find it hard to get on in life."

Take STIFF UPPER LIP, JEEVES, for example. If you want to read a book that'll grab you by your lapels and hoist you out this mundane, dynamite-scarred world, try this one.

Crisp dialogue, intricate plotting, witty wordplay, amusing situations, and distinct characters make this book satisfying to read repeatedly. In fact, it is astonishing that STIFF UPPER LIP, JEEVES and many other Wodehouse creations seem just as fresh the second, third, and even seventh time around.

I would liken reading this book to drinking one of Jeeves's famous pick-me-ups "and their effect on a fellow who is hanging to life by a thread on the morning after." Wodehouse writes: "For perhaps the split part of a second nothing happens. It is as though all Nature waited breathless. Then, suddenly, it is as if the Last Trump had sounded and Judgment Day set in..."

If heaven's half as delightful as reading PG Wodehouse, (should I get there) I'll be in paradise.

This unabridged audio version of "Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves" was wonderfully read by Cecil. This is not my typically genre of book and I was pleasantly impressed and surprised by this book. I have not read the prior books in this series and had no problems following along so the priors are not a necessity. In a nutshell, this book is about a dim-witted Bertie and his attempt to keep from inadvertently becoming engaged to a sappy Madeline. The dry, British humor of this story is excellently portrayed by Cecil and I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a refreshing change of pace!

Just as we believe some actors were born to play a certain role or a singer was born to sing a specific song, I'm convinced Jonathan Cecil was born to read P. G. Wodehouse. The British accented Cecil voice delightfully inhabits the personas of Jeeves, Bertie Wooster and sundry other characters with charm, humor, and distinction.

My first introduction to the talents of Cecil was with his stunning reading of "Jeeves and the Mating Season." Since that time no other voice will do for the born to the purple Bertie and his long suffering butler.

P.G. Wodehouse is quite another story. Obviously, one of the greatest humorists to ever take up pen his tongue-in-cheek take on the British upper classes is pure laugh provoking perfection. With "Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves" we find Bertie returning to Totleigh Towers, a place he had hoped never to see again as it is the domain of Sir Watkyn Bassett, who lined his pockets with fines he collected. Bassett's daughter, Madeline is always on the prowl and Bertie wants no part of her.

Fortunately, Madeline has fallen for and captured another - Gussie, a friend of Bertie's. Now, Madeline is not only a huntress but she is also passionate about changing her quarry to suit her own tastes. In this case, the word "taste" may be taken literally as she wants to change the meat loving Gussie into a vegetarian, which is where most of the trouble begins. Bertie, as usual, finds himself embroiled in this sticky situation.

Alas, once again it's left up to Jeeves to come to Bertie's aid.

Wodehouse has been dubbed a "comic genius;" Cecil is his full partner in this splendid reading. Enjoy!

- Gail Cooke

The layout is super--easy to read and find things. I like information presented in this uncomplicated, straight-forward style. A big plus are the "Unofficially," "Bright Idea," and "Watch Out!" icons in the scholar's margin. They are intuitive, convenient and helpful, without being distracting or confusing. I like the extensive index, too. I will want to keep it close to my computer for an all around, quick, knowledgeable reference.

I bought the "The Unofficial Guide to PC's" and three days later I finished it. It is without a doubt the best book I have read on computers ever. I love the tone of the book, it made me laugh more than once, and as for the advice, well, that was priceless. On the little island at the bottom of Australia, the world of PC's is slightly happier due to this book.

This excellent book is the best solution for all your questions and problems. It will save you lots of money, time and anger.

Whether you've put off moving up from a Windows 3.1 machine, haven't owned a computer before, or want more information about using Windows 95/98 and working with common packages, this book is a tremendous resource. It distills the years of experience the authors have had with Win9x and presents general methods to use when purchasing your computer, fixing hardware and software conflicts, and working with applications. It also contains a good set of web sites as starting points for learning more.

Win9x experts probably won't gain much from this book. However, they're not the intended audience, and I wholeheartedly believe The Unofficial Guide to PCs is well worth the price for any new Windows user.

Just bought "The Unofficial Guide to PCs" from Amazon and found a couple of good ideas in it already. To me "Recovering from a PC Disaster", "Taming Tech Support", and the "Resource Directory" plus "Important Documents" in the Appendix alone are worth the bargain price I paid Amazon.

