United Kingdom Books

On December 10, 1941, the British battleships HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse were sunk off the coast of Malaya by Japanese torpedo aircraft. This was the first time in history that a modern, well-armed dreadnought had been sunk on the high seas by aircraft alone. The destruction of these two battleships with such apparent ease seemed to justify the pre-war prophecies of aviation advocates such as "Billy" Mitchell and to signal the end of the battleship era. Martin Middlebrook and Patrick Mahoney present a very detailed and balanced account of this significant naval action and they attempt to assess its historical impact.

As usual, Middlebrook provides excellent background information on the key individuals, the ships themselves, their mission and the circumstances of their deployment to Singapore. Strategically, these ships were ordered by Winston Churchill to the Far East to help deter the coming war with Japan. Admiral Phillips, a high level staff officer with an understanding of war plans, was given charge of the squadron and tasked with a deterrence mission. Unfortunately, the battleships arrived in Singapore on 2 December 1941 and Japan attacked only six days later. The deterrence function of the warships was thus a failure.

Much of the book then focuses on Admiral Phillips controversial decision to sortie from Singapore in an attempt to find and destroy the Japanese invasion convoys bound for Malaya. Phillips went charging off into a very uncertain situation with only two battleships and four destroyers. He apparently believed that his magnificent warships could fight their way through to smash the Japanese convoys, while suffering acceptable levels of damage. Only a minimal effort was made to coordinate with the Royal Air Force for fighter cover prior to the sortie; a fighter squadron was dedicated to supporting the battleships but given no specific instructions.

Prior to this account, I had always believed that the battleships were sunk rather easily by a well-coordinated Japanese air attack. In fact, the Japanese squadrons were low on fuel and disordered, the attacks conducted piece-meal. HMS Repulse did a superb job dodging about nineteen torpedoes before receiving fatal hits. On the other hand, the much better-built HMS Prince of Wales was crippled early in the fight by a lucky torpedo hit that caused massive flooding and knocked out most of her electrical systems. The Japanese achieved 11 torpedo hits out of 49 launched and 2 bomb hits of 23 dropped. Just as the Prince of Wales was sinking, ten British fighters arrived over the scene. Admiral Phillips had never radioed for air support and this squadron only arrived due to the independent call for assistance by HMS Repulse. Middlebrook notes that had Phillips called for these fighters just two hours earlier, they could have disrupted the unescorted Japanese bombers and probably have helped save at least one of the battleships.

The main culprit for this disaster is Admiral Phillips. Middlebrook asserts that, "throughout the operation, Phillips continued to show a disregard, almost a contempt, for the dangers of any type of air attack" and, "Phillips was confident that his ships could defend themselves and that he was determined not to ask for the help of another service." Finally, "two great ships and many good men were lost because one stubborn old sea-dog refused to acknowledge that he had been wrong." However, despite this focus on the inter-service bickering as the main culprit of the disaster, the authors then go on to pass judgment on battleships as a whole. After this disaster they assert, battleships were little more than "floating artillery" that could only operate under conditions of friendly air superiority.

I must start this review with telling you that I have read this book at least 10 times.
It covers both the backgrond, both why the ships were sent to Singapore, but also insight about capital ships record until dec. 41. Both losses and successes. One thing often ignored is that no battleship had been lost at sea previously and therefor some decisions from Philips may look more logical to him than to us armchair admirals.

The voyage to Singapore and the events that lead Philips out on his foray are described and also Japanese moves.
Then the attack, hits, damage and so on are described with good detail almost like a report from the damage control officer.

By bad luck the first torpedo hit made massive damage on Prince of Wales and effects of this hit are shown with drawings over flooding and effects on electricity, pumps and other areas are described also.

Then the final round that ended in the sinking of the ships are described, after that comes rescue, aftermath and analysis.
All this are the whole time enrichened by lots of witnesses from people involved (massive number)both British and some Japanese that bring the story almost to a film, you can see everything going on in your mind, and a book that gives you that feeling is very good.

I always likes books that are balanced and not afraid to critisize your own leader, and Philips surely get his share.

One thing that strike me when you compare the demise of IJN Yamato and Musashi is that often the IJNs AA are critized but as I remember those ships shot down at least more US aircraft than POW and Repulse with their fantastic score of three IJN aircraft (heavy not agile twin engine bombers). This may be a testimony more to the fact that all ships (both axis and allied)were equally poor against aircraft early in the war but that VT fuzes, 40 mm Bofors and sturdier aircraft made life much more difficult later for IJN whilst IJN did not improve enough.

