Spencer Books

I imagine due to the holidays was the reason that it took so long for this item to arrive. (mid January) However! The book is a quality item, it arrived in excellent condition and the person who received the gift is extremely happy. A very worth while purchase.
Some things are worth looking forward to. Very satisfied. thank you.

This book is a real treasure if you are enamored with the film! When you just can't get enough, it gives you a play by play of the whole script, side notes, and facts about scenes and the making of them. The pages are wonderful along with the pictures. I would highly recommend this collectable book for true V fanatics at heart!

(from an extended feature, copyright 2006 Michael F. Hopkins)

Few literary masterworks offer more narrative wonder,
and more frustration to adapt to the silver screen,
than the socioculturally-charged V FOR VENDETTA by
writer Alan Moore and illustrator David Lloyd. Its
mix of Fascist horror, Romantic adventure, and
Science Fiction contemplation, has thrilled readers
of Sequential literature and a world of enthusiasts
for over 20 years.
The questions posed by its pages, particularly the
point at which Terrorism becomes the State, or the
crucible in which Dissent can be compelled to fashion
the tools of Rebellion from the State's own Terror,
still await finer resolutions in the trouble-torn
world of the Here and Now.
As ambivalent as the tones of a William Blake painting,
V FOR VENDETTA strikes as aggressively for the souls
and minds of thinking, caring people who refuse to
settle for any quick emotion, and easy answer.

These are the focused aims superbly met by the wondrous
film from the shapers of THE MATRIX Trilogy. Larry and
Andy Wachowski spent many years forging their prodigious
script, and director James McTeigue brings the momentous
tale to stunning life.
Not a word-for-word adaptation of what is perhaps Alan
Moore's signature work, the film masterfully embraces
Moore's questing spirit; holding true to the original
author's vision while imbuing the film with a life and
character all its own. Its myriad inquiries into the
nature of Faith and Wisdom in a bigoted World run by
Lust without Ethics, and Reason gone mad without Virtue,
mark the cinematic V FOR VENDETTA as a classic tale of
the Human spirit prevailing against all odds.

Those who love to look within the shaping of such
presentations would do well to purchase V FOR VENDETTA:
FROM SCRIPT TO FILM, a handsome coffee-table book
(Hardcover, as well as paperback) from Rizzoli's
Universe Publishing which offers the film's complete
shooting script, a wealth of photos and pre-production
art from the movie, along with invaluable insights from
director McTeigue himself.
Edited by Spencer Lamm (who edited THE ART OF THE MATRIX)
and Sharon Bray, the volume is a massive tribute to the
power of gifted artistry; crossing idioms to make even
broader points to ever-growing audiences with unimpeachable integrity.

If there continues to be confusion regarding author Moore's
disavowing of such a landmark adaptation of his work, it
is hoped that this volume will make the adaptation's
worthiness crystal clear, beyond any shadow of a doubt.
Perhaps only Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Phillipa
Boyens (LORD OF THE RINGS) along with Ray Bradbury
(John Huston's MOBY DICK) had a more imposing task of
adaptation.
Those who admire both the Literary original and the
Hugo Weaving-Natalie Portman tour de force can respect
-if not agree with- author Moore's disavowal of film
adaptations. By the very breath, one can only hope that
the excellence of this motion picture -ably reflected
by this book- will earn Mr. Moore's respect, in turn.

Differences between parties notwithstanding, the film
is a masterpiece; one which ably complements the book
from which it came. Each holds wonders for all. Time
for the idiomatic skirmishes to end.

Come in, and be enlightened.

Great book containing the shooting script with director's notes and hundreds of stills. The last third of the book contains artwork and storyboards and how they were transformed into film, complete with explaining notes by the film's makers. Poster gallery and credits included. All color photos and artwork, high quality print, great book on this great film!

Has the full shooting script. Lots of behind the scenes stuff.

THICK, glossy pages (the kind you sort of get a high from, from such heavy gloss fumes).

Wonderful artwork from the film!!!! Mock movie posters and the print posters. All very nice.