What a refreshing, beautiful book. The essays within are full of powerful and rich personality, which serves to give a full sensory perception of the places of which they write. There is an abandon and adventurous spirit that blows through the pages and inspires the reader not just to travel, but to really experience the places one goes, even close to home.

This book was perfectly conceived and executed. These 24 smart stories by 12 smart women cover the whole tonal range -- funny, poignant, gut-wrenching, beautiful, thoughtful, irreverant, wonderfully sappy... And the publishing concept itself was brilliant, a clever way to crack a difficult market: strength in numbers, taking power into their own hands...in retrospect it seems so obvious, but I'm sure that two years ago these women had little idea how brilliant they were being... I'm 50 years old now, and anyone who has reached my stage of geezerhood knows the value of having even one good solid friend. I attended a salon event these women put on in San Francisco recently, and I mentioned to one of them just how great I thought it would be to have twelve friends as tight as they seem to be. Her response: "Well, now you do!" And that is the feeling that one comes away with after reading their book: Twelve new friends.

This book exhilarated me and ignited my passion for travel to an even higher level than before. The courage (and insanity!) of some of these women; their appreciation for travel, culture and their unrelenting desire to soak up every bit of their experiences, inspired me to - not only travel to every destination listed in the book - but to truly appreciate the journey, with all its flaws. Because, who knows, it might make for a great story someday!

I love this book.
So great to hear all the adventures these women have.
They are all so independent. They go off to see the world in so many different ways. Each one has their own personality and way of traveling.
They go out and do all the things I wish I could do.
Way to go Ladies ...........
Thanks for the inspiration
p.s. I also love their monthly news-letters

"Stories Of World Travel" by the Wild Writing Women is the best and most entertaining travel book that I have read. Each chapter is a stand-alone story of an exotic adventure written by experienced authors and travelers. The "Spirits of Scotland" story by Cathleen Miller had a most surprising twist on a honeymoon adventure. I recommend the book highly.

"I just finished reading your book ³Butlers & Household Managers² and found it extremely interesting and very informative. What a wealth of information...you can use this book if you want to become a Butler or just help organize your own home. I will be going out either tonight or tomorrow to purchase 'Hotel Butlers, The Great Service Differentiators.' I just had my second interview for a position as Butler with The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach. I thought the interview went well. I¹m excited about the opportunity of working at such a prestigious resort and I hope to be brought back soon for my third interview. I¹m looking forward to reading 'Hotel Butlers, The Great Service Differentiators' very much and I¹m sure I will go though your book many times and keep it as a valued reference. Again, I just want to thank you for a great resource
that I will use for many years." M.E.

If you are involved in the world of private service, I highly recommend this book as a "must have." Mr. Ferry has gone to great lengths to get it right and the results are contained within the pages of this book.
Mr. Ferry presents us with a history of Butling (and other private service household positions,) and weaves a rich tapestry of service standards, duties, do's and don'ts, professional expectations and numerous other pieces of valuable advice throughout the book.
If you do not have this wonderful resource in your collection my advice is to get it and use it.
"The British Butler"
North Carolina, USA

"I read `Butlers' cover to cover. Great! It captures the essence of good butling-competency and discretion."

I loved this book and still refer to in occasionally. I wish more books were written by him and perhaps in a memoir tone so it could be an entertaining version of this one. I've read others that are "behind the scenes" and was quite put off with the arrogance of them. Big accolades to Steven Ferry for writing a practical and inspiring book, I only wish there were more from him!

I am NOT a butler, but I sought this book out on the internet and finally purchased it after thinking I could use it for many years. I was NOT disappointed. It is the best self-help book on the market! This book can help you organize your life on nearly every level. It is an organizers dream book for most of us who have to live without at butler. Yes, I am still in the process of becoming a good household manager, but now I have the advice and skills of my "guide book man".

"Hal: Bury her naked? My own mum? Its a Fruedian nightmare!"...or something like that. Too bad his own death was an act of violence too

This collection of (the late) Joe Orton's plays is amazing. Not for those who are easily offended or whose feelings are hurt. Orton, who was described as a "poor Oscar Wilde," lived up to the name. His plays are fast paced assults on everything that the British hold dear. There is no respect for religion, custom, death or social norms.

