Book Description
In Lilibet, master biographer Carolly Erickson turns her skill at writing un-put-downable narrative to telling the remarkable story of Elizabeth II, Queen of England.With her customary psychological insight, historian Erickson traces the queen's gilded but often thorny path from her overprotected girlhood to her ascension to the throne at twenty-five to her personal and national difficulties as queen.Lilibet shows us an Elizabeth we thought we knew-but shows her in a different light: as a small, shy woman with a sly and at times raucous sense of humor, a woman who appears stiff in public, but in private enjoys watching wrestling on TV. A woman most at home among her horses and dogs. And a woman long annealed to heartbreak and sorrow, who has presided over the decline of Great Britain and the decline in prestige of her own Windsor dynasty.Far from being a light, gossipy treatment of a celebrity, Lilibet tells the queen's story from her point of view, letting the reader relive Elizabeth's long and eventful life with all its splendid ceremonies, momentous responsibilities and family clashes. Through it all we glimpse, as never before, the strong and appealing sovereign who has ruled over her people for half a century and more, a ruler of immense wealth, international esteem and high character whose daily life is grounded in the bedrock of common sense.
Customer Reviews:
Easy reading, but covers little new ground.......2005-10-14
I am a fairly casual reader of books about the British royalty, not a fanatic one, but I found little new in this book. Much of the information about Elizabeth's early years seems to come straight from The Little Princesses, while the later years have little to add not heavily covered in media. If you had never before read a book about Elizabeth, this might be a good starting place, as it's an easy read. It's quite a sympathetic portrait of her, but not of almost anyone else in her life, especially her husband Phillip, of whom there is barely a civil word said. The book does focus very much on her, and not her family, which is nice in a way, as there is so much out there about Diana and other family members. I would have liked to read more about her as a mother, but from what is said here and elsewhere, it wasn't one of her biggest roles. The photos included are a small and odd bunch, nothing comprehensive at all. I did perhaps feel I knew Elizabeth's personality a bit more after finishing this read, and it was not BADLY written, but I can't really say it's a necessary or outstanding book.
Written in a Weekend?.......2005-08-09
Lousy little book--I picked it up at a bookstore on the road without looking closely. Not only is there scant factual basis for the book, it inserts quotes and 'thoughts' of the subjects that the author can't know. There are so many good accounts of the lives of the Windsors that this was a true waste of time, and an insult to royals and readers alike. Avoid.
avoid at all costs.......2005-05-07
Having read a number of biographies of Queen Elizabeth II (beginning with The Little Princesses in the 1950s), I can only say that while Erickson does not engage in scandal and innuendo, she is too light-weight to be taken seriously. Any biographer who would refer to Her Majesty as "Lilibet" (only used by immediate family) even when discussing the Queen at the advanced age of 60 and 70 is too silly for words.
Bookschlepper
Okay but on the Fluff Side.......2004-05-21
A very readable biography but I agree with the previous reviewer that it tends to be a bit on the light and fluff side. Many of her citations for quotes turn out to be from other biographies, most notably Kitty Kelly's THE ROYALS which diminished the seriousness of the work for me. But still, an interesting portrait that highlights the ordinary humanness of the Queen.
Completely Captures Its Subject.......2004-05-15
Initially, I was wary of reading this book. I thought it had a pretty cover and a relatively intriguing title, but didn't figure that Elizabeth II would be anyone who was fascinating enough to write about. But nonetheless, envisioning a book filled with an agonizingly boring chronicle of this seemingly "deadly dull" woman's life, I began "Lilibet."
And was I ever in for a surprise! Carolly Erickson has done an outstanding job with this biography and completely captured the essence of this queen. The pages keep turning, and it is one of the highest compliments I can give to a biography to say that it "reads" like a good novel-I can certainly say that in this case. Chronicling the Queen's life from birth until 2002, Erickson uses a winning "formula" to ensure a satisfyingly complex character portrait.
