Amazon.com
The appeal of Dava Sobel's Longitude was, in part, that it illuminated a little-known piece of history through a series of captivating incidents and engaging personalities. Nathaniel Philbrick's In the Heart of the Sea is certainly cast from the same mold, examining the 19th-century Pacific whaling industry through the arc of the sinking of the whaleship Essex by a boisterous sperm whale. The story that inspired Herman Melville's classic Moby-Dick has a lot going for it--derring-do, cannibalism, rescue--and Philbrick proves an amiable and well-informed narrator, providing both context and detail. We learn about the importance and mechanics of blubber production--a vital source of oil--and we get the nuts and bolts of harpooning and life aboard whalers. We are spared neither the nitty-gritty of open boats nor the sucking of human bones dry.
By sticking to the tried and tested Longitude formula, Philbrick has missed a slight trick or two. The epicenter of the whaling industry was Nantucket, a small island off Cape Cod; most of the whales were in the Pacific, necessitating a huge journey around the southernmost tip of South America. We never learn why no one ever tried to create an alternative whaling capital somewhere nearer. Similarly, Philbrick tells us that the story of the Essex was well known to Americans for decades, but he never explores how such legends fade from our consciousness. Philbrick would no doubt reply that such questions were beyond his remit, and you can't exactly accuse him of skimping on his research. By any standard, 50 pages of footnotes impress, though he wears his learning lightly. He doesn't get bogged down in turgid detail, and his narrative rattles along at a nice pace. When the storyline is as good as this, you can't really ask for more. --John Crace, Amazon.co.uk
Book Description
The ordeal of the whaleship Essex was an event as mythic in the nineteenth century as the sinking of the Titanic was in the twentieth. In 1819, the Essex left Nantucket for the South Pacific with twenty crew members aboard. In the middle of the South Pacific the ship was rammed and sunk by an angry sperm whale. The crew drifted for more than ninety days in three tiny whaleboats, succumbing to weather, hunger, disease, and ultimately turning to drastic measures in the fight for survival. Nathaniel Philbrick uses little-known documents-including a long-lost account written by the ship's cabin boy-and penetrating details about whaling and the Nantucket community to reveal the chilling events surrounding this epic maritime disaster. An intense and mesmerizing read, In the Heart of the Sea is a monumental work of history forever placing the Essex tragedy in the American historical canon.
Customer Reviews:
A Good Read.......2007-10-21
I only started to read this book because someone gave me it to me and said it was good. I didn't even think it sounded like something I would enjoy. I was wrong! I was drawn into the story quickly. Historical fiction that is truly interesting and compelling.
Sloppy, opinionated so called nonfiction almost thriller.......2007-10-18
I guess agreeing with the "big time" reviewers isn't something that I can do with this one. Winning the National Book Award is just ridiculous. Were there no other books entered in this category?
This is my second Nathaniel Philbrick book (Mayflower - being the first), and I was very disappointed with it. I knew that the author likes to throw his opinion as historical fact, but it wasn't as clear in Mayflower as it is in this book. It is obvious that Philbrick is mostly taking a couple of written diaries (as there are only two or three written accounts) and he milks them as much as possible. That would be okay, but the constant references to other shipwrecks and disasters that have no bearing on this one bored the snot out of me. Also, his constant reminder that the Donner party ate themselves (being chronologically after the time of this book) really should not have been included for any reason.
Philbrick took a short story and tried desperately to turn it into a longer one. At that he was successful. The expansion of the thought process of the shipwrecked victims made it sound as if the author talked to them and put down all of their thoughts. Since we know that he did not, it was overkill and misplaced in an historical nonfiction book.
The number of references to things that had no bearing on the story, reminds me of a high school term paper and you need to have "X" number of references and therefore you make sure that the people reading it know that you had "X" number of references.
It is an interesting story, but not very well written. The last two chapters are a ramble of things that mean nothing to the storyline.
favorite this year!.......2007-10-18
A page turner, a captivating true story (the best kind, for me) of the whaleship Essex and the things men are capable of. I have told many people about this book and everyone else who has read it agrees with me!
Fantastic.......2007-09-24
I am a big skeptic when I read these types of books. I always assume the author is filling in the substantial blanks in the story with his own interpretation & fluff. I did not feel that way with this authors version of the story.
The story was really entertaining. It was a page turner that kept me up too late on work nights. I think I read the last 1/3 of it without putting it down.
Highly recommended. You will learn a lot about whaling and Nantucket, both of which I surprisingly found captivating.
A Captivating Read........2007-08-17
Knowing that this was not a fictional story added an element of intensity as I read this book. Truthfully, this would have made for good fictional reading as well. I enjoyed the character development and the way in which the story was told. I was on the edge of my seat, and looking forward to getting to the book every morning while reading this. In the Mr. Philbrick's words, "The Essex disaster is not a tale of adventure. It is a tragedy that happens to be one of the the greatest true stories ever told."
Book Description
In a concise, convenient paperback form, this book provides contemporary and practical coverage of relevant legal issues that affect educational leaders in the 21st century. This book is written to provide practical knowledge to practicing and prospective educational leaders, students of educational leadership, teachers, prospective teachers, and policy makers at all educational levels. Legal issues are covered thoroughly yet succinctly, and are discussed in a way that is informative, entertaining and useful so that the audience can effectively perform their professional duties within the boundaries of constitutional, statutory, and case law. For educators and educational administrators.
Customer Reviews:
A teacher's best legal friend.......2007-02-23
I feel that every teacher should consider owning this book for their own background knowledge of what legalities that can effect them in their profession.