The death of the battleship is the theme and this is
a book that you should not miss and also good value for money

This book covers the story of the HMS Prince of Wales and the HMS Repulse from their arrival in the pacific in late 1941. It starts by covering the decisions which led to these ships being sent to the Far East despite a still viable German navy, then discusses the ships themselves, their crews, and their histories.

The book is written in a narrative style and makes heavy use of actual messages radioed to and from the vessels. These do an effective job of establishing the situation and give the reader insight into why certain decisions were made. Also used are official Japanese documents so the reader gets a view of the battle from both sides.

Diagrams of the ships show the locations of bomb and torpedo hits. During the interludes between air raids, the author covers the damage inflicted thus far in an almost checklist manner: pumps, counter flooding procedures, communication status, ventilation and lighting, steering, anti-aircraft armament... I can almost picture the officers taking account of what they have to work with and forming plans on how to prepare for the next assault.

After the sinkings, the remaining chapters cover the rescue of the crews and an analysis of the battle and its aftermath. Overall it's an easy read and presents an interesting view of a battle which was one of the first to prove Billy Mitchell right.

This very readable account of the folly of Force Z was very thoroughly researched, using official documents, logs, interviews and other conventional sources. The book combines a narrative of events with analysis of the strategic and tactical aspects involved, a detailed technical rundown regarding construction, armour, armament, and much more of the POW. The authors alternate between academic discussion and survivor's narratives, thereby maintaining tension and interest from beginning to end. It is interesting to note that the King George V class of battleships (of which the Prince of Wales was the second ship) was quite a mediocre design (see combinedfleet.com section on battleships), this a direct result of Britain building only two battleships between 1918 and 1936, resulting in a starvation of design innovation and shipyard expertise. Central in this book is the description of the errors and folly of the voyage of Force Z, and this leaves the impartial reader with deep regret upon reading of the unnecessary sacrifice of so many, who fought very bravely.

If Bernard Shaw were not the second greatest playwright in the English language, this biography would not have such significance; and were it not for Shaw's multidimensional personality, this book would not possess so many fascinating dimensions. Sally Peters acknowledges her debt, and gives us a work without self-conscious authorship. It is a book that invites reading and rereading. Much has been made of Shaw's homosexuality; but Dr. Peters' focus is broader and deeper than that. A story, which often reads like the most engrossing fiction, Bernard Shaw: The Accent of the Superman, is a rewarding resource for any serious student of modern drama.

Peters, Sally. Bernard Shaw: The Accent of the Superman. New Haven: Yale University Press.

If Bernard Shaw were not the second greatest playwright in the English language, this biography would not have such significance; and were it not for Shaw's multidimensional personality, this book would not possess so many fascinating dimensions. Sally Peters acknowledges her debt, and gives us a work without self-conscious authorship. It is a book that invites reading and rereading. Much has been made of Shaw's homosexuality; but Dr. Peters' focus is broader and deeper than that. A story, which often reads like the most engrossing fiction, Bernard Shaw: The Accent of the Superman, is a rewarding resource for any serious student of modern drama.

Was Shaw gay? Dr. Peters builds a convincing argument that he probably was and that he used his vast intellect to erect every possible defense against his homosexual leanings ever coming to sustained expression. I thought I knew Shaw but I will never again look at him again now that I have read this provocative volume. I am giving it only 4 stars, however, because even my interest (and I am a fan of Shaw) could not be sustained for the entire length of this discussion of Shaw's romances/flirtations/avoidances.

This is a complete and wonderful biography of Bernard Shaw. Dr. Peters has written a thorough and fasinating history of a complex man. For the definitive word on Shaw, read this book.

I used this book when I drove through England, Scotland and Wales. This book is full of choices and information on B&B. A better or more informative map may be added, or you have have a detailed road map.

Full of excellent pictures and information about all of the British Isles. Indicates price, non-smoking, types of accommodations, maps, and credit card availability. Very helpful and up-to-date information that enabled me to book my entire trip.

For many editions, we have used this great book as a method of choosing B&B's in the UK. Only once in about a dozen trips and 30-40 different B&B's have we been disappointed, and that one didn't appear in the next edition. It was a case of an old couple who had slipped into senile problems. We have been to some of the choices over and over. We have made good friends with some of our hosts and exchange letters with them. If you want quality places to stay at moderate prices, this is the book.

Excellent photos and info in this book. I ended out heading to many places just to stay in a B&B that looked nice. I was only mildly disappointed once during a two week trip and completely happy with every other choice that I made.

Very good information and analysis of the plague episodes and effects on society all over the world.

Horrox has collected and translated dozens of first-hand accounts of the Black Death of 1348 - 1350. The first quarter of the book is comprised of narrative accounts of the arrival and devastation of the plague, from its arrival in Italy to its spread into Britain. The middle half shows the various responses (medical, religious and scientific) to the mortality, the final quarter of the book examining its reprocussions.

All of the accounts presented here are from eye-witnessess to the terrible virulence and mortality of the Black Death. Although the majority of the documents are from Britain, there is a tremendous amount of similarity among them - the fear, shock, sadness and sense of fatalism as the disease ravaged Europe and the panic and social and economic dislocation that resulted. As a historian, I was fascinated; lay readers will almost certainly be similarly riveted by these accounts and the eerily familiar tone of the voices.

From 1348 to 1350 Europe was devastated by an epidemic that left between one third and one half of the population dead. Using contemporary writings, this collection of sources traces the calamitous impact of the Black Death in Europe, with particular emphasis on its spread across England from 1348 to 1349. Rosemary Horrox surveys contemporary responses to the plague. The almost universal belief that the plague was an expression of divine anger at the sins of humankind did not preclude the attempts to explain the epidemic in scientific and medical terms or to look for human scapegoats. The sources which are included show some of the social and psychological impact of the plague, chronicle its effects on the late-medieval economy, and illustrate the fear that spread with the disease as well as the diverse ways that such terror influenced social behavior.

Part One focuses on narrative accounts of the plague in Continental Europe and in the British Isles. Part Two examines explanations and responses to the plague, including religious and scientific. Part Three deals with the extraordinary consequences of the plague, its impact and repercussions. Finally the text ends with excellent and up-to-date suggestions for further reading.

Dr. Horrox's text is the most extensive collection of relevant sources in translation and is an invaluable addition to the field. This book should be a part of the personal collection of every serious student of the Medieval period.

I agree with the excellent review already listed here, but I would like to add that the value of the book for a more casual reader (like myself) is having the opportunity to read the reactions to and observation of the plague by people who lived through this terrible period. The reality of their words heightened the reality of the period for me. It is true that some parts of the book were a bit too dense for me (some of the allusions went right over my head), but the rest of the book provides a wonderful insight into the minds and souls of real human beings who still have much to say to those of us living centuries later. Highly recommended--and not just for scholars.

Mr. Hill's magnificent contribution to the world of Hebrew/Yiddish scholarship enriches the field in a way rarely seen in modern times. This catalogue is an indipensible addition to the library of any institution with an interest in this field, and to the home library of any serious student.

Mr. Hill has compiled a splendid catalogue of the riches of the British Library's collections of books on vellum. This meticulously researched volume is a tremendous boon to the serious bibliophile of Hebrew/Yiddish literature. With a sure hand and a remarkable eye, this catalogue highlights the rarities and the backbones of the collections in a volume that is surely historic in its scope and aesthetics. An absolute must-have for the library of the serious and discerning academic and layperson alike.

This book reflects not only the inherent interest and beauty of the bibliographic items that are illustrated and described therein. It is a testimony to the remarkable knowledge and aesthetics of the author, Brad Sabin Hill. Mr. Hill is surely one of the world's leading experts on Hebrew and Yiddish bibliography, and his expertise is reflected nicely in this very attractive and beautifully executed catalogue. A must for all Hebrew bibliophiles.

This beautifully appointed and richly illustrated catalogue of books printed on Vellum in the British Library is a collector's delight. Particularly impressive is the collection of rare Hebrew books assembled by Brad Sabin Hill, who is currently the Librarian of the Oxford Center for Postgraduate Hebrew Studies. A masterpiece worth owning for all lovers of books.

Yes, this thought provoking, stimulating, and controversial book is in print on the UK and Canada web sites of amazon. And not to be missed, his new book is a best seller in the England: They ...You Up: How to Survive Family Life by Oliver James. I got a copy sent over and it is even more provocative: An outright challenge to theories of genetic and/or peer group influences on personality and psychopathology, it argues that those first 6 years in family life are the key to development. Both books argue that contemporary technological society, not genes, are responsible for low serotonin levels and the current epidemic of depression in European-American culture. Must read.

Contrary to the site info, this book is available in paperback from Arrow, Random House, London

this book is in print from arrow, random house, london

The Title of this book suggests a narrow scope, but much of what he writes could be applied to much of the developed world. This is particularly true of the chapters entitled "gender rancour" (a phrase many upper-class Britons would do well to avoid using), in which he draws largely on American work on the subject. His disdain for even the moderate branches of feminism is often disturbing, though his analysis of the role of consumerism in causing depression is compelling. His faith in Prozac and other SSRI's seems a little misplaced, though his call for a more reasoned debate on the merits of antidepressants is welcome. His optimism about the election of a Labour government in the UK in 1997 now seems a little naive as well. Though myself and others may not agree with all his judgements, it's impossible not to be impressed by his erudition.