Satirical and full of quick wit, Orton's plays attack British culture and spit on everything that the "respectable person," would hold dear.

Orton does not hold back anything and could come on a bit strong for a conservative reader, but my suggestion is that any lover of drama and theater should own and read these plays.

Beaten to death by his male lover in 1967, Joe Orton has been rediscovered as an intriguing look into the mind and soul of a man who lived ahead of his times. His plays are fascinating and have so many layers that you can enjoy them repeatedly. He also wrote a screenplay for the Beatles, which was never filmed (according to the dustjacket). Now wouldn't that be interesting!

Although he is considered among England's greatest playwrights, today Joe Orton (1933-1967) is better known for the way in which he died--his head beaten in with a hammer by his long-time lover Kenneth Halliwell--than for his works. It is a bitter and ridiculous irony that might have been lifted from one of his own plays. It is also a great pity, for Orton was a comic genius whose plays equal the best of English with from Congreve to Wilde to Coward. And if you like your comedy with an ample edge of mean-spiritedness, brutality, cruelty, and flat-out viciousness, Orton is the man for you.

THE COMPLETE PLAYS is not as complete as the title implies, for the text leaves out several titles that never received any production during Orton's lifetime. Still, it does collect the major titles, and that in itself is enough to earn it a place on any serious play-reader's shelf.

Originally presented as a BBC radio program, THE RUFFIAN ON THE STAIR presents the story of Joyce, an unmarried woman of dubious background who is now under the control of Mike, an older man who has mysterious assignations that lead to a fateful encounter with a boy hairdresser named Wilson--whose lover (or brother, depending on how you think about it) may have been a victim of one of Mike's covert operations. It got Orton noticed, and his next effort would truly put him on the map: ENTERTAINING MR. SLOANE was and is one of the salaciously funny comedies ever brought to the stage, the wickedly funny tale of an aging sex-crazed woman and her homosexual brother who use their father's murder as a means of blackmailing a young thug into their respective beds.

THE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, THE ERPINGHAM CAMP, and FUNERAL GAMES have much to offer but are actually minor titles in comparison with the two plays that critics consider great masterpieces: LOOT, a bitterly savage farce concerning a robbery, a death in the family, and the uses to which you can put Mother's coffin (not to mention false teeth) in a pinch; and WHAT THE BUTLER SAW, set in a psychiatrist's office in which everyone has truly gone round the bend.

Orton was a master of language that forces you to laugh even as it cuts you like a straight-edged razor across the throat; you can't help but laugh even as you collapse bleeding to the floor. Even so, it is worth pointing out that plays are really written to be performed rather than read, and this particularly true of Orton; unless you have a very strong background in theatre you may do better to wait for your local rep company to take up the challenge.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Tragic, brutal things happen to the characters in these plays. But none of these people is particularly likeable, so you can't really care. It's all just as well for them, in some ways, and it's all in good fun. The characters manipulate each other, lie to each other, steal from each other, screw each other, kill each other, and deny that they do it. Everyone here has the ethics of a doorknob, and it's all pretty enjoyable.

The last one, "What The Butler Saw", got a little bit too ridiculously farcical for my taste and went on too long, but it has its moments; and otherwise they're all pretty good to read.

I can also recommend the introduction. Joe Orton lived his own life very much like the people in his plays (which makes you wonder how much of his material was supposed to be comedy). Even his death was true to form: his envious lover, actor Kenneth Halliwell, bashed in Orton's brains with a hammer just prior to doing himself in with 22 sleeping tablets.

the best book ive ever read. it has some amazing unknown facts about moonies life. like his involvement with marylon worshipers.(trust me he wasnt one)

My copy is called "Moon the Loon." It's one of the funniest books I've ever read. Totally unique. It is just a collection of stories about Keith Moon that do justice to his genius. I have lent my copy to at least 12 people (most of whom have never heard of Keith Moon) and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. When I went to London I tried to contact Peter Butler to compliment him on his fine work - but there are too many Peter Butlers living in London!

I found this book in the late 1980's, when I was really discovering the Who and figuring out what they all meant to rock n' roll and its history.

My real awakening was the film "The Kids Are Alright," and after that finding this book, written by Peter "Dougal" Butler, Moon's longtime "man," or personal assistant.

Butler's rollicking tale of ten-plus years with the madman of rock is a sometimes nasty one, following his string of practical jokes, endless escapades and occasionally spotlighting his musical prowess.

But it really mostly is the relationship Butler established with Moon, and some of the insights that later came out about Moon's personality, and what may have been wrong with him.

Butler notes that Moon sometimes would get into a state where he just could not discern the real world from the false. Case in point his work on the film "That'll Be The Day," where he plays a drummer. The star of the film is David Essex ("Rock On"), and Moon is unable to handle it. His dive into a mental pool of despair and thinking the whole affair is real is pathetic...and as Butler notes sometimes you just don't have a straight jacket available when you really need one.

Butler notes the problems in Moon's relationships with his wife Kim as well as Annette Walter-Lax, whom Moon had said he intended to marry toward the end of his life. Moon's friends, if ever he had close ones include Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson, as well as Vivian Stanshall of the Bonzos.

One problem I have is finding that Butler seems to have placed himself at events that he was not present for. He also I think in retrospect put too much emphasis on the zaniness without really getting deeper into the causes, etc.

But perhaps he just didn't know; Butler was no psychiatrist.

He also skips over certain pivotal moments in Moon's life; the accidental death of his close friend and driver Neil Boland (though in fairness, Butler was not present for that) and his longtime fling with groupie extraordinaire Pamela Des Barres (who has her own insights on Keith).

Either way, some interesting and funny photos, some intriguing stories and a sad, but truthful ending that pretty much says the only thing that really happened was that Moon up and died.

Nobody lived his life like Keith Moon. Those who knew him were astounded at his all consuming passion to get everything possible out of life. Dougal Butler has written, in a unique and incredibly humorous way, the best book I've yet read about the life and incredible times of Keith Moon. Don't miss this one. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

It's too bad this book is out of print, because these are the adventures (many very funny but in the end very sad) of one the greatest (if not THE greatest) drummers of all time. And besides that, it's written by a guy who knew Moonie and witnessed his antics 1st hand. I wish the guy who's trying to make a screenplay the best of luck. The next step after consulting Butler is to get permission from the Who to use their songs. To close this review, I'd like to paraphrase the last sentence in the book, "Keith Moon ups and [very] well dies."

The screen play format was well selected to tell this little known factual love story of the Ladies of Llangollen. It's well written and leaves out much of the "angst" and years of separation of their real lives, focusing on the more positive aspect of their life together. Well done, Anna, can't wait for the movie!

This historical fiction makes the true story come alive in an engrossing, page turning screenplay. The afterword section on the true story is particularly interesting.

Anna Curren has recounted a fascinating piece of history in the story of two women struggling against the stultifying mores of the day.One must admire the convictions of those stalwart ladies who persued their deepest feelings and personal principles regardless of the cost.
Its fun, as one reads, to envision which actresses will be vying for these roles when the movie is inevitably made.
Well written and absorbing.

Soon after beginning to read Love, above the Reach of Time, I was transported to Ireland of the 1700's. Although the story
takes place 300+years ago, I felt like I was reading a story that could happen now. The story and chararacters are timeless.
The characters, although written as a screenplay, came to life and their words on the page, flowed effortlessly, and the picture
of this story was crystal clear in my mind.
This is a story that could be taken as a lesbian love story-which it is. But it can also be taken as a story of great love that transends gender, time and place- I couldn't put the book down and read it in one sitting.
I can't wait for the movie!

The illistrations, cover and pictures are outstanding and make this book attractive and interesting without knowing the content.
The fictional part of the screenplay adds interest as to what is fictional and what is real. The authors factual addition to the book added interest to those of us who injoy non-fictional history. This is a "no put down" book, very compelling story.

Pattern is here considered not only as a formalised repeating motif in embroidery, but also as embrancing structure, design, composition and elaboration. The book is divided into three main sections. The first is concerned with the nature of fabric, the effect of patterned fabrics and their suitability when used in the techniques of applique, patchwork, raised surfaces, hand and machine embroidery. The second section on threads is divided into two parts. The first deals with drawn fabrics and thread, net darning, needleweaving, blackwork, and canvas stitches; the second with embroidery stitches and the combination of embroidery with print. The third section examines the effect that different grounds have on the print and so on the type and style of the embroidery. Illustrated with over a hundred photographs drawn both from historic and modern sources, the book will be valued as a stimulating source of ideas as well as for its technical information.

This book is a caption-and-picture introduction to the subject. The book is split into three sections- the nature of fabrics, threads and embroidery with printed patterns.

The book will be useful for students in colleges of education and those studying for examinations, and also for teachers since it explains the effects which can be achieved by the use of different techniques. It points out that techniques are chosen for a particular purpose and are not purely accidental. The reader is helped thereby to look more critically at finished work. The inclusion of comparable techniques in both historic and present-day embroidery is very valuable, making students aware that many so-called 'new ideas' can be found in historic work, thus making museum study more interesting and profitable. The problems of printed fabrics with embroidery are explained with sound advice and some stimulating experimental ideas.

This is a beautifully produced book of particular interest to the advanced student of embroidery, studying this subject on an intellectual level. But it is a stimulating ideas source for anyone. There is a minimum of text and an abundance of excellent, beautiful photographs.

Embroidery, like crochet, patchwork and rug making, has made an enormous comeback. There is, however, a vast difference between the embroidery of today and some of the rather insipid type of work that was found in so many Victorian households. Because machines can do so much in the way of stitchery these days, hand embroidery has to be completely individual in design and full of character in order to compete. Gratifyingly, a return is evident to many of the stitches used in the Seventeenth century and earlier, and these are sometimes combined most effectively with modernistic designs. Moreover, much of the handwork done nowadays is used for interior decoration, rather than for small items such as traycloths, or on clothes. For those who are skilful with the needle and interested in this kind of work, this book is full of ideas to stimulate the imagination, and the basic kind of instruction which a beginner needs. It contains a collection of pictures of different pieces of work, some ancient, some modern. The chapter on patchwork, an old art now very mod, suggests varying ways of joining pieces of material to achieve variety in the appearance of the work. For instance, attractive pictures can be made merely by using different shaped patches- another idea for interior decorating. The section on raised surface, quilting in particular, is unusual. In case you think quilting is only for making quilts, or possibly skirts, try this: When embroidering a figure, pad the face, hands and feet. the resulting picture looks very different from that with a flat surface. The book contains on applique; the effects achieved by using grainy fabrics on a smooth background; drawn thread and cut fabrics work: net darning; needle and felt weaving (working over the warp threads of a fabric to create a new surface texture) and blackwork, one of the most effective types of embroidery.

I've now read a number of Nancy Butler's novels and, thus far, this one is the very best. A story of a mature woman and a rake with a sad and bad past is always a pleasurable plot for me. But this one was certainly one of the finest I've read and put me in mind of Heyer's Venetia and her beloved Damerel.

Jemima Vale - mature, intelligent and strong is missing something in her life - love, true companionship and (unbeknownst to her) sexual fulfilment. She meets, through the subplot of intrique and espionage, Mr Beecham Bryce - rake, reprobate, fallen angel with a hardened heart. Of course, in this sort of scenario, the H/H are never quite what they seem. Jemima is wise and caring but eager to love a man who, superficially at any rate, appears to be totally inappropriate. Bryce is a man who has willfully brought on his own downfall yet retains strong family ties and yearns to find love and completion with Jemima, a woman who proves to be his true "other half".

This is a tightly plotted story with wholly believable characters (and some brilliant secondary characters) and the story is enlivened by some of the wittiest dialague I have read in a regency novel for a very long time. Just one tiny example:

Jemima looked up at the sky, assessing the position of the sun. "I see that it is past noon. And that your innuendoes have returned, right on schedule."

Bryce's mouth drew up into a crooked grin. "I don't flatter before lunchtime; innuendo I can furnish round the clock."

Butler handles her mature heroine and flawed hero with great skill and gusto in this novel. Both are characters who come bursting to life for the reader. It's definitely a keeper and it's made me realise it is time to re-read Heyer's "Venetia" again. Very highly recommended for its plot, characters, dialogue and high levels of emotion and sexual tension.

Nancy Butler has a way of making her rakes interesting. This is not an easy thing to do since a regency rake cannot be too bad lest the reader dislike him, yet if he has no bad behaviors...how can he be called a rake. Bryce, finds himself very interested in Jemima (although she disapproves of him) and does his best to lure her in only to find himself genuinely liking her and finding himself concerned about her. Jemima also finds that Bryce is a more complex person than she imagined and begins to review some of the decisions or nondecisions she has made in her life so far. The relationship developes at a nice pace and both characters undergo a lot of self-reflection as they fall in love. I also like the way that humor binds these two together...nothing is more sexy than couples that can laugh together as well as the other good stuff.

My very first book by this author nearly put me off entirely - by the blurb on the back cover. It was a while before I could bring myself to pick it up and to go beyond the first two pages. Be warned - do not make the same mistake that I did. The blurb does not do justice to the story, and in fact gets several details wrong.

Some spoilers follow but first a general warning: the story is not about the young actress who discovers the murder, but about her rescuer Mr Beecham Bryce and a Lady Jemima Vale who is an amateurish artist, in all senses of that word. And no - Lady Jemima's art skills play no part in the story, except to permit her to appreciate the greater aristic skills of others.

The story is not about murder and intrigue, although those do play some part in the story, in forcing Lady Jemima to remove to the house of a well-known rake, and the intrigue elements become crucial at one point very late in the story. However, the love story itself is not dependent on the murder nor on the intrigue, except in permitting the author to bring the couple together at the beginning. So, if you are looking for a book full of a hero and heroine (and villains) dashing about the countryside, you will be disappointed. And yes, there is a villain (more than one, actually) but the real villain's identity comes as a surprise.

I won't tell you too much about the rest of the story, for fear of spoiling other discoveries for you. Once I got past the first four or five pages, I found myself engrossed in the book - rooting for the hero and heroine alike, and hoping sincerely that the hero, in particular, would be able to actually read the heroine's mind. [The misunderstanding that temporarily separates them is entirely believable - in that it is a problem of miscommunication, rather than of unnecessary pride or some external agent]. The real surprise is the ending. Once the murder and the intrigue have been resolved, the hero and heroine do not fall into each other's arms. They must still learn to communicate better, and for once, the heroine is the one taking steps to end the misunderstanding by swallowing her own pride at being rejected.

It has a good plot, a hero who is not a nobleman (and is rather unconventional), a far-from-missish but not waspish heroine, and some interesting and finely drawn secondary characters. This is not a book to read for wit and humor (although there is a good-natured tone in the story), nor one for pathos and tears.

Read this for a good story about a relationship that builds around, and even despite, a mystery. More precisely, there are several mysteries - Who is the murderer? What was the murderer doing in the area? Is Jemima right in her suspicions about Beecham?. And there is lots of other suspense created by such small things as a cart going the wrong way, but I will leave it to you to find out what happens.

Despite some improbabilities, this is still one of the best Regencies I have read this year.

This is the most refreshing Regency I have read in some time! Not only are Lady Jemima and Beecham Bryce intriguing characters but I thoroughly enjoyed the supporting cast as well. There was plenty of humor, passion and genuine suspense. This book is definitely a keeper! I look forward with great anticipation to Ms. Butler's next book!

My very first book by this author nearly put me off entirely - by the blurb on the back cover. It was a while before I could bring myself to pick it up and to go beyond the first two pages. Be warned - do not make the same mistake that I did. The blurb does not do justice to the story, and in fact gets several details wrong.

Some spoilers follow but first a general warning: the story is not about the young actress who discovers the murder, but about her rescuer Mr Beecham Bryce and a Lady Jemima Vale who is an amateurish artist, in all senses of that word. And no - Lady Jemima's art skills play no part in the story, except to permit her to appreciate the greater aristic skills of others.

The story is not about murder and intrigue, although those do play some part in the story, in forcing Lady Jemima to remove to the house of a well-known rake, and the intrigue elements become crucial at one point very late in the story. However, the love story itself is not dependent on the murder nor on the intrigue, except in permitting the author to bring the couple together at the beginning. So, if you are looking for a book full of a hero and heroine (and villains) dashing about the countryside, you will be disappointed. And yes, there is a villain (more than one, actually) but the real villain's identity comes as a surprise.

I won't tell you too much about the rest of the story, for fear of spoiling other discoveries for you. Once I got past the first four or five pages, I found myself engrossed in the book - rooting for the hero and heroine alike, and hoping sincerely that the hero, in particular, would be able to actually read the heroine's mind. [The misunderstanding that temporarily separates them is entirely believable - in that it is a problem of miscommunication, rather than of unnecessary pride or some external agent]. The real surprise is the ending. Once the murder and the intrigue have been resolved, the hero and heroine do not fall into each other's arms. They must still learn to communicate better, and for once, the heroine is the one taking steps to end the misunderstanding by swallowing her own pride at being rejected.

It has a good plot, a hero who is not a nobleman (and is rather unconventional), a far-from-missish but not waspish heroine, and some interesting and finely drawn secondary characters. This is not a book to read for wit and humor (although there is a good-natured tone in the story), nor one for pathos and tears.

Read this for a good story about a relationship that builds around, and even despite, a mystery. More precisely, there are several mysteries - Who is the murderer? What was the murderer doing in the area? Is Jemima right in her suspicions about Beecham?. And there is lots of other suspense created by such small things as a cart going the wrong way, but I will leave it to you to find out what happens.

Despite some improbabilities, this is still one of the best Regencies I have read this year.

Here is a unique work of reference for the embroiderer. As a result of extensive research and experience, Anne Butler brings together some five hundred individual stitches used in embroidery through the centuries. Each example has been worked by the author and photographed, to the same scale, to illustrate the complete stitch. Accompanying each photograph are diagrams explaining the step by step method of working the stitch. For ease of reference and identification, Anne Butler has grouped the stitches under families and these include: Line; Couchings; Stem; Running and back; Herringbone; Feather; Fly; Cretan; Buttonhole; Chain; Straight (including cross); Single Unit (such as woven wheels); Edgings; and Filling stitches. The colour plates show the working of the more complex stitches. Anne Butler (now Professor Anne Morrell) lectured at several schools and colleges before becoming Principal Lecturer and Head of the Embroidery School at Manchester Polytechnic (later Manchester Metropolitan University). Examples of her work have been exhibited all over the world, and her embroidery is much sought after by provate collectors, with many items purchased for public display. This definitive encyclopedia of embroidery stitches will be of the utmost value to everybody interested in embroidery, regardless of age or ability, and it is a book which no student of embroidery, at any level, should be without.

A great book, allowing you to discover exciting new ways of adding interest and variety to your embroidery designs. Here, you can choose from some five hundred individual stitches used in embroidery throughout the centuries. Each example has been worked by the author and photographed to the same scale to illustrate the complete stitch. Accompanying each photograph are clear diagrams explaining the step-by-step method of working the stitch.

The result of extensive research and experience, this book brings together some five hundred individual stitches used in embroidery through the centuries. Each example has been worked by the author and photographed to the same scale, illustrating the complete stitch, while additional diagrams explain step-by-step the method of working the stitch. A wonderful and very useful book!

Here is a unique work of reference for the embroiderer. As a result of extensive research and experience, Anne Butler brings together some five hundred individual stitches used in embroidery through the centuries. Each example has been worked by the author and photographed, to the same scale, to illustrate the complete stitch. Accompanying each photograph are diagrams explaining the step by step method of working the stitch. For ease of reference and identification, Anne Butler has grouped the stitches under families and these include: Line; Couchings; Stem; Running and back; Herringbone; Feather; Fly; Cretan; Buttonhole; Chain; Straight (including cross); Single Unit (such as woven wheels); Edgings; and Filling stitches. The colour plates show the working of the more complex stitches. Anne Butler (now Professor Anne Morrell) lectured at several schools and colleges before becoming Principal Lecturer and Head of the Embroidery School at Manchester Polytechnic (later Manchester Metropolitan University). Examples of her work have been exhibited all over the world, and her embroidery is much sought after by private collectors, with many items purchased for public display. This definitive encyclopedia of embroidery stitches will be of the utmost value to everybody interested in embroidery, regardless of age or ability, and it is a book which no student of embroidery, at any level, should be without.

The result of extensive research and experience, this book brings together some five hundred individual stitches used in embroidery through the centuries. Each example has been worked by the author and photographed to the same scale, illustrating the complete stitch- additional diagrams explain step-by-step the method of working the stitch.