Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd: The inventories of the Wardrobe of Robes prepared in July 1600, edited from Stowe MS 557 in the British Library, MS LR 2/121 in the Public Record Office, London, and MS V.b.72 in the Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington DC

Customer Reviews:

The recipient loved it.......2004-10-22

I bought this as a gift for a friend who helped a great deal with my wedding, advising me of dress styles, hair styles, fashion from this era, dances, music, food, and everything in between, as well as arranging all the flowers for the wedding! She was a godsend! When I gave her the book, her jaw dropped and she was so excited to get it... she said she had been wanting it forever. As I consider her quite knowledgeable about the subject matter of this book, and as it came highly recommended by her, I would say that it's a great book to have if this is something you are interested in as a serious hobby or more.

The best place to start for Elizabethan Costuming.......2003-04-10

This is one of the best books ever written on the subject of Elizabethan Costuming. It mainly contains all of the details of Queen Elizabeth I wardrobe but it has unique points in the society that surrounded the dresses. This book helps to explain the Gloriana image that became so popular and it helps us to understand all the little details that went into the dress of the period. Detailing costumes using portraits and explaining how the fashion progressed makes this book a must for anyone interested in Renaissance Faires and the nobility. The only drawback is that very very few of the portraits and pictures are in color. I think a total of about 7 are in color the rest is in black and white. The only way to make this book more appealing and usable would be to put all of the portraits and pictures in color, but that would make the book even more expensive. After this must have book the 2nd on the shelf should be a J. Hunniset book (the lady who did all the costuming for Elizabeth R and The Six Wives of Henry the VIII produced by BBC). Next, any Janet Arnold book. Last, would be the Norris book: Tudor Costuming and Fashion (although most of this book is very outdated it is nice to look at). All of these are must haves and will make a well rounded library. Dispite the high price of the book it is worth posessing. Enjoy.

Such An Amazing Resource!.......2002-02-12

For the historical costumer focused on 16th century clothing, this is the "bible" hands down. Big, expensive, and filled with the usual detail that is the hallmark of Janet Arnold, this is one very worthwhile investment for the serious costumer. This book has one tiny drawback, in that it focuses entirely on women's fashion in the 16th century as viewed through the wardrobe accounts of Queen Elizabeth I and some of her contemporaries. Therefore, it has nothing to say on the topic of men's clothing, which is an unfortunately neglected aspect of 16th century research.

Much of Janet Arnold's most important contributions to the costuming community are addressed in this book, making it extremely valuable. She presents each section with satisfying detail, raising very few questions that remain unanswered. The photographs accompanying the text are also invaluable, as many of them are not available in other books or to the general public for viewing. If only there were more color images...

If you can afford the book, you won't regret buying it.

Really great book but....there are a few issues.......2001-08-06

For years I heard how this was _the_ book to buy if you were into Elizabethan costuming and wanted authentic items that could be documented. The book is good for that, and I enjoyed the style that Ms.Arnold wrote it in.

But I have two major gripes with the book-both regarding the quality of graphics and images in it.

First off-in the whole book there are only about 5 pages in color. The rest of it-including hundreds of portraits, examples of extant clothing pieces and pieces of embroidery were all in black and white. I complain about that because, with so many of the portraits quoted as examples it would help if they could be seen clearly. (Many of them are too dark to have reproduced well, and a few are quite horrible.) And the photographs....

If they could reprint this book and possibly include more color plates it would be a much much more valuable resource. As it stands now, it is a good source, but not all that I could have hoped for. Instead I have begun a search for color reproductions of the portraits cited in the book. A long tedious job but one that I think over all will make it a much more solid resource for my needs.

The Best source for the Wardrobe of Elizabeth 1st.......2000-05-13

This book is amazing. Huge, and packed full of information. An essential refernce work if you are seriously considering doing anything with elizabethan fashion. The author has poured years of scholarship into this work and it shows. It's not really a coffee table picture book. Instead it is full of carefully culled facts for the serious student or anybody curious about 'real' English Tudor costume.

Average customer rating:

quite an insight
Mostly historical rubbish.
Historical Read
Much better than anticipated
Don't let the 116 reviews be the reason you buy this book

The Life of Elizabeth I
Alison Weir
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345425502
Release Date: 1999-10-05

Amazon.com

The long life and powerful personality of England's beloved Virgin Queen have eternal appeal, and popular historian Alison Weir depicts both with panache. She's especially good at evoking the physical texture of Tudor England: the elaborate royal gowns (actually an intricate assembly of separate fabric panels buttoned together over linen shifts), the luxurious but unhygienic palaces (Elizabeth got the only "close stool"; most members of her retinue relieved themselves in the courtyards), the huge meals heavily seasoned to disguise the taste of spoiled meat. Against this earthy backdrop, Elizabeth's intelligence and formidable political skills stand in vivid relief. She may have been autocratic, devious, even deceptive, but these traits were required to perform a 45-year tightrope walk between the two great powers of Europe, France and Spain. Both countries were eager to bring small, weak England under their sway and to safely marry off its inconveniently independent queen. Weir emphasizes Elizabeth's precarious position as a ruling woman in a man's world, suggesting plausibly that the single life was personally appealing as well as politically expedient for someone who had seen many ambitious ladies--including her own mother--ruined and even executed for just the appearance of sexual indiscretions. The author's evaluations of such key figures in Elizabeth's reign as the Earl of Leicester (arguably the only man she ever loved) and William Cecil (her most trusted adviser) are equally cogent and respectful of psychological complexity. Weir does a fine job of retelling this always-popular story for a new generation. --Wendy Smith

Book Description

Perhaps the most influential sovereign England has ever known, Queen Elizabeth I remained an extremely private person throughout her reign, keeping her own counsel and sharing secrets with no one--not even her closest, most trusted advisers. Now, in this brilliantly researched, fascinating new book, acclaimed biographer Alison Weir shares provocative new interpretations and fresh insights on this enigmatic figure.

Against a lavish backdrop of pageantry and passion, intrigue and war, Weir dispels the myths surrounding Elizabeth I and examines the contradictions of her character. Elizabeth I loved the Earl of Leicester, but did she conspire to murder his wife? She called herself the Virgin Queen, but how chaste was she through dozens of liaisons? She never married--was her choice to remain single tied to the chilling fate of her mother, Anne Boleyn? An enthralling epic that is also an amazingly intimate portrait, The Life of Elizabeth I is a mesmerizing, stunning reading experience.

Customer Reviews:

quite an insight.......2007-08-31

I have read many books on the lives of the Tudors. This one is so realistic, it is like she was writing about the present instead of 500 years ago. It is a fascinating book

Mostly historical rubbish........2007-08-16

This is a sweet attempt to tell a somewhat romantic story of Elizabeth 1. For those interested in English history they might want to read 'Character's of the Reformation' by Hillaire Belloc. This English historian deals with the political side of the Tudor monarchy and the men who actually gave Elizabeth her marching orders and who ran the government during her reign.

Historical Read.......2007-04-04

I am an Elizabethan freak so it takes a lot for me to really get into a book about the period and not nit pick it. This book follows Elizabeth across her life. I didn't think it offered much of a new perspective or new data however. It was a pretty standard biography of her (I've read about 10), but Alison Weir is a good writer which makes it enjoyable. If you are looking for new facts or a more thought provoking read, I would suggest David Starkey's Elizabeth. It explores her youth more and discusses many of the possible theories of a pregnancy, dispells tower gossip stories based on scientifc records from the time period, and is also an enjoyable read. So if you want something a little mindless and entertaining, or if you are new to this field of study, this is a good book. If you're a little more seasoned, I would choose the Starkey book and if you can afford both, I would suggest that so you can compare and contrast.

Much better than anticipated.......2007-03-14

I had heard several negative reviews in regards to Alison Weir and her "take" on history regarding Elizabeth I from friends. As a historical actress at our local renaissance faire for many years, I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. Ms Weir does state that some of the events are historical while others had to be imaginative at times so I dont feel this book misrepresents anything at all. The accuracies are fraught with historical proof therefore the uncertainties don't really matter. Sadly there arent any valid historical documents from Elizabeth's personal journals to compare with, so assumption on what she thought, how she felt or what influenced her at times is perfectly acceptable based upon common knowledge of Elizabeth's upbringing.
I personally own now 4 of Ms Weir's books and have yet to find one I haven't enjoyed. Highly recommend it though it is a bit long and you dont want to put it down.

Don't let the 116 reviews be the reason you buy this book.......2007-02-01

I am reading this book after having read several others on the tudors. If you are interested in a very opinionated and dry take on the life of Elizabeth I--then this book is for you.

Lots of Weir's opinions but the content isn't any different than anything Ive read already.

Average customer rating:

very disappointing
Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Touching Story

Over a Thousand Hills I Walk With You
Hanna Jansen , and Elizabeth D. Crawford
Manufacturer: Carolrhoda Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1575059274

Customer Reviews:

very disappointing.......2007-09-28

In all honesty, I was rather disappointed with this one. The story is that of Jeanne, a survivor of the mass genocide in Rwanda in 1994. Now living with a foster family in Germany, Jeanne told her story to her new mother, who in turn put the words on paper. It's not that the story itself isn't good, because it is...what that poor child went through is inconceivable to most. I was interested in the story line, but the way it was narrated bothered me.

First of all, at the start of every chapter, the foster mother/author, Hanna Jansen writes a page or two. Usually some sort of anecdote, or a story of some sort. Which is all fine and good, but lady, I didn't buy the book to read what you think. Were you in Rwanda running for your life? Didn't think so. So shush and let the girl tell her story. It frustrated me.

My second complaint is the overall language used in the book. There's no way that those words came out of a teenagers mouth. Sorry, but it feels to me like Jansen edited and embellished where she saw fit. Maybe something got lost in the translation and its not Jansen's fault at all, I don't know. Regardless, it irriated me.

The book has so much potential. I was so excited to read it when I picked it up, but seriously folks, it was a disappointing one.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-02-12

OVER A THOUSAND HILLS I WALK WITH YOU is the horrifying novel that is based on a true story about the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This was a subject that I didn't know too much about until I read this book, which made me realize how horrible events such as this one are still happening in today's society. How we could let this happen is beyond me.

The book is written by the adoptive mother of Jeanne to tell the story that is often called the modern day Holocaust. As with the original Holocaust, many children were left to fight for themselves and try and find a new way to survive. Jeanne's family is killed and she is left to fend for herself, and the book is about how she achieves that.

When you read this book you aren't on the basic level of thinking. You are much beyond that. The imagery in this book is not good, because in no way do you want this to happen to anyone, but at the same time it's very real. I felt as if I were standing the fields and forests and homes of these people and was surrounded by people fighting for their lives.

Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

Touching Story.......2006-08-02

Hanna Jansen's OVER A THOUSAND HILLS I WALK WITH YOU is a touching tribute to her adopted daughter who was orphaned in the Rwandan war. Based on her daughter's recollections of her childhood--memories both pleasant and bittersweet--Jansen weaves a tale of sorrow, hope, fear, joy, and love. For example, the early chapters of the book feature a young girl living life large. She is visiting her grandmother. She's playing with her cousins. She's fighting with her sister and brother. Her mom works outside the home, her dad is away a lot...and she has an incredibly whiny sister that she struggles with on a daily basis. She's vibrant and unaware that her world would change in just a few short years. Later chapters reveal the pain, the loss, the confusion, the fear of not knowing if one is going to survive another day. Witnessing such atrocities as seeing your parents and siblings killed by strange soldiers. Seeking help from family friends, yet being turned away because they don't want to risk dying too. Her survival story is inspiring.

The story is beautifully told, Jansen has done a great job here. Her book is definitely worth reading.

To the Last Salute: Memories of an Austrian U-Boat Commander

Average customer rating:

U-boats and insights into the geopolitical situation of Austro-Hungary in WWI.
An engaging and moving memoir of life in the Austrian Navy
Interesting History of the True Life "Captain" from the 'Sound of Music'.
Finally!
Excellent to see in an english translation

To the Last Salute: Memories of an Austrian U-Boat Commander
Georg von Trapp
Manufacturer: University of Nebraska Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0803246676

Book Description

The Sound of Music endeared Georg von Trapp (1880–1947) and his singing family to the world, and it also showed us how desperately the Nazis wanted Captain von Trapp for their navy. In To the Last Salute we learn why. Trapp’s own story of his exploits as a submarine commander during the First World War is as exciting as it is instructive, bringing to stirring life a little-known chapter in the naval history of that war.

In his many guises Trapp describes life as captain of Austro-Hungarian U-boats in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas, emerging by turn as the Imperial Austrian naval officer, the witty observer of international politics, and the indefatigable and ultimately heartbroken patriot opposing the Allied enemy. He relates deadly duels with submarine sweepers, narrow escapes and excruciatingly close calls, and the spectacular sinking of cargo and war ships—all the while maintaining a keen sense of the camaraderie of seamen from every corner of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A picture of a lost time, a portrait of a remarkable character, a window on early submarine warfare: Trapp’s story, in English for the first time, offers a rare combination of human interest, historical insight, and true life-and-death adventure.

Customer Reviews:

U-boats and insights into the geopolitical situation of Austro-Hungary in WWI. .......2007-10-09

This is reasonably light read broken into bite-size chapters covering a variety of experiences surrounding the author's service as a WWI Austrian U-boat captain, the boat technologies of the time and the everyday impact of the politics as Austria's empire unraveled. Austria's relationship with it's wealthy and larger German ally is seen from another perspective as well as the polyglot nature of the many ethnic groups belonging to and participating in the Austrian war effort. A fine military account from the man responsible for "The Sound of Music."

An engaging and moving memoir of life in the Austrian Navy.......2007-09-26

To the Last Salute is Georg Ritter von Trapp's memoir of commanding a U-boat in the Austrian Navy during World War I. While his style of writing does take some getting used to, von Trapp provides an engaging and suspenseful tale of life on a primitive submarine during an oft-neglected period of military history. The book also gives us an insight into von Trapp as a man, more insight than one finds in other books on the life of his famous family. His accounts of the horrors of war and the loss of his beloved navy at the end of the war are especially moving. For those interested in von Trapp, the Austrian Navy, World War I, and the history of submarine warfare, the book will be especially useful; anyone interested in the story of an intriguing, thoughtful, and courageous man will enjoy the chronicle of von Trapp's adventures as well.

Interesting History of the True Life "Captain" from the 'Sound of Music'........2007-08-22

Captain Georg von Trapp's Memoirs were published in Austria in German in the 1930's. One of his Grandaughters (an offspring of one of the real life von Trapp Family Singers)has translated her famous ancestor's work into English and now we can all see why the Evil Nazi's were so set on getting "The Captain" into their Navy when they took over Austria.

The work is very short and von Trapp has a matter of fact writing style similar to that of U.S. counterpart Gene Fluckey in his memoir of the USS Barb. Unlike Fluckey however von Trapp had to go to war in an antequated obsolete gasoline powered Austrian U-boat which was barely a step above the Turtle or the Hunley. A german U boat Captain told him upon going inside the ship that he "was lucky to be Alive". In addition he had to deal with a multinational crew that grew more restless as the war went on and their countries began to break away from the Hapsburg yoke.

The memoir is a good glimpse of a theatre of WWI which is barely mentioned, the Naval War in the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Very little has been written of the War at sea between the Austrian navy on one side and the Italians and the French on the other. Most I have seen have dealt with the Royal Navy in the Dardanelles.

The book also begins with some von Trapp Family background and reveals many interesting facts such as the Captain's first wife was English and many of 'the children' were a lot older than 'sixteen going on seventeen' when they escaped Austria. Sadly when the Captain died of lung cancer in 1947 it may have been related to all of the gas fumes he inhaled on the poorly ventilated u boat during the war.

Finally!.......2007-08-08

I've wished for this book to be translated into English for a very long time! It was worth the wait.

I've always wanted to know more about Captain von Trapp, in his own words and this book is as close as I am going to get. It did not disappoint as it provided a window to see the Captain, the man.

I could not help but believe this book was more a compilation from a journal he may have kept. I also could not help but believe, if not for his modesty, there was so much more he could have shared.

Perhaps, without realizing it, he showed us many sides, least of which were his tender and compassionate side. How many military captains do you know would allow a rescued kitten to live on board his submarine?

I gave this book five stars, not so much for literary greatess as for the enjoyment received from reading it and having a few more questions answered.

It should be enjoyed by all Sound of Music fans and I believe those interested in history will enjoy it as well. Even though I knew the outcome, I could not help but hold my breath as he told of daring escapades while captaining his u-boats. I found myself, while reading about his experiences, thinking of the movie, K-9, The Widowmaker.

My only complaint, it was only 188 pages log. :-(

Excellent to see in an english translation.......2007-06-27

I had known of this book for many years, and had even thought about seeing if a publisher would be willing to entertain a translation. It was wonderful to see a member of the family lead the effort and have a copy back in print and in english after too many years out of print. It is a wonderful story of a patriotic naval officer, of a now absent navy tell of his adventures as the most successful captain of the Austro-Hungarian Navy. His work with his crew (from all over the empire) dealing with bureaucratic officers, sinking ships in an old sub, that his German peers recommended not taking to sea (they thought it unseaworthy and an antique), and then further adventures in a French sub, sunk then raised to strike again against them is intersting. Those who have read Lowell Thomas' account, or Edwyn Gray's books on the German WW1 submarine service will find this a very different tale and one worth comparing to other efforts.
For those who wondered where the Captain in the von Trapp family singers came from this fills in a void covering elements of his older children and first wife. Through his first wife, he was related to the inventor of the modern torpedo, who had set up a factory in Austra-Hungary before WW1.
The book is well written and reads quickly, and tells the tale of a dedicated and talented patriot in an prior phase of his life, which was later known to the world in song and story.

Average customer rating:

After the Death of Henry VIII
By Slanderous Tongues
Okay, but starting to get ridiculous
excellent Elizabethan historical fantasy

By Slanderous Tongues
Mercedes Lackey , and Roberta Gellis
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1416521070

Book Description

Great Harry is dead, and England is ruled by a dour Protector for 10-year-old Edward VI¿-a Protector intent on keeping total control over the young king and no friend to Lady Elizabeth because of her brother¿s fondness for her. In the great lens and the dark pool that hold Visions for the FarSeers of the Bright Court and the Dark, the images change and waver. A pale, thin girl sometimes wears a crown and sometimes has no head; King Edward and his Court grow misty as he changes from boy to stripling. But the fires of Mary¿s reign still burn bright as they swallow writhing men, women, and children, and if she ever reigns the red-haired queen brings a burgeoning of art and joy. Elimination of that last possibility for England is Vidal Dhu¿s prime purpose, but he has been forbidden by King Oberon to attack Elizabeth. Though he may not attack her directly, still he hatches schemes within schemes. And if his plan to involve the young princess in a scandal that would render her unfit to rule in the opinion of the Proctor and his Council, he has more twisted plans to eliminate Elizabeth once and for all.

Customer Reviews:

After the Death of Henry VIII.......2007-06-04

By Slanderous Tongues (2007) is the third historical Fantasy in the Scepter'd Isle series, following Ill Met by Moonlight. In the previous volume, Henry VIII died and his death announcement was delayed for two days while Hertford arranged for Edward's crowning. Now Edward has become the King, but actual control lies with Hertford and the Regency Council.

Vidal Dhu learned that Elizabeth had been taken to an Unformed Land near the Unseleighe Lands and he attacked the party. Denoriel held off Vidal, but was losing Power when Oberon appeared and stopped the fighting. Elizabeth irritated Oberon by claiming Denoriel as her own, but Titania appeared and interrupted that conflict. Everybody fled while the Rulers of the sidhe settled their differences.

In this novel, as England mourns for their king, his children are uncertain without his presence. Ten year old Edward is now king and has been taken under the protection of his maternal uncle Edward Seymour, the Earl of Hertford. Mary is now an adult and has her own household. But no one seems to care about fourteen year old Elizabeth. Since her infancy, the King has directed her living arrangements. Now that Henry is gone, she wonders who will take charge of her life.

Her good friend Lord Denno -- Denoriel -- enlists the aid of the Dowager Queen to provide a place for Elizabeth. Catherine eagerly accepts the chance to do something meaningful and asks for permission from the Council to take the youngster into her household. The Council agrees and Catherine invites Elizabeth to live with her.

Denoriel has been Elizabeth's friend for a long time -- in mortal terms -- and is now having lascivious thoughts about her. Since he believes that she would never think of him in a lustful manner, Denoriel tries somewhat unsuccessfully to school his thoughts. Little does he know that Elizabeth is having the same problem about him.

Lady Alana -- Aleneil -- keeps watch over Elizabeth as one of her maids of honor. So does Blanche Parry, a mortal with some ability to sense magic. Both are necessary, because Prince Vidal Dhu of the Dark Sidhe still wants to kill Elizabeth. Even though Oberon has forbidden him, or any other Dark Sidhe, to directly attack the child, Vidal knows that Elizabeth's succession to the throne would lead to a wanting time for the Dark Court.

Rhoslyn -- half-sister to Denoriel and Aleneil -- performs a similar service for Vidal among Lady Mary's household. Yet Rhoslyn is becoming ever more dissatisfied with the Dark Court. Contrary to what she had been told, Rhoslyn has found that the energy that feeds the Bright Court can also sustain her. But she doubts that her brother Pasgen would leave the Dark Court with her, so she continues to follow Vidal's orders, if not quite as he would have preferred.

Pasgen discovers that the mists in one area of the Chaos Lands have developed sentience. Apparently the mists were awakened by Elizabeth's request for assistance and then provided a lion to attack her enemies. Now these mists are inhabited by vaguely humanoid shapes: one with red hair like Elizabeth and the other with gold hair like Denoriel. The mists welcome Pasgen and even solicit his return, but he is afraid of their potential.

Harry Fitzroy, the illegitimate son of Henry VIII, finds a calling in Underhill. The Sidhe domains of Alhambra and El Dorado have been cursed by the Spanish Inquisition and are now infested with the Great Evil and minor malignities. He has been enticing older Sidhe back from the Dreaming to fight against these malevolent forces.

In this story, Denoriel meets Thomas Seymour in Queen Catherine's home and notes that the man is very welcome there. Yet Thomas is a man of lusty desires and selfish concerns. He wants to marry either Elizabeth or Mary to gain political power. Mary has little use for him, but Elizabeth is too naive (and devoted to Catherine) to plainly state her objections to his unwelcome attentions.

Vidal nurtures various plots to increase hostilities in the British Isles and to remove Elizabeth from the succession. He urges the Scots to continue their raids across the border and to repel offers for political settlements. He also encourages the followers of the old religion to instigate slanders against Elizabeth.

Denoriel is kept busy defending himself from personal attacks and trying to protect Elizabeth from political ploys. Even Rhoslyn and Pasgen become involved in defending Elizabeth and Denoriel. Their efforts lead to Denoriel becoming less averse to peaceful relations with his Dark Court siblings.

This story continues the fantastic explanations of English history leading up to the Elizabethan Age. Of course, all the magical effects are hidden from history, but much happens beyond mortal kenning! This volume leaves plenty of unexplored history for sequels.

Highly recommended for Lackey and Gellis fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of magical adventures, Unseleighe plotting and Underhill romances.

-Arthur W. Jordin

By Slanderous Tongues.......2007-06-02

As ever, Mercedes Lackey always entertaining. This is a fun series and am looking forward to the next.

Okay, but starting to get ridiculous.......2007-02-12

I really liked this series when it started out, since I was fans of Lackey's Serrated Edge series and I also like historical fiction with twists. The Guardian Sidhe plot line combined with the era of the Tudors seemed like an excellent idea. However, sorry to say, the believability of the novels seem to have gone downhill since This Sceptr'd Isle. In Isle and in Ill Met By Moonlight, Denoriel and Aleniel are presented as trusted friends, protectors, and advisors. Denoriel, especially, is shown to be a father-figure to both Harry and Elizabeth. Makes sense, since he is after all, centuries older, wiser, and is possessed of the Sidhe's love for children.
Which is why I was shocked when Lackey and Gellis decided to present him as Elizabeth's lover, of all things. To me, this just doesn't work. It's absurd to have a man, or elf if you prefer, go from raising a child to suddenly seeing that same child as a potential love interest. Yes, I know Denoriel is unbelievably hot and sexy, but STILL. And the reasoning given, that in order to protect Elizabeth from being attracted to Thomas Seymour, she needs another lover to distract her, and Denoriel is conveniently available and can't get her pregnant, plus she has stirrings of puppy-love for him . . .no this is just ridiculous. They would have done better to go with the original historical line that Elizabeth disliked Thomas Seymour since she saw him only as a stepfather, with Denoriel protecting her the way a father or brother would have. The teenage Elizabeth, from all the biographies, was not the type to have casual affairs with men at ANY age, she valued her autonomy too greatly and she knew that once a man gets a woman in bed, back then it was seen as a powerplay, which was why she always avoided such things. Also she hated marriage because of the dangers it presented to a woman, witness her mother and Henry VIII, because it gave total control to the man. Saying she would never marry because she could have her Sidhe lover and thus never miss out on sex or have to worry about commitment doesn't fit the image of Elizabeth that I know. And what about Robert Dudley, Elizabeth's great unrequited love? He barely gets a mention, Elizabeth is so preoccupied with Denno. Unless they're going to bring him up in the next book and say that the reason Elizabeth was able to resist him for so many years was because she loved Denoriel. Spare me! All in all the whole Elizabeth-Denno affair seemed tawdry and cheap to me instead of tender and loving. It would have made better sense for him to have fallen in love with Elizabeth once she was queen and Dudley had married her cousin Lettice, then she would have been looking at him as a woman who has known love and loss, not as a starry-eyed adolescent. I felt it also diminished the very real danger Seymour's advances caused her reputation, since there was no chance she might respond to them and jeopardize herself, the way there was in actual history. It would have been better if there HAD been a chance, then the book would have had some tension and Denoriel would have been tested as to how he could protect his charge without revealing himself and the whole scene of questioning at the end would have been a lot more dramatic. Yes, i know this is alternative history, but I think Lackey did a much better job with her other series, alternate Venice in Shadow of the Lion and This Rough Magic.

excellent Elizabethan historical fantasy .......2007-02-07

The prophecy is clear that Princess Elizabeth will eventually sit on the throne bringing an enlightened period to the mortals. The fairy realm remains divided as it has for several years over the now fourteen year old offspring of the late King Henry VIII who is being hounded eternally by a gaggle of executed spouses. The dark Unseleighe Sidhe Prince Vidal Dhu believes that preventing Elizabeth's ascension will mean a return to their glorious Dark Ages filled with horror and misdeeds that fueled these malevolent elves.

However, to achieve his side's darkest objective of insuring Elizabeth's fall from grace, they must remove preferably by death her overly protective guardians, the traitorous Seleighe twin elves, Lord Denoriel and Lady Aleneil. Dhu assigns the elimination of the Princess' protectors to twins Rhoslyn and Pasgen; if anyone can get at Denoriel and Aleneil it is their Dark elven half-siblings. With them removed from the scene the prophecy will fail as Elizabeth will surely find a spouse or some way to alienate her half-siblings the recently crowned boy King Edward VI and the heir their older half sister Princess Mary.

The third Scepter'd Isle Elizabethan historical fantasy (see ILL MET BY MOONLIGHT and THIS SCEPTER'D ISLE) is an excellent blending of mid sixteenth century English royal history and a fantasy thriller. The stakes are high as the rival elven groups battle not only for their future but that of the humans. The key players from the mortal and paranormal realms seem genuine including the target Princess Elizabeth due to the mixing of real events and known facts of her young teen years into the story line. Fans will cherish this top quality collaboration between two distinguished authors from differing genres who prove that adding one and one can surpass two when greatness join forces.

Harriet Klausner

Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome?: A guide for friends and family

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Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome? : A Guide For Friends and Family
My son now knows he's not 'alone'
Great information to share
Great book for kids!
Great tool for Explaining AS!

Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome?: A guide for friends and family
Jude Welton
Manufacturer: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1843102064

Book Description

Meet Adam - a young boy with AS. Adam invites young readers to learn about AS from his perspective. In this book, Adam helps children understand the difficulties faced by a child with AS; he tells them what AS is, what it feels like to have AS and how they can help children with AS by understanding their differences and appreciating their many talents. This book is ideally suited for boys and girls between 7 and 15 years old and also serves as an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.

Customer Reviews:

Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome? : A Guide For Friends and Family.......2007-10-06

I was looking for a book to share with family and friends to help them understand the uniqueness of my son who struggles with Aspergers. I sent this book to my son's school and the teacher read it to the class to help them find out more about Aspergers and show that he is not much different from them. This is an excellent book. I recommend it highly. It's not a long book and is suitable for any age child.

My son now knows he's not 'alone'.......2007-10-04

I searched everywhere for a book like this. There are books about Aspergers for parents, teachers, etc. But I wanted a book for my 13 year old son. For the first time, my son realizes he's not 'weird', he's not 'odd'. He's not alone. We read through the book together and I've even seen him reading it alone. At 13, an age of transition, this book was exactly what he needed to understand and be proud of who he is.

Great information to share.......2007-09-03

This book was exactly what I hoped for. I will be using this book to share with all the fourth grade classes in my son's school this year. Its format is easy to read and understand. Because my son looks and acts so "normal", it is hard for the other kids in his school to understand that he does have some issues. I trust that this book, along with some q & a time with me, will make it clear enough to them.

Great book for kids!.......2007-08-26

Although this book is very short, my 9 yr old son loved it! Every time he read a page, he said "Hey, that's just like me!" This book gave him some ideas on how to explain AS to his peers and helped him feel like he is not the only person in the world with Asperger's. It also helped me realize some things about the way that he thinks that I did not know about. This book was interesting, yet simple enough for his 7 yr old sister to read. I would recommend this to anyone that has a grade school child with AS.

Great tool for Explaining AS!.......2007-07-25

I love this book. It was an incredibly useful tool when I spoke to my son's class about Asperger's. It is easy-to-read and simplifies this topic for kids to understand, but provides enough information as to be of help for adults. Best of all, the book stresses the incredible value of all individuals, but especially the unique strengths that Aspies possess. I've bought multiple copies to share with teachers, family, Scout leaders, etc. A valuable tool!!!

Designing Groupwork: Strategies for the Heterogeneous Classroom

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Defines True Groupwork
Groupwork that works!

Designing Groupwork: Strategies for the Heterogeneous Classroom
Elizabeth G. Cohen
Manufacturer: Teachers College Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0807733318

Customer Reviews:

Defines True Groupwork.......2005-05-08

Cohen writes a very informative book on defining and implementing true groupwork, as opposed to the types of group-work which teacher often use in the classroom. The basis behind her strategies are explained, and there are examples both in-text and in the appendix. The groupwork theories described in this book can be used for young children up through college students or adults. This book is simple to read and clearly explained, while at the same time being very helpful and informative.

Groupwork that works!.......2001-11-09

This book is a great tool for teachers at any grade level. Designing Groupwork gets at the heart of the challenges facing teachers who use groupwork in the classroom. If you are looking for groupwork strategies, perspective on group dynamics, and creative team building examples, this is the book for you! I have used this book in my own teaching practice and have noticed huge improvement in groupwork experiences. In addition, I have gained an awareness of the groupwork process and am able to better serve the needs of my students. Every teacher should own a copy of this book!

Are You My Type, Am I Yours? : Relationships Made Easy Through The Enneagram

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Light, entertaining and on the mark!
Funny, entertaining, yet very insightful
slim and a little lightweight
Simple, Fun Introduction to the Enneagram.
A fun and informative look at personality and relationships!

Are You My Type, Am I Yours? : Relationships Made Easy Through The Enneagram
Renee Baron , and Elizabeth Wagele
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 006251248X

Book Description

Don't just love 'em and leave 'em--explore the nine personality types and find the lover, soul mate, partner, or colleague who's your perfect match! The authors of the popular Enneagram Made Easy takes a wonderfully witty approach to relationships with this fascinating guide to the Enneagram types and how they relate to one another.

The Enneagram, a renowned personality typing system that is enjoying enormous popularity, explains why we behave the way we do, providing an important tool for self-discovery and insight. Are You My Type, Am I Yours? explores each of the nine types and how they interact in love, work, family, and friendships. Each chapter is filled with intriguing details, witty cartoons, simple personality tests, and examples of "famous couples" of each type to help discovery and appreciate your own type and those of the people you've involved with--or could be.

The 9 types of people

The Perfectionist Motivated by the need to live life the right way, improve yourself and others, and avoid anger.
The Helper Motivated by the need to be loved and appreciated and to express your positive feelings towards others.
The Achiever Motivated by the need to be productive, to achieve success, and to avoid failure.
The Romantic Motivated by the need to understand your feelings and to be understood to search for the meaning of life, and to avoid being ordinary.
The Observer Motivated by the need to know everything and understand the universe, to be self-sufficient and left alone, and to avoid not having the answer or looking foolish.
The Questioner Motivated by the need for security, to feel taken care of, or to confront your fears.
The Adventurer Motivated by the need to be happy and plan fun things, to contribute to the world, and to avoid suffering and pain.
The Asserter Motivated by the need to be self-reliant and strong, to make an impact on the world, and to avoid being weak.
The Peacemaker Motivated by the need to keep the peace, merge with others, and avoid conflict.

Customer Reviews:

Light, entertaining and on the mark!.......2006-09-26

This is a great little book. It's fun to read, has great cartoons and will make you laugh. Just as important, it contains concise summaries and accurate information according to Enneagram theory. It also has great tips for getting along with the different types in relationship.

Funny, entertaining, yet very insightful.......2006-01-17

I have studied the Enneagram for years and take it very seriously. This book is charming and delightful in it's very basic way of explaining types on a surface level. The cartoons capture the essence of the 9 types and make understanding the Enneagram fun and easy, even for the serious scholars! I love it! It will make you laugh and create an even deeper appreciation for the 9 types.

slim and a little lightweight.......2005-02-20

I wanted to like this book. I picked it up as a tool for exploring the chemistry between characters in my writing. I always identify their enneagrams during character development, and it seemed like this might inspire thought and lead to new depths of understanding the way they relate.

Unfortunately, this volume is a bit skimpy. The section on enneagram interrelations runs from pages 9 to 157, and it only gets that much because the book has a large typeface, utilizes bullet points and lots of cartoons. I enjoyed what they have, but it feels like a teaser for a more indepth book.

I'll be looking for that book.

Simple, Fun Introduction to the Enneagram........2003-01-25

Great introduction to the fascinating personality theory known as the Enneagram. I've been studying the Enneagram for four years now and I continue to be amazed at its accuracy and complexity. I know many people who are interested in it, too, and who claim to really want to know "What type am I?! Is that a good one to be?!" In the past, I've enthusiastically loaned out the more in-depth, advanced books by Don Riso and Helen Palmer, authors who address the weaknesses of each type as well as the strengths... only to have my friends come back with only part of the book read, turned off to the whole theory because it seems too complicated or talks about the "cons" of each type. "But I only want to see how cool I am," they whine. "If I wanted to hear criticisms of myself, I'd call my mother." Never mind that the whole point of personality books is to UNDERSTAND yourself and others, to learn to appreciate the strengths as well as to learn how to grow and to improve upon the weaknesses...but... (sigh).

So, partly out of my own selfishness to keep some friends into the theory, I checked out "Are You My Type....?" and I am so excited. The authors have done a fantastic job of providing a good, solid introduction to the theory and gently describing some of the, um, less appealing qualities that each of the types has. The cartoon illustrations throughout seem a bit too silly at first, but once you see them in context to the text, you can see that they really enhance the text. A sense of humor with the Enneagrams is nice, too, as it does get taken a bit too seriously sometimes.

I've loaned this book out as an introduction to the theory and have gotten a lot more people interested in the Enneagrams and in learning about themselves. A very good thing!

A fun and informative look at personality and relationships!.......2002-11-06

Although I am a long-time student of the Enneagram, I skipped past this book a number of times, mistakenly thinking that it would be yet another formulaic "How To Find Your Perfect Mate" book. Of course, I was quite wrong about that-- once again showing that there is SOMETHING to that old "Don't judge a book by it's cover" saying. Some day I'll learn.....

Baron & Wagele have put together a light-hearted and eminently readable book, introducing readers to the personality types with the Enneagram-- in the context of relationships and relating between the nine different types. The authors have also included a section on Myers-Briggs personality typing, comparing MB types with Enneagram types. Whereas this is intended to be a fun and informal look at type and relationships, the book offers lots of solid information for those interested in personality typing and understanding the people in their relationships. I suppose you COULD use this book is a helpful tool if you're on a quest to find your perfect partner, but I get the sense that's not really its purpose.

Each of the nine Enneagram types has its own chapter, which includes a brief description of that type; a section on each "subtype" (Self-preservation, relational, social); a brief coverage of Enneagram Wings; as well as examples of famous people and couples who fit that type. The bulk of each chapter is dedicated to paragraphs about what each of the OTHER types might think of the type described in the current chapter-- and I found these descrptions to be especially "on the money." Finally, the authors include their thoughts on "Things this type would NEVER do," and "How to get along with" each type. The book is illustrated throughout with Elizabeth Wagele's sometimes poignant, sometimes silly cartoon drawings.

Amazon.com

Comedian, actor, and director Billy Crystal's ode to his first grandchild will strike a chord with every expectant grandparent (and parents, too). Readers will feel the sweet anticipation building as Grandpa Crystal dreams about the baby's upcoming birth. While the writing is at times awkward, the sentiment behind the text is genuine and universal, " I want to feel your heart beat as you lie upon my chest, bait your hook, fly your kite, help you study for a test." The narrator envisions peekaboo, horsey, and visits to the beach with a red-haired tot--his love virtually bubbles over. Pastel illustrations (reminiscent of the dreamy, soft-focus drawings in pregnancy books) by Elizabeth Sayles show the rugged, gray-haired gramps beaming as he partakes of the imagined pleasures to come. Crystal concludes with another awkward yet heartfelt verse:

Your mom is my daughter, and your dad is his mom's son. You lived within your mommy, but now the time has come. Get ready, sweet little one-- Your life will be just great. I'm going to be your grandpa, and… I can hardly wait.

(All Ages) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

Based on the author's own experience, I Already Know I Love You describes the cavalcade of feelings that comes with being a grandfather for the very first time. Beginning with anticipating the new baby's arrival, this book celebrates all the moments, great and small, that a new grandpa is ready to share. Whether it's taking a nap together or rooting for the Yankees, this grandpa just can't wait. Lush and dreamy pastels complement the heartfelt text, and together they celebrate all the joy a brand-new baby brings to the world.

Customer Reviews:

1st time grandpa.......2007-09-27

beautiful and perfect. It captures all of the emotions of a father whose daughter is about to become a mom.

I Already Know I Love You.......2007-08-04

Billy Crystal touches the hearts of all grandparents-to-be, both male and female alike. I also gave it as a gift to my brother who was becoming a first-time grandpa. It is very special to read the book to your grandchild and to let them know how very loved they were before they were born and after too. It says it all!

Great book, wonderful pictures.......2007-03-06

This is a great book, I would recommend it to everyone. I love the soft written words and the art work is really sweet and touching!

My child's favorite book.......2006-06-13

My dad bought this book for my son's first Christmas. He's now almost two and it's his favorite book. It's already worn out, so we're purchasing another one to keep until he gets a little older. I'm also buying the sequel for my my dad's Grandfather's Day!

My daughters favorite book.......2006-04-17

This is my 5 year olds favorite. This was not even a gift from her grandpa, but we picked it up because it looked so sweet. This is the book she used to ask for every night, and from listening as we read along, this is also her first book that she can read by herself. The page with the 'spaghetti kiss' is her very favorite. We picked a four leaf clover the other day, and she ran in to press it in her favorite book. Thank you Billy Crystal - we're looking forward to reading your next!

The Hooded Hawke (Elizabeth I Mysteries, Book 9)

Average customer rating:

Harper pens another winner!
delightful sixteenth century mystery

The Hooded Hawke (Elizabeth I Mysteries, Book 9)
Karen Harper
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312338872
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Book Description

In the ninth installment of Karen Harpers highly respected Elizabeth I mystery series, Elizabeth and her court depart London for a summer journey. By royal command, the young Francis Drake joins the entourage. But someones idea of sport is shooting crossbows and longbows at the queen and her captain. As bodies and clues pile up, the mystery and dangers deepen like the surrounding forests. Both Drake and the queen have cousins they cannot trust who may want them dead.

Customer Reviews:

Harper pens another winner!.......2007-03-27

Queen Elizabeth (the first, not Helen Mirren), unwilling to let her enemies catch her unawares, enlists her servants and staff to help her pursue whoever is behind the barely-missed attacks on her person. Determined, clever, and quick-witted, Harper's Elizabeth is a master at managing court and international intrigue while solving yet another murder. Let's hope we have more from this talented author!
Eleanor Sullivan, author of Assumed Dead.

delightful sixteenth century mystery .......2007-02-23

The Hooded Hawke
Karen Harper
Dunne, Feb 2007, $23.95
ISBN: 0312338872

In 1569 Queen Elizabeth I continues her effort to strengthen her control of throne while her prime rival Mary, Queen of Scots, and several northern lords brew rebellion. Though concerned over her safety, Elizabeth refuses to be a prisoner as she was when her late stepsister was queen. Accompanied by Francis Drake, she goes out on an outing, but someone tries to assassinate her; killing her falconer instead. A second attack comes close to her while she consulted with her herbalist.

Not one to sit around as a target, Elizabeth begins an investigation as to who is behind the attempts on her life as she suspects it is not the obvious suspects like Mary. She enlist her loyal servants and Francis to help her unravel the truth as she begins to suspect she is not the objective, but that someone else close to the crown is and the assailant also has to be in the inner royals circle. If her theory is wrong, a dead Elizabeth would be the proof.

As always with this delightful sixteenth century mystery series, readers must accept Queen Elizabeth I as a private investigator extraordinaire. If one can accept that basic axiom, the exciting story line is fascinating as the audience obtains a deep look at Elizabethan England inside a cleverly devised whodunit with suspects galore.

Harriet Klausner

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