School Law and the Public Schools: A Practical Guide for Educational Leaders (3rd Edition).......2007-01-09
Easy reading, informative, and and helpful reviews at the end of each chapter.
5-star service.......2006-03-15
Great service from this seller. My item was sent to me immediately with a follow-up email to confirm delivery.
A "Make Sense" Guide For All Educators.......2000-10-30
The author wrote this book in such a manner that a high school government student could understand the majority of the legal discussion and implications for school leaders.
Today's educator would be remiss not to read this down to earth text and not pay attention to its contents while working in today's educational environments where one is constantly exposed to being sued.
The author provides the reader with clear and understandable legal definitions, administrative summaries, landmark cases, and interesting legal situations that have occurred in public schools across the United States.
Classroom teachers, school principals, superintendents, school board members, and graduate students all come away with a sense of "I will not do that again" after reading this very practical school law guide.
While the book does not address school integration and school finance issues from a legal stance, it does an excellent job of addressing all other aspects of educational law.
Book Description
Isabelle d’Este, daughter of the Duke of Ferrara, born into privilege and the political and artistic turbulence of Renaissance Italy, is a stunning black-eyed blond and an art lover and collector. Worldly and ambitious, she has never envied her less attractive sister, the spirited but naïve Beatrice, until, by a quirk of fate, Beatrice is betrothed to the future Duke of Milan. Although he is more than twice their age, openly lives with his mistress, and is reputedly trying to eliminate the current duke by nefarious means, Ludovico Sforza is Isabella’s match in intellect and passion for all things of beauty. Only he would allow her to fulfill her destiny: to reign over one of the world’s most powerful and enlightened realms and be immortalized in oil by the genius Leonardo da Vinci. Isabella vows that she will not rest until she wins her true fate, and the two sisters compete for supremacy in the illustrious courts of Europe.
A haunting novel of rivalry, love, and betrayal that transports you back to Renaissance Italy, Leonardo’s Swans will have you dashing to the works of the great master—not for clues to a mystery but to contemplate the secrets of the human heart.
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Chapter One
X * FORTUNA (CHANCE)
FROM THE NOTEBOOK OF LEONARDO:
When Fortune comes, seize her firmly at the forelock, for I tell you, she is bald at the back.
IN THE YEAR 1489; IN THE CITY OF FERRARA
She grew up in a land of fairy tales and miracles. That is what Isabella is explaining to Francesco as they ride through Ferrara's streets. It is Christmastime, and though there is no snow on the dry stone road, the horses shoot clouds of steam into the frigid air through their nostrils.
This is the first time she has been allowed to escort her fiancé through the city on one of his visits. Francesco Gonzaga, future Marquis of Mantua, has come to Ferrara to romance his soon-to-be bride and to enjoy the city's many Christmas pageants ordered by Isabella's father, Duke Ercole d'Este, a great patron of the theater. Isabella believes that the more she tells Francesco of Ferrara's secrets and wonders, and the more she shows him of her father's spectacular building projects and improvements, the more he will realize her value.
In this very church, Isabella says, pointing to St. Mary's of the Ford, almost two hundred years ago on Easter Sunday, the priest broke the Eucharist in two, and flesh and blood came spraying forth, covering the walls of the church and splattering the entire flock.
"The parishioners watched in awe," Isabella says, eyes wide with drama. "The Bishop of Ferrara and the Archbishop of Ravenna came to see it. They instantly recognized it as the body and blood of Christ and declared it a true miracle of the Eucharist."
Francesco solemnly makes the sign of the cross as they ride past the church, but his eyebrows arch skeptically, making him look entirely out of step with the act.
Beatrice trots ahead of the pair of lovers, her long braid swinging in saucy rhythm with the horse's mane, as uninterested as her steed in their conversation.
"Isn't that right, Beatrice?" Isabella asks her sister for confirmation of her story, hoping that the odd girl does not say anything to contradict her. Beatrice is a puzzle to Isabella, a fact that the older sister blames on the girl's unsupervised upbringing in wild Naples. The girl is a feral, unformed thing, alternately shy, naive, aloof, and bold--the latter especially apparent when riding or hunting. How such a small fourteen-year-old girl, who is not particularly courageous outside of these activities, excels at all manly sport is a mystery to Isabella, but the fact of Beatrice's prowess remains, no matter how enigmatic.
"I wouldn't know. I wasn't there!" Beatrice finally answers without turning around, but they can hear her laugh at her own joke.
The animal's swaying ass taunts Isabella, who knows that her sister is dying to break away from them to test the horse's speed. Francesco has brought Drago, the pure white Spanish charger, from his family's stud farm on the island of Tejeto, as a gift for the girls' father. But Beatrice immediately took over the animal, talking to him in whispers that should be reserved for a lover, and hopping upon him and riding away, as if the painstakingly bred horse was meant to carry a little girl in a pink riding dress and not a fearsome knight in armor.
"I'll tell you a miracle that happened right here in Ferrara that is even better," Francesco says, sidling his horse right up to Isabella's so that their legs touch. She knows she should pull away, that her mother would rail against this sort of indiscriminate physical contact, even with leather riding boots providing a barrier to the couple's much-craved intimacy, but instead, she rides with slow care so that they might continue to brush against one another.
"What miracle is that?" she asks, suppressing a smile.
"That your father agreed that you should be my wife," he answers.