Granted, the simple factual matter of "Lilbet" was admirable. Yet other characteristics make "Lilibet" so enjoyable. First, I enjoyed the quotes/testimonials from the queen and others that Erickson used. It sometimes seems in a biography that the quotes chosen are unremarkable and cliche, yet "Lilibet" includes sparklingly memorable quotes from those who know Elizabeth as well as intriguing "morsels" from the queen herself.
Furthermore, "Lilibet" was enhanced by the way English history (and crucial royal family events) were woven into the story line. These happenings are presented to the reader in a clear and interesting manner, and as said, they add richness to the story. Time and time again, Erickson deftly shows how events like the World War 2, the Wallis Simpson incident, and the scandals recently plaguing the royal family played their part in the life of the Queen.
But best of all, the author shows excellent psychological insights during her writing. When I think about why exactly I found this book so fascinating, I realize that it was due in part to the sharply intelligent analysis of Lilibet's character. Erickson does not portray the queen as a "whitened" saint or as a cruel elderly woman-she seems to understand and empathize with the queen's character enough to see both the good and the bad in it.
Solid facts, expert inclusion of history and background information, memorable psychological insight, and just plain an interesting read! What an EXCELLENT biography!
Book Description
"It's a Buck!" was written for the average weekend hunter who simply enjoys being in the woods, enjoys the good-natured ribbing and camaraderie of his hunting partners, and who is thrilled when good fortune sends any buck his way, be it a spike-horn or a big 10-pointer.
There are no stories of Boone and Crockett or Pope and Young record book bucks to be found within these pages. What you will find, however, are some down-to-earth hunting stories and recommended tactics for hunting pressured whitetails based on 40 years of lessons learned the hard way. This is the REAL world of deer hunting.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book!.......2005-11-11
I ordered this book for my husband for Christmas. I received it so quickly that I was able to give it to him early when he went to deer camp. The book was a great read, easy to follow, and wonderful funny stories.
This is REAL deer hunting, not hunting on some fenced farm, paying for a chance to pass up a "mere" 6 pointer. I hope Mr. Clute continues with more stories for the true hunter!
The only negative I found was that the photos in the book weren't crystal clear, but I still give the book 5 stars!
Average customer rating:
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English Heritage, English Cinema
Andrew Higson
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 019925902X |
Book Description
Costume dramas such as Chariots of Fire, A Room with a View, Sense and Sensibility, and Shakespeare in Love were vital to the success of British cinema in the 1980s and 1990s. This is the first book-length study of these important films, and the debate about their politics and their meanings,
and about their relationship to the heritage industry. It maps the extent of the production trend, and looks in detail at the commercial context in which the films were funded, marketed and exhibited, in both the UK and the USA. There are also extensive case studies of two key films, Howard's End
and Elizabeth.
Customer Reviews:
The best book on the subject yet written--mandatory reading.......1997-05-06
David Pirie argues that the Gothic horror tale is Great Britain's most unique contribution to literature and that the British horror films produced after World War II, chiefly by the legendary "Studio That Dripped Blood," Hammer Films Ltd., represent the greatest flowering of creativity in the history of British cinema. A well written, profusely illustrated and thoughtful book, "A Heritage of Horror" includes an excellent filmography. Although out of date and deserving of revision, the book remains mandatory reading for both scholarly and lay students of the horror genr
Book Description
David Pirie’s acclaimed 'A Heritage of Horror' was the first book on the British horror movie, and the first to detect and analyse the roots of British horror, identifying it as 'the only staple cinematic myth which Britain can properly claim as its own.' It has long been regarded as a trail-blazing classic, “having the force of a revelation”, according to one recent study of the subject, and heralded by Michael Powell and Martin Scorsese.
Now with 'A New Heritage of Horror', David Pirie has revised his original work, bringing the story up to date and into the 21st century. Alongside the classic films of the twentieth century, all explored within the full context of their production and appearance on our screens, he examines the latest horror boom, inaugurated by such films as 'The Others' and '28 Days Later'. He has also uncovered fresh documentation from the original files for this new edition, to add more revelations abuot the history of UK horror and Hammer Films, not least the largely untold story of their desperate battles against censorship. He has further up-dated the original text and added new illustrations. 'The New Heritage of Horror' promises to be one of the key film books of 2008.
