United Kingdom Books

Kingdom of Coal is a very well done telling of the history of anthracite coal. The book tells the story from the days when stone coal was first discovered in the wilderness of Eastern PA, through its development as a major energy source, and into the labor struggle. Closely associated is the development of canals, known as the anthracite canals to bring the coal to market and later the development of railroads. Still later the railroads, known as the anthracite railroads owned most of the mines.

The book also covers the close association between coal and the iron industry. Anthracite was first used by blacksmiths. It soon replaced charcoal in blast furnaces to reduce iron ore to iron. Iron rails for the railroads, previously imported from England, were an early product.

Missing in the book is the story of the gaslight industry. Processes for the manufacture of gas from coal were invented in 1815. Nearly every city of any size had a gas plant to supply gaslights. This was an early user of coal--originally imported from Europe. The industry continued until World War II when transcontinental pipelines brought natural gas to the distribution systems originally built for manufactured gas.

This is the definitive history of the birth, rise and fall of the anthracite coal industry in three northeastern Pennsylvania fields: Schulykill, Lackawana and Wyoming. Written in narrative form with copious references, it details the everyday trials and tribulations of the immigrants who worked the fields and the coal companies who exploited them. This is must reading for anyone wanting an insight into the lives of their ancestors who immigrated and worked these fields between 1800 and 1970,

Lie in the Dark and Listen: The Remarkable Exploits of a WWII Bomber Pilot and Great Escaper gives a first hand view of the Second World War as described by Wing Commander Ken Rees. Rees describes his experiences from the time he joined up to become a pilot, through his training, to his efforts as a bomber pilot in the war. Rees also describes life as a POW and his part in the Great Escape.

This book contains two parts. The first section of this book, describes Rees' early years with the military. In this section, the author candidly describes how a Welsh farm boy managed to claim a spot as a pilot; his training trials and triumphs; and his many missions in Europe and Africa. The second section of this book, describes Rees' experiences as a POW. In these chapters, Rees describes daily life in POW camps and the various escape efforts. Rees also participated in the Great Escape and describes both the preparation for and the aftermath of this famous event.

Lie in the Dark and Listen: The Remarkable Exploits of a WWII Bomber Pilot and Great Escaper is an extremely valuable work. The stories contained in this book range from comical through heroic to bone chilling. The author has done an amazing job at sharing a complete three dimensional representation of these events allowing the reader insight into the both the silly and the serious aspects of these experiences. Beyond the amazing insight into the lives of those serving in the World War II, this book entertains, rivets, and terrifies the reader from start to finish.

Almost everyone has heard of "The Great Escape,"the massive effort to tunnel out of the German POW camp formally known as Stalag Luft III. The brave and amazing operation was made famous around the world when it was made into the hit movie of the same name starring Steve McQueen. Author Ken Rees is one of the few living British airmen involved in the escape operation from Stalag Luft III. Lie in the Dark and Listen is the remarkable story of his life.

Co-written by Karen Arrandale, Commander Rees recounts the four years he spent (from the young age of 17 to the ripe old age of 21) in the RAF. His resume is amazing. Rees trained as a bomber pilot in Wellington, dropped bombs on the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisnau, fought in the bloody actions in the skies over Malta, and flew a remarkable 56 nighttime bombing missions over Germany. On his last mission he was shot down over Norway and captured by the Gestapo. Rees was interned in Stalag III and played an active role in tunneling out of the complex-a feat that so aggravated the Germans that Hitler ordered 50 of the men executed.

Lie in the Dark and Listen recounts with vivid clarity the excitement, drama, trauma, and danger of flying a heavy bomber in flak-filled skies at such a young age, being responsible for the lives of your men, and watching in helpless terror as comrades are shot from the sky before your eyes. While all of this is fascinating, most readers will be anxiously turning pages to discover what he has written about his experience as one of the "Great Escapers." Readers will not be disappointed. Rees recalls the events as if they were yesterday, describing in detail his life in the prison camp, his active role in digging tunnels and serving on the "escape committee," and his reaction when he learned of the murder of his 50 comrades.