You have no idea j
Customer Reviews:
A Very Enjoyable Read.......2007-09-16
As one who normally gravitates to English historical fiction, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book, but was drawn to it because of the inclusion of Leonardo da Vinci. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the period of Italian history presented. It takes you to a different time and place with ease. After finishing the book, I find myself wanting to read more Italian historical fiction and to visit the works of Leonardo da Vinci at the Louvre. Just the kind of inspiration you hope to get from a great book!
Well done.......2007-07-16
I enjoyed this novel more than Essex's IN THE COMPANY OF A COURTESAN. Over all, the book is a well done weaving of fact and fiction. Essex is a talented writer - I thoroughly enjoy her style and ability to move the story along rather quickly. My main critisim is lack of character development and telling nuances. Just a little more heart and depth to each of the main women characters would have really made this a show stopper. In general, it read like a very visual movie and a great story that I have not read in a novel version before.
I especially enjoyed *learning* a little more about several of the lovely faces that grace Leonardo's work. I say "learning," assuming that the general story is close to the facts and conceivably possible - which seems to be the case. Mind you that I am no Italian historical biographer - I'm sure Essex took the needed literary liberty as needed. A wonderful read!
A letdown in the genre of historical fiction.......2007-06-04
This book had very little to do with the aforementioned painting and with Leonardo da Vinci in general, in which case I was let down because it turned out to be something I did not expect. Based on a true tale of Renaissance era power families in Italy, the characters seemed like mere ciphers who existed solely to report the goings on of the day. Essex seemingly couldn't decide between an historical work or historical fiction and, as a result, this book is neither. Given authors like Dunant and Gregory, historical fiction can be so much more in the hands of a gifted storyteller. This book was a disappointment through and through.
Karen takes you back to DaVinci's life and times.......2007-05-22
Very enjoyable read, a real insight to Leonardo DaVinci and his contemporaries. The characters come alive!
Leonardo's Swans.......2007-05-13
For anyone who enjoys historical fiction AND/OR is planning a trip to Milan, THIS is the book for you. The story line was easy to follow and hard to put down. The details of the Sforza Castle, of Leonardo's various works and his quirks, and the history of ruling families in Italy during the 1400's-1500's was fascinating! It honestly made my last trip to Milan much more meaningful as I almost felt I knew Isabella and the Moro. A GREAT read!
Book Description
Fueled by the knowledge that notoriety is better than failure, witty, unconventional Josie does what no proper young lady should—she challenges fate. She discards her corset and flirts outrageously. She attends the horse races and allows an arrogant rakehell to whisk her behind the stables for a surreptitious kiss . . . and is caught!
She doesn't want to marry the young hellion—but who's to help? Her chaperone keeps disappearing for mysterious appointments; her guardian is on his wedding trip; and his friend the Earl of Mayne is too busy staring into the eyes of his exquisite French fiancée.
Can a marriage forced by stuffy convention and unwilling desire become the match of the season?
Customer Reviews:
Disappointed.......2007-07-06
This is the first book I read in this series. I bought it after reading these reviews. Griselda's story seemed much more interesting and I found myself skipping over Josie and Mayne. While I could see Josie falling for Mayne (older man, etc.), I could not see him falling for someone that he had known as a child (15 or so) and he was already in his 30s. I am giving it 2 stars only for Griselda's part of the story. Off to the used book store!
Finally done the series.......phew!.......2007-06-29
I've read all four books of the Essex sisters series. All I can say is thank goodness I'm done! Most of what I didn't like in the other books is repeated in this one. No plot, blah characters! And from someone who has read the whole series, it just repeats once again, the Essex sister's stories and characteristics.
Josie, was insecure and although I think we can all relate, I enjoy when the heroine is brave and humorous and engaging. Half way through the book, I just wanted to scream "Get over it already!" Mayne, I've enjoyed through all the other books, but in this one, he is just missing something. How is that he can declare love to a woman and just pages later decide that Josie is now the one he loves. It makes him seem kind of wishy washy. I must admit, they did have chemistry together, once they finally got them together. Which was way too far into the book. As far as plot goes, there wasn't one. It was just another story where the "heroine" supposedly gets ruined and the "hero" steps up and rescues her. But since she never really got ruined, the plot is non-existent.
This book did not really do anything for me, but since we all have different viewpoints, you may find interest in something I didn't. It wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but if I had it to do over again, I wouldnt have bought it.
Some people don't get this book.......2007-04-30
..but that is because they expect there to be a grand gesture the hero should make to the heroine. In real life there are no grand gestures, yet it can still be as magical and sexy as what we THINK we like about novels.
I think people should read this book properly and that the way this book is summed up, is just a fraction of this book. ( I certainly did not expect Garrett to be as fun; does any other romantic hero dress up as a woman?!)
There is absoultely no doubt that Garrett and Josie are in love with each from the start and that Garrett is not in TRUE love with Sylvie, just the idea of her mixed in with parts of her. If that makes sense?! I LOVED this book because the truly voluptuous heroine was not later on made to fit into an ideal and that the hero loved HER and she just happens to be plus size, which is also loves about her. And that the hero himself is actually a decent man who finds himself through her, he's actually quite real and not prone to stupid brooding flights of fancy like certain romantic heroes and that he KNOWS unfashionable Josie is beautiful from the start and does not need to "discover" this or doesn't just need to come to some grand conclusion.
I don't think Josie is a wallflower or annoyingly insecure as described by some reviews. She is full of life FROM THE START and she IS insecure but as she says herself, in not quite the same words as I use but the meaning is the same,!,she needs to get over this and she knows that. She is a beautifully realised character.
I have read so many novels that have similar plots, heroines, heroes etc to this but what makes this STAND OUT is that it is truly romantic. Real but not boring, so beautiful.