I realy liked this book. The author has spend a lot of effort reserching and producing an original work that argues well that these ships deserve more credit than they get.

Very slim but well work the read.

Naval aficionado Lawrence Burr has done something fairly unusual in an Osprey New Vanguard volume - he has introduced an original thesis and used the slim 48-page format to defend it, as well as to describe the actual subject in some detail. There is nothing stale or rehashed in this volume, but rather, a fresh look at a well-known story. Burr begins by stating that the standard view of British battlecruisers - that they were a flawed design and dangerously underarmored - is incorrect. Instead, Burr writes that, "British battlecruisers were a highly successful class of warship" and proceeds to defend his thesis with great vigor. Furthermore, the author's narrative on the Battle of Jutland provides fresh insight on that much-debated battle, which should also give the reader pause to consider the battlecruiser's role in that action.

There is some similarity between this volume and the earlier NV volume by Angus Konstam on "British Battlecruisers 1939-45," but the overall approach in this volume is far more analysis-based than the previous title. The author spends about a dozen pages discussing the development of the battlecruiser concept under Admiral Fisher in 1904, which the author describes as the marriage of speed, firepower and global communications to produce a weapons system that could be wielded to defend Britain's far-flung interests. However, the execution of Fisher's concept was under undermined when a new First Sea Lord, Admiral Wilson, was appointed in 1910 and he began to tinker with the armament of the battlecruisers. The author notes that Wilson imposed an inferior fire control system upon all but one of the battlecruisers (HMS Queen Mary) and rejected development of improved armor-piercing shells. These two mistakes would cost the battlecruisers dearly at the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and sully their reputation. The color plates in this volume by Tony Bryan are excellent and include the normal plan and side views, as well as a view of the underwater wreck of HMS Invincible.

The middle of the volume then has a brief description of each class of battlecruiser, along with its basic data, but there is somewhat less technical detail than in Konstam's earlier volume. Given the space limitations, the author could not squeeze everything in and this is where he decided to skimp. The section on battlecruisers at war is rather detailed for such a small volume and begins with the action at the Heligoland Bight (he does omit the role of British battlecruisers in the pursuit of the German battlecruiser Goeben in 1914, which might have impacted on his thesis), the Battle of the Falklands, Dogger Bank and the Dardnelles bombardment. He then devotes seven pages to Jutland and describes the battlecruiser's role in detail. The section on Jutland best supports the author's thesis that it was ineffective gunnery rather than weak armor that lead to the loss of three British battlecruisers at Jutland. The author, who was involved in recent underwater expeditions to the wrecks of Jutland, then uses modern underwater evaluations of the wreck to further support his thesis that sloppy ammunition handling procedures in the turrets of the British battlecruisers was more responsible for their loss than inadequate armor plate. Certainly the author does an admirable job expounding his thesis and he is fairly convincing, although he omits to mention that there are still some details that don't fit into his hypothesis. For example, the British supposedly rectified the deficiencies noted in their battlecruisers at Jutland, but then 25 years later HMS Hood - not much different from a WW1 battlecruiser - sank after an explosion not unlike what happened to the three lost battlecruisers at Jutland. So maybe inadequate armor was a factor after all. In any event, this volume is well-worth having for its thought-provoking analysis, excellent color plates and incisive battle analysis.

Although this it is a small book, it is well researched. The illustrations are first rate. It is loaded with details and provides the best explanation of why the battlecruisers blew up so easily at the Battle of Jutland.

This is a refreshing change; albeit in a very small volume (hence the 4 rather than 5 start Review). Rather than regurgitate the hackneyed "Battlecruisers were a flawed concept" the author puts forward a rather different angle - that of a successful concept ahead of its time (and probably technology). A concept that was brought into disrepute by the loses incurred through poor strategy and incorrect cordite handling procedures. Its a pity that the companion Volume (British Battlecruisers 1939-45) however Does not follow in this vain- instead it takes the traditional approach to the subject and absolutely contradicts statements made in this volume. It I a pity tat the authors on these two volumes did not collaborate to provide a consistent theme to this story. Of the two I recommend this one because of the difference in view-The second volume adds nothing new to the subject

The book came quickly and was as represented. The book was in good shape and is being much enjoyed for information and reference

The Britons by Christopher A. Snyder (Associate Professor of European history and Chair of the department of History and Politics, Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia) is a fascinating and scholarly historical text about the culture of the Britons, spanning the late Iron Age down to the late Middle Ages. From the influence of Roman rule, to the impact of Christianity, the legend of King Arthur, a sober account of Viking and Norman invasions, and so much more, The Britons is an informed and informative study which is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and academic History collections.

Do you have ancestry from Brittany, Wales, Scotland or England? You might like this informative, well-documented, comfortably-paced book. Even if you are well-versed in the history of these lands, this book gives many insights into how people lived and into the power struggles among early kingdoms (Cornwall, Strathclyde, Dyfed, Wessex, Northumbria ...you name it.) Having ancestry from SW-Scotland, for example, I was not dissappointed in the amount of material devoted to the Strathclyde Britons, including some facts I had not known. Who are the Britons? This book helps you understand what that question means historically, and in present-day context. A first-rate book, I suggest it be read by anyone who has an interest, including those involved in Celtic studies of all kinds.

This is a complete history of the Britons, which I have been looking for a long time.

This book was un put downable. A man after my own heart. Searching for his own odyssey. So sad when Sam had to go.it insists the reader searches their own heart concerning attitudes to passions and dreams. A real account of a mans struggles and achievements against all odds and with no money. Different reactions to requests for food and shelter. Makes one question ones own potential reqponses. An incredible read for any walker who needs encouragement.Puts real life into perspective. PLEASE READ!

It was worth being stuck at home with the first streaming cold for about five years, to read Peter Mortimer's Broke in Britain.
The author's self-imposed task was to get himself from Plymouth, in the south of England, to Edinburgh, some 500 miles away, with a small dog for company, unprepared feet, an umbrella, a modicum of clothing, and not a penny in cash, nor any plastic money. And then to turn the discipline of his daily diary into a book.
The result is a fascinating reflection on modern British society, its bad bits and its brilliant ones. I could not put the book down, even while pouring the umpteenth large single medicinal malt, and polished it off in a few hours (the book, that is). I was there in spirit every step of the journey, free from the chains of office and computer, learning about my own country which I barely know, and even more about human nature.
Peter's style is so approachable and unpretentious, yet poetic and funny and ultimately very moving. Next time he's passing through Devon, I hope he calls in to Holsworthy, in a farming area devastated by foot and mouth last year - there'll be a warm welcome. There's even a chiropodist in town . . .
Keep putting those best feet forward, Peter

Yours admiringly, Hilary Vivian

I picked this book from a bookstore table piled high with travel books. It was just the job to occupy me for part of a long plane ride from London, England to Western Canada.
In each short chapter, Peter Mortimer has to solve his daily challenge of walking through the UK with no money and beg food and accommodation for his journey from Plymouth to Edinburgh. He accomplishes this daunting task with charm and confidence and gives the reader an incident by incident, light and witty account of his travels. I wanted to keep reading on to find out how he solved his daily quest for food and shelter.
This is not really a travel book and not really a walking book but a slice of personal journalism. Given the crime ridden and paranoid character of contemporary urban society Mortimer brings off quite an achievement (He does this partly by sticking to rural routes). This book proved to be for me a light and amusing read for a long flight.

This is my favourite book of the last year - bar none. It is Peter Mortimer's account of his walk from Plymouth, England to Edinburgh, Scotland with no more than a back-pack and a King Charles Spaniel. Is it possible to treck the length of Britain with no money to spend? On his journey he is welcomed into the lives of surprising array of people including a curate, a couple from a housing estate and a fox hunting community! It gives a fascinating insight into the response of people to the unexpected arrival of a penniless traveller.

There haven't been many travel books which I couldn't put down. But this was one. Each day builds up to its dramatic climax. Will he find a bed for the night? Will he be turned away? Will he make it through the night to a new day when it will all start again.

It is well written, witty, empathetic and never dull. Read it.

Anyone that loves Bush as much as I do will enjoy reading this book. It is really informative to when they were young to how they are now. Not to mention the interesting chapter where Jasmine speaks about her time with Gavin. There might not be that many pics but the words that he speaks makes up more than enough. In one of the lines he says it is like the eye in the calm of the storm. How poetic. Just "Brilliant"

i have this book, along with all of the books about BUSH, and i found this book to be really really cool and entertaining. it has rare facts about the band, and it even has really cute baby pics of everyone.

If you're a diehard Bush fan, you'll have no problem with this bio... but if you're a sometimes Bush fan, you might find it hard to get through... I know it's a bio, but it needs more pictures! Excellent reference for Bush webmasters...

Jennifer Nine is a goddess to Bush fans evrywhere! At last someone gives Bush the credit they deserve. And with such an emotional power! Read it, listen to bush, read it again, listen to more bush, read it....