Book Description
William II, better known as William Rufus, was the third son of William the Conqueror and England's king for only 13 years (1087-1100) before he was mysteriously assassinated. In this vivid biography, here updated and reissued with a new preface, Frank Barlow reveals an unconventional, flamboyant William Rufus-a far more attractive and interesting monarch than previously believed. Weaving an intimate account of the life of the king into the wider history of Anglo-Norman government, Barlow shows how William confirmed royal power in England, restored the ducal rights in France, and consolidated the Norman conquest.
Customer Reviews:
remarkable detail on a rare subject.......2002-06-02
I was impressed with the amount of detail on William Rufus by Frank Barlow. He pieced together a time in English history that seems to be looked over by most historians. Barlow makes a strong analytical approach to dispelling public perception of William Rufus. He makes sure you understand that the remaining documentaton on William Rufus is so fragmented. And that that does remain is from one point of view, the Church which obvouisly does not favor William Rufus. Barlow points out William II was a more capable ruler than most give him credit for and this angle is enough to make this book a must read for those interested in Norman History and the English crown.
a look at a forgotten king.......2001-11-24
William Rufus (William the Red), second son of William the Conquer,took over England while his older brother's back was turned and ruled it for little over a decade before being killed in a strange hunting "accident" in the New Forest. That's about all the space he gets in history today, except the claims that he was a homosexual, an atheist, an all-round bad person and the less said the better. While this book takes pains to look at and question these charges,it is not the only subject that the author deals with in William's regin. Despite being a "wild and crazy guy" and running a court that looks like a frat house, William seems also to have been an able adminstor, a good diplomat and a strong enough miltary leader to keep his elder brother out of England and the Saxons quiet. I enjoied this book, one of the few on the subject and a serious study of it's subject. A good source on a rare subject.
Average customer rating:
- Who did kill William Rufus of England?
- Fealty vs. Honor in Medieval England!
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King of the Wood
Valerie Anand
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Historical
| British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 031202939X |
Customer Reviews:
Who did kill William Rufus of England?.......2007-10-21
Ralph de Aix is a younger son who strikes out from Normandy to England with hopes of better advancement in his talents as a huntsman and horseman. Eventually Ralph attracts the attention of William Rufus, King of England, and Ralph is willing to use that attraction to advance his prospects as a courtier. I do give the author credit for tactfully handling Rufus' unusual "activities" in the bedroom, and Ralph's mixed feelings about his relationship with Rufus and his relief when he is freed from it and able to return to more normal relationships with women.
Eventually William gives Ralph some land at Chenna's Tun in the New Forest, and he brings his young bride Sybil to live with him there. Ralph is quickly drawn in to his Saxon tenant's ancient worship in the forest, and William's ambitious younger brother uses his knowledge of Ralph's activities to force him into committing a heinous deed.
This is top rate, well written historical fiction. The author does take her time in building her characters, and things really didn't start cooking until about page 300 or so as Ralph realizes that Herne, the ancient God of the Wood has chosen the ultimate sacrifice to The King of The Wood. Some readers who need action packed excitement on every page might find some of this book a bit dull, but I loved every minute of it, especially involving "The King of the Wood" in the still mysterious death of William Rufus. Five stars.
Fealty vs. Honor in Medieval England!.......2002-09-20
This is the tale of Ralph de Aix of Normandy and of William Rufus-King of England. Ralph is a huntsman who desires knighthood and eventually lands of his own. He finds he cannot achieve his goal anytime soon in Normandy with his present lord and decides to look elsewhere for advancement. Advancement comes in the shape and guise of William Rufus, son of William the Bastard of Normandy. Ralph really cares about Rufus, on a genuine level of friendship, but is willing to do what it takes to succeed at court. Rufus, not known for normal "appetites" is attracted to Ralph and their strange relationship begins. Ralph endures Rufus in the hope of being granted lands after knighthood.
A run down Chenna's Tun is his "reward" for "services rendered." However, he tries to make a go of it and with current knowledge of the god Herne, becomes involved in the Saxon cult where he becomes a "lord" in his own right. There is much action and mystery involved in his life but not much money. He wants a wife and in time finds one who is, in the beginning, reluctant to leave her childhood home. As time goes on, things do not improve. Weather and health disasters are a never ending concern and many people hunt the "royal deer" in order not to starve. This brings about the most important role Ralph will ever play in his life, starring Rufus and Rufus' younger brother Count Henry, soon to become King Henry I of England.
Medieval life is brought realistically back to life as is a lessor known religious cult. Anand's style of writing keeps the reader emeshed in a life of intrigue, mystery, danger, and scandal, in the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries. Many of her novels are out-of-print but are well worth the search! They transport the reader back into time.
Book Description
This study examines the Norman settlement of Anglo-Saxon England that was begun before 1066 but which was made permanent by military conquest between 1066 and 1071. The Norman transformation of England was politically and militarily reliant upon a divided opposition for success, and was to a large extent confined to the upper strata of government and society. The impact of this colonizing venture, although deep, varied in intensity and the resultant state was the product of interaction between conquerors and conquered.
Average customer rating:
- Outstanding Historical Fiction
- WoW
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The Paladin
George Shipway
Manufacturer: Harcourt, Brace & Jovanovich
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0151707405 |
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding Historical Fiction.......2001-03-10
This is the second book I've ready of Mr Shipway's on this period. His attention to detail and historical backround accuracy are second-to-none. Although the characters may not always be liked, the reader cannot but help to empathize. Simply excellent historical fiction.
WoW.......1998-12-16
What a story. This book got me involved in my own search for the cause of William II's death
Book Description
Barry Bonds: Baseball's Superman is the biography of the game's first four-time Most Valuable Player. In 2001, Bonds broke the greatest record in sports -- the all-time single season home run record held over the years by Babe Ruth, Roger Maris and Mark McGwire -- and, arguably, had the greatest season in baseball history. There is no doubt that for most fans Barry Bonds is a man of mystery. A misunderstood superstar who has long engaged in a running feud with the media, Bonds broke new ground this past season, maturing into an elder statesman of baseball. Long considered the game's best player, Bonds' ascension to greatness has taken him into truly rarefied air. Now a free-agent, he will sign a blockbuster deal before the 2002 season. Whether he's dressed in his familiar Giants uniform or that of another baseball power, Bonds will continue to receive front-page treatment for the balance of his career. The greatest athlete in the world right now, he embarks on milestones -- 3,000 career hits, 755 homers, a World Championship -- that may elevate him to the title Greatest Baseball Player of All Time. Author Steven Travers' book documents the superstar's 2001 campaign as Bonds defied the very bounds of conventional logic and perfected the art of long-ball hitting. Travers also describes Bonds' childhood in Riverside, California, the hometown of his father, Bobby; his successful high school career in the Bay Area, and his All-American career at Arizona State. It will be a book that delves into the intensely private, proud mind and ego of a man who understands baseball history and his place in it.
Customer Reviews:
EXCELLENT.......2006-03-25
This one is interesting to read now that we know more about Bonds. It holds up well and is very well written. I loved it!
NOT what I expected.......2005-05-23
I am one of the few Barry Bonds fans around, so when I decided to find a book on him, I was disappointed to find that there were surprisingly few. Noticing that "Barry Bonds: Baseball's Superman" was purported to be in-depth, not just another glossy biography and had good reviews on Amazon.com, I decided to make the purchase. Now, after reading it and piecing a few things together, I must say that I am thoroughly let-down. A few observations:
1) The cover and title are cheesy. I know that the book's author may not have had any say in this, but using "Baseball's Superman" as a title makes it sound like a cover story for Sports Illustrated for Kids.
2) The book is not written well. It is very choppy and author Steven Travers has a tendency to ramble off-topic for pages on end.
3) Not that I'm some avatar of morality, but what's the deal with all the sexual references? [...]
4) There are contradictions sprinkled throughout the book. For instance, on page 36, Travers quotes Bonds as saying: "My father and I were never really close when I was growing up." Then, just five pages later, he quotes Bonds as saying: "My father and I have always been very close." Sure, Bonds is the one contradicting himself, but Travers never points this out, just one example of the multiple occasions where I almost laughed out loud at the book's inconsistencies.
5) How many times are we to hear that Travers played pro ball? Big deal, you struck out 15 guys in a minor league game. There are minor-leaguers who have hit 60 homers, thrown perfect games, etc. and they are nobodies. I do not mean this as a slight, just a point that we do not need to hear incessantly about things such as "Stan Javier played with me" or how you sat in Randy Johnson's recliner, or how an interview subject calls you "Trav." The book is about Barry Bonds, not Steven Travers.
[...]
The bottom line is that Travers squandered a golden opportunity. Rolling the dice early in 2001 that Bonds would break the home run record, getting permission to do a book, and then seeing him acutally do it is akin to hitting the lottery for a sports journalist. Unfortunately, the finished product seems hastily thrown together, poorly edited, and foolishly out-of-bounds in many areas. Too often we hear about sexual hijinks that have nothing to do with Bonds, and we also get Travers's opinions on a multitude of subjects that I don't care to know his thoughts on. The fact that I'd never even heard of this book should have been enough of a red flag, but it wasn't, and therefore I got what I deserved. This book isn't terrible, but it also is not good, and therefore I would not recommend it. Fans of Barry Bonds should just wait until a comprehensive biography comes out on him when his playing days are over.
Steven Travers writes with a unique insight.......2004-10-28
With the multitude of books written regarding the sport of baseball, Steven Travers writes with a unique insight into not only the sport, but the day to day lives of Bonds and his peers. As a former professional baseball player, Travers touches on the subject matter with a unique insight and perspective. Additionally, Travers attended and graduated from USC during the time Bonds played at Arizona State (Pac-10). As such, Travers is not only a writer, but a fan. Travers not only documents Bond's achievement of becoming baseball's all-time single season homerun champion, but he touches on Bond's trials and tribulations with his peers and the media. Ultimately, the reader soon realizes that Travers was able to do what many has tried and failed at; that is, he was able to garner the respect and support of Bonds in the ability to tell his amazing story to the whole world. As a former Pac-10 pitcher at USC who battled Bonds on many occasions, I found Traver's insight very refreshing and commendable. I found the book a very easy read that kept me entertained throughout.
'
Steven Travers on Barry Bonds.......2004-08-05
I have lived overseas for many years but was an avid Giants fan in the 60's & 70's. Steven Travers' book on Barry Bonds was a welcome gift. I had read various news articles about the "controversial" Bonds and feel that Travers' book puts things right. I especially enjoyed the insights into the life styles of high powered sports figures. The build-up to Bonds' record setting home run season was handled in an excellent manner. This book is a great read for any baseball fan.
The Best of Bonds.......2004-07-22
This insightful, well-written book is a must-read for the sports fan interested in a personal, inside view of the multi-faceted personality of the immensely talented Barry Bonds.
Bonds has provided few people with the access and insight he provided Steve Travers, the author. History will prove it to be the definitive work on one of baseball's greatest players.
Frank McCormack
Customer Reviews:
Betty Boop and Bosco.......2007-09-18
Do you feel a fondness in your heart for old black and white cartoons? Do you know that the original Tom and Jerry were not a cat and a mouse but two loopy guys? If you can answer yes to those questions you will like this book which was originally published way back then.
It's actually full of good information that is still relevant today. I own a number of animation how-to-do-it books and one thing about this book is that all its numerous illustrations are unique and different from any other book. And it covers a few things that I've never seen covered in any other book - like exactly how to draw all the frames for the smoke coming from the tailpipe of an old jalopy. The emphasis of this book is different from modern books and the tone is more bright-eyed and awestruck. It's refreshing to read something written at the very beginning of animation when it was still viewed with amazement.
If watching Betty Boop fills you with warm nostalgia then I think this book will do the same for you.
Historical interest only!!!.......2002-02-08
Some clarification is needed here - this book is a reprint of a book from 1920, and although you might glean some tips on how to animate that are still relevant, this is NOT the book to buy if you're looking to learn the craft - it has been reprinted purely for historical interest. There's nothing here that is not outdated or superseded. If you want to learn animation, the books you really need are Tony White's 'Animator's Workbook', and Richard Williams's 'Animator's Survival Kit'. That said, if you're already a clued-up animator, or interested in the history of the craft, this is a fascinating book, representing as it does the state of the art just a few years before Disney appeared on the scene and set new standards. Historically - wonderful. Instructionally - look elsewhere.
A book that made history..........2001-10-15
Maybe I will not read every word of this book, but just knowing it is on my shelf makes me give it 5 stars, being a landmark in the history of animation, also being the book Walt started out with...
For animators then, it was comparable to, what Frank & Ollie's 'The Illusion of Life' is now (if you are looking for THE book on animation, start here), or Preston Blair's book (when there only was one) when I started in animation in the 70's...
As an animation art teacher I'll use this for my students........1998-05-26
This book is the best place to start actually making animation. Equipment construction is explained well enough to start a professional studio. Techniques are clearly described and perfect for students of the art. Extras are the theory of what is funny and why, but mostly, the uses animation may serve in education. Many great old illustrations of walks pepper this volume. If you like to draw in ink, this book is for you.
Average customer rating:
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Four Burns Songs: Op. 92
Manufacturer: Faber & Faber
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0571505473 |
Average customer rating:
- Overpriced, even for new off the shelf!
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Warhammer 40,000 Tau Empire
Codex
Manufacturer: Games Workshop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Role Playing & Fantasy
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
| Changeling
| Dungeons & Dragons
| General
| Mage
| Military Strategy Games
| Strategy
| Vampire
| Werewolf
ASIN: 1841547123 |
Customer Reviews:
Overpriced, even for new off the shelf!.......2007-04-23
This is a $20 U.S.D book from Gamesworkshop. Great information needed to play the game and background on the Tau Empire. But if you really need this book and cannot find it on amazon for $20 or less, I suggest you google gamesworkshop and go directly to their website. I would suggest you buy a used one for hopefully cheaper.
Book Description
People responsible for managing projects are busy. And their jobs are made more difficult by time pressures, project complexity, and a lack of resources. Their ability to execute a project efficiently and well, especially in unexpected or new situations, is compromised. But it needn't be.
The Project Management Tool Kit presents proven project management techniques in an accessible, easy-to-apply format. Based on the approaches used by successful project managers in many fields, the Tool Kit offers step-by-step methodologies for managing every conceivable project step. Professionals at all levels will get the latest on:
* cost estimating and budgeting * communications and technology * goals for individuals and project teams * negotiation and decision making * establishing and retaining management support * implementing change and process improvement * quality assurance and control * risk assessment and management * scheduling and time management * and more -- 100 subject areas in all!
Complete with checklists and other tools for quick implementation, here is a practical and complete guide to mastering any project challenge.
Customer Reviews:
Essential.......2006-02-07
As the other reviews reflect, this is an absolutely essential addition to the PMBOK. My only complaint is it should be 200 Tips. I long ago templatized the PMBOK inputs and outputs; mostly in Excel, but when it comes to refinement and implementation I refresh from this book. It's about the perfect level of cookbook - not another 'how to', but a very good condensation of essential points.
I don't have time to re-invent, and feel like my time is better spent dealing with project issues than with project management process. This gives me warm and fuzzies that I've done the process right, and if I've missed something a good quick quide on how to fix it.
A Reference Book, Not Tool Kit.......2005-09-12
This is a reference book based on PMBOK, with very concise summaries of project management processes. For example, the Project Charter is covered in two pages. It is not for novice project leaders as the book states. There are no examples or templates to show you how you can prepare your documents.
A great reference work.......2004-05-06
This is a very useful reference work which delivers exactly what it promises: every tool in the project manager's toolkit is defined concisely and precisely. It was easy to find concepts and techniques which I could apply to current projects. The ability to cross-reference related tools and subject areas is particularly helpful. Perhaps most valuable for the experienced project manager are the detailed checklists which highlight issues to be considered and tasks to be performed when applying each tool.
good practical techniques that really work.......2004-03-27
This book provides a great overview on proven techniques and approaches that really work. This is exactly what project managers are looking for after reading the PMBOK®! It shows the "how to ..." which is missing in the PMBOK®. The tools are easy to grasp, and the approach goes far beyond the pure technical and methodological stuff to the human side--which is the essential part in most projects
Quick and Concise........2004-03-19
Excellent reference tool! Having practiced PM for over 20 years I know that, due to projects' unique elements, no project manager uses all their skills and tools all the time. This book is great to have to go to for a quick, easy to get to, no-nonsense refresher for those skills that may be a little rusty.
Books:
- Young Elizabeth: The First Twenty-Five Years
- A Celebration of Empire: A Centenary Souvenir of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, 1837-1897
- A Right Royal Bastard
- A Wee Guide to Robert the Bruce (WEE Guides)
- Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge: Steadfast Son of King George Iii, 1774-1850 (Studies in British History, V. 71)
- Aesthetics and Politics (Radical Thinkers)
- Alfred: The Boy Who Would Be King
- Beatrix: From Royal Court to Cookstove
- Becoming a Fundraiser: The Principles and Practice of Library Development
- Beloved & Darling Child. Last Letters between Queen Victoria and her Eldest Daughter 1886-1901
Books Index
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- How to Prepare for the AP Physics B
- King Of Fish: The Thousand-Year Run Of Salmon
- Jean-Louis Levesque: a biography
- Introduction to the General Theory of Cultural Genetics
- Manual and Atlas of the Penicillia
Henry I (The English Monarchs Series)
King John (English Monarchs)
Edward I (The English Monarchs Series)
Henry II (English Monarchs)
Yale English Monarchs - Richard I (The English Monarchs Series)