It took me a while.......2007-03-10
I must admit that I didn't catch on to the titles until the third book. Unfortunately, it was easy to see this particular romance coming, but it was done with interesting twists and turns. I almost got fooled somewhere between the time I picked up and the the third chapter or so. If you are like me and have to finish every series you start, read it--you'll like it. If you can do without it, don't read it--you can do without it.
a nice ending.......2007-02-23
I enjoyed this story. I really appreciate an author who can keep a story going. she was upset about her shape, problem solved in three chapters. I thought the dialogue was entertaining. I am lookinfg foward to the next book.
Book Description
When you're the oldest daughter, you don't get to have any fun!
Witty, orphaned Tess Essex faces her duty: marry well and marry quickly, so she can arrange matches for her three sisters -- beautiful Annabel, romantic Imogen and practical Josie. After all, right now they're under the rather awkward guardianship of the perpetually tipsy Duke of Holbrook. But just when she begins to think that all might end well, one of her sisters bolts with a horse-mad young lord, and her own fiancé just plain runs away.
Which leaves Tess contemplating marriage to the sort of man she wishes to avoid -- one of London's most infamous rakes. Lucius Felton is a rogue whose own mother considers him irredeemable! He's delicious, Annabel points out. And he's rich, Josie notes. But although Tess finally consents to marry him, it may be for the worst reason of all. Absurd as she knows it to be, she may have fallen utterly in love . . .
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"
When you're the oldest daughter, you don't get to have any fun!
Witty, orphaned Tess Essex faces her duty: marry well and marry quickly, so she can arrange matches for her three sisters -- beautiful Annabel, romantic Imogen and practical Josie. After all, right now they're under the rather awkward guardianship of the perpetually tipsy Duke of Holbrook. But just when she begins to think that all might end well, one of her sisters bolts with a horse-mad young lord, and her own fiancé just plain runs away.
Which leaves Tess contemplating marriage to the sort of man she wishes to avoid -- one of London's most infamous rakes. Lucius Felton is a rogue whose own mother considers him irredeemable! He's delicious, Annabel points out. And he's rich, Josie notes. But although Tess finally consents to marry him, it may be for the worst reason of all. Absurd as she knows it to be, she may have fallen utterly in love…
"
Customer Reviews:
A little slow in the beginning but the ending makes up for it!.......2007-06-22
Much Ado About You....the first in a series of the Essex girls was an enjoyable read. I do agree with others that the beginning tends to start off a little slow. But introducing all the characters and their personalities, without losing focus on the main characters is very hard to do and I feel she did it fairly well. This book is my first of the Essex sisters and I do plan on reading the others to find out how they make out.
Tess is the oldest and bears a lot of responsibility for her sisters. She has to marry well and soon. The Earl of Mayne is attentive, sweet and willing to marry her, and will supply her will all the right connections to help her sisters. Everything she could possibly hope for right? Wrong! How can she possibly marry him when a stolen kiss by Lucien melts her heart. The story has some twists and turns and eventually they get together. That is where the fireworks start. They have great chemistry and you can't help but get drawn in. Lucien is by far my favorite character, because he has many dimensions. He seems practical and cold at times, but underneath lies a heart just waiting to love and be loved. The sister's struggle with being orphaned and death (on different levels as you will see) tugs at your heart and puts a little depth into the book.
I've read some of her books, and although not her best, I thoroughly enjoyed Tess and Lucian's journey.
In my opinion, a good story makes you feel what the characters do and you can't help but cheer them on. It did! It also has a good enough plot to keep you reading. And considering the fact that I read it in only 2 days, it definitely kept me interested. I recommend this book wholeheartedly, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
A Five Star Book.......2007-06-07
This book is delightful. The story is clever, witty and intensely sensual, and the budding relationship between Tess and her newly-acquired husband is a delight. This book gets better and better the more times you read it. Ms. James is a truly accomplished author.
Weak start.......2006-08-29
I'm giving this a somewhat generous four stars thanks to the excellent last half. Up to that point, I spent three days leafing through the book in a desultory fashion. I can see what Ms James was doing - building characters and setting the scene for the next three books, but it was a sorry affair. The characters are initially dull and the comedy heavy handed. The dynamic between the sisters doesn't quite work as it did between the friends in Ms James's previous novels. They felt far too paint-by-numbers. Arabella is pretty and mercenary! Josie is bookish and plump! Imogen is insane! Indeed, it was only in Imogen that James creates an interesting (if greatly flawed) character. Otherwise, there is a sense that we've all been here before. Matters aren't helped by stock characters like the social busybody Lady Clarice - meant as comic relief, but rarely amusing. It's with the introduction of Lucian that things get interesting.
Tess and Lucian work very well together. The way she breaks through his reserve and polite good breeding, their sizzling attraction... it's perfect. Every scene they share is lovely; it's just a pity I had to trawl through a hundred and fifty pages of inanity to get to the heart of a very sweet, very funny little romance.
Most boring book ever!.......2006-07-13
I bought this book as either a Christmas or Birthday book for my Mom. The only reason I bought it was b/c it and the other book I bought were the only ones I knew my mom didn't have (I've bought her duplicate books before).
Anyway, if this book isn't the most boring one I've ever read, it's definitely close. I'm surprised I even managed to read as much as I did before finally tossing it over my shoulder onto the floor. Half the time I couldn't even remember who the main male in the book was supposed to be. I didn't find Tess or her sister's charming, or whatever his name was, or even the rest of them. This book was an utter waste of my time and money and the only reason I gave it a star was b/c Amazon wouldn't let me leave it blank.
