Once a Grand Duchess: Xenia, Sister of Nicholas II

Book Description

This compelling biography of Xenia uses new archive material to give us fresh insight into the last days of the Tsar family.

Customer Reviews:

great read for Russian history buffs........2007-08-31

This book incorporates the lives of other, significant Romanovs, not just the immediate family. It is well-rounded, therefore.

Finally a book about Ksenia!.......2005-08-31

Grand Duchess Ksenia Aleksandrovna has been horrible neglected in history. She was a very important figure in the story of the last Romanovs, especially considering she was the Tsar's first sister! I thouroughly enjoyed the book, because it has opened the door to Xenia's life, which had been closed for so long. Now perhaps more "biographists" will become interested in HIH's life and more books will be written on her, divulging even more of her intriguing life and showing even more photographs of her which are nearly impossible to find.I was quite satisfied with the book, because it was the first one on her, and it can't be expected to be the greatest biography ever written. Like I said, it was a door-opening biography. If you're interested in the lives of the last Romanovs, this would be a very good book to read. It gives an entire other perspective to the Russian Revolution and the last Imperial Family.

The little-known Grand Duchess.......2004-07-16

Xenia seems so little-known, and Van der Kiste and Hall have done a wonderful job in rescuing her from obscurity. I was interested in criticisms made by other reviewers on this site. She was clearly not a dominant personality, but as one of the survivors her story was worth telling, and it makes a pleasant change from the endless Tsar Nicholas tomes. The detailed account of her later life may have been something of a comedown after what went on before, but it's a story that needs to be told - and the authors have told it very well.

Obscure Grand Duchess.......2004-07-12

I was fascinated to read this new book about such an obscure character. After so many Nicholas and Alexandra books, this made a pleasant change. The authors have done well to access the Hoover Institute Archives and also get what was probably the last interview with the Queen Mother before her death in 2002. An essential read for any Romanov devotee!

An enchanting read.......2004-02-20

I have read other books by Van der Kiste and always found them to be of interest and quality. This collaboration with Coryne Hall is a must read book.

Anything to do with the Romanovs has interest and appeal but this book comes from a different angle. It looks at the downfall of the Romanov Dynasty and the lives of the surviving members of the family. The book concentrates on the Grand Duchess Xenia, the younger sister of Tsar Nicholas II. Although this period in history has been well documented, nothing has been written about Xenia before. This gives a very different perspective to the norm.

This is a book full of detailed descriptions of the lifestyle of the Russian aristocracy prior to the revolution. I found this very helpful in setting the scene for what was to come.
Much new material was found and researched. Thirteen boxes of archive material were found in the Hoover Institution, among them Xenia's diaries covering the Rasputin affair and the Tsar's abdication. As a point of interest, the late Queen Mother provided some insights into Xenia's life in Britain in what proved to be her last ever interview.

The authors take us from the opulence and magnificence of her childhood in Russian palaces through to her death in exile in England at the age of eighty five.
Xenia was no stranger to personal heart ache, and the book deals with the Rasputin saga and the downfall of the Romanovs. Her son in law was involved with Rasputin's murder which caused her some angst. She was increasingly exasperated by her sister in law the Empress Alexandra, who seemed to her, to be bringing disaster on them all. For months Xenia did not know what had happened to her brother the Tsar, and eventually rumours of execution began to circulate. One can barely imagine what she must have felt when the appalling truth came to light.

This wonderful book covers in lavish detail the life of the Russian Imperial family immediately before and after the revolution,it is also an excellent insight to the problems faced by the Romanovs in exile.

There are 75 plates, many of which have not been seen previously, the quality and quantity of the research was self evident. The text brought the family to life and I was especially struck by the quiet dignity of Xenia.
The book is beautifully laid out and has detailed family trees at the beginning of the book, which are very interesting. Unlike some historical biographies this book is not at all heavy going. I could barely put it down.

I cannot recommend this book enough. If you already have an interest in the Russian Revolution you will be captivated, as I was. If not, I can think of no better place to start.
The authors should be very proud of themselves- my best read of the year so far.

Book Description

On a beautiful July morning in 1991, three men gathered in a hotel suite for an informal breakfast and conversation. The discussion ranged widely over events and characters of the past, famous names and fabled accomplishments flowing along with the coffee and juice. Two of them, Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, were the ultimate symbols of athletic glory for generations of American men. The third man, Fay Vincent, was living a dream, sitting with and asking questions of his boyhood heroes.

Fay Vincent never set out to be the commissioner of baseball. He got into the game alongside his good friend A. Bartlett Giamatti, as deputy commissioner, when Giamatti was named to the sport's highest office in 1989. They spent their first spring and summer dealing with Pete Rose's gambling, and Vincent's legal expertise complemented his friend's moral thunder. But that was to be their only season working side by side, as Bart Giamatti's heart gave out just days after the announcement of the Rose suspension. Vincent found himself the only logical candidate to fill a position as guardian of the best interests of the game he loves.

In The Last Commissioner: A Baseball Valentine, Vincent takes us along for the ultimate fan's fantasy camp. As commissioner, he got to talk baseball with the likes of Yogi Berra, Larry Doby, Warren Spahn, Ernie Banks, Eddie Lopat, Whitey Ford, and Henry Aaron. He brought his legal training to bear on the delicate issue of whether Roger Clemens uttered the magic word that would justify his being tossed out of a playoff game (and it's not the word you think). He was one of the few outsiders at the annual Hall of Fame banquet for the new inductees and their immortal peers, where he watched, amazed, as Johnny Mize demonstrated to Ralph Kiner his method of hitting an inside pitch -- a piece of advice from forty years past. And he brought equal respect and attention to the greats of the Negro Leagues, listening to the gracefully told stories of Joe Black and Buck O'Neil, slowly learning how Slick Surratt earned his nickname, hearing Jimmie Crutchfield give as good a definition of a well-lived life as we will ever know.

Vincent shares these stories and more: his high regard for umpires, instilled in his youth by his father, an NFL official and respected local ump; his close relations with the Bush family, forged in a summer spent working in the oil fields with his schoolmate Bucky Bush, the 41st president's brother (and 43rd president's uncle); his unusual experiences with the relentless George Steinbrenner, including the famous meeting where the Yankees owner was facing a two-year suspension and plea-bargained it down to a lifetime ban. Vincent also gives his candid views on the state of baseball today, firm in his belief that the game will survive its current leadership and even prosper.

Through it all, Vincent's deep love of baseball shines through. His most remarkable accomplishment as commissioner may have been to emerge from the office with his fandom intact. The Last Commissioner is truly a valentine to the game, written with the insight and vision that comes from the lofty perch of the ultimate front-row seat.

Customer Reviews:

Book better than I thought it would be.......2006-10-20

I tend to stay away from autobiographies as some could better be cross marketed as fiction.

Vincent didn't care for Selig or Kuhn, as he states that Selig & Reinsdorf were the ring leaders in the 1987 collusion. He doesn't really have a whole lot to say about Uberroth, other than collusion. Selig wanted the job of commissioner all along. Okay, that was no surprise statement, as I think most astute fans surmised that during Bud's protracted interim commissioner period. George W. Bush called Fay (family friend) on at least two occasions to mention that Selig said that George could have the job if he wanted it. Fay told George that he thought that Selig really wanted the job for himself and that he should forget about becoming commissioner. Personally I think there's good chance that Bush may become commissioner come 2009.

Fay doesn't come out and say say it but other than for window dressing the hiring of Bill White as NL President was a mistake. Vincent does confess that the job of league president is little more than getting along with the umpires and keeping peace within the league with little policy making or management skills particularily needed, which qualified White for the job. Fay states that White admitted that he always has had a problem with authority figures. Vincent & Giamatti tried to get White to take the lead on improving minority issues in MLB, but White said that he had no interest in that as he was tired of beating his head against the wall.

I can think of worse league presidents than White (Gene Budig immediately comes to mind). Fay loved Len Coleman and thought he shouldn't have been dumped by MLB, when his position as NL president was no longer needed.

Vicent does give some interesting insight as to the hard core owners were who wanted to bust the MLB union (Selig, et al), and has some very innovative ideas on how a better relationship between the owners and players could be had. Fay had some interesting comments about Joe D & Mays. I found it amazing (but maybe I shouldn't have) how the owners gave Giamatti everything he wanted in the contract to be commissioner that Vincent negotiated for his friend Bart. The problem was that MLB really had no point person to negotiate the contract in their behalf, Giamatti was really ordained as commissioner before the terms were negotiated.

Heavy on the valentine, light on the commissioner part.......2006-05-05

Most of this book consists of Vincent relaying very short and sweet stories about small incidents and moments in time. Particularly, he pays very much attention to retired players he met and coming to terms with the differences in public personas and actual personalities.

I expected a far heavier treatment given the first half of the title. However, the opinions and issues are very skant throughout the book. There moments he gives opinions are often not substantiated and the depth of material is actually suited best for younger readers.I expected the opportunity to be taken to rationalize the role of the commissioner and outline a concrete argument about Vincent's experiences and how things could improve. Instead, the minor essays give a taste of the subject that most hardcore baseball fans would already know before reading.

A Man Too Worried About His Legacy.......2006-01-10

I was a fan of Fay Vincent during his tenure as commissioner. I did not always agree with his decisions, but I respected him. That respect has waned some over the years, particularly in light of his invoking 'the best interests of baseball' clause which was just a euphemism for 'what I want.'

Fay Vincent shone on the brightest stage for a brief period. His handling of the 1989 World Series' interruption by earthquake was a public relations ten strike as well as a needed healing element in the Bay Area. But Vincent was aloof and arrogant in interviews, and he simply did not bring the love or zest for the game that his predecessor, A. Bartlett Giammatti brought.

Vincent was also clearly pushed offstage by the owners for their ill-fated 1994-95 showdown with the players. Let's face it, replacing a commissioner with a fellow owner is a conflict of interest in any scenario much less one where there are billions of dollars at stake on both sides. So he has my sympathy for that.

The book shines in a couple of spots, particularly the stories of the 1989 World Series and his friendship with Giammati, who died in September 1989. It also tells - from Vincent's viewpoint anyway - the story of the man with whom Vincent's name along with Giammati's will be eternally connected, Pete Rose. Vincent seemingly plays the Emporer to Giammati's Darth Vader - and without blushing, arrogantly holds to Rose's punishment.

Pete Rose bet on baseball. This fact is not in doubt. Pete Rose deserved to be punished. Banned forever? Perhaps. Denied entry into the Hall of Fame? Not a chance. Vincent's attempt to distance himself from this is disgusting. Of all those involved with the Rose investigation, Vincent and prosecutor John Dowd have retained an arrogant posture towards Rose. Their view seems to be, "He bet on baseball, he's banned for life, tough." Fair enough. Except that these two conspired to keep the names of UMPIRES who were gambling secret during the exact same time frame!!!

On March 8, 2002, several news outlets reported that Vincent had 'secretly' placed umpires Rich Garcia and Frank Pulli on probation in 1989 (the same year as the Rose scandal) for gambling. Vincent's 'defense' is that 'there was no evidence the umpires bet on baseball.' That sounds good but it evades the bigger issue - gamblers and bookies. The fear is that an indebted gambler will throw a game or fix the outcome to pay off his debts. Does not a home plate umpire have a MUCH GREATER effect on the outcome of a game than a manager (none of Rose's gambling occurred when he was a player - at least from the investigation's standpoint)? Vincent's hypocrisy on this issue renders his verdict meaningless and indicates he clearly still has 'it' in for Rose.

Vincent even engaged in some libelous hearsay in the book by claiming that USA Today writer Hal Bodley had told him Rose had gambled on baseball as a player back in the 70s. Hmm. Vincent, of course, didn't bother to mention that he had absolutely no evidence for that, however.

I think Vincent is worried about being famous. Face it, if Rose is ever elected to the HOF, the only long-lasting claim to fame that Vincent has is gone. He'll be remembered as the guy who went overboard - even to the point of denying the guy a place on the Hall ballot - to ensure his legacy. The first time I ever heard of Fay Vincent was the night after Rose was banned when I read that morning's USA Today. Vincent wanted NO NEGOTIATION on when the lifetime ban could be overturned. Here's a man who has shown hypocrisy in his dealings between gamblers and doesn't even offer a chance at redemption (never mind his inane view that drugs are somehow different - look at the steroid scandal and get back to me).

The book has its highs and its lows. I do recommend a read but check out many of Vincent's claims that do not withstand scrutiny.

Fay Vincent was a good head of Paramount and Coca-Cola; he was mediocre as a commissioner.

Marvelous.......2003-09-27

Fay Vincent calls his book his "valentine to baseball" and it's not too far off from the truth. He has divided each chapter into their own "half innings," the "top half" being about a particular topic, and the "bottom half" being various lists. In between, his stories and opinions I found to be quite entertaining and even in some cases thought-provoking. Whether it's relaying old baseball anecdotes involving Hall of Famers like Yogi Berra, Ted Williams & Joe DiMaggio, or old Negro League ballplayers he got to know during his stint as Commissioner, or stories about his friendship with both George Bush and his son (a one time Texas Rangers owner), or more serious topics like the suspension of Pete Rose, his time and friendship with Bart Giamatti (the commissioner he succeeded in office after Giamatti's death), or his experiences at the earthquake-marred 1989 World Series, the reader is certainly never bored. I especially found his story about this fascinating, as I was among the crowd at that game 3 some thirteen years ago now. I never realized how much Isaiah Nelson, a SF cop on duty at the game helped to orchestrate the orderly evacuation of the park.

After reading his thoughts on Rose, I as well as another reviewer have come to change my mind about whether Rose should be re admitted to the game (although as of this review, pressure to reinstate Rose in some capacity seems to be growing). I also agreed with him about Steve Howe, whose continued readmittance to baseball after several drug convictions in my humble opinion marred the game. When Vincent resigned as commissioner of baseball in 1992, I felt the game has been deprived of a leader, even if I sometimes disagreed with his decisions. I wouldn't call this book a "great masterpiece," but I'm glad I ignored a couple of negative reviews I've seen of it. This book is an enjoyable read and makes me wonder how different today's game might have been if Vincent had been allowed to at least finish out his term as commissioner, much less be commissioner today.

Anecdotes abound.......2003-02-13

The anecdotes of old time baseball are worth the price off the book alone. Vincent's tales of meeting with Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio are priceless. The splitting of chapters into topics and lists were fun. Each chapter offered something new, a virtual learning experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to any real baseball fan. It shed a new light on his commissionership in my opinion and, in the true test of writing, actually changed my mind about Pete Rose and his inclusion into the Hall of Fame. I always thought Pete should be admitted, but after reading Vincent's words, I have changed my mind.

Book Description

This new book catalogues some 215 prominent film directors from both countries, giving accurate bio-filmographies and providing an in-depth reference source. Full attention is given to the propaganda cinema under dictators Franco and Salazar, to film-makers who left to work abroad--especially in Latin America--and to those filming in the regional languages (mainly Basque and Catalan). There is coverage not only of internationally well-known figures Almodovar, Bunuel, Oliveira, and Saura, but also across the complete range of feature, documentary, and animation film-making: early pioneers Segundo de Chomon, Catalans Jose Maria Codina, Fructuoso Gelabert, and Magi Muria, and Portuguese Aurelio da Paz dos Reis; experimentalists and avant-garde figures such as Lorenzo Llobet-Gracia, Jose Val del Omar, and Nemesio Sobrevila and documentarist Antonio Campos; animators Cruz Delgado, Francisco Macian, and Arturo Moreno (who worked on the first full-length animated film in Europe, Garbancito de la Mancha, in 1945). Each entry gives information on the film-maker's career (date and place of birth, educational qualifications, work experience, positions held), together with a list of films made, with dates of production. There are three indexes: Country Index, Film Title Index, and General Index. The index of film titles lists over 3,000 entries, including the original languages and their English language and aka equivalents.

Directory of Spanish and Portuguese Film-Makers an

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Directory of Spanish and Portuguese Film-Makers an
Rafael De (Edt) Espana
Manufacturer: Greenwood Pub Group 01/1//1995
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N5Q19Q

Product Description

This handy guide has been expanded and adapted to cover all facets of music to meet the changing needs of today's musician. All of the latest musical terms, musical instruments, and performers have been added to this edition.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent portable resource.......2006-08-13

While a pocket dictionary of this sort will never place The Harvard Dictionary of Music, it is the best portable music dictionary that I have found. I recommend it to my private students as something that should accompany them to the practice room.

Pocket Manual of Musical Terms by Baker et al........2003-07-21

Overall, this is a good work. It defines many important terms
in simple english. The work will serve anyone learning a
piece of music for the first time while struggling through
new terms and precise terminology set forth in musical score-
particularly classical music. Try on some of these terms for
size- aufgeweckt,assai,cornon etc. You can see why a
pocket-manual is a necessity. Professional students or those
pursuing a music degree will find this work most valuable.
Performers should utilize this book in official competitions
because judges review the score very carefully and apply
the composer's notations quite literally.

How to destroy a Classic.......2002-03-03

I have been in the field of music education for over 35 years, earning two Ph.D.s and an Ed.D. This wonderful dictionary, originally published as Dr. Theodore Baker's, "Pocket Manual of Musical Terms", (©1933 by Schirmer) was in use by most of my own piano instructors as a valuable tool for both students and teachers alike. And, the subsequent editions up to this one, were able to maintain that same high level of authorship without sacrificing what the book was used for, namely-- a quick "look-up" dictionary. However, Ms. Laura Kuhn, the "new" editor, has managed to destroy through her ignorance of classical music and political correctness, so many of the classical terms and has deleted a great many others using a method I am unable to fathom.
After teaching thousands of piano and music theory students in the private sector and in universities, I can no longer recommend what was a fine work. Please---do yourself a favour--at least purchase the Alfred Pocket Dictionary, small---but at least accurate---or find an older Baker edition (like the 4th edition) but don't waste your money on this !

An indispensible little gem.......2001-02-18

If you're looking for the perfect little music reference book, look no further. Not only does it define musical terms, it tells you how to pronounce them properly, too. Handy "Rules for Pronouncing German, French, and Italian" are found the Introduction, and each non-English musical term listed in the manual is followed by a phonetic pronunciation guide. A useful Comparative Table of Tempo Marks and basic music theory information (clefs, the circle of keys, etc.) are also found in the Introduction. As an added bonus, a surprisingly comprehensive Biographical List of Noteworthy Musicians (including dates) appears in the back. Whether you're looking for a small music dictionary to stash in your instrument case or a handy reference to keep on your desk, you can't go wrong with the Schirmer Pronouncing Pocket Manual of Musical Terms.

Shirmer Pronouncing Pocket Manual of Musical Terms

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Shirmer Pronouncing Pocket Manual of Musical Terms

Manufacturer: Amsco Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0825613108

Schirmer Pronouncing Pocket Manual of Musical Terms

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Schirmer Pronouncing Pocket Manual of Musical Terms
Theodore Baker
Manufacturer: Schirmer Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O95LMY

Customer Reviews:

Good, sound methodology.......2006-04-02

I read this book in one sitting and think that the methods Mr. Jenson brings are very sound, good advice. This book will be appreciated by anyone who wants to take the time to discover that there can be a way of approaching slot playing strategically and increase the odds of winning. With a good dose of player discipline, a player should be able to walk away with their winnings.

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Beat the Slots
Martin J. Silverthorne
Manufacturer: Silverthorne Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M4XVCS

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Don,t get scammed

Beat the Slots!

Manufacturer: Silverthorne Publcations
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1891283073

Customer Reviews:

Don,t get scammed.......2005-08-06

I have bought several publishings from this company. Each publishing is a endless circle of telling you to buy another one of there publishings. They offer a 100% garuntee and dont honor it. If you email them they might respond once and tell you that your refund was submitted to your credit card and it is your credit card companies fault you have not got your refund. Dont be scammed like me and many others. Never purchase any publishings by Martin J. Silverthorne.

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How to Beat Slot Machines
Steve Venture
Manufacturer: Tino Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MKT0EK

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How to Beat Slot Machines
Steve Venture
Manufacturer: Tino Publications International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UI1AVU

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How we beat the bandits
C. J McKenzie
Manufacturer: South West Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Lucky Slots: How to Beat the Casino Bandits

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Lucky Slots: How to Beat the Casino Bandits
Jack Kiely
Manufacturer: Sunnyside Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0934650144

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Beat the Slots

Manufacturer: CARDOZA PUBLISHING U
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GTC9NQ

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How to beat slot machines
Steve Venture
Manufacturer: World Amusement
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Lucky slots: How to beat the casino bandits
Jack Kieley
Manufacturer: Sunnyside Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

Praise for Structured Finance & Insurance

"More and more each year, the modern corporation must decide what risks to keep and what risks to shed to remain competitive and to maximize its value for the capital employed. Culp explains the theory and practice of risk transfer through either balance sheet mechanism such as structured finance, derivative transactions, or insurance. Equity is expensive and risk transfer is expensive. As understanding grows, and, as a result, costs continue to fall, ART will continue to replace equity as the means to cushion knowable risks. This book enhances our understanding of ART."
—Myron S. Scholes, Frank E. Buck Professor of Finance, Emeritus, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University

"A must-read for everyone offering structured finance as a business, and arguably even more valuable to any one expected to pay for such service."
—Norbert Johanning, Managing Director, DaimlerChrysler Financial Services

"Culp's latest book provides a comprehensive account of the most important financing and risk management innovations in both insurance and capital markets. And it does so by fitting these innovative solutions and products into a single, unified theory of financial markets that integrates the once largely separate disciplines of insurance and risk management with the current theory and practice of corporate finance."
—Don Chew, Editor, Journal of Applied Corporate Finance (a Morgan Stanley publication)

"This exciting book is a comprehensive read on alternative insurance solutions available to corporations. It focuses on the real benefits, economical and practical, of alternatives such as captives, rent-a-captive, and mutuals. An excellent introduction to the very complex field of alternative risk transfer (ART)."
—Paul Wöhrmann, PhD, Head of the Center of Excellence ART and member of theExecutive Management of Global Corporate in Europe, Zurich Financial Services

"Structured Finance and Insurance transcends Silos to reach the Enterprise Mountaintop. Culp superbly details integrated, captive, multiple triggers and capital market products, and provides the architectural blueprints for enterprise risk innovation."
—Paul Wagner, Director, Risk Management, AGL Resources Inc.

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