A must have if you're a fan of the film!

This is a great cookbook. I have had it for over 17 years. I have used it till the cover is falling off. It should always stay in print. It covers all the meals of the day with a wide variety of recipes. Good info throughout!

I have about 15 Vegetarian cookbooks, but this one is my favorite. I always look to it to find easy, tasty and healthy recipes. I have to buy a new one because my current copy is falling apart from use!

Great variety of very tasty dishes -- I know I can alway rely on Sunset recipes to turn out well. Unlike some vegetarian cookbooks, this one doesn't require a lot of exotic and/or expensive ingredients to make a great meal. That also makes this book a great starter for people first venturing into vegetarian cooking. My copy is so well used, I'm buying a fresh copy today.

I love this cookbook. I need a new one because my first one that my mother bought me as a gift has fallen apart! I love most every recipe in this book. Lemony Lentil soup, Brazilian Black bean soup are among my favorites.

Neither I nor my family are vegetarions, but the first time I looked through this cookbook I knew I had to have it. It is full of appetizing dishes that are easy to prepare and is extremely well organized. Many of the dishes are fast to make and are made with ingredients that you already have on hand. I've found the appetizer and salad sections to be extremely useful, as I frequently have to bring dishes to family gatherings. These dishes are a change of pace, but none of them are so unusual that people don't want to try them. I reccomend this book to anyone who is looking for a change of pace without having to go off the deep-end!

This book is a must for any women entering menopause or any one that is suffering from surgical menopause. I have followed her advice and am now symptom free and I wish I could have had this book before my surgery. It is easy to read and the education is well worth the price of the book. I find this book very helpful
and I have read it several times. She has another book called Natural Womean,Natural Menopause and this book goes into greater detail and is also easy to read.
Thanks Christine Conrad for writing these books for all of us women suffering from Provera or Premarin side effects.

I read the book "A Woman's Guide to Natural Hormones" and was so excited to finally pull together so many health problems that I've been experiencing! High cholesterol, osteopenia, insomnia, lack of sex drive and sensation, depression and on and on. I had been going to my general pracitioner and gynecologist and neither could explain or cure my problems. They just added more and more medicines, each with its own set of side effects and multiplying my frustration and discomfort!

Reading this book was such a breath of fresh air that I ordered two for family members and tell everyone else I know to read it. After switching to natural hormones, I'm almost back to my old self -- I sleep well, have energy, am losing weight and have more interest in sex. AND - after adding some testosterone to the mix, I DON'T have facial hair and acne (like my GP said I would)!

This is an excellent book with up to date information on natural and synthetic medications.Written in layman's terms, it is well laid out and includes a wonderful question and answer section. I wish I had found it sooner.

A Woman's Guide to Natural Hormones asks and answers all of my questions about hormone replacement therapy. I now know that I have many more choices than my doctor has told me about. Ms. Conrad is an excellent writer and because of this book I believe I can now make informed choices concerning my healthcare. Thank you Ms. Conrad -- you are indeed helping women help themselves. This is a must read for any woman who is considering taking hormones for any reason!

This is a very good book for general information about the best Hormone Replacement Therapy(versus Hormone substitute Therapy).
This book is a must for all women considering HRT-or having hormone difficulties.

Your Estate Matters is a great introduction to the whole topic of estate planning. I started reading this with little or no knowledge regarding any of the topics...trusts, estate plans, tax strategies, etc. I feel that I now have a good, basic understanding of them. This book is accessible to all, even the non-experts, but does not talk down to the reader in any way.

If you just came back from your lawyer and are having trouble understanding the difference between a living trust and a living will, this is the book for you! My dad used to tell me that you don't really understand something unless you can explain it to someone else. Patti can explain complex concepts like charitable trusts, remainder interests, and applicable exclusion amounts so that anyone can understand them. I particularly enjoyed the section on Estate Planning for the Family Business which included helpful discussions of how to plan for the business after the owner's retirement.

Patti Spencer, Esquire, is widely recognized as an authority on estate planning matters. She has written a weekly column in the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, "Taxing Matters" since 1999. Her book, "YOUR ESTATE MATTERS" grew out of those weekly columns. Patti is known for her "down to earth" conversational style and for using humor in presenting what most times is a dry and dull subject. Patti presents very valuable information and advice which will enable the reader to greatly incerease their knowledge on the subject. The book is easy to read and helps debunk many myths about estate planning, including the one about: if you don't have a will, the state gets everything." This book is the one resource I have found that provides practical and understandable advice and reasonings regarding estate matters. Patti has really hit a home run with this book. It is a must read for anyone, from an individual, a retiree, a business person or anyone who is getting prepared to address their estate matters. In 35 years of professional life, this is one of those valuable resources that has the potential to have a profound impact on changing the way people think about the subject of estate planning. I highly recommennd this book and will be sure that my business clients, especially those with family owned businesses, get this book and read it cover to cover. It should become a part of every business owner's business survival kit and everyone's personal library.
J. Glenn Ebersole, Jr., Founder & Chief Executive, J. G. Ebersole Associates and The Renaissance Group (TM), and author of "Glenn's Guiding Lines - Thoughts From Your Strategic Thinking Coach" Newsletter.

The columns are interesting in themselves, but are much more searchable with an index and grouping by subject, starting from planning early in life, then progressing through changing needds at marraige, parenthood, retirment, and estate settlement. This is a great guide for learning about transfer of wealth and how the government is a party to it. The quotations at the beginning of some topics are a nice opeing statement to get you thinking philosophically about a subject, or just to give you a chuckle while reading an otherwise dry subject.

I was thrilled to find that someone finally wrote a resouce book that I can understand that answers my financial and estate planning questions! The author's sense of humor actually turned dull topics into fun reading. I recommend this book for anyone planning to see an attorney for a will or estate settlement. You'll be well prepared.

this book was brand new, my granddaughter loves it as her old book has fallen apart from reading it so much. it arrived in record time, before i even thought "when will that book arrive?"

Walt Disney's 101 Dalmatians

101 Dalmatians is a very good book. Its about 15 puppies that get kidnapped by a cruel Cruella Di Vil. They are tooken to her mansion where there were a lot more dalmatians. They then go through a lot of trouble getting home. I think that any age of kids would like this book. I really like how Pongo and Perdita save there kids. I think that this book teaches kids that if they steal that bad things will happen.

This beautiful book is a full color adaptation from the disney movie of the same name. The illustrations captured my child's attention and made for great story time. Timeless tale of good vs. evil. A great read for any generation!

Well i think that this book was GREAT it takes me back to 4th grade were this would have been my favorite book becaues it as exitment and love.It just was a wounderful story and i see why they make more of theses not alone dose it show right from wronge but it tell you about how the family love the doge weather there where 13 dogs or 101 dogs it was great!

I thought that this book was well writen. It is very informative. It gives a lot of ways to relax, enjoy and pamper yourself. I think that the suggestions to heath and beaty are very good considering our society today. I would deffinetly recommend this book to others especially if they need to destress and relax.

At times we all need a little pampering and relaxation. One of the first things Stephanie Tourles book 50 SIMPLE WAYS TO PAMPER YOURSELF points out is the need to realize our bodies can only take so much. Our lives are so stress filled these days, we need to be able to release that stress or our bodies will go haywire. When we even think about taking time for ourselves we feel guilty, well, Ms. Tourles tells us to forget the guilt and relax because it well help to make us calmer, better people if we do.

Did you know that stress restricts blood flow to the skin preventing moisture and nutrients from getting where they need to go? Or that stress promotes the production of the male hormone testosterone, which stimulates oil production that in turn promotes pimple formation and clogged pores? Stephanie Tourles tells us that lowering our stress level will dramatically improve the texture and condition of our skin.

Ms. Tourles doesn't just fill her feminine readers in on all the information they need to know to help them understand why they should take the time to pamper themselves; she also gives us ways to do it.

Such as: Use aromatherapy to relax and recharge in the bath. Get steamed with an herbal facial, which will leave your face clean and toned. She offers a list of 10 top healing foods and ideas on how to nourish your hair.

I chose this one to review because I needed it. It's a fascinating read full of wonderful ideas; I did not find anything that sound ridiculous or extreme. Get the book for the wonderful ways to pamper yourself. Throw away all the guilt and go for it, you will be so glad you did, and you will also have a more productive life.

Pam Stone back to the top

I thought this book was a neat idea and decided to order it. I'm really glad that I did. Each of the 50 ways to pamper yourself is only a few (2-3) pages long, so you can read it in a few minutes.

My favorite is #50. "Words of Wisdom" It is full of little tips you can do for yourself. "Trust yourself." "Stop blaming yourself and others." "Ask for hugs from those you love." It also has a list of 7 self-affirmations like "I can do anything I set my mind to."

This book is just full of little tricks to perk you up after a bad day!

I'm guilty of getting too busy and forgetting to take proper care of myself, but since I read this book, I've been making a greater effort to do little things that make me feel good, and that don't take a lot of time -- like lighting scented candles in my bedroom or rubbing my feet with peppermint lotion. (Mmmmm!) This book would make a great gift for a busy friend or a new mom.

I have to be honest, I'm not always a big fan of historical fiction. But I picked up this book after a friend recommended it. What a wonderful surprise! Ms. Reed does a fabulous job of bringing the Underground Railroad to life and putting it into historical context. But it was Lowry's own struggle to find his calling, to do what he felt was right and stand up for his beliefs - in the face of strong opposition - that really moved me. It's something we can all relate to and I felt a real connection to Lowry. I know I will never forget him or his family. I've already pre-ordered Ms. Reed's next book!

This is a novel for all ages, and once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down. The story, set in the early 1800s, is based on a real family and real events. It is the era of slavery, slave traders, and the beginning of the Abolitionist Movement and Underground Railroad. It is more than a story about the struggle between northern and southern beliefs, it is a story of human cruelty and also a story of human compassion and courage. I will never forget the main character, young Lowry Rankin, whose internal struggles with personal insecurity and his beliefs are just as powerful and poignant as his external struggles against slavery and discrimination. The moral principles depicted are timeless, and it is an era in our country's history that should never be forgotten. Highly Recommended!

Across the Wide River is a work of fiction, but based on a real family, the Rankin Family, living in a time of slavery and abolition. The story, with its rich descriptions, draws you into the struggle for freedom so much so that you feel the anquish and intense longing of those desiring freedom and those who work so valiantly to secure that goal.

Stephanie Reed introduces us to Lowry Rankin, nothing but a boy in the beginning of the book, who must face constant danger and moral dilemmas when confronted with the reality of the 'family business.' Will he become a preacher and abolitionist like his father? Or will his shyness overtake his desire to help the slaves and preach the Word of God?

This is a story of courage and compassion with even a pinch of romance, but most of all - a story that won't be forgotten. Join Lowry in his adventures, and journey Across the Wide River.

The awe-inspiring story of country-boy, Lowry Rankin, an ordinary youth intent on taking a stand against slavery. With the Bible as his guide, and a preacher for a father, Lowry learns early on, the value of human life no matter what the color of one's skin. Follow Lowry from his awkward grade school days to his action-packed adolescent years as he transports slaves to the next safe house en route to freedom. Throughout the story, Lowry continually questions whether he's really making a difference...the clandestine transportation of slaves under the cover of nightfall is one thing, but will he be able to publicly speak out against slavery?

Across the Wide River is a must-read for young and old alike. The selfless, servant-attitude and godly character found in Lowry Rankin is truly refreshing. The storyline flows logically and the sense of adventure makes it hard to put down! The descriptive adjectives peppered throughout the book make for very interesting reading. Hopefully, a sequel will follow!

Eddie Fung's curiosity, sense of adventure, and generous spirit in helping others is inspiring!

He never let his small stature get in the way of anything he was determined to do, whether it was to enlist in the army, help the men on the ranches where he worked at during his teens, or (secretly) help get food and medicine for his fellow POW's during WWII.

I admire his way of sharing his adventurous life, which was often humorous: he didn't hesitate to recount the times he got in trouble or made himself look not-so-smart when he could have asked for help. I like his forthright manner! As he put it to his second wife: "What you see is what you get."

Fung's spirit shines throughout the book; it serves as reminder to me of the sacrifices made by servicemen such as himself, as well as my father, and members of their generation during WWII. Moreover, he describes how he helped his fellow POW's to survive in the most unimaginable circumstances by using his past experiences, however minor they may have seemed. Being frugal, helping his mom with household chores like making preparations for dinner, and working on the ranch provided useful skills he could share with the other prisoners.

His many adventures are nicely complemented with loving family background/memories of parents and siblings, and life, post-POW. A really enjoyable read!

Don't miss out!

"Another Little Big Man" might have been the immodest title of this too modest gentleman's autobiography. That memorable movie from 1970 told the life story of a diminutive guy who lived many different lives within the span of one and that could also describe Eddie Fung. Short on stature, big on life, that's Eddie. Born in San Francisco's Chinatown, he dropped out of high school and went to Texas at age 16 to become a cowboy just because he wanted to. There he discovered a now nearly vanished breed of everyday honest men and a challenging way of life that for him epitomized the American dream of freedom of spirit paid for by hard work. By 1940 as war raged in China and simmered in Europe he too joined the Texas National Guard just as many of the other ranch hands were doing. That one simple act put Eddie onto a path that took him through three and a half very tough years as the only Chinese American prisoner of war after his unit's capture by the Japanese Army early in 1942. You won't want to put it down once you begin Eddie's book but the beauty of it is that you can pick it up and open it nearly at random and be rewarded with simple truths as experienced by a complex man. For this we have Eddie's wife Dr. Judith Yung to thank for an excellent job of editing a number of multi-hour interview sessions. Judy is one of this nation's most well known and respected scholar/authors of the modern Chinese American experience. Be sure to read the Preface to learn how they met and married when Judy needed a WW II vet interview for a project she had begun. This memorable book has one little shortcoming, so to speak, that must be mentioned .... it comes to an end. This reader wanted Eddie's adventures to continue indefinitely. We do learn of his post war life including family and career, his eventual involvement with the Lost Battalion Association and its annual reunions, etc. so it is a well rounded effort. My wish came true recently when I discovered that YouTube offers a six part look at one of this special couple's book talks. Thank you sharing your life Eddie.

I met Eddie Fung in person last week and heard him discuss the book and his life. What a journey! He is a 10 an so is his book. There are many greatest generation stories that will never be told (my Dad's for example) so take advantage of reading this amazing story of survival from a good story teller.

Also, it is a reminder that many American minorities were in WWII who were staunch patriots, sacrificed much, and should not be overlooked.

this is a very touching story- somewhat like angela's ashes re experiences of a poor background. school dropout, becoming a cowboy then a searing 4 years as a pow -finally graduating from stanford university and moving on

I live in the town of Borrego in the Anza Borrego desert. This book shows exactly what we see all the time. It is beautiful!!! I have a friend that had to move away for medical reasons and this book is a gift for her Birthday and a "get well" present. I hope it will make her happy.

IN the April 6th Sunday LA TImes Vani Rongachar reviewed the book. Rongachar writes: "No question, Anza Borrego is glorious in wildflower season, but true desert rats such as Ernie Cowan see the glory of the 600,000-plus-acre state park in all its seasonal moods. Cowan's new book "Anza Borrego: A Photographic Journey," celebrates the Southern California desert park in images - through close-ups of mating beetles, the patterned geologic oddities in Tule Wash and of course blossoms, brittlebush and ocotillo among others. The photos are evidence of a labor of love by Cowan, a photojournalist, former mayor of Escondido and a founder of the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association. At the end of its 96 pages, I found myself wishing for trail maps to go see for myself." Another book reviewer in the San Diego Tribune wrote that it should be a book kept permanently on the back seat of your car along with a map. The pictures and information found inside will never be outdated. A true classic! The San Diego North County Times also gave rave reviews. If you like me thought that the desert is nothing but sand, rocks and dried up old vegetation, think again. This phenomenal book filled with breathtakingly beautiful pictures will show you a side of the desert you never knew was there.

As a person fortunate to live in San Diego County and to have camped often at Bow Willow, in the southern part of Anza-Borrego State Park, I approached this book with eager anticipation, and found rewards greater than I had imagined. The book is a beautiful evocation of the immense pleasures of this very special park, in its various moods, and the text is appropriately complementary and reverent. I would anticipate this book to be a classic on this area.

It is wonderful in this critical time of enviromental concern to have photographer, Ernie Cowan, remind us this
beautiful area does still exist. The photos are truly
breathtaking. In the desert night sky you feel you could
almost reach out and touch those glowing stars and put one in your pocket. It is an outstanding work of art -- well
worth the read for every nature lover.

The two greatest land battles of English/British arms are universally thought to be Waterloo and Agincourt. Charles Spencer and others (including Winston Churchill) would add Blenheim as the third greatest battle in the list. Louis XIV (the "Sun King" of France) was dominant in European power and had been for a couple of decades. He was an imperialist at heart, taking land when it suited him, on the flimsiest of pretexts. When the inbred and sickly Hapsburg king of Spain died without direct heir, Louis decided it was time to put a Bourbon king (i.e. his own family line) on the throne of Spain. This naturally angered the other Hapsburg monarch - the Holy Roman Emporer (leader of what was later known as Austria-Hungary) and would result in Louis's power increasing significantly, both in Europe and the Americas. Thus, the Emporer and the British, whose Dutch-descended King William III had long fought Louis as Prince William of Orange, formed an alliance to combat this new threat from Louis.

Charles Spencer is known to most as the 9th Earl Spencer, sister of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. His well-spoken and eloquent eulogy of his sister is an indication of his ability as a narrator. Fortunately, Spencer does not herein rely on his titles, nor on the fact he is a descendant of the winning British general: John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough. Instead, knowing the book will only be judged by his ability as a writer and historian, he presents a very readable and enjoyable depiction of the battle between the two Allied armies - commanded by Marlborough and the Imperial general Prince Eugène, and the opposing Franco-Bavarian forces. Taking place in and around the Bavarian village of Blindheim (Anglicised to Blenheim), the Austro-British forces are outnumbered and facing a foe that has not lost a major engagement for a generation. Included in the French ranks are a number of highly-decorated regiments (both of infantry and cavalry). Unfortunately for the French, they are badly outgeneralled, especially in the centre of the line where Marshall Tallard faces Marlborough. The English general has rapidly gained a reputation for initiative, timing, and daring only equalled by Prince Eugène, who is left to pin down the flank against a second French army and the Bavarians.

Spencer wisely takes a third of the book to set the scene - i.e., the politics of the age. No account of the battle would be complete without a detailed look at the people involved, of course, so much of the narrative alternates between the setup of the political situation and the personalities of the people involved. John Churchill was much maligned by both parliament (because his anscestors fought for the crown in the Civil War) and the protestant King William III (because he so easily switched allegiances to himself from the Catholic Charles II after Charles was deposed). It was not until Anne, protestant daughter to Charles II and sister-in-law to William III, came to the throne that Churchill rose to become commander of the British army. This did nothing to placate his detractors, of course, and he was dogged continually by his enemies. Spencer manages to avoid sounding the champion of his anscestor, instead presenting these facts in a straightforward but very readable fashion.

Similarly, when we move into the campaign phase of the book, and that of the Battle of Blenheim itself, we get to see the conflict from all sides - in the camps of all five armies present, and from the generals to the non-commisioned officers, many of whom kept diaries of the events (presumably many in the lowest ranks were illiterate and couldn't keep diaries).

There aren't a lot of accounts of the Battle of Blenheim (compared to, say, Waterloo), but this is a good read for anyone interested in the era, or in European history in general. Especially for those shy about tackling Winston Churchill's mammoth biography of Marlborough (which is also hard to find), this book gives a good description of the man, his age, and the battle he is most famous for winning.

At the end of the 17th century Louis XIV of France was at the peak of his power, the most powerful sovereign in Europe whose power was enforced by an victorious army with a reputation for being unbeatable. With the rise of his relative to the throne of Spain and his coercion of Bavaria into his sphere of influence it seemed that total dominance of Europe was within his grasp.

The fact that this did not come to pass was the result of the formation of the Grand Alliance by William III of England, combining the forces of England, the Holy Roman Empire and the Dutch free states.

The leadership of the Anglo Dutch forces was entrusted to John Churchill the Duke of Marlborough a handsome dashing General of only limited military experience. It was Marlborough who devised and implemented the daring plan to march across Europe to attack Frances ally Bavaria thereby relieving the threat of invasion from Vienna the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. A march which would ultimately see him join forces with the Imperial army commanded by the proven and driven General Eugene of Savoy to confront the Franco Bavarian forces near the village of Blenheim.

The resulting battle displayed the qualities of both of the allied commanders, Marlborough's dash and daring, his command of the battlefield, his husbanding of resources and the judgment which allows him to unleash them to the greatest effect and Eugene's tactical genius, charisma and steely resolve to achieve victory no matter the odds or the cost.

Overall this book provides a well written narrative of a battles which has been largely forgotten, which changed the face of Europe.

Based on diaries and letters of the participants and other sources, Charles Spencer gives a very readable, informative account, not only of the Battle of Blenheim, but of a whole period of history. BLENHEIM, BATTLE FOR EUROPE, is the story of how two friends and military geniuses, the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy spoiled the Sun King's splendor. Louis XIV's army, considered invincible for forty years, was crushed at Blenheim, a small Bavarian village on the Danube, signaling that the Sun King would not conquer the Continent. Mr Spencer describes not only the everyday lot of the common soldier: his arms, medical treatment and food, but he also delves into the personalities of the major participants involved, from the Sun King to the field generals to Sarah, Marlborough's wife. This is popular history at its best, although the term "popular history" somehow seems dismissive; would it be that all history was written as well and as entertainingly. The book comes with color reproductions of portraits, three maps, including two battle maps showing positions and movements of troops, and order of battle and unit strength tables, useful for those who might like to recreate the battle as a simulation. He also describes the battlefield terrain quite well and the morale and quality of certain troops. Valuable as a reference, once read for pleasure, I recommend BLENHEIM highly.

"Blenheim: Battle for Europe" by Charles Spencer is a riveting account of that great battle fought between Allied forces under the command of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, and the French Army of Louis XIV on August 13, 1704. This is a splendidly told story, not only covering this pivotal battle but the events leading up to it and the main characters involved, including my favourite, Prince Eugene of Savoy.

This battle possibly changed the course of European history with the near destruction of Louis XIV's army. Up to this point the French Army under the command of many capable marshals had never been beaten. It was virtually unstoppable until it met Marlborough, the Captain-General of the armies fighting against France. In this book Charles Spencer describes the outcome of that meeting at Blenheim.

The story telling is first-rate, the narrative flows fast and smoothly, is packed full of information but never over-loads the reader with too much. The colour plates are excellent and the maps sufficient for the story however I would have appreciated maybe a few more.

The account of the fighting is excellent and once you start reading it's hard to stop. The narrative drags you into the fighting as the allied infantry assaults the villages of Blenheim and Oberglau and then mass in the centre for the decisive offensive that was to break the back of the French forces. In the end the allies lost 12,000 men killed and wounded but the French lost more than three times that number.

This is an excellent account and adds much to the military history of this period, no decent library should be without a copy on their shelves.