Rees returned home after the war and played rugby for several English and RAF clubs as he continued serving in the RAF. He retired in 1968, bought a pub, and established himself as a successful and sought-after speaker.

Recommended for both serious students and readers of popular history, all general libraries.

I found this a moving account of the life of a man who probably appeared quite unremarkable to his friends and neighbours. His expression, which I have heard elsewhere in Oxfordshire, "Us'll get over it" showed that he was well capable of rising above the personal tragedy and hardship that we would have difficulty in coming to terms with today, without "counselling" or "tranquilisers".

I too never had the chance to meet "Old Mont" but I would have felt privileged to do so. Usually when driving through "our Enstone" as I do several times a year between home in South Wales and my family in St. Albans I stop to "Lift The Latch" in the Crown and pay my respects at his grave which always seems to be adorned with little bunches of wild flowers. This book should NEVER be out of print

This is one of the most moving books I have ever read! It is the life story of a man whose memory will remain with you, long after you have closed the covers, and is based on transcripts of the author's conversations with him over two years. Mont Abbott was born in obscurity, and lived a humble, hardworking life on the land. But his life story is made poignant by tragedy, and enriched by a wonderful memory, and zest for life. He died only in the 1980's, and I feel we are all the poorer for not having met this wonderful character in the flesh, but now we can all do so through this beautifully crafted book.

Art is the expression of emotion that elicits emotion.
You certainly achieved that end, I laughed and I cried.
I read an enormous number of books a year, its my hobby my relaxation and I love to learn, you met of of these goals in this book. Thank you.
I'm looking forward to the next installment, you have a delightful talent
Libby Gaucher.

lily and me by frederick rodgers is a vivid account of the authors life from his birth in Northern Ireland in 1939 to his joining the british navy in 1955. Rodgers has a real gift for conveying atmosphere as well as a good memory for detail. These qualities make for an almost cinematic picture of lower middle class life in Britian during the 1940'. and early 50's. An excellent feature is the epilogue which summarizes whats happened to the family since 1955. If you like family chronicles you may love Lily & Me.

This review appeared in the Charlottetown Guardian on the 19th August 2005,and was penned by Elizabeth Cran a free lance writer

With well over eight hundred pages, MLA's "Literary Research Guide" is a complete and comprehensive guide for researchers who study literature. This new fifth edition boasts over 1,000 entries, which inform readers about countless books and other pieces of written media. Also sporting new chapters on cultural studies, "Literary Research Guide" leaves out little on every item discussed. An absolute must for community library reference collections focusing on literary studies, and highly recommended for college libraries as well.

Harner's most recent edition is the "bible" for those studying literature and/or related disciplines. An absolute must-have for graduate students in literature, women's studies, ethnic studies, and other textually-based disciplines.

I just received this today and am pleased with it. The size is perfect for tucking in a jacket pocket or a backpack. it has a small fold out map of each area of London and a tube map in the back. I've been to London several times and know it fairly well, but I find I always need a map to help me remember where my fave spots are. This is an excellent book for those who have been to London and don't want to carry a big, noticeable guide book around. Or you could buy this to supplement a guide book. Read the guide book in your room, and then take this one with you when you go out. You can't beat it for the price!

This "little black book" is perfect to use for seeing the best sights in London. It divides the city into areas with a fold-out map for each; it highlights the most important sights to see in each area, marks them on the map and even adds shopping and dining tips. Small enough to drop in your bag but very informative.

This is an excellent book that does exactly what it promises, gives you some pleasant walks around London interspersed with relaxing pub breaks. Be sure to order half pints, though, or you may have trouble walking back to your hotel.