A pleasant read, but could have been much better - 3.5 stars.......2006-04-22
Meet the Essex sisters: four Scottish ladies recently orphaned and left impoverished with no prospective husbands. Now wards of the perpetually inebriated Duke of Holbrook, their first mission is to marry off their eldest, the witty and sensible Teresa, or Tess, as she prefers to be called.
Growing up without the proper training that other ladies of their kind receive, Tess knows that she must marry in order to support her sisters. But what she didn't expect is that she will immediately catch the eyes of two very eligible English gentlemen. There is the Earl of Mayne, who seems to genuinely like her and whom she will most likely develop a nice, though not passionate, affection for; and then there is the very rich, though just a mere Mister, Lucius Felton, who unnerves her and whose very nearness makes her heart somersault. While Tess knows that either man is a good choice, she is torn when both men ask for her hand in marriage.
While the story started off with a great promise, the focus on establishing the characters of the four sisters overshadows what could have been a really delightful romance between Tess and Lucius. Just when you think we'd finally get some action going between the main characters, the heroine would be involved in her sisters' dramas and so the focus is once again taken away from the romance. However, the interactions between Tess and Lucius when we finally get to the part are rather sweet, and at times, funny. The little banter we get to see between them surely adds to the delight of the story.
Overall, MUCH ADO ABOUT YOU is a pleasant read and holds promise for the stories of the other Essex sisters. Next are KISS ME, ANNABEL (Annabel's story) and THE TAMING OF THE DUKE (featuring Imogen).
Average customer rating:
- A good read
- The more exciting bits from the reformation
- First-rate novel of Tudor England
- Great mystery with religious background
- The Larger Dissolution
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Dissolution
C. J. Sansom
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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| Genre Fiction
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Historical
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ASIN: 0142004308
Release Date: 2004-04-27 |
Book Description
Exciting and elegantly written, Dissolution is an utterly compelling first novel and a riveting portrayal of Tudor England. The year is 1537, and the country is divided between those faithful to the Catholic Church and those loyal to the king and the newly established Church of England. When a royal commissioner is brutally murdered in a monastery on the south coast of England, Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's feared vicar general, summons fellow reformer Matthew Shardlake to lead the inquiry. Shardlake and his young protégé uncover evidence of sexual misconduct, embezzlement, and treason, and when two other murders are revealed, they must move quickly to prevent the killer from striking again.
Customer Reviews:
A good read.......2007-09-07
This is an excellent first book - it's not up to the standard of Pérez-Reverte - but it's a thoroughly good read.
The more exciting bits from the reformation.......2007-08-01
Sansom's Shardlake series should be used as a teaching aide for history students studying Henry V111. When I was at school I found this part of British history to be no more interesting than any other. If I had had the chance to read this book then it would have cast a new light on the subject.
What Sansom does is write a thriller which even taken on its own would be a welcome addition to the mystery/thriller genre, but he peppers it with facts about this most turbulent period in history that really bring to life what it must have been like to have actually lived through the period. The fear the characters live with is so palpable you can draw parrallels with the world today where religious differences are at the forefront of our minds. This was published in 2003 so it's entirely possible that the dissolution of the monasteries and the distrust of all things Catholic serves as a metaphor for the current distrust of Islam. The xenophobia that Brother Guy experiences (being of dark skin, very rarely seen in England at this time) also reminds us that even 450 years later some of society's shameful facets have not even yet been entirely eradicated - we haven't progressed as far as we think we have!
I would have awarded this book 5 stars but, when you read the sequel, Dark Fire, you will be glad as I am that I kept the extra star in reserve for such a cracking good read! Start with this as an introduction to Matthew Shardlake and you won't regret it. I received the third in the series, Sovereign, today in the mail and I cannot wait to start it.
First-rate novel of Tudor England.......2007-07-06
I bought this book based on the reviews posted here and if, in turn, my lowly opinion inspires someone else to indulge, then I'll be more than happy. What a fantastic read this was. The characters were so spot on believable. Not one came across as anything but three dimensional with complex dispositions and attitudes and perfectly flawed. The character of Matthew Shardlake is an inspired creation; a hunchback solicitor at the service of his Majesty King Henry VIII and Vicar General, Thomas Cromwell. Shardlake, along with his assistance Matthew Poer, at the behest of Cromwell is dispatched to an isolated monastery in the village of Scarnsea in the south of England to investigate the brutal murder of Commissioner Singleton sent to review the house's finances prior to the dissolution of the monasteries during the English reformation. Upon their arrival they are met with suspicion, apprehension and feigned cooperation by not only the Abbot and Prior but by all those in position in that insular world and for good reason: The monastery is nothing short of a seething pit of corruption, thievery, lies, sexual misconduct and, of course now, murder. However, it's only the beginning. Shortly upon their arrival at Scarnsea, a novice monk is murdered and the tale of a missing orphaned girl surfaces further complicating matters and casting suspicion upon almost everyone. Soon another murder slowly starts bringing down this fragile house of cards. This is first rate storytelling, with historical figures and facts and fictional characters and settings, expertly melded, creating a wholly believable premise that neither lags nor incites boredom. Sansom expertly brings the novel to a wonderful conclusion, never rushing to unmask the culprit but rather allowing the denouement to unfold with stunning ease and confidence. I certainly look forward to reading more of Sansom's novels featuring the intrepid hunchback. If you love historical fiction in general or Tudor England in particular you will find much to enjoy in this wonderful debut novel.
