United Kingdom Books

Finally new studies of nostalgia that see it historically. I can also recommend Ann Colley's Nostalgia and Recollection and Tamar Wagner's Longing: Narratives of Nostalgia - all books that finally go away from simplifying psychobabble...

Although I have yet to read the book, I have heard fabulous things about it and its author.

A truly magisterial meditation on memory, this study is as notable for the insight, wit and compassion with which the author treats his subject as it is for the unparalleled level of scholarship which it displays. For anyone who has ever been an amnesiac, or has ever wanted to be a self, this book is required reading.

This is one of the best resources for Anglo-Saxon Crafts on the market. There are numerous subjects and some outstanding photos of archelogocial finds. For anyone interested in Dark Age re-enactment this book is a 'must have'. It is well written, easy to read, and the photos are detailed and clear.

Of most of the books purchased to aid in Dark Age re-enactment, this one has proven to be the most valuable, the most useful, and most reliable. Clear illustrations, a diverse range of topics and a transparent writing style has made this title probably the most thumbed reference in a stable of well over a dozen regularly used references. Even for those who do not partake in re-enactment, "Anglo-Saxon Crafts" is a fascinating glimpse into the society that provided the roots of modern western civilisation.

One of the appealing aspects of the A-S period to me is that a lot of the technology is simple enough that I can understand it, when it is clearly explained. Leahy's book does a good job of explaining (with diagrams as well as words) how a pole-lathe, for instance works. His description and depiction of a warp-weighted loom left me saying "I could operate one of those! I see how it works."

The bit about tablet weaving even inspired me to try it. Leahy's book is not a how-to primer in any of the crafts, but again I could see enough to understand the priciple. I found a web-site that give some simple instructions, made myself a set of "tablets" out of a Cheerios box, and got the thing to work!

Sir Stenton has composed a masterpiece of a history text in his most famous book. A caveat, however, in that the text itself was written by someone who was a professional historian. As such, the text is as dry as you would expect. It is, perhaps, the most comprehensive text on the subject available to the open market, but while it is very name, date, and place intensive, there is little in the way of anecdotal information that might interest the merely casual reader. For someone who is interest in more an introduction than an indepth analysis, I would recommend The Anglo-Saxons, edited by James Campbell.

This book is filled with factual information, but because Sir Frank Stenton also lends his sagacious opinions the book is both enjoyable and easy to understand. This book is several hundred pages long with tiny print, and so packed with information, that you'll know everything possible about Anglo-Saxon history. Stenton always prefers the probable to the outrageous and does not seem to go with the popular opinions about kings, queens, or events. You must read this, but only if you're really, really interested in the subject. Otherwise, it'll go right over your head.

This book is the single best source of information about Anglo-Saxon England. I would only caution that this books is not for the novice historian. Unfamiliarity with the topic will leave you wondering what your reading and completely lost.

It is an excellent book. Very informative. Gives you added information needed to Build your model. The plans are easily read and can be reduced or Enlarged to other scales without too much problem. As I am new to model Scratch shipbuilding it is a great start for the information needed to carry out the task.ARMED TRANSPORT BOUNTY: Revised Edition (Anatomy of the Ship)

This is the third book with John McKay's drawings that I have that I find indespensible when working with models of these ships. I have two copies of "The 100 Gun Ship Victory" because one was damaged when building a model of the Victory and had to be replaced. The detail is unrivalled and I like these books because everything you need is in front of you saving hours of reserch. I have many other books on ships and history of this period and I find no fault with this one at all and recommend it to any one with an interest or a period ship modeler.

Another excellent book in this series. The drawings are exquisite, and fully dimensioned. The author has done his research well, and combines information from various sources to good effect in producing an exacting description of what this ship was like.

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves (The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation)
An amazing books. Most students would be put off by the length, but I persuaded some SAT History prep students to read volume 1 & 2 by discussing the Triangular Trade as described on pg 500-501--they were hooked!

I started reading ON II on the eve of Obama's election. I heartily agree with the first reviewer that ON I & II are great books to read in hope and preparation for a new era in American politics.

I have just finished listening to the audible version of Octavian Nothing, and it seems fitting that we have just elected an African American to be our President. I think Octavian would have been so happy to know this. Octavian is one the most complete, complicated, heartfelt characters a reader will come upon. Learning the plight of the African American soldiers who fought on either side of the revolution, was an education, and because of the wonderful story telling, and authentic period dialogue as well as narration, an adventure I was sorry to have end.

Octavian is real to me and has touched my heart in the deepest of ways.

Beckie Weinheimer
Author Converting Kate
Viking Books 2007

Reading the first book was like opening Russian nesting dolls. Each revelation leads to yet another amazing revelation. I read the first book without any knowledge of what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised by this irresistable story. The mystery of Octavian and his mother's situation was revealed in such a compelling manner that one cannot hope to feel anything but compassion and wonderment. I can't wait to read book 2.

This collection of short narrative portraits of famous and semi-famous people by a recognized scientist and author is among the most interesting reading you'll enjoy. His information is detailed and personal and Aubrey's writing style is a fine pattern for modern readers as well.

I recommend this book without question.

Lives of the rich and famous recorded a time when there were no libel laws meant that even the dirt that wasnt fit to print could be disseminated, whether true or not. It still makes fascinating reading.

"Brief Lives" has always been a delight, but it was Oliver Lawson Dick's scholarly editing that revealed Aubrey's genius. And Lawson Dick's Introduction, "The Life and Times of John Aubrey", is a miracle of synthesis and compression: certainly one of the finest biographical essays ever written. This Nonpareil Books edition is sumptuous - a joy to read in these days cheap, quickly produced paperbacks.

Nice little book, it could be considered a quick summary of the Battle of Britain. Diagrams, drawings and timelines are very usefull. Sometimes it repeats the same thing over and over, but once (or if) you get used to it, it's very enjoyable.

The expression: "Turning Point of WWII", is a cliche no doubt, but it may apply to the Battle Of Britain airwar in 1940. Jacobs and Lightsey have done an excellent job of detailing Britain's struggle against the German Luftwaffe.There is just enough technical detail to show this is a well researched book, but not too many statistics and numbers to overwhelm the reader. Paul Jacobs' original and innovative drawings add another dimension to the text.
This book is a super package; the paper, printing, and high quality will provide a long life for a book that will be referred to often. Aviation buffs as well as history lovers will enjoy this book.

This is a very comprehensive review of the Battle of Britain, the campaign which saved Europe from an indefinite period of darkness, oppression, and inhumanity. Without the courage and resilience of the British people and the courage, competence, and sacrifice of the young pilots and crews of the RAF from whom so much was demanded Hitler's legions would have stood triumphant over a defeated Europe. The level of detail about the technological and tactical development of aerial combat and strategic bombing from WWI to WWII, including radar, propellers, engines, gasoline, machine guns, gunsights, will attract aviation 'wonks' and the address of the broader political imperatives which led to war will attract the historian and political scientist. Mr. Jacobs' unbelievable sketches throughout add very helpful imagery of the aircraft which fought the campaign. I was intrigued, too, by the description of the influence of American aviation developments in the building of the German and British airfleets. I wish, though, the authors had addressed in more detail the effect of the early British breaking of German communication codes. A good read!

I actually had to read this for an MA class in history and it's definitely a textbook of the Tudor and Stuart time period but it wasn't as dry as I had expected it to be, thanks to Mr. Cressy's amazing writing ability. But it is thoroughly researched and offers up very important conclusions about the social life of the Tudor/Stuart period and anyone who wants the recent and best literature on the subject should read this book.

I've just finished writing a series of books about life in Elizabethan England, and this book was invaluable to me in my research. It is full of interesting details about how people in fifteenth- and sixteenth-century England approached and experienced the major transition points of the life cycle. I would have read and enjoyed Birth, Marriage, and Death even if I had not needed it as a reference, and I would heartily recommend it to any reader who wants to get a feel for this time period.

Most historical books of this sort are amazingly dry; this one is not. Mr. Cressy has done a huge amount of research, and the text is peppered with primary source quotations. I now have a real feel for what these experiences were like in Tudor & Stuart England. I plan to buy whatever other material Mr. Cressy has written--I found him an easy, extremely informative read.

This is a helpful book of law terms. I am doing some various study, and it is helpful to have this available. I also am starting the Jurisdictionary package to help my learning. All in all, glad to have made the purchase of this version, as new ones tend to dilute previous information.

We don't realize our privat property rights until we see it in the very book that helped to enact our laws . Black's Law Book clears any confusion.

George Kosmo

I just completed three years of law school, and I really wish I had bought Black's sooner. Our legal system is hundreds of years old, and courts and commentators continue to use much of the same archaic language that has been used since the middle ages!

While this dictionary gives only a superficial treatment to legal terms, oftentimes that's all you need. Throughout law school you'll constantly be reading cases and law review articles and coming across words or phrases you've never heard of before. Black's explains them quickly and precisely. This book is really an investment in your legal future.

Not only British people should read this. It sets out the whole shape of post-Cold War culture, society and politics in the Anglo-Saxon world. If Britain got Blair, the US got Clinton but they are in many ways the same. This book shows how "political wars" have been replaced by "culture wars" and how conservatives are losing. It is original, profound and frightening.

Shows the shape of the politics of the post-Cold War era and how Britain's culture and society are going down the drain. A portrait of weirdos in power in the cultral nomenklatura and a chilling warning. Should be compulsory reading for an understanding of the not-so-brave new world of Cool Britania

Fascinating view of what is happening in England today. More a social commentary than a political one, but as an account of what is happening to England's traditions, values and culture today it is more horrifying than the exploits of Dr Hannibal Lecter. This is 1984 brought up to date and supported by a wealth of documentation from today's papers and other media - unfortunately unlike 1984 it is true. The author cuts between personal observations (savage on the Diana funeral and the media) and analysis. Also looks at things like films, sport, music, media and children's books as indicators of cultural health.