Mrs Keppel and Her Daughter

Book Description

A literary tour de force that tells the story of Violet Trefusis, lover of Vita Sackville-West, and her mother, Alice Keppel, lover to Edward VII.

Alice Keppel, the married lover of Queen Victoria's eldest son, and great-grandmother to Camilla Parker-Bowles, was a key figure in Edwardian society. Hers was the acceptable face of adultery. In contrast her daughter Violet Trefusis' love was author and aristocratic Vita Sackville-West. Her passion and recalcitrance pitted her against her mother and society. From memoirs, diaries, and letters, Diana Souhami portrays this fascinating and intense mother/daughter relationship, and how these women and their lovers highlight Edwardian--and contemporary--duplicity and double standards.

Customer Reviews:

A delusional life.......2007-09-16

Alice, Mrs.George Keppel, known in Court circles as "Little Mrs.George", was the mistress of Edward the 7th for many years, until his death. It's a well known story that Queen Alexandra sent for her to attend the death bed of her husband, but what I hadn't known before is that Edward had sent Alice a letter, years before, expressing his wish that she might be allowed to say goodbye in the event of his approaching death. She'd kept this letter which she sent to the Queen, virtually forcing her to accede to his wishes. With this same determination and strength, she proved herself to be the perfect mistress for Edward, always ready and willing to satisfy his appetites and, at the same time, using his influence to acquire enormous wealth and social prestige. At that time in the beginning of the 20th century, the position of Royal Mistress was still held to be a position of social esteem, providing, and this was a BIG proviso, that the affair was handled with absolute privacy and tact, and with no hint of scandal. Alice's daughter, Violet, whose parentage was uncertain, was another matter. In her teenage and early years, she conducted a violently passionate love affair with Vita Sackville-West which lasted for some years until her possessiveness proved too much for Vita. This book will be fascinating for history buffs as it gives a wonderful insight into the morals and mores of Edwardian times, which Violet found to be hypocritical but which allowed people who were often married for convenience and to propagate family lines, to live their lives with a semblance of normality. Violet was a supremely self absorbed woman and, like many of her class at that time, idle and self indulgent through a lack of purpose, except her own pleasure. I found it to be a marvellous read.

VIOLET TREFUSIS AND HER MOTHER: LOOKING FOR VIOLET AND FINDING HER HERE.......2007-07-26

This is a terrific read. I couldn't put the book down. It doesn't have Violet Keppel Trefusis in the title but it is essentially about her and this is why I bought the book here on Amazon. It is the first book I read beyond Vita Sackville-West's own memoire of her relationship with Violet; this was published in Nigel Nicolson's 'Portrait of a Marriage' in 1973 - shortly after Violet's death in 1972. Like 'Portrait of a Marriage', the book only really comes (startlingly) alive when we get to the affair with Vita that was cut short to avoid scandal leaving Violet in a wrecked wasteland. This is the book's tour de force. Unlike the other available Trefusis biographies, it gives the reader a much more comprehensive contextual understanding because it draws from a wider range of references and Souhami's own valuable research. It includes excellent portraits of all the main actors and Violet's extraordinary childhood, the hypocritical Edwardian mores and values that Violet found so offensive. And, the force of powerful, beloved and trust fund controlling mothers especially, of course, Alice Keppel. Violet was the product of one of Keppel's love affairs (probably before she met King Edward VII).

The book includes valuable quotes from published and unpublished sources. It firmly sides with Violet and balances the negativity of the Nicolson view of Violet as a dangerous and even evil seductress. Souhami appreciates Violet's vanquished quest for love in truth and honesty and makes her tragedy painfully palpable. Vita on the other hand is not treated sympathetically. There are two sides to every story and this is Souhami's defense of Violet.

Souhami rushes through Violet's later life offering selected vignettes of Violet as a troubled, perhaps deluded woman who was 'unaware of the figure she cut'. She says 'Her messiness, her chaos, her constant painting of her face, seemed to signal inner distress.' How far Violet might have been damaged by the consequences of her relationship with Vita, her isolation and alienation (because she was different in many ways and could not 'fit in'), and her sometimes violent marriage with Denys is unknown. Souhami provides no analysis but she provides information; readers have to make their own judgement.

Despite the different sadnesses that haunt the book, the author also has a good eye for comedy and the absurd and I laughed out loud on a few occasions. When Violet dies at the end of the book, I missed her terribly and this is a compliment to Souhami as well as to Violet. This book sent me on a trove for more Violet who I take my imaginary hat off to for surviving as well as she did.

After reading all the other available books, I conclude that Souhami's is the best overall record of Violet's life. It's really enjoyable to read and is good value for money at the prices available now on Amazon. I would recommend that it be read alongside 'Violet to Vita' (her letters) and her memoire 'Don't Look Around' from which the reader can judge for themselves the big gap between her early private and later public persona. 'Violet Trefusis' by Philippe Jullian and John Phillips, the Eve section of Vita Sackville-West's 'Challenge' and Violet's novels 'Broderie Anglaise' and 'Hunt the Slipper' are also valuable references. All are available on Amazon USA and UK at good prices.

A Tour of Two Worlds.......1998-03-03

Most of us are commoner, middle class and heterosexual. We don't give thought to other worlds until something strange happens--the murder of Versace or the death of Princess Diana. This book lifts up the rug on these two worlds and allows us to glimpse at something quite alien from our own. Beneath the upper crust of society there is a social dictum that allows the rich and the well-connected to be "doing it and excusing it" as long as it's done with discretion. Behind the facade of certain marriages are gay people in hiding--arranged marriages of convenience. It is a social hypocrisy that didn't start with the Edwardian era but it certainly continues through today. Billed as a double bio, this book is more the biography of Violet Trefusis, lesbian daughter of Alice Keppel, King Edward VII's mistress and the great-grandmother of Camilla Parker-Bowles. But to tell the story of Violet, one must understand Alice and the Edwardian social set. This story is a tour through strange worlds indeed, richly told with text from the letters and published works of the main characters. This is biography that gives you the pathos of real people. Diana Souhami tries to balance the scales by telling the story of the famous lesbian affair between Vita Sackville-West and Violet Trefusis from Violet's point of view. One feels sorry for Violet but also annoyed. How long does it take for Violet to accept that Vita isn't willing to commit to their relationship? Violet, the victim, is a self-deceiving at best, dense at worst. Violet hasn't inherited her mother's ability to make the best of whatever social situation she's in. That's the ultimate tragedy of it. The hypocrisy of society will be with us forever. Only the strong learn to use it to their advantage. It's a lesson we all learn, whatever our place in this world.

Thought provoking biography.......1997-08-30

After having read this book, I can't stop thinking about it and pondering what makes us happy in life. The people in this story, constrained by the morals of their time, sought happiness through influence, fame, wealth, and sexual relationships with varying success. Today, although our society is more open and free, achieving happiness is still a challenging business. As I read about Violet Trefusis' unhappy life, I wondered how different it would have been had Vita Sackville-West eloped with her. What if their times had been more accepting of openly homosexual relationships. What if Violet had been able to live within the lie of her marriage. If this story had played out today, could it have ended with happiness for Violet. Are things so different for us today.

Souhami's version of the affair between Violet and Vita leaves one feeling angry and annoyed at Vita. If Vita had been honest about their relationship, Violet may have learned to accept her life without the possiblity of a long term relationship with Vita. Violet may have healed emotionally and been able to get back on track in life. Instead, Souhamis portrays Violet as a victim and her life damaged by her unrequited passion for Vita. Vita held out false hopes to Violet by waffling and lying to Violet about their relationship, while actually having no intention of ever leaving her marriage. Vita was not very honest and if she had been a man, she would have been called a cad.

I plan on re-reading A Portrait of a Marriage to see if Vita can change my mind. But my first reading of that book several years ago left me unconvinced and Souhamis has written an interesting and convincing portrait of Violet as the victim.

I highly recommend this book. This is a story about human relationships - husband/wife, mother/daughter, lover/loved, not just the lesbian relationship between Violet and Vita. It is about how these people were able to resolve (or not) the many issues in their lives and the kind of happiness they achieved.

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Mrs Keppel and Her Daughter
Diana Souhami
Manufacturer: St. Martin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QY1JI2

Product Description

338 pages

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Mrs Keppel and Her Daughter
Diana Souhami
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTF6YM

Book Description

The training manual that martial artists everywhere have been wanting for more than 20 years is finally here! No one has ever equalled the record of Lewis, the winner of more tournaments than any other man. This is his complete training system, which will show you what it takes to win every time.

Customer Reviews:

Greatest Karate Fighter of All Time: Joe Lewis.......2004-07-15

Joe Lewis and Dr. Jerry Beasley provide insight to Joe's American Karate System, starting with Joe's youth to his USMC days to his training with Bruce Lee and finally on to Joe's own personal system. The writing is good although Paladin Press could have done a better job with the photos. (I point out that if you buy such a book strickly for the photos you bought it for the wrong reason.) I have known Joe Lewis personally for many years and have attended his Black Belt Conferences; I have observed him up close on many occasion and I still find this book is well worth the cost. I recommend any books written by Joe Lewis and/or Dr. Jerry Beasley; you can always pickup pointers from any of their writings.

The Pioneer of American Karate In Print.......2000-07-29

This book, by Joe Lewis and Dr. Jerry Beasley, is divided in two parts. The first section is a biographary on Joe Lewis, considered by many in the martial arts world as the gretest karate fighter of all time; hence the title of the book. This section is at times, written in the first and third person, so the reader gets an idea as to what goes inside the mind of Lewis. This part is frank and sincere and many things said may not be well like by traditionalist.

Lewis speaks about his training in Okinawa, the states and with Bruce Lee. He talks about pioneering full-contact karate (aka kickboxing)and point karate. The next section, American Karate Fighting is the bulk of the book.

It also is a let down. The quality of the photos is average. The book works, but for someone who has studied the martial arts for over 20 years, nothing new is really mentioned. The traditional fighter may see something new, but, I doubt many traditionalists, who are not into contemporary fighting ideas, will probably not be interested in this book anyway.

The book is average at best (Probably could rate it lower but think that to get a little inside the mind of Lewis is worth the average rating)and for a skilled writer like Dr. Beasely (The Way of No Way), I expected a lot more.

Combat Wrestling Forever.......2000-04-07

The Book is way too short and he never talks about catch-as-catch-can-wrestling. Joe Lewis was a good fighter in his day.....as far as karate types go but equip wrestlers with submission holds and the karate types just fall by the way-side. Again, he never talks about wrestling at all!

Good.......1999-07-08

Such an incredible martial artist, but such a poor job of relating his life. The book is too short and the info too sketchy. It's a good start, but it leaves you wanting more.

Loren W. Christensen, author of Fighting Power and Speed Training.

Book Description

Fans of the film ELF will love Buddy's Little (S)ELF Help book -- a little paperback instruction book full of elfisms! Chock full of hilarious sayings and advice from Buddy the Elf, this book is the perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift.

Customer Reviews:

For what it's worth.......2003-11-28

this book is the perfect gift for anyone who has seen the movie, and can't wait for it to come to video/dvd. it is filled with classic quotes from the movie (which just helps bring back the film every time you read it). It's not a good book for anyone who hasn't seen the film. The pages read like this " Fransisco, that's fun to say." .

Book Description

This book is designed to introduce the non-specialist music lover to Britten’s opera, The Turn of the Screw. The opening chapters by Vivien Jones and Patricia Howard deal with the literary source of the opera Oames’s novella), the structure of the libretto, and the technique by which a short story was transformed into an opera. The central chapter, on the musical style and structures of the opera, includes an account of the composition process deduced from early sketches of the work by John Evans, an analysis of the unique form of the opera with a more detailed examination of the last scene by Patricia Howard, and an account of the significance and effect of the orchestration by Christopher Palmer. Finally, Patricia Howard traces the stage history of the work, from its initial reception in Venice in 1954, through some seminal reinterpretations in the 1960s to its present established position in the repertoire. The book is generously illustrated and there is also a bibliography and discography.

Customer Reviews:

for designers and directors.......2000-02-01

This is an excellent book. It is a breif, easy to read book that includes all the info you would ever want about the opera, and Britten himself. there is a whole series, which I suspect is just as good.

Turn of the Screw, Op. 54 (Libretto by Myfanwy Piper, after the story by Henry James, Opera in a Prologue and Two Acts)

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Turn of the Screw, Op. 54 (Libretto by Myfanwy Piper, after the story by Henry James, Opera in a Prologue and Two Acts)
Composer: Benjamin Britten
Manufacturer: HAL LEONARD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VT7MZQ

Product Description

TURN OF THE SCREW, OP. 54 Opera in a Prologue and Two Acts Series: BH Stage Works Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes Libretto Composer: Benjamin Britten Libretto by Myfanwy Piper, after the story by Henry James

Turn of the Screw, Op. 54 (Opera in a Prologue and Two Acts, BH Scores and Books)

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Turn of the Screw, Op. 54 (Opera in a Prologue and Two Acts, BH Scores and Books)
Benjamin Britten
Manufacturer: HAL LEONARD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VT5UYQ

Product Description

TURN OF THE SCREW, OP. 54 Opera in a Prologue and Two Acts Series: BH Scores and Books Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes Study Score Composer: Benjamin Britten Complete Opera in Hardbound HPS 784

Turn of the Screw, Op. 54 (Opera in a Prologue and Two Acts, BH Stage Works)

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Turn of the Screw, Op. 54 (Opera in a Prologue and Two Acts, BH Stage Works)
Composer: Benjamin Britten
Manufacturer: HAL LEONARD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VT5US2

Product Description

TURN OF THE SCREW, OP. 54 Opera in a Prologue and Two Acts Series: BH Stage Works Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes Medium: BOOK Vocal Score Composer: Benjamin Britten

Benjamin Britten.(Benjamin Britten: The Turn of the Screw)(Video recording review): An article from: Notes

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Benjamin Britten.(Benjamin Britten: The Turn of the Screw)(Video recording review): An article from: Notes
John Holland
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Notes, published by Thomson Gale on March 1, 2006. The length of the article is 499 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Benjamin Britten.(Benjamin Britten: The Turn of the Screw)(Video recording review)
Author: John Holland
Publication: Notes (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 62 Issue: 3 Page: 784(2)

Article Type: Video recording review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Benjamin Britten : The Turn of the Screw (Cambridge Opera Handbooks Ser.)

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Benjamin Britten : The Turn of the Screw (Cambridge Opera Handbooks Ser.)
Patricia (editor) Howard
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KXK3E0

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The Turn of the Screw (vocal score)
Benjamin Britten
Manufacturer: Boosey & Hawkes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0060015500

Product Description

The Turn of the Screw (op. 54) vocal score, published by Boosey & Hawkes

Book Description

All puzzle aficionados will treasure this elegant collection of 150 stellar crosswords. Packed full of fine creations, this volume was inspired by some of the most talented puzzle authors in the nation. The special inclusion of portraits and biographies of each of the contributors also marks this unique volume of crosswords.

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Good Airplane Reading, short on substance

Insightful!

A Great Book!!!

Interesting, inspirational reading

Julian Captures the New Spirit of Business!

God Is My Ceo: Following God's Principles in a Bottom-Line World
Larry S. Julian
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Business By The Book: Complete Guide of Biblical Principles for the Workplace

God is My Success : Transforming Adversity into Your Destiny

DOING BUSINESS BY THE GOOD BOOK: FIFTY-TWO LESSONS ON SUCCESS STRAIGHT FROM THE BIBLE

Business for the Glory of God: The Bible's Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business

Your Work Matters to God

ASIN: 1580627641

Book Description

Business leaders face the difficult task of reconciling their personal beliefs with the bottom-line demands of their business obligations. Often, it seems like the conflict between harsh business realities and their desire to "do the right thing" pull them in opposite directions. God Is My CEO offers a practical and inspirational source of guidance for achieving a balanced and accomplished life.

Readers can learn from businesspeople around the country who are working and living the life they believe in, including Horst Schulze, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Ken Melrose, Chairman and CEO of The Toro Company.

Discussion guides at the end of each chapter help readers reflect on the lessons presented and determine their core values. The paperback edition of God Is My CEO also features a practical business plan that readers can use to integrate people, processes, and profits into win-win situations.

Customer Reviews:

Good Airplane Reading, short on substance.......2006-05-09

For some earlier, for some later, for some never, but for a lot of business people as we cross 50 years in age, we start to get eternally minded. I saw the book title and thought, wow, I would like to read this. I would like to be sure my espoused beliefs and work life are in as much alignment as possible.

It is a fast read and easy, doesn't challenge you very much. This is what I consider optimal airplane reading.

However, it left me hungry for more. It is basically a series of short stories, but trying to be a good Christian ( or I would think Good Jew, or Good Muslim ) in business is very hard. In the way, the book disappoints, I was entertained, even touched by some of the stories and I believe stories can change behavior. However, I don't think I can honestly say I learned any more about what I can do differently or better.

Glad I read it, don't plan to keep it on my shelves

Insightful!.......2004-03-01

So often executives check their faith in God at the door before coming to work. Using the stories of 20 influential leaders to illustrate 10 business principles, author Larry Julian skillfully shows that it is possible to integrate your religious faith and your work practices. These men and women successfully run major organizations, and all of them credit their belief in God for their achievements. Although some of the stories are more inspiring than others, this book promises relief from the pressures of the bottom line and freedom from the stumbling blocks that impede success, both temporal and eternal. Each chapter includes thought-provoking questions you can contemplate or use as the basis of further discussions. Julian ends with a step-by-step business plan showing you how to apply all your newly processed spiritual knowledge as a practical tool. Although - given that it is dedicated to Jesus Christ - the book seems primarily directed to Christians, We suggest that any leader who is trying to make a profit, keep priorities straight and motivate employees should take a look.

A Great Book!!!.......2001-11-28

For me, this book was truely inspirational, a breath of fresh air. I, (like many many others in society,I'm sure) used to believe that there was little room for God or our faith in the business world. It was just dog-eat-dog, Monday to Friday. Larry Julian shows you just how uninformed that thinking is. He interviews not just average business men & women, but captains of industry. True leaders in their field. And he shows you how these people not only believe in God, but practice their Faith and follow HIS teachings EVERY DAY. It is WHY they are so successful.
For those of you who think they have to choose between God or business, read this book.

Interesting, inspirational reading.......2001-11-04

America is populated by a great many people who attend religious services on a regular basis. They affiliate with a congregation of people who think, believe, and worship as they do. Millions of people build their lives around their religious beliefs and principles.

Then there's business. In the world of business, profit is worshipped by corporate leaders and employees at all levels. Achieving corporate goals becomes all-consuming, with little room for bible-based principles. Biblical teachings are fine for the personal side of life, but business is business. Or is it?

The movement known as spirituality in the workplace has been gaining momentum, with supporters careful to differentiate between spirituality and religion. The human spirit is central to the corporate spirituality theme, but God and religion do seem to find their way into the picture. When people express their spirituality, their religious beliefs underlie their values and approach, even if specific teachings are not overtly expressed.

In God is My CEO, Larry Julian surveys the landscape through the stories of twenty well-respected leaders. Each of these influential people runs a business through the application of biblical principles, with great results. You'll learn from people like Bill George, CEO of Medtronic; Jerry Colangelo, owner of the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks; Al Quie, the former governor of the state of Minnesota; and Archie Dunham, Chairman and CEO of Conoco, Inc.; Horst Schulz, CEO of the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company; and Truett Cathy, founder and Chairman of Chick-Fil-A, an amazingly successful quick service restaurant chain that's always closed on Sunday.

The helpful organization of the book takes us first through an understanding of the Clash of Two Worlds. You'll learn about the relationships and conflicts between profits and principles. The ten sections that follow each includes a statement of the issue and Julian's suggestion of a solution. The rest of each section is two chapters telling the story of the biblically-based executives. The ten sections are Purpose, Success, Courage, Patience, Leadership by Example, Yielding Control, Tough Decisions, Servant Leadership, Integration, and Priorities.

Each chapter explores real-life issues with some intriguing stories that will make you think. The religious theme is, of course, prominent in this book. However, while it is ever-present, the biblical message is comfortably woven into the vignettes. You'll be surprised how fast a read this book is, as you turn page after page to follow the stories.

Roger

Julian Captures the New Spirit of Business!.......2001-04-30

In his powerful book, _God Is My CEO_, Larry Julian moves the "bottom line" in business from "profit no matter what" to "profit from doing the right thing". Written from experiences in the trenches of the business world, this authoritative book contains real, personal stories from real people who have the courage to wrestle with real challenges and solve their dilemmas using their true beliefs, not the just latest fad management techniques. Julian's ability to get today's business leaders to bare their hearts and share their personal struggles allows_God Is My CEO_ to build a very credible case for tuning in and listening to the higher power that exists in all of us. The moving accounts of leadership turmoil and victory, the thought-provoking discussion questions and the immensely helpful "how-to's" found in this book make it a work that should be read and re-read by all of us who lead businesses today. I give my highest praise to _God Is My CEO_. It's the right thing to do.

God Is My CEO : Following God's Principles in a Bottom-Line World

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God Is My CEO : Following God's Principles in a Bottom-Line World
Larry S. Julian
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLW96I

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