Great mystery with religious background.......2007-07-03
What a great book! Not only is the main character interesting and the mystery solid, the time and place are well portrayed.
England under Henry VII and Cromwell was transitioning from Catholic to Protestant -- with the king as the head of the church as well as the country. This book treats all points of view fairly, but also without any rose colored glasses. It's as interesting to read for its portrayal of rich and poor, papist and reformer as it is for its plot.
If you liked "the Name of the Rose" (which I found tedious) then this book should make you leap for joy.
The Larger Dissolution.......2007-06-27
Until I read this intriguing mystery, I just assumed that Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries was a pure power grab by an insensitive, greedy monarch. While that perception remains somewhat true, the novel allows us to see all of the paradoxes present, and to experience much of the ambiguity of those times. Matthew Shardlake is an altogether likable and convincing sleuth and person of principal. The late 1530s in England came alive with such color and immediacy that I then went on to read the next two equally well presented mysteries in this series by C. J. Sansom.
Book Description
Imogen, Lady Maitland, has decided to dance on the wild side. After all, she's in the delicious position of being able to take a lover. A discreet male who knows just when to leave in the morning.
But Lady Maitland is still under the watchful eye of her former guardian, the wildly untamed Rafe, the Duke of Holbrook. He believes she is still in need of a "watchdog." She laughs at the idea that someone so insufferably lazy and devoted to drink can demand that she behave with propriety.
It's Rafe's long-lost brother, a man who looks precisely like the duke but with none of his degenerate edge, who interests Imogen. To Imogen, he's the shadow duke . . . the man who really should hold the title. But when Imogen agrees to accompany Gabe to a masquerade...whose masked eyes watch her with that intense look of desire? Who exactly is she dancing with? The duke or the shadow duke? Rafe . . . or Gabe?
Customer Reviews:
Are you kidding me?.......2007-06-30
I've read the first two books, so I may be looking at it from a different angle, but I can't imagine the conclusion being any different.
One of the most important things in a book is the characters and in this one I found them to be severely lacking. Take Imogen for example, she is a selfish, loose and downright mean woman. Some of her actions along with the nasty things she says to Rafe, have me questioning if she could actually be called a heroine. Throughout the whole book, she is trying to land Gabe (his brother, that he never knew he had), but by the end she suddenly finds herself in love with Rafe, who was posing as Gabe. How she can think he is a drunk slob with no redeeming qualities one minute and the love of her life the next is beyond me. All because he stops drinking and loses a few pounds? Then we have Rafe. He is a drunk and one of the only redeeming qualities in this book is that he overcomes his drinking. It's just too hard of a stretch to go from a irresponsible, drunken slob (with a belly) to the endeering characterists of a "hero" that we all look for. The fact that he seduces her without her really knowing it is him till the very end is just far fetched and entirely unbelievable. There are too many other characters that you tend to bounce around a lot. Gillian goes after Rafe in the beginning and then she falls for his brother, Gabe. (which in my opinion was actually the better romance) Lets see, then we have Loretta, Gabe's other, and of course his daughter Mary. And we can't forget Griselda and Mayne. There is just way too much going on and not enough focus on the main characters. But then again when your hero and heroine are as unlikable as Imogen and Rafe, I guess it doesnt leave you much choice.
She tries to bring life to the story with Shakespeare, but it just leaves you more confused. I was very disappointed in this book and I just cannot recommend reading it, none the less buying it.
Need More Eloisa James.......2007-06-18
While I do agree with some of the naysayers that I would have liked to have known when Imogen knew that "Gabe" was Rafe, come on, how could she not have known? They are not identical twins, and she has looked into Rafe's face for over a year; she must have known it was him before they did the deed. I love how James does the two romances in one, because I sincerely hate the trend of romance writers filling out the story with a murder mystery or damsel in distress. I like the conflict to have to do with characters, and adding a second romance angle is satisfactory to me. I am reading these out of order, and working on Annabel's story now. Love the Essex sisters and Griselda! Also loved the baby Mary angle. Love parent/child love in romances!
A Wonderful and Sexy Romance.......2007-06-07
Fie on those who want their heros perfect! The romance between Imogen and Rafe has been simmering away in the two previous books of this series. How wonderful to finally see it blossom. I think Ms. James played this one exactly right. The book is filled with joyous humor, the literary allusions are delightful and the smouldering sensuality in the love scenes between the "hero" and "heroine" is just perfect. It's so refreshing to find lovable characters with human flaws. I give this book a Ten out of Ten.
I found it to be a very good read........2007-05-20
Although I must be a bit different from some romance readers, I found this one to be unique in many ways. Maybe it was because it was the first book I had read by Ms. James; didn't start at the beginning. Of this series, I liked it the best,along with the last one about Josie. I loved Imogene and Rafe! Yes, they have flaws, but if you read many of Ms. Jame's books you'll find this is her style. I like that Rafe cared enough to change, and Imogene cared enough to let go of her pride.
Enjoyable and different, especially if you enjoy a flawed hero.......2007-03-13
After finishing this book I was curious to read what others thought because I found it to be quite different from other historical romances. I was somewhat dismayed by the negative remarks and was prompted to write my first review. Although I agree with some of the criticisms, I found the mentioned weaknesses (not being more privy to the heroine's thought process) didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. I should mention I haven't read the others in this series, although I plan to now. I enjoyed the book precisely because it is different from many of the historical romances I've read in the past in that the hero is quite flawed and is even somewhat physically deteriorated. His flaws are both invisible and visible. The author doesn't attempt to offset his flaws with wonderful traits and in fact showcases his undesirable side. When the heroine, Imogen, comes to the hero's "rescue", I loved that his struggles showed an ugly side. (Don't want to give away too much of the story here). And while it is true that the reader is much more privy to Rafe's thoughts than Imogen's, I was quite taken in by Rafe's struggle to become worthy of Imogen. I also enjoyed the interplay among the other characters and the Shakespearean elements. I would recommend it to anyone looking to read a historical romance that is well researched and presents a unique backdrop for the plot and features an unlikely hero. As with anything that doesn't quite fit the "mold", it won't be everyone's cup of tea. As with almost all historical romances, one has to be willing to accept some unlikely scenarios, and in this case a seriously flawed hero. I loved it and plan to pass it along to a reader who will appreciate its unique romance.
Book Description
The rules of marriage . . . according to Miss Annabel Essex
A husband must be:
Rich.
Make that very rich. She's had enough of leaky roofs and thread-worn clothing.
English.
London is the center of the civilized world, and Annabel has a passion for silk and hot water.
Amiable.
Good-looking would be nice, but not necessary. Same for intelligent.
Isn't she lucky? She's found just the man! And her chosen spouse is nothing like the impoverished Scottish Earl of Ardmore, who has nothing but his gorgeous eyes, his brain—and his kisses—to recommend him.
So what cruel twist of fate put her in a carriage on her way to Scotland with just that impoverished earl and all the world thinking they're man and wife? Sleeping in the same bed? Not to mention the game of words started by the earl—in which the prize is a kiss. And the forfeit . . .
Well. They are almost married, after all!
Download Description
"
The RULES OF MARRIAGE...according to Miss Annabel Essex
A husband must be:
RICH.
Make that very rich. She's had enough of leaky roofs and thread-worn clothing.
ENGLISH.
London is the center of the civilized world, and Annabel has a passion for silk and hot water.
AMIABLE.
Good-looking would be nice, but not necessary. Same for intelligent.
Isn't she lucky? She's found just the man! And her chosen spouse is nothing like the impoverished Scottish Earl of Ardmore, who has nothing but his gorgeous eyes, his brain -- and his kisses -- to recommend him.
So what cruel twist of fate put her in a carriage on her way to Scotland with just that impoverished earl and all the world thinking they're man and wife? Sleeping in the same bed? Not to mention the game of words started by the earl -- in which the prize is a kiss. And the forfeit...
Well. They are almost married, after all!
"
Customer Reviews:
Who was this book supposed to be about?.......2007-06-26
I won't go into the plot because so many before have done, and frankly it's smack there right on the book. What I will say is that from a die hard romance fan this book failed completely. I read the first book in the series, "Much Ado About You" and thought it boring and slow but this one takes the cake.
To make a book really good, it has to have great characters. Well, this one had characters, you just didn't know which one the story was about. It taked more about Imogena and her shocking and outrageous stunts, than about the main character of the book. Annabelle had such spirit and charisma in the first book, but came through here, lifeless and boring. Ewan, wasn't much better. A spoiled rich kid that tried to teach his soon to be wife a lesson about being poor. Ummm, can you say pot calling the kettle black???? Neither had any personality whatsoever, and there was absolutely no chemistry.
There really wasn't much of a plot either. She gets ruined, and has to flee to Scotland to marry a man she thinks is poor. That just about sums up the whole book.
I think there was more chemistry between Rafe and Imogen and Mayne and Josie. I can only hope the next two books are better.
When I can't wait to get through a book (and I always have to finish) I know it only deserved 2 stars.
Essex sister number two's story in this one........2007-01-06
One of the things that I've noticed about historical romance novels is that when they are good, they tend to fall into the very good category. But when they are bad, oh how they flop! Such has been my experience with the novels of Eloisa James. Several I've enjoyed immensely, finding the blend of characters and plot to be just about right for an enjoyable evening's read.
And then there are the ones that had me muttering oh come on! and wanting to fling the book away. But I've resolved to finish whatever book I start, unless it is so awful that I simply can't take it anymore. And it was between these two extremes that I have found myself in this latest series by this author.
Kiss Me, Annabel tells the story of the second eldest of the four Essex sisters. Annabel has seen two of her sisters marry, one very successfully, and one with a disaster of a union. But Annabel isn't trusting on fate to win her the husband that she wants; no, she knows exactly what she wants -- a husband who is wealthy, compliant, and above all, not Scottish. Her memories of Scotland and life with her father, who gambled and spent every cent he had on horses, are so scarring and traumatic that Annabel is certain that she could not find any sort of happiness there.
Not that Annabel honestly has anything to worry about when it comes to finding a husband. She's beautiful and blond, and she already has several suitors who are just waiting for her to say 'yes.' But while their offers are certainly tempting, none of them have managed to stir any sort of passion in her. That is, until she meets Ewan, the Earl of Ardmore, a handsome red-head who dresses most unfashionably all in black, and tends to be blunt and manner-of-fact. Worst of all, he's a Scot, and Annabel wants nothing to do with him.
Intertwined with Annabel's story is that of her sister Imogen, a mourning, unhappy widow who is dressing in skin-tight black gowns with daring decolletage. She's also making a fool of herself and bringing scandal upon herself and her sisters, and ruining Annabel's chances for a good match. Things have gotten so difficult that the other sisters come up with a plan to have Ardmore marry Imogen -- or at least become her lover.
But the plan backfires badly, and it's Annabel who soon finds herself engaged to marry Ewan, and trapped in a carriage with him all the way back to Scotland. The one place she doesn't want to go. Once again her life is going to be one of poverty, and uncertainty. But it turns out that her sisters have a plan to rescue Annabel from her unwanted marriage if they can reach her in time...
Unlike the previous novel, Much Ado About You, where the characters of Tess and Lucian are interesting and involved with one another, this one falls apart rather quickly. Indeed, nearly the first hundred pages or so has hardly any mention of Annabel at all -- most of it is taken up with Imogen and her wayward ways. If that isn't bad enough, the romance between Annabel and her Scotsman never rises above a simmer, if that much. The suitor decides to be juvenile about things, and plays kissing games with her for the first week, and then we get the musty old "let's-trap-them-somewhere-isolated-until-they-have-sex" ploy. While James likes using Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew for the basis of this, the coyness of this becomes so sticky and dull that I was falling asleep over the book rather than finding it to be of any interest.
And that's fatal for a novel like this. The other problem is that she has set this somewhat in the Regency period of English history, but is entirely unconvincing in her descriptions of clothing, attitudes and the use of what is known as a 'special license' for marriages. The idioms tend to be modern, Imogen's behavior thoughtless and stupid, and the fact that the story has a hard time settling down as to which character is going to be the heroine just ruined the read for me.
Barely two stars, and that's pushing it. Not recommended.
Enjoyable!.......2006-11-10
I like this author's writing style. She creates a host of fun characters. Sometimes you wonder who the main characters are.
The only thing that I didn't like was Annabel always wondering if Ewan really loved her. How many times can a guy say it before the gal believes? All in all an engaging book that I started & finished quickly.
A nice read, though slow in parts.......2006-06-20
The second instalment in the Eloisa James' series about the impoverished Essex sisters, this is the story of the beautiful and ambitious, Annabel.
For most of her life, Annabel has dreamt of marrying well to escape poverty. Tired of playing accountant to her horse-mad father, she went to bed dreaming of living in a mansion, wearing silk gowns and never worrying about how to stretch the few coins they had. Now in London for her first season, she thinks that she may have finally found the answer to her prayers; never mind that there doesn't to be much to her chosen spouse in terms of personality. Until the night she finds herself in a compromising position with a titled, yet penniless Scot.
Ewan Poley, Earl of Ardmore, is on a mission to find a wife. Rumored to be impoverished, he seems to nevertheless be in demand in the English ton. As soon as he lays eyes on the beautiful Annabel, he knows that she's the one. When they were accidentally found in a compromising position at his hotel, Ewan finally gets his chance when Annabel agrees to marry him. Not too long after, they were in a carriage all the way back to Scotland.
Though Annabel is disappointed to find herself going back to the country that only serves to remind her of her impoverished upbringing, she cannot deny the mutual attraction that draws them together. And there starts the kissing game...
While I initially enjoyed the playfulness that started between the main characters, I felt that the whole kissing game was dragged on a bit too much. I found myself skimming over the pages, wishing that the whole game would stop. I thought it was a bit of an overkill and wish that the author had spent more time delving deeper into the main characters' personality, especially Annabel. I could appreciate her fear of going hungry again and not being able to keep warm during the cold winter months, but because of the lack of focus on her, her fears sometimes made her appear shallow and greedy. That's why I was rather surprised when Ewan declares his love for her so suddenly, making me ask myself: how and when?
Overall, KISS ME, ANNABEL, is a nice read, but could have been quite a wonderful story if the romance between the main characters were fleshed out a little more. Just like the first book, MUCH ADO ABOUT YOU, the other characters, particularly Imogen, has overshadowed the protagonists in this story.
A very pleasant read!.......2006-06-04
I REALLY liked this book, which came as a surprise to me. When I first purchased the book (shortly after it was released), I started to read it, only to find that I couldn't get into it, so I begrudgingly abandoned it for another book.
Just a few days ago, I decided to pick it up again, deciding I had better read it if I want to read the entire Four Sisters series. Well, to my delight, my interest never waned and I finished the book in a very short time.
Annabel Essex was a more likable character than I expected. She seemed rather cold and unfeeling in the first novel of the series, but you come to find that she is merely uninterested in love. Her highest priority is to insure she never knows poverty again.
Ewan, a Scottish Earl, was also a likable character. I'll be honest, I usually prefer the hero to be a dissolute rake. Ewan was seductive and very appealing, but he was certainly not a rake. He was an honorable and kind man. It was somewhat refreshing to find a hero who wasn't resistant to love.
There are readers who feel that most of the attention in the novel was given to Annabel's sister Imogen. This is true, to a degree. As in "Much Ado About You", a portion of "Kiss Me, Annabel" is devoted to Imogen and her inner turmoil, which does take a little of the attention away from the main characters. However, I feel that is it necessary as I think the author is trying to prepare us for Imogen's story, especially as pertains to her relationship with the girls' guardian, Rafe. The author has certainly heightened my anticipation for Imogen's story, which I think was the whole idea in including so much of her in the first two novels of the series.
All in all, I enjoyed "Kiss Me, Annabel." I love Annabel and Ewan as a couple; their penchant for kissing every five minutes was very sweet and there was just the right amount of light-hearted humor in the novel. It was also fun to read more of Josie, the youngest Essex daughter. She will make for an entertaining heroine. On a final note, I do so hope the author is able to devote some time to finding love for Mayne; I find him very intriguing and wish he would get his own story!
Book Description
Daniel Vickers examines the shifting labor strategies used by colonists as New England evolved from a string of frontier settlements to a mature society on the brink of industrialization. Lacking a means to purchase slaