Book Description
Palm Beach: An Architectural Legacy details the meticulous restorations of over twenty great houses and public buildings on what has been called "America's Riviera." These houses were restored from 1988 to the present, and each house has won the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach's coveted Ballinger Award. The glorious photography showcased here respectfully documents the superb restoration of these houses, many of which have never before been published.
The cycle of building and restoration chronicled here encompasses one of America's enduring architectural landscapes, as well as the dynamics of its social history. Public and private structures designed by some of the style-setting early architects are depicted, including the works of Addison Mizner, Joseph Urban, and Maurice Fatio, as well as anonymous designers whose feats of imagination rivaled those of the most celebrated professionals.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book.......2006-06-26
Polly Anne Earl does a beautiful job with this book. It is everything I expected it to be. The pictures, the history, the overall format.
The book highlights many Robert Ballinger award winning homes throughout Palm Beach.
The award is given for outstanding historic restorations of homes deemed "historical landmarks".
This book includes majestic homes by many renowned architects including Addison Mizner, Marion Silms Wyeth, and John Volk amongst others.
Another book to enjoy is "Palm Beach Splendor" the homes of Jeffery Smith.
If you are thinking of building a home, have an interest in architecture, or just simply enjoy browsing thru beautiful homes; you won't be disappointed with either.
fp
Palm Beach Splendor.......2006-01-21
This book covers an impressive array of homes and the images are crisp and well conceived. Palm Beach is so blessed with stunning architecture, it really is like a laboratory for grand residental design. The homes selected are for the most part spectacular and the interior detailing is often stunning. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an appreciation of well crafted restoration and great residential architecture.
Book Description
A historical novel based on the life of the lady-in-waiting who helped bring James II to the throne of England.
Brimming with the intrigue and sensuality of one of history's most decadent courts, Duchess brings to vivid life the story of an unforgettable woman who determines her own destiny-outspoken, outrageous, but most of all true to herself and her heart.
In 1673, as a penniless twelve-year-old, Sarah Jennings arrived at the bawdy Restoration Court of Charles II. Armed with a potent combination of charm, beauty, and intelligence, she prospered. Not only did Sarah win the trust of the future Queen Anne, but she managed to protect her virtue and reputation, marrying the one man as ambitious as she was: the dashing young soldier John Churchill. Over the next forty years, Sarah would amass an immense personal fortune, help make her husband a national hero, and help bring a new king to the throne.
Customer Reviews:
Lush Detail Rules!.......2007-10-09
I'm normally not a huge fan of first-person POV, but it works for this novel. I've been fascinated with the Churchill's for years, and this book was a wonderful chance to peek inside the life of the matriarch of the dynasty.
Duchess is a novel on the life of Sarah Churchill the Duchess of Marlborough in 17th century England.......2007-04-11
Sarah Churchill (1660-1744) began life as Sarah Jennings. Her father died when she was a child; her mother was cold and difficult. Through connections at court the beautiful golden haired Sarah was sent to the splendid, corrupt and sexy court of Charles II. She met the dashing soldier John Churchill. The couple wed, had several children and engaged in politics and war. John was a famous general who was rewarded for winning the battle of Blenheim in the War of Spanish Succession by being given Blenheim Palace. John and Sarah are ancestors of Sir Winston Churchill and Prinicess Diana.
The tale takes us through the reigns of Charles II who died in 1685.d His Roman Catholic brother the Duke of York James II followed him as King promptly persecuting Protestants. James was forced to flee England for France to be replaced by William of Orange and his wife Mary (the eldest daughter of James II). The Churchills supported the Whig/Protestant cause.
Sarah's closest association with the Stuart dynasty was her long friendship with Queen Anne (reigned from 1702-1714). A lesbian relationship between the two is mentioned in the novel. They referred to each other as Mrs. Freeman and Mrs. Morley. Late in her life Anne (who suffered through 17 pregnancies and the death of many children) turned on Sarah and banished her from court.
Sarah was a plucky, politically savvy and independent woman. She was faithful to John Churchill in a long marriage. John and Sarah were both very ambitious. Sarah favored her sons over her daughters. Many of her children died young. At one time she was the richest woman in Great Britain developing Blenheim into the greatest estate in the nation.
The novel is told by Sarah in the first person. It will appeal to a largely female readership being told from the woman's point of view. We learn of the difficulty of seventeenth century life as we see many of the characters die in childbirth and from smallpox which killed its victims with cruel pain.
There are some sexy scenes early on but the author concentrates on politics in the better second half of the novel. The novel will appeal to lovers of historical fiction and seventeenth century English life.
A bit disappointed...........2007-03-05
If you want to read excerpts and story teasers, then skip down to the next reviews. I was spoiled by the old BBC FIRST CHURCHILLS shown on Masterpiece Theatre starring Susan Hampshire so this was not cool.
I did not enjoy the author's speculation on Sarah's bi-sexuality. I didn't sense that in the copy of the original memoirs I read. Even so, there are many ways to interpret a phrase, but then perhaps the version I read had been edited. Even so, I don't care to read about specific sexual encounters in this version. Instead, I wish there had been more information about the family dynamics--the relationships with the children are just hinted at. The complex building of Blenheim is completely skipped over. Good grief, there was so much more than COULD have been included and wasn't!
I won't be buying anything else by this author since I feel I got ripped off--I feel cheated out of what I did want and the extra girl-on-girl stuff I didn't want. However, if you are in to that, this is the book for you. Enjoy!
"I never understood why deaths came cluttered together, like poisonous berries clinging to a single stalk.".......2007-01-03
Her family's wealth squandered by war in the mid-seventeenth century, Sarah Jennings means to take charge of her own destiny, determined to better herself with an important marriage. England is mired in the lax morality of Charles II's Restoration, but Sarah refuses to be seduced by the debauchery of the court when invited to join the royal household of James Stuart, the Duke of York, heir to the throne and father of Princesses Ann and Mary. In the Duke's household, Sarah is made lady-in-waiting to Princess Ann, a petulant and homely child. Both the Duke's daughters have been raised in the Anglican Church in spite of their Catholic father's protestations, groomed for the eventual succession of the throne.
The unattractive Princess Ann clings to Sarah, who has immediate sympathy for the girl's plight and offers her sincere friendship; as Ann matures, their relationship is cemented by countless acts of kindness by Sarah for the less fortunate princess. Soon noticed at court, the beautiful Sarah is even approached by the lecherous duke, but consistently refuses to submit to gentlemen looking for easy dalliances. Much to her chagrin, Sarah falls helplessly in love with John Churchill, a soldier of much merit but little fortune. Although John pursues her ardently, Sarah holds out for matrimony, bringing Churchill to his knees in the lifelong love affair that will determine their fate in the royal court.
Protestant-Catholic rivalry is the cause of constant civil unrest and war, King Louis of France undermining Charles and bargaining with the future king, James Stuart, a fervent Catholic. Concerned with the direction of the country should James Stuart take the throne, John and Sarah determine to remain loyal to the duke's household, later switching their total allegiance to Ann's cause. The Protestant Churchill remains above reproach in James' service, his allegiance unassailable. Meanwhile, Sarah is bound for life to her charge, the princess possessively demanding her constant affection. When Charles dies, James Stuart cuts a bloody swath of revenge through his enemies.
A dear friend to an increasingly demanding princess, Sarah gives more than required, often ignoring her children in her efforts to ensure their future. Given the political climate, the Churchill's fortunes wax and wane, at the pinnacle of success one moment, stripped of all honors the next, unwavering in support of Ann until she finally ascends the throne as queen. Sarah's commitment is a great gamble; historically she is notably successful, but the price of ambition is an adversarial relationship with her children, frequent absences robbing her of the deep love they have for their father. Regardless, Sarah triumphs, the beneficiary of an extraordinary love affair with the equally impressive John Churchill. Luan Gaines/2006.
One amazing woman, one good book.......2006-12-03
"Duchess" is set in a point in history that I know really nothing about, but I've read a lot of historical fiction centered on the Jacobite revolution (specifically the "Outlander" series) and always wanted to know how it was the Stuarts were removed from the English throne. This book tells that story from the point of view of one who had much to do with it, which is amazing considering that the narrator is a woman in a time when all political power belonged to men. But then, Sara Churchill was never an ordinary woman of her time.
Sara Churchill is I think one of the most interesting historical figures I ever read about, barring Queen Elizabeth I of course of course, but on the same lines. Both were devoted to politics when women were not allowed to be involved in them. Sara grew up as poor gentry, and went to court as a maid of honor for the duchess of York, at 13 only to really become the friend of the duchess' step-daughter, Princess Anne. At this point Anne is described as somewhat as somewhat of an advanced child and she seemed rather smart to me, which contrasted heavily with future characterizations.
Anyway, Sara grows up at court, marries her love, John Churchill, who is brilliant though poor and eventually both attain their place in history not only as hopeless lovebirds but by questioning the place of an obviously catholic monarch (King James) in a protestant country. When that Monarch begins to take steps towards religious oppression they start their campaign-to take that monarch off the throne and replace him with his daughter, and in time, her sister, and in time, an unrelated protestant monarch. Now I know what happened to the Stuarts.
This is a very good book, though a bit dry at times with the endless intrigue and Anne's character was uneven. I do always like 3rd person over 1st, but here I think Sara's voice had to come out in 1st. I loved Sara and was amazed by her wit and brains, and the public actions she took to use them in a time when women were not encouraged to do so. I was appalled by Anne's treatment of her and John in later years, and felt there was no reason for it (but that's probably because I feel there is no holy and special respect and reverence accorded to a monarch) but spite and bitterness. She was just disgusting in her treatment of her best friend, all because she told her to be quite and was rude some times! That sounds like a normal friendship to me!I was also stunned by the number of unsuccessful pregnancies and dead children Anne had (totalling 16.)
Four stars.
Book Description
A brilliant new biographer presents an unforgettable portrait of Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744), the glamorous and controversial founder of the Spencer-Churchill dynasty that produced both Winston Churchill and Lady Diana Spencer.
Tied to Queen Anne by an intimate friendship, Sarah hoped to wield power equal to that of a government minister. When their relationship soured, she blackmailed Anne with letters revealing their intimacy, and accused her of perverting the course of national affairs by keeping lesbian favourites. Her spectacular arguments with the Queen, with the architects and workmen at Blenheim Palace, and with her own family made Sarah famous for her temper. Attacked for traits that might have been applauded in a man, Sarah was also capable of inspiring intense love and loyalty, deeply committed to her principles and to living what she believed to be a virtuous life.
Sarah was a compulsive and compelling writer, narrating the major events of her day, with herself often at center stage. This biography brings her own voice, passionate and intelligent, back to life, and casts a critical eye over images of the Duchess handed down through art, history, and literature. Here is an unforgettable portrait of a woman who cared intensely about how we would remember her.
Customer Reviews:
She liked her subject.......2005-02-13
A fair bit of the text in this book went towards explaining why Sarah Churchill has been undervalued or unfairly treated in previous biographies. In certain sections this is helpful, in others it is very distracting. In some ways, I wish this biographer could have been a bit more objective about her subject; she made it seem as though Sarah's missteps in politics were completely out of her control, when in fact a healthy dose of tact and respect for other people's feelings (without betraying her own convictions, just with respect for others) might have won her more success in her endeavors. That said, for Sarah Jennings to rise from impoverished gentility to a wealthy and powerful duchess (not to mention founding a well-known and lasting dynasty) is not merely remarkable, but almost incredible.
Overall, the biography was very good, although I wish it would have had a family tree showing how the Marlborough family grew, who all the granchildren were and when they were born (not to mention which of Sarah's daughters were their mothers) and even possibly a chronology, as the scope of Sarah's life and the breadth of her story made it sometimes difficult to put certain events into context.
An objective portrait of a remarkable woman.......2004-03-24
Sarah Churchill, 1st Duchess of Marlborough gained notoriety through three things:
1. She was a lady-in-waiting/best friend to Queen Anne of England. She took this position of power for granted, treating the Queen much like a dumb child. She felt it was her right to instruct the Queen on appropriate political decisions and appointments at court. When Sarah became too pushy and arrogant, the Queen severed the friendship, leading to a very public fall from favour.
2. She was married to the military man John Churchill, who defeated Louis XIV's French army in the early 1700s (A big thing at the time - remember England and France were arch enemies). This victory led Queen Anne to give John and Sarah titles (Duke and Duchess of Marlborough) and a huge government grant to build a massive palace with - Blenheim, which still stands today outside of Oxford UK.
3. Her direct descendents include Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Ophelia Field has written a biography which covers all these events, and also tells us objectively about the woman herself. She does not attempt to paint a rosy picture of Sarah, who could be stubborn and domineering. At the same time, she explains WHY Sarah did certain things (based on letters she wrote to family and friends - many excerpts included), and why her political views were as they were. Crucially, she discusses how Sarah's support of the Whig party, her deep rooted belief in their righteousness, developed into a fanatacism which led to her fall from the Queen's favour and high society. Queen Anne is also brought to life as a woman all her own, though her reign was short.
This biography was informative, educational (about the political and aristocratic climate of the time 1680s-1720s), and fascinating. It portrayed a modern woman ahead of her time. I feel if I had met Sarah Churchill, I may not have liked her (she polarised people - you either loved or hated her), but I certainly would have respected and admired her.
Book Description
A compelling history of the bloody battle that ended Louis XIV's dream of European domination and changed the course of history
"Had it not been for Blenheim, all Europe might at this day suffer under the effect of French conquests resembling those of Alexander in extent and those of the Romans in durability."
—Sir Edward Creasy, The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World
In 1704, the armies of the French king Louis XIV, undefeated for two generations, were poised to extend the French frontiers to the Rhine and install a French prince on the Spanish throne. But as French forces marched toward Vienna, allied armies under the command of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, and Prince Eugène of Savoy set out to oppose them. The two forces met at Blenheim, in Bavaria, and the French were utterly defeated, ending France's dream of European domination. Based on original sources, this page-turning narrative brings the battle to life, effortlessly moving from the deliberations of kings to the travails of the common foot soldier.
"Thoughtful, interesting, and well-written. . . . Spencer recovers an approach and authorial voice associated with Winston Churchill, whom indeed he quotes effectively and appropriately. . . . From the excellent scene-setting of the Prologue to the effective battle descriptions, which ably draw on the memoirs of the participants, Charles Spencer successfully combines narrative with analysis."
—The Sunday Telegraph
"A remarkable debut . . . not to be missed."
—Evening Standard
"Charles Spencer explores the decisive battle of Blenheim, the campaign that broke Louis XIV's domination of Europe and established the enduring reputation of the British redcoat . . . in this compelling, page-turning narrative . . . of a battle that changed the destiny of Europe."
—Soldier
Customer Reviews:
Excellent work of 18th Century History.......2005-12-27
I had noticed this book while picking through works on the War of Spanish Succession here on amazon and I placed it on my Christmas list. I was surprised to open it and began reading it on Christmas day and couldn't put it down. I finished it the next day after reading through the night.
Spencer pens an amazing book that is said to concern the 1704 Battle of Blenheim in Bavaria. Instead, the book deals with a period of history of approximately 1670-1705, the time in world history where empires were rising and falling and what could be termed as the "calm between the storms" of the Reformation and Enlightenment. Spencer weaves and intricate and flowing tale of the great clash of arms between the marshalls of Louis XIV and the Duke of Marlborough, backing the narrative of the war and the battle with political intrigues, explanations of 18th century warfare, and a look at the three major characters of the book, the Duke, Louis XIV, and Prince Eugene of Savoy.
All in all, this book is an excellent first work from Spencer and I fervently await subsequent books.
Battle for Not Falling Aslept.......2005-09-05
The abundantly plain prose of Mr. Spencer, interrupted here and there with some sparks of brilliance an even humor, fully accomplish the task of NOT showing any novelty about an age that, granted, has been well trodden by myriads of historians of any and every caliber. He, also, hit the target in NOT making a convincing case of his main idea that the battle of Blenheim, the axis of his narrative, changed the course of european history stopping the run of Louis XIV to continental domination. Mr Spencer himself, in some of his best chapters, give a plenty account of how stretched and weakened France was after so many campaings, so how improbable was that Louis could ever sustain such an empire even winning in Bleinheim.
It must be said that in any case, never forgetting the moderate standards of the so called "popular history", Mr. Spencer can be read in a leisurely sunday afternoon and, with hope, better works can be realistically expected from him in the future. So I give him three stars.
Excellent! and I was surprised not only readable, but well referenced.......2005-08-27
Readable, effortlessly so in fact - I am not sure but I think Charles Spencer, or Earl Spencer, is actually a journalist - if so I think this book is the best of all worlds. It is a well referenced book which I think will appeal to academics and historians of English and military history - but his ability to tell a good story makes this a pleasing and easy read.
This books follows and really climaxes at one of the most significant battles in Europe at the time, and one which was really epitomised the animosity between the French and the English which was to finally end with Waterloo so 100 years later. The explanation of the background and the domination of the French in Europe at the time is well done. This is no dry-rendering of facts.
The book is divided into two halves, the first half backgrounds the politics of Europe and the various men who would later indulge in the war - and it seems it was an indulgence.
the second half takes us through the campaign, the life, and the major battles, including the battle of Blenheim which left several thousand British and allies dead and many more French.
John Churchill, who lead the British was later created Duke of Marlborough by Queen Anne for his efforts and was granted Government money to build the immense palace which was named for his most famous battle. Charles Spencer and the Earls of Spencer are descended from the Junior Branch of his family and so I expect he may have had access to papers to assist in this. For whatever reason it seems appropriate that he should write this book about his ancestor.
A great book and a good read.
A very pro-English point of view.......2005-08-02
Spencer adds little to the literature about Marlborough. His discussion of the international politics of the age is so biased as to make the book worthless. Read Chandler for a better discussion of this topic.
Excellent History.......2005-06-05
"Battle for Europe" by Charles Spencer is a riveting account of the great battle fought at Blenheim between Allied forces under the command of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, and the French Army of Louis XIV on August 13, 1704. This is a splendidly told story, not only covering this pivotal battle but the events leading up to it and the main characters involved, including my favourite, Prince Eugene of Savoy.
This battle possibly changed the course of European history with the near destruction of Louis XIV's army. Up to this point the French Army under the command of many capable marshals had never been beaten. It was virtually unstoppable until it met Marlborough, the Captain-General of the armies fighting against France. In this book Charles Spencer describes the outcome of that meeting at Blenheim.
The story telling is first-rate, the narrative flows fast and smoothly, is packed full of information but never over-loads the reader with too much. The colour plates are excellent and the maps sufficient for the story however I would have appreciated maybe a few more.
The account of the fighting is excellent and once you start reading it's hard to stop. The narrative drags you into the fighting as the allied infantry assaults the villages of Blenheim and Oberglau and then mass in the centre for the decisive offensive that was to break the back of the French forces. In the end the allies lost 12,000 men killed and wounded but the French lost more than three times that number.
This is an excellent account and adds much to the military history of this period, no decent library should be without a copy on their shelves
Average customer rating:
- Winston's Job Application
- Learn as much about the author as his subject.
- Churchill, Champion of the Augustan Era
- Churchill on Churchill
- I have to defend wellington from such major historical
|
Marlborough: His Life and Times, Book One
Winston S. Churchill
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Irish
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| British
| Historical
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Political
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Military
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Military & Spies
| Professionals & Academics
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Churchill, Winston
| ( C )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Military
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| England
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
18th Century
| England
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
History & Theory
| Politics
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Political History
| Political Science
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Biographies & Memoirs
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Nonfiction
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The World Crisis, 1911-1918
-
The River War: An Account of the Reconquest of the Sudan
-
The Story of the Malakand Field Force: An Episode of Frontier War
-
My Early Life: 1874-1904
-
William Pitt the Younger
ASIN: 0226106349 |
Book Description
"It is my hope to recall this great shade from the past, and not only invest him with his panoply, but make him living and intimate to modern eyes."—from the preface to Volume One
John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough (1644-1722), was one of the greatest military commanders and statesmen in the history of England. Victorious in the Battles of Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706), and countless other campaigns, Marlborough, whose political intrigues were almost as legendary as his military skill, never fought a battle he didn't win. Although he helped James II crush the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth, Marlborough later supported William of Orange against James II in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and brilliantly managed England's diplomatic triumphs during the War of the Spanish Succession. Marlborough also bequeathed the world another great British military strategist and diplomat—his descendant, Winston S. Churchill, who wrote this book to redeem Marlborough's reputation from Macaulay's smears.
One million words long and ten years in the making, Churchill's Marlborough stands as both a literary and historical masterpiece, giving us unique insights into the Churchill of World War II, for just as Churchill's literary skill helps us understand the complexities of Marlborough's life, so too did his writing of Marlborough help Churchill master the arts of military strategy and diplomacy. This two-volume edition includes the entire text and almost all the original maps.
Customer Reviews:
Winston's Job Application.......2005-06-02
Winston Churchill, in a relatively well-known bad patch during the 1930s, began to write this history of his famous and much maligned ancestor. The first volume contains the first two books of the original four book set. The life of John Churchill, Duke of Malborough, is both a fascinating look at an historical era as well as a personal portrait of a great military general. Book One consists of a large chunk of history, spanning the downfall of Charles I through Cromwell, to the Restoration of Charles II, through the overthrowing of his brother, the Catholic James II by William of Orange married to James II's daughter, Mary, to the crowning of Queen Anne. The second Book of Volume one concentrates on a mere 3 years of Anne's rule.
I will not reiterate what other reviewers have already said. However, I would add that in the writing of this book, Winston Churchill prepared himself to become even greater than his general ancestor. It can hardly be surprising that as this history was being written, events were conspiring to lead Winston Churchill into the biggest world confrontation ever. After studying the campaigns in Europe of Lord Malborough, it can hardly be surprising that Churchill fully suspected the coming of the war long before his fellow MPs.
This is a scholarly work and shouldn't be undertaken without serious patience. Each of the two volumes are in themselves close to 1,000 pages long. The history is written from the point of view of a defender, though Winston Churchill is careful not to gloss over details that might cast an unfavorable opinion of his ancestor. Well worth the effort.
BOOK TWO -
Since I reviewed Book One, I felt it was important to follow up with a review of Book Two of this work. My initial comment is that sticking with something this huge is a task in itself, but often the reward is hard to describe. For me, I feel each time I finish a huge work like this (or Hegel, or Kant, or ... well, anything "Big") I sense my own mind has been exercised a bit. It's a reward in and of itself.
Firstly, like Book One, this is really Volume Three and Volume Four of the a Four Book series bound together in Two mammoth volumes. Reading these 2000 plus pages is like running a marathon: the beginning is difficult, then you break the pain barrier and coast for quite a long while until the last staggering climb to the finish. In Book Three we continue with the war of Spanish Succession. These 500 pages are essentially concerned with the gigantic battles Marlborough fought. It was a time in which his glory was highly esteemed. As we get into Book Four, much like Book One, the narrative returns to the over all political scene which dominated and brought down the Great Duke. It is also the point where the reader might become overwhelmed again by both the multifaceted political machinations as well as the constantly revolving names (John Churchill becomes the Duke of Marlborough, etc.)
However, for all these difficulties, the overall sense from both volumes is as thorough and detailed and enthralling as history can be written. There can be no doubt that Winston Churchill, as he surveyed the ever-mounting rearmament of the Germanic states and looking over the ancient maps of Europe imagining both the current and past, felt an immense burden of responsibility. By undertaking the task of "reforming" The Duke of Marlborough's image, he delved deep in to the vaults of history and warfare. It was not surprising that at the same moment he should be the first to recognize (at least in Britain) the significance of Hitler's intensions.
One other thing struck me as fascinating about this era. The whole course of European politics, war, peace, and financial stability were tied up in the lives of three bickering women: Sarah (Marlborough's wife), Abigail (cousin to Sarah), and Queen Anne (whom both served and guided with gossip and whisperings.) Out of this small time period bore the seeds of Napoleon, the American discontent with England, and Slavery. Big stuff.
I recommend these Four volumes (two books). The paperbacks are perhaps overstuffed, though. Book One split right down the middle. I was more careful with Book Two, though my hands suffered from it. Perhaps spending the money for the hardback editions in this case is worth it?
Learn as much about the author as his subject........2005-04-12
Winston Churchill was a man who rarely met a topic upon which he didn't harbor a strong opinion that he was willing to share. The Duke of Marlborough is no different. Churchill is clearly enamoured with this relative of his and lets it show. That said, Churchill plainly states that there are two camps on Marlborough and tells the world which camp he falls into. By doing so, he opens up the reader to get a feel not just for Marlborough and his times, but also for the debate by historians that rages around a polarizing historic figure like Marlborough. (Sound familiar to anyone else?) The result is a richly layered work.
Winston Churchill viewed history as something that was alive and tangible and his historic writings capture that feeling for readers. Marlborough's battles - both military and political - come to life in the hands of Churchill. We get to see one of the great military minds of the 18th century push military science closer and closer to its modern form. We also see him perform less well on the political front against his foes there.
Through the entire book, we get to listen to Winston Churchill in his element, telling us a story about a topic he feels passionately about. So many of the trials, trevails, and reactions that Churchill ascribes to Marlborough are so obviously parallels to Churchill's life and his reactions that the book has a clear autobiographical tone to it as well.
Highly recommended for history buffs and for people who want to understand Churchill more deeply.
Churchill, Champion of the Augustan Era.......2004-06-13
John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, is the uncontested military genius of late Stuart England, the uncrowned political/military heir to William of Orange and the famous ancestor of Winston Churchill. In tandem with Austria's general, Eugen of Savoy, he led the coalition armies in the War of the Spanish Succession, defeating in detail several of Louis XIV's French and Bavarian armies, most famously at Blenheim, but also at Ramilles, Ourdenarde and Malplaquet. Meanwhile, on the domestic front, his wife, the beautiful but intemperate Sarah Jennings, later Duchess of Marlbourough, became a "favorite" of Queen Anne and secured for him (at least for most of the war) the political support that necessary for him to field an army on the Continent for the many years.
As a writer of history, Churchill ranks with Gibbon for his mastery of prose and his ability to use vivid imagery to hold the reader's attention to minute detail. For each year of the Spanish Succession War, Churchill opens with a strategic appreciation of how the Anglo-Austrian forces plotted out each year's campaigns, and goes to great pains to explain the reasons behind Marlborough's various deployments. And he paints on a simply massive canvas: he begins with a detailed account of Charles II's Restoration, of James II's abortive reign (and Marlborough's role in ending it), of William III and Mary II's joint reign (Churchill is NOT a fan of William and Mary) and of the underlying workings of the French monarchy. He is not afraid to address the various failings in Marlborough's character, particularly his secret negotiations with both the enemy and the exiled Stuarts, but does seek to defend Marlborough (and Sarah) from the more libellous charges.
This book was written in the 1930s, politically Churchill's decade of exile (and personally, his worst years of depression). If everyone turned unemployment, financial crisis and depression to such good use, the world would be a far better place.
Churchill on Churchill.......2003-12-15
Winston Spencer Churchill's biography of his ancestor, John Churchill First Duke of Marlborough, stands out as a restoration of Marlborough's reputation, an account of England under the reigns of Charles II, James II, William III and Queen Anne, and an in-depth military and political history of the War of Spanish Succession.
WSC gives us a picture of the whole man, including his faults. One of WSC's purposes is to rescue Marlborough's reputation from the attacks of generations of historians. The book becomes a brilliant defense and of course it cannot be unbiased. WSC is Marlborough's defense attorney, not his judge.
By the 1920s, Marlborough had been called miserly, greedy, ambitious, duplicitous, disloyal and treacherous. As he recounts Marlborough's life, WSC continually picks up an episode that seemingly illustrates one of these traits, but turns it around.
Where unsympathetic historians saw miserly habits, WSC saw thrift and WSC goes further. Marlborough was miserly when it came to his own needs, such as when he insisted surgeons cut his stocking along the seem so that it could be resown. Yet he paid his army's bills and wages on time; apparently this was unusual in those days. He paid, from his own discretionary funds, which other generals often pocketed as a matter of course, for military intelligence that proved crucial to securing many of his victories.
Where accusers saw ambition needlessly prolonging a difficult war, WSC presents Marlborough has being bound by duty to achieve the best results possible, and to reject a timid peace, which would have left Europe in the hands of a despot.
WSC has a more difficult, but no less successful time defending Marlborough's continued correspondence with St-Germain, the exiled English court of James II and later his son, as recognized by Louis the XIV. The problem here is that today such acts would indeed be treason, but in the seventeenth century they were part of the normal workings of diplomacy, war time or not. After all, if passports and safe conduits were routinely given to enemies to allow them to rest and confer in between campaigns, it could not have been that unusual to keep in touch with people one knew, even if they were officially enemies.
WSC also presents Marlborough's most important relationships: with his wife Sarah Jennings; with his military ally Prince Eugene, with whom he won at Blenheim; with his political colleague Godolphin, who secured funds for his military work; with the kings and queen of England from James II to George I;
But WSC does accuse Marlborough on occasion of having been unwise. He is particularly critical of the Duke's obsession with his palace at Blenheim (where WSC himself was born). Marlborough didnft want an opulent residence, rather he wanted to leave a monument that would survive centuries and remember his name to future generations. WSC writes that as such Blenheim was a failure: it added nothing to the Duke's reputation and the worries it caused may have taken years from his life. Winston Churchill must have felt his biography was a better memorial to his ancestor.
I have to defend wellington from such major historical.......2003-11-21
oversight.
''one and only victory''?
What about the penninsular war, Between 1808-14 Wellingtons army fought up the spanish penninsular all the way to France constantly beating such noted Marshalls as Massena and Soult, battles include: Talavera, Vimeiro, Salamanca, Victoria and the sieges: Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz to name a few.
He didn't even consider Waterloo to be his greatest victory.
Wellington is the only general to have successfully came up with a tactic to beat the revolutionary armees (using line formations versus French coloums and obscuring his armys behind obstacles)therefore desrves praise.
Wellington only once called his men ''scum of the earth'' this was in relation to the english recruiting methods (picking up drunks, prisoners) so it is true, his armys where riff raff though by 1814 he called them ''the finest fighting force in the world''.
Churchills books are incredible,sorry for the off topic review.
Marlborough was a brilliant Commander. It was Wellington who said ''i can think of nothing finer then Marlborough at the head of a English army''
Average customer rating:
|
Military Memoirs of Marlborough's Campaigns, 1702-1712
Robert Parker , and
Jean Philippe Eugene, comte de Merode-Westerloo
Manufacturer: Greenhill Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Historical
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Spain
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| England
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Military
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Renaissance
| World
| History
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1853673307 |
Book Description
2 plates & 6 maps & 6 x 9 & & Eyewitness accounts of Marlborough's campaigns & Rare insight into 18th-century military life & The battles of Blenheim, Ramillies, Malplaquet, and others These two key memoirs, edited by a leading British military historian, vividly capture the face of battle in the early 18th century. Irishman Robert Parker enlisted in 1683 and by 1708 had risen to Captain of the Grenadiers in the Royal Regiment of Foot, where he served until 1718. Mrode-Westerloo commanded a regiment in the Walloon army before seeing action in Italy and eventually rising to the rank of field marshal of the Holy Roman Empire. Historian David Chandler, best known for his books on the Napoleonic Wars, also specializes in Marlborough campaigns.
Book Description
In All Girls, acclaimed journalist Karen Stabiner spends a pivotal year with the young women of two very different girls' schools: Marlborough, an elite prep school in Los Angeles, and The Young Women's Leadership School of East Harlem, an embattled, controversial experiment within the New York City public school system. On both coasts, Stabiner's subjects are fascinating young women on the brink of adulthood, whose choices and academic performance will affect the course of their lives.
All Girls offers an insider's perspective on the daily triumphs and frustrations of teachers and students, parents, and advocates of single-sex education. It dramatically brings to new life the debate about single-sex education and the perils faced by adolescent girls, which Mary Pipher first brought to national attention with her groundbreaking bestseller Reviving Ophelia.
Through Stabiner's vivid, perceptive reporting on her diverse real-life subjects, we recognize our children, our friends, and our relatives. We feel invested in their stories from the very first gripping chapter. The result is an urgent, definitive book for anyone involved in the education of a girl.
Customer Reviews:
Looking for statistics? Look somewhere else!.......2002-12-13
Anyone looking for statistics on how single-sex education helps girls should look elsewhere. This book, however, does provide a very accurate representation on what it is like for the parents, teachers, and students of all-girls schools. From the illustrous Marlborough in Los Angeles to the struggling Young Women's Leadership School in Harlem, readers get an idea of what it is like to be a hardworking young woman on either side of the poverty line. As a graduate of single sex education myself, I can relate to these stories. But I'm a little mystified in why this book's subtitle reads "Single-Sex Education and Why It Matters" because the author doesn't really tell you straight out why it does matter, just gives you stories of girls and hopes you can figure it out yourself.
One thing that is blatantly missing from this book is how boys also would benefit from single-sex education. A lot of research focuses on how girls are getting the short-end of the stick when it comes to public education, but there is certainly a case to be made for boys when you consider that boys tend to be more aggressive and violent in general (at-risk kids) and could stand to be taught to slow down, think critically, and learn how to settle arguments in a non-violent manner. If New York city doesn't have an all-boys public school by now, they should really think about getting the funds to create one.
Help for parents of seniors in high school.......2002-09-30
THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE GOING THROUGH THE COLLEGE PROCESS. I am a parent of a senior in high school and I have never gone through the college admissions process as a parent. There are so many tales from the classes before that trickle down through the years, that the process seems daunting before it even begins. Reading Karen's book made me think all along the way that what I was feeling was NORMAL. It was totally comforting to know that I was not the only one feeling anxious about not knowing which school my daughter might attend next year. Karen made me think I had a support group right here in this book. By reading it I saw a variety of people with a variety of responses to their outcomes. It really made me take a deep breath at the end of the book and realize that it will all work out in some way. I expect that I will keep referring back to this book all year for those times that I need to feel connected to those families who went through this process.
Books:
- Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland
- Paula Deen Celebrates!: Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life
- Primates and Philosophers: How Morality Evolved (The University Center for Human Values Series)
- Principles of Learning and Teaching Study Guide (Praxis Study Guides)
- Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Chemical Peels: Text with DVD (Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology)
- Revolution of the Heart: A Genealogy of Love in China, 1900-1950
- Saint Joan (Penguin Classics)
- She Stoops to Conquer (Dover Thrift Editions)
- Sixth Covenant (A. D. Chronicles, No. 6)
- Small Animal Clinical Nutrition
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Storm Runners: A Novel
- Grace and Divorce: God's Healing Gift to Those Whose Marriages Fall Short
- This Blinding Absence of Light
- Walled Gardens
- Busting Loose From the Money Game: Mind-Blowing Strategies for Changing the Rules of a Game You Can'
- Computational Statistics Handbook with MATLAB
- Birding by Ear: Eastern and Central North America
- The political implications of human genetic technology
- Who's in Charge Here, Anyway: Reflections on a Life in Business
- Interconnected Manufacturing Systems: The Problems of Advanced Manufacturing
Palm Beach Houses
Palm Beach Splendor: The Architecture of Jeffery Smith
Florida Architecture of Addison Mizner (Dover Books on Architecture)
Old Florida: Florida's Magnificent Homes, Gardens and Vintage Attractions
Tiffany's Palm Beach
![Marlborough: His Life and Times [4 volumes]](http://www.germanelectronics88.com/noimage.gif)