Average customer rating:
- The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music
- The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music
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The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music
Barrie Jones
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Reference
| Music
| Entertainment
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General
| Music
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ASIN: 1579581781 |
Book Description
The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music, in 7,500 entries, retains the breadth of coverage, clarity, and accessibility of the highly acclaimed Hutchinson Encyclopedia of Music, from which it is derived. Tracing its lineage to the Everyman Dictionary of Music, now out of print, it boasts a distinguished heritage of the finest musical scholarship.
This book provides comprehensive coverage of theoretical and technical music terminology, embracing the many genres and forms of classical music, clearly illustrated with examples. It also provides core information on composers and comprehensive lists of works from the earliest exponents of polyphony to present-day composers.
Customer Reviews:
The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music.......2000-09-16
The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music is a great reference material for all who are interested in music. This dictionary offers exact definitions of musical terms and concepts. It gives not only the definitions, but also background and origin information. It suggests the most common time period for the music and how it relates to other times in history. I recommend this book for both beginning and advance students of music because of its clarity and accuracy of information.
The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music.......2000-09-16
The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music is a great reference material for all who are interested in music. This dictionary offers exact definitions of musical terms and concepts. It not only gives the definitions, but also background and origin information. It suggests the most common time period for the music and how it relates to other times in history. I recommend this book for both beginning and advance students of music because of its clarity and accuracy of information.
Average customer rating:
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The Hutchinson Concise Dictionary of Music (Helicon Arts & Music)
Helicon Books
Manufacturer: Hodder Arnold
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1859862721 |
Customer Reviews:
step outside of yourself.......2002-04-28
If you are tired of thinking in the same old ways, this book is for you. Loaded with ideas for a different perspective, this book provides a month's worth of continuous spiritual play. If at least three of these games don't shock you out of your rut you need a vacation. I recommend this book to everyone, open minded or not.
just plain weird.......2002-04-22
Thats all I have to say....File 13 this one!
A Course in Spiritual Play.......2001-07-29
Spiritual practice, putting the principles behind our beliefs into day to day action, is not a subject that gets a lot of attention. Throughout most of humanity's history we have focused on worship as a duty, rather than a source of wisdom and information on how best to live and change our lives. Unlike many practitioners, who are often very private people, Hugh Prather chose the path of ministry and teaching, hoping to help others while he helped himself.
Unlike many of Prather's works, which are often notebooks and musings, "A Book of Games" is a series of practices, couched as games, that are intended to help us mine the potential for happiness in each of our lives.
The first game, for example, is called 'The Secret Agent.' It has us imagine that we are agents of a foreign king. Our assignment is to bring a sense of harmlessness and gentle caring into play between ourselves and others and let go of expectations of agreement or disagreement. It we succeed we are to send a coded message back to the king. The code is 'thank you.'
All the games are of this nature, often very simply put, but not always easy to carry out. We are cautioned not to expect to 'win' the game every time we play. Indeed, it is the playing, not the winning, that is important.
"A Book of Games" is completely non-denominational in character. I am not positive that even a belief in a higher power is absolutely necessary, although it certainly would help. This little book has been in my library for some 10 years. I don't take it off the shelf often enough. Each time I do I find that there is always something that appeals to me, that helps me on the way through a current situation.
A Playful Spirituality.......2000-12-10
A book that is deeply spiritual, insightful, generous and loving without having to take itself too seriously. A gift for someone willing to try out new perspectives and imaginative interpretations of the world. I think it is Prather's best work (and I've read almost all of them).
Book Description
This book helps you take advantage of the opportunities Nicaragua has to offer. It gives investment ideas, advise for starting a business, tips for buying property, tax savings for foreign residents and much more.
Customer Reviews:
True adventure!.......2007-09-17
You have to love true adventure if you are to come to Nicaragua.
You will feel alive and connected to "life" so pack the essentials and come!
Useful information, but in need of an editor........2006-09-21
Having spent a fair amount of time in Nicaragua, and considered living there, I would say that this book contains accurate information and probably helpful perspectives on many things. If you are thinking about living and/or investing in Nicaragua, I would say this would be a must-have. Even one little piece of information or advice could make a big difference. Its a valuable resource.
That said, this is the worst-written book I can remember reading. Ever. It was badly in need of an editor, although the writer, Tim Rogers, claims to be an editor himself. Incorrect spelling and poor word choices and sentence structure abound. If there were any similar books on this topic, I would not recommend this title.
Also, the book is pretty heavily padded with filler. For instance, the verb conjugations used with 'vos' are useful to have. (I've never actually seen the rules written down anywhere before, as most Spanish textbooks don't discuss 'vos', but it is used all the time in Nicaragua.) But do we really need a list of elementary Spanish vocabulary, which anybody who has even a prayer of actually having a conversation in Nicaragua would already know? It could have been left out. And the metric conversion chart? That is basic reference material, hardly necessary in a specialty book like this. Similar examples could be multiplied. The ultimate example of padding is the fact that entire paragraphs are simply duplicated, appearing in two different places in the book.
In spite of its deficiencies, though, this book seems to be accurate and useful for English-speaking/reading people considering moving to or investing in Nicaragua. I didn't come across anything that I knew to be incorrect. It matches up with my experience in the country. I recommend this book for the time being, but somebody could easily write a better book on the subject. And they oughta.
Helpful source for expats or expat hopefuls.......2006-05-26
First off, this is not a guidebook with information about hotels or restaurants, BUT it is a helpful guide for people thinking about living/investing in Nicaragua and who want to learn what to expect as an expat.
Good insider info from Mr. Rogers, who is an American journalist living in Nicaragua writing for an English-language newspaper and the Miami Herald.
The book is funny, too. A recommended read for people who are seriously interested in Nicaragua, and for people who already live there.
The Nicaragua Bible.......2006-04-27
Tim Rogers has written "The Bible" for all who are interested in either living and or investing in the new Nicaragua. He knows the country inside out, and shares his unique and sensitive perspective with his readers. If you only buy one book on Nicargua, this should be it!
Duffy Thunderwood, Boston, MA.
A Must Read.......2006-04-06
Thank god for this guide. I just moved to Nicaragua and set up a small business. It has really helped me get established. I recommend it to anyone who wants to live or invest here. It is worth every penny of the cover price and more.
Customer Reviews:
never got my order.......2005-09-24
never received it. it was sent to wrong address which was my old address. i tried to get you to change delivery address but said you could not. the people at that address said that it was never delivered. i paid for it and never received it. i had called your customer service the minute the order went through. i am not familiar with your system and pushed quick order which caused order to complete before i could figure out how to change my address .i found your customer service people difficult to deal with over phone. i hope i never have to use amazon again. please send me the book i paid for. i was told that the order had to go through to the old address which was not changed before hand because i did not know the order would go through. i was told it would be sent back to you and re-sent to me at my current address, which i changed. i expect you will contact me and straighten this out.
239 four seasons dr. Drums, Pa. 18222.
tel number 570-788-4472.
Robert Schmitz
Somoza's Book " NICARAGUA BETRAYED " Was More Truthful !.......2005-06-23
Books like these are largely responsible for many of the negative stereotypes many Latin Americans have of U.S. Citizens. Nicaragua is the 2nd poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Anyone who can retire there in luxury amid such horrible poverty should do The U.S. a favor and stay home. Nicaragua and it's people deserve better. I may also add there are many Americans living in Nicaragua and are good citizens who are trying to help the country. You are not going to be helping this unfortunate country by moving there and becoming a land speculator. All this does is drive property prices up and beyond the means of Nicaraguan nationals.
How To Be An Ugly American in Nicaragua.......2005-01-12
. There are parasites all over (at least) southern
Nicaragua.These leeches (no, leeches suck blood only
to survive; these exploiters do it to get filthy
rich--with the emphasis on filthy).
There's a book you may have seen--it's "Living and
Investing in the New Nicaragua", by Christopher
Howard, another gringo living in luxury in Costa Rica.
Someone gave me a copy of the book, and, boy howdy,
it's awful.
Howard claims to be an expert on Nicaragua (and Costa Rica) but shows his disconnect with the country by making several obvious, stupid, factual errors in the first 3 pages--
errors almost anyone should spot right away. And the mistakes continue throughout the book. He goes
on to thank the U$ Embassy for its "useful
information" (lots of anti-Sandinista/pro-neocolonialist historical revisionism , of course).
He says that "learning a little Spanish" would be
helpful, but is not necessary, as one can just hang
out, getting drunk and obnoxious with other ex-pats and leave the work to the servants (for a dollar a day).
Howard counts among his friends some the Yankee and
Canadian crowd that have pretty much raped San Juan
del Sur. They bought beautiful acreage for pennies and
are selling "lots" for $70,000 and up; they've set
up/taken over restaurants and bars that compete with
long-time local businesses--and get the bulk of the
gringos' cash. There are Centruy 21, ReMax and other U$ realestate company signs all over. As always, the locals
are marginalized, and pushed aside, more every day.
So far, he seems to have forayed only as far north as
Granada, thank goodness.
Yes it's scary, sad and disgusting, but it ain't gonna
stop. It's following the time-honored tradition of
capitalist empire: kill tens of thousands of people, wreck the economy, destroy much of the infrastructure, get the country on its knees, thentake it over for virtually nothing, all "legally".
If one wants to know Nicaragua from a human and humane perspective, and wants to get the reality of this wonderful country--and give it the profound respect it deserves--then read the other book displayed on the same page as Howard's atrocity: the excellent Moon Publication Nicaragua guidebook, written by Joshua Berman and Randy Wood. THEY know what they're talking about.
By the way, I have been traveling to and through Nicaragua for the past 20 years, coordinating a solidarity/sister-city project with a beautiful town in the northern part of the country. I have many wonderful friends--the real people of Nicaragua--who lead honest lives, and deserve a better future than the one the vampires have in mind for them.
Howard doesn't have a clue. DON'T buy this book. DON'T support the rape and pillage of Nicaragua.
....
Timoteo
Offensive and contemptible.......2004-12-24
". . . quality Latin women are difficult to meet."
Unklike other reviewers on this page, I do not find this statement from Mr. Howard's book "applaudable," rather, it is offensive, racist, and totally indicative of the sleazy, sloppy undercurrent running through this book that caters to tax-evading ugly Americans looking for "companionship" with a girl a third their age. Fortunately, not all gringos moving down are like this; many good-hearted folks are coming down too, people that are sensitive to the grinding poverty of their new adopted country and are doing something to try to improve the situation instead of just buying it all up at rockbottom prices.
U.S. imperialism, again..........2004-12-03
Nicaraguans have long fought the exploitation of the U.S. government. Now they face the exploitation of U.S. citizens looking for a cheaper version of paradise. Nicaragua doesn't need more foreigners buying up its beaches, colonial homes and tourist facilities. You are not helping Nicaragua by using it as your own personal playground or investment.
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- Marie Antoinette: The Last Queen Of France
- Mary, Queen of Scots: Pride, Passion and a Kingdom Lost
- Merchant Prince: The Story of Alexander Ducan McRae
- Michael and Natasha: The Life And Love Of Michael Ii, The Last Of The Romanov Tsars
- Money Secrets of the Rich and Famous
- Mrs Keppel and Her Daughter
- Nicholas And Alexandra: The Last Tsar And Tsarina
- Nikola and Milena, King and Queen of the Black Mountain: The Rise and Fall of Montenegro's Royal Family
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