Nicholson Books

The time frame covered by this book is enormous, but Prestwich deftly leaves few stones unturned. I would like to have seen a bit more on Edward II, but given the focus it is understandable why he was not fleshed out quite as well as the other "bookends". An excellent "primer" for the period before delving into more detailed works (like Preswich's own individual works in the Monarchs series).

This is a book that weaves together a tale of a young man growing up in the 1950s with that of a second unfortunate young man, all in the context of a rendering of an earlier era. This context, the 50s, is a Baby Boomer's delight!

The book is the story of a Baby Boomer growing up, facing a challenge from another youngster. The plot itself is interesting. But, in some senses, the plot is not even as important as the ambience of the time.

The discussion in the novel of TV programs of the age, of other artifacts of the age will give Baby Boomers a nice sense of what it was like as they were growing up. I found myself returning to an era in which I grew up. Fellow Boomers? Take a look!

In the end, this is a nice work for Baby Boomers (and their Kids!!) to examine. Nicely done!!

For those who enjoy tales of the sea this is a must read. There is action and details of men, their ships and the sea. It's a short book but you can't wait to see what happens next. Tom Chatto has appeared previously in McCutchan's books and I can't wait to find more

Toscanini has been the subject of several biographies. Those that focus primarily on his life (George Marek's book, now out of print comes to mind) tended toward uncritical idolatry and provided little, if any, original research. Other books, by Charles Marsh and B.H. Haggin, are primarily studies of Toscanini performances, and not biographies per se. Sachs's book is the first to combine traditional biographical techniqes with an evaluation of Toscanini's art. What emerges is a well-written work that provides a full portrait of Toscanini, warts and all. As balanced as it is, the book nonetheless conveys the author's love of his subject. Also, the author's music background brings to life many details of Toscanini performances in a way that nonmusicians will enjoy.

Mr. Boyne has written a tight, fast paced flying novel with an historic integration that adds immeasurably to its believability. The action is nonstop and yet characterization is strong with a multitude of fictional and historical characters. I recommend this novel to anyone who likes action, avaition and a complex interplay between human beings. The only minor complaint I have is with the abruptness with which he completes several eposodes and situations.

In short, its a good read.

Three neat lines from the book:

The top of the hill was crowned by a church, its steeple a white finger pointing into the night.

She stepped out of the car into a morning washed clean and shiny as a new copper penny.

It [the eye] was the color of an award-winning eggplant.

Nigel Steel and Peter Hart have produced an excellent review of World War I in the air as related from the first person histories of the IWM. The book may not be a reference work but it certainly conveys the life of the aviators and the evolution of military aviation.

Intresting, entertaining and beautifully illustrated

"Undead" is certainly a surprising find at Amazon. It is quite literally a relic from the early days of role-playing. Within is described a campaign setting of Verdaise (a volcanic land populated largely by various undead creatures) and several other rather useful tidbits like undead combat tactics and several variant species. Although I cannot say that this is one of TSR's best works, the material presented herein is so original and so much unlike anything TSR is currently publishing that it almost certainly deserves a look from the gamer (besides being a rather collectible item).

Ms. Nicholson deftly gathers some thiry years of diaries, letters and clippings and knowlegly weaves them into the great and small events in victorian england. Marion Sanborne, wife of Linley Sanborne the Punch illustrater, began a diary in 1881 and through it you get an understanding of what life was like for a woman who was neither famous or infamous. Fasinating insights into daily life. Visitors to London can visit her preserved home which houses the England Victorian Society. Ive read it through three times- love the problems with servants and linleys early use of photos