Denmark Books

This is indeed a work oriented toward children, and it is a treasure. I first read it to my 5 year-old daughter. It was a bit above her head, but now that she is 7 she is asking to read it again. It is beautifully illustrated (many full color plates). Keary does not "write down" to children. This is myth at its best. I told my daughter just this week that I ranked this and George MacDonald's The Golden Key as my two favorite children's books.

Evidently when they wrote the Edda (12thC Norse poem collection) (13thC Norse poem collection compiled by Snorri Sturluson, Containing Norse myths, poems, and treatise on poetry) they were not aware of English. But there is no excuse for the later translations.

If you want to know the gods and their story, but have no time to cut though exotic lengthy prose, then this is the book for you. The stories are straight forwarded and have a contemporary feel. Still they are of the time and place they should be and not superimposed on today's century.

The illustrations add a dimension to the stories. Being in a sketch form adds to your imagination and helps explain some concepts.

After the introduction the chapters are:
Odin
How Thor went to Jötunheim
Frey's Wooing
The Wanderings of Freyja
Inûna's Apples
Baldur's Death
The Binding of Fenrir

Next is
Glossary of Harder words,
Notes,
Glossary of Proper Names,
Questions,
Subjects for Essays,
Helps to further Study,

The version I am reviewing is 1924 MACMILLIAN AND Co., Limited
St. Martins's Street London. The first edition was 1905. I have other versions by the same person; some have radical differences however this version has always been my favorite.

I had thought when buying this book that it was a factual recollection of Norse mythology. However, I was soon to realise that in fact it was more of a childrens story book, complete with spectacular full colour illustrations. Despite this, I would not recommend this to any "hardcore" fan of the myth surrounding Odin, Thor, Loki, Frigga et al, as the author Keary has watered down the content so as to be more easily readable for children. Despite this, I still think its worth a read for all beginners and/or children!

The author does an excellent job of covering Scandinavia during the war years. His use of information from Eisenhowers private papers brings a whole new dimension to understanding what was going on in each country. I was not aware that near the end of the war Ike had a serious plan to liberate the Norwegian Allies from the NAZIS, by first liberating Denmark, then proceeding overland across Sweden. (I wonder if he would have given the job to Patton?)

This is a thorough, wide-ranging, scholarly work - a useful and insightful review that stretches over a millenium in time. Although the book charts the course in history of this geographically and culturally linked collection of peoples, it still emphasises the individuality of each. I hadn't realised just how complex a relationship of inter-dependence and rivalry existed between these nations for so long. Among the more fascinating discussions in the book, I would list: church-state relations especially in the period following the reformation, the impact of the industrial revolution and the development of the welfare state, the period leading up to the second world war and the relationship between the various countries and the major powers during the war (i.e. Finland with Russia, Denmark with Germany, etc.) and the historical contribution of each nation to the arts and sciences. One small criticism: I would have liked to have seen some maps in the book - my knowledge of Scandinavia is not so extensive that I could picture the geographical relationship of the many places mentioned. I especially found the early part of the book very heavy going, and difficult to follow the many movements of people that were detailed.

In reading this book it becomes very apparent at how much the state-church relation influenced much of Scandinavia, and also it's people. It was also incredibly interesting to read about how the countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway kept separating, and uniting. For anyone who is interested in Scandinavian history, that delves way beneath the surface, look no further, TK Derry writes a book that can't be ignored.

G.A. Henty wrote 'boy's adventure books' a genre which has been somewhat unfashionable for a number of years. This is rather sad as writers such as Henty wrote quite rousing tales which managed to show the importance things such as honesty, courage, and initiative without being preachy.

While the book's plotting and rendering of secondary characters are often skimpy, it is fast-paced, and has an excellent grasp on the historical era in which it takes place.

I thought that this book was a classic portrayal of a lad that had great morals trying to prove himself. I recommend this book along with all the other G.A. Henty books to everyone, young or old.

With the Thirty Years' War (1618-48) raging in Europe, sixteen-year-old Malcolm Graheme, and other Scots sign up to fight in the army of the great Swedish King, Gustavus Adolphus (1594-1632). The Scots form the very backbone of Gustavus's army, and Malcolm Graheme is right in the thick of things, finding himself in adventure after adventure as he fights his way across a Germany racked by war and religious hatred. With daring and panache, Malcolm outwits and outfights his opponents from 1630 through to the battle of Nordlingen in 1635.

George Alfred Henty (1832-1902) is largely forgotten today, but prior to World War II he had many young fans of his adventure books. Muscular fiction at its exciting best, Henty's stories follow a brave and upright young man through a series of adventures during great historical happenings (usually great happenings of British history). Teaching lessons largely out of step with today's world (bravery, daring, military service, etc.), this book is nonetheless a cracking good read. So, if you are interested in historical fiction set during the Thirty Years' War, then I highly recommend this book to you.

"The Lord of Uraniborg" is a scholarly description of the life of Tycho Brahe, the eccentric and brilliant Danish astronomer whose work laid the foundation for the discovery of the motion of the planets by Johannes Kepler. Author Victor Thoren demolishes a number of myths about Brahe, while at the same time his exhaustive research into historical records reveals a number of fascinating aspects of Tycho's life.

In the case of Tycho Brahe, truth is both stranger and more entertaining than any fiction that has been created about him. For example, he did not die of a burst bladder following a night of excessive drinking. But he did die of uremia caused most likely by an enlarged prostate which prevented urination. His dying words to Kepler, "let me not seem to have lived in vain", could not have been scripted better for a man who sought immortality through science.

Readers should be aware that this book is not written in a style intended for the general public. It is a work of historical scholarship, and is packed with the kind of detail that some may find trivial. However, the sheer weight of these historical records (letters and official documents) helps to create a vivid and convincing portrait of this unique individual.

OK, I'm biased because I used to work for the man at Indiana University. I typed much of the manuscript and enjoyed every word. He took a very dry topic and made it interesting for the non-historian-of-science. Tyco himself was quite the character, outside of his intellectual accomplishments.

Victor Thoren has done a remarkable job with what looks like relatively scant material. He draws as detailed a picture as possible not only of Tycho the astronomer and nobleman, but also the man. And it is in this latter department that his lack of material and references is sensed. Nevertheless, as far as the science and technology is concerned, he has done an excellent job in rebuilding for us all of Tycho's instruments and reconstructing the environment and atmosphere where these remarkable measurements were made.

This is not an "easy" read for the lay person, but will be rewarding eventually with a little determination.

Now dont get me wrong. This is an interesting piece of work by what seems to be quite a knowledgable and experienced author. Yet even from the start you cant help but get the feeling this book isnt going to deliver. It lacks the 'edge' and the mood which is present in other books of similar genre, leaving a nagging feeling in your mind that the story will start...soon. Unfortunately it doesnt . The blurb leaves the reader with the impression that you are going to get snippets of Northern Ireland and the Falklands that were never reported by the media, instead it seems the final section of the book especially is devoted to the author and his team going for a brew at evey available opportunity. At some points the book almost creaks as the dialogue becomes repetetive and worn, an example of which being the amount of times Mr Denmark uses the term; ' its a double edged sword'. It does provide a good few hours worth however, and some of the experiences mentioned are truly funny. The book is fairly easy going, there are no real 'eye openers' where you would be truly shocked or suprised at what goes on. For someone who isnt particularly interested in military based literature, or who only wants a very general idea of the situation the soldiers faced in Northern Ireland and The Falklands this book certainly shouldnt be overlooked. Not recommended for those who have already read books such as 'Bravo Two Zero' or 'the joker' by Pete Scholey though...

This is a real insight into the British Army and how they operate in war and Northern Ireland.

If you liked the film saving private ryan read this

I have a keen interest in military themed literature and due to this I have read a large amount of books on the subject of The Falklands War and Northern Ireland.

This book is one of the rare pieces that tells the story as it was without glamourizing the tale. It is a very human approach and strips the uniform from the men and women who serve in the armed forces. Beneath the veneer we are shown that the soldiers are thinking, feeling and sometimes scared people. This flies in the face of the macho, faceless image of the numerous special forces books I have read.

An excellent read even if military books don't ring your bell. If more books were wrote as honestly as this a lot of stereotypical perceptions would be shattered forever.

Edward Marston is the pseudonym of Keith Miles, a fairly prolific and extremely good writer of mainly Elizabethan and medieval mysteries. He has also written mysteries under his own name with both sporting and golf backgrounds. However it is primarily the books that take place earlier in history that I am interested in. He read modern history at Oxford and has had many jobs, including university lecturer, but fortunately for all his readers, he turned to the writing profession.

Winter is approaching and the troupe of actors known as Westfield's men are one again out of work, but not for long. Their patron Lord Westfield has decided to marry again and has chosen a Danish bride with tenuous attachment to the Danish Royal family. The troupe is invited to perform as guests of the King, Christian IV and fittingly or so they believe they choose to perform as one of their offerings, The Princess of Denmark. They little know when making the decision that it will prove to be a disastrous choice.

Westfield's men soon find themselves embroiled in political mayhem and religious dissension. Lord Westfield who has never seen his future bride in the flesh and made his proposal after seeing a painted miniature of the lady, is less than enthusiastic when he actually meets the lady. But he can hardly withdraw his offer of marriage. As usual murder and intrigue follow the company wherever they go, and eventually they realise that there is a traitor in their ranks. Once again it falls to Nicholas Bracewell to solve the murder, unmask the villain and extricate Lord Westfield from his unsuitable match.

The author's love for the Elizabethan theatre comes shining through this series of books. Plus his knowledge of the period fills the pages with authenticity and the sights and sounds of the streets and inns of Elizabethan London.

Nicholas Bracewell is set to save Lord Westfield's Men. Again. For the 16th time. In "The Princess of Denmark," Edward Marston's continuation of this series set in Elizabsethan England, we find a continuation of the same issues, problems, love interests, and stilted dialogue that the entire series contains. Nothing is new. Except that this time the adventures are set mostly in Denmark, Elsinore Castle (sound familiar?).

As we have it, the Queen's Head, home of Westfield's Men, the best theatrical company in all England, has been partially burned, dashing (once more) to the ground all hopes of our Men's continued profession. Woe is we! Whatever shall we do?

At the same time, the group's patron, Lord Westfield himself, has issued a proposal of marriage to a young lady in Denmark, the marriage arranged through an intermediary, and, once again, stepped in to help his company. They'll accompany him to Elsinore and perform there for his hosts and the king.

As this is a murder mystery, we need a body. Did we mention that a young theatre goer was burned to death in the Queen's Head fire? Thus, the fire sets in motion the series of dastardly deeds.

The crew boards a vessel for Denmark and on the way they encounter, in true--but quick--swashbuckling style, they dispense of the pirates (with Nick leading the way) and soon land at their destination. Alas, things are not what they seem. The intermediary to this marriage is found murdered (another body!) and the action speeds up. Nick is ever ready to come to the rescue again. As if to echo Macbeth's resounding lines, "double double toil and trouble" and "false face must hide false heart," Marston marches us on to a quick conclusion. The marriage ramifications and conditions are resolved, the murders are resolved, and the company is soon returned to England,where the last vestiges of this murder mystery are cleared up.

Still, despite a very tried and true formula, this series by Marston is delightful (if not fully predictable) to read. One wishes, though, that the author would find other conflicts beside the now tiresome ones (the Queen's Head owner continuously tossing them out of his premises, Barnaby Gill's same old tire arguments, the same old Lawrence Firethorne, great actor that he is. Enough is enough. There are many, many more options Marston has to take the development of this series and of his characters to other, even more exciting, adventures.

The bonfire destroyed the Queen's Head Theater leaving book-holder Nicholas Bracewell and the Westfield Men unemployed. While debate rages over to rebuild or not to rebuild that is the question, the troupe's widowed wealthy patron, Lord Westfield decides to marry for the third time. His bride, Sigbrit Olsen, is a Dane he has never seen except in a miniature given to him by his business agent Rolfe Harling. As a wedding gift, Westfield takes his Westfield Men troupe with him to Denmark to perform for his bride.

The sea voyage proves harrowing as storms attack the vessel and pirates assault them, but they arrive at their destination Ellsinore. Though he survived the traumatic sea voyage, Harling does not survive the castle where the English are staying. Two cooks are accused of murdering the devious business agent leaving his corpse in the basement. When thugs attack actor Owen Elias, Bracewell becomes concerned that they are being set up, but not sure why. Adding to his suspicion is that Westfield has barely seen his fiancée and not in an area of much lighting though the visitors have been here for several day. Bracewell plans to expose what he assumes is a scam before any of the troupe follows Harling's fate.

The latest Elizabethan Theater Mystery relocates to Denmark, which provides a fresh background for mayhem to occur. The story line is filled with suspense as the audience along with Bracewell wonders what is going on in Ellsinore. Nicholas' investigation is excellent as he slowly uncovers a two prong conspiracy that involves the bride and the Danish queen. Edward Marston is at the top of his game with his latest performance, THE PRINCESS OF DEMARK.

Harriet Klausner

This is a nice laminated map of Copenhagen with all of the major attractions, streets, neighborhoods, hotels, etc notated. However, be forewarned, none of the map is in English. Of most note is that the attraction names are a little confusing because most guidebooks refer to their 'English' name versions. You can figure it out pretty easily with the use of a guidebook but don't expect anything on the map to be in English.

This map is outstanding! I almost could have gone without my guidebook with this map. It has all the Copenhagen highlights clearly marked (including Stroget, which most maps don't include), all the hotels (VERY helpful) clearly marked, all the train stations - inlcluding lines, etc. It's very easy to follow - it was a lifesaver for me! It was also nice that it was laminated, yet it wasn't plastic, so I could bend it to fit in my bag. I never thought I would be so impressed with a map!

BECOMING A WOMAN: A BIOGRAPHY OF CHRISTINE JORGENSEN offers a more studied examination of the state of transsexuality than most biographies offer, focusing on the sociology and science issues as much as the biographical factors involved. Thus BECOMING A WOMAN, with its scholarly approach, becomes much more the item of choice for the college-level health or sociology library than for the general-interest collection, with its chapters on psychology, social interactions, and Jorgensen's struggles within larger contexts of social definitions. An excellent guide for college-level holdings specializing in alternative social issues.

I've long felt it was high time someone wrote a comprehensive biography of Christine Jorgensen. As the book itself says, many people under thirty, including the transgendered, have never heard of Jorgensen. When I was growing up she was usually the punchline to a joke. As a teenager I read her autobiography (which I now learn was ghostwritten by someone else) but Jorgensen was not the most honest or forthcoming celebrity. Dockter's new book is really quite good, covering a lot of territory in her unusual life.
My only complaint was that the last chapters seemed rushed, and her ultimate death in 1989 was handled very quickly and unsatisfyingly. But the rest of it was detailed and thoughtful, with some interesting surprises along the way. Ms. Jorgensen would probably be horrified by the secrets revealed but would also be glad that her mystique lingers on, nearly 20 years after her death.

Great quotations that make you feel what it was like to live during the Holocaust in Denmark.

I came across this book at the local library recently. This slim volume tells the courageous but little known true story about how the Danish people saved the vast majority of it's Jewish population from the death camps. The text is complemented by a number of photos. This book is worth the effort to locate.

Copenhagen Little Black Book is an excellent entertainment guide book. It helped me tremendously while I was in Denmark for five days during my vacation in Northern Europe. Copenhangen has a very vibrant energetic nightlife. This book helped me to learn which cafes, bars, nightclubs, and restuarants to go to. Also, it was beneficial to give me all the descriptions of the best Shopping stores, to take my girlfriend shopping. Once again, Little Black Book made another European City vacation trip very smooth for me, just as the Rome Little Black Book provided for me.

I had previously used the authors' guide book of Rome and found it extremely helpful. When I happened to be in Copenhagen last month, I tracked this down and found to my delight that it was equally indispensable. A great, convenient guide to Copenhagen's hectic nightlife, without which I would have been lost and confused. Hopefully this series will continue in other cities.