Along with Rick Steves' London Guide, the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, & a London A To Z street guide, this book will always be on my "Must Bring" list for the Metrop. 15+ walking tours makes for plenty of exercise, whether walking, sightseeing, or my personal fave, performing pint curls. I looked all over London before finding it at Stanfords(a great travel bookshop) between Covent Garden & Charing Cross Rd., as this was not available on Amazon. Now it is, & your travels to London are the better for it. One tip: Mr. Bruning's tours all start at a given point(don't they all?). By using multimap.co.uk I did my own tours, by setting the tours from postcode to postcode, so after an afternoon at the British Museum, I was itinerized from there(actually, beginning at the Museum Tavern pub across the street) to Soho, to Picadilly. Unfortunately, my local is listed here, but that's the bad news. The good news is it gets the recognition it deserves, and no, I'm not going to tell you. Find your own, you'll be glad you did, and you'll be glad you got this great little book. You can check out Ted Bruning on FLN's Thirsty Traveler show, also. He starts their tour at the Market Porter in SE1. I highly recommend that pub, and this book. Cheers!

A refreshingly lively look at middle-class life in Victorian London. Particularly good on education and travel. Ought to be reprinted!

Mary Hughes (born Mary Thomas) published these books (originally a trilogy) in the 1930's, reminiscing about her childhood, early adulthood, and early married life. The books are remarkable: detailed, thoughtful, poignant when tragedy intrudes, but never sentimental; sharp, witty, affectionate and truly insightful.

Hughes's family was middle class, so that being poor, for her, meant being barely able to afford to go to school, rather than work. They usually had servants, though only one or two. All four older boys are intelligent, interesting people, though Mary claims only one of them as "clever". Yet it's clear from the first volume that they were all lovers of literature, art, and intelligent conversation, and as Mary grew up the youngest in such a household she not unnaturally grew to love the same things, despite lacking a formal education until she was eleven.

Her stories span all of life, from schooldays and children's games in the first book, to married life and heartbreaking tragedy in the last. She visits America to attend an educational conference at the Chicago World's fair in the early 1890's; and sees Washington, Montreal and Boston, too. She visits Cornwall and Wales, and of course there are many, many stories of London and London life. There is an enormous amount of detail here, loving told and a delight to read. This is the best kind of history to read -- true and faithful to the facts but more interesting than almost any novel could be.

Strongly recommended. If you're hesitating, I recommend at least the first volume, which you can buy separately here on Amazon; though I feel sure you'll want the other two when you've read that one.

Great for people who have "done" the big sights and are looking for something more. She arranges the book into typical themes--like Legal London, Literary London, or Romantic London, for example--and sets up an itinerary covering three days of things to do under each theme, including places to eat and evening activities. She doesn't pack each day so full that you feel rushed.

Ruth Humleker writes like a friend who has been to a place and can tell you the 'insider's' scoop on what to see and do. She divides the book into themes -- Royal London, Legal London, Romantic London, etc., providing a good mix of the 'standard sights' as well as new ideas for people who have been to London before. Her tips on tickets, restaurants, and tourist attractions are up-to-date and useful. Her itineraries are easy to follow and varied. Readers will have no trouble mixing and matching a day from one theme with one from another. As a result, the reader remains 'in-charge' while being provided guidance in creating a memorable trip. There are many travel books available -- this one is unique and will be a welcome addition to any traveler's bookshelf.

This little map folds up small enough to fit in your back pocket. It is laminated & will hold up to wear. For a such a small map it has LOTS of information on it. They have filled every inch with useful tidbits, sights, day trips, facts, etc. A smaller map on the back shows outside the city & a small undergroud map. Great tourist map, easy to read & easy to carry.

I've used these maps for years for different cities throughout the world. They work great. They fold down small enough to easily pack in your pocket but still have enough detail to get you around to most addresses. They also list major hotels, major shopping centers, churches and other points of interest which is very helpful as a tourist if you're staying in a larger hotel. They also have a subway map of the city and the subway stops and which lines are served are clearly shown on the city map plus a close approximation of where the entrance/exits are for the subways. They're very durable don't get destroyed by being stuffed into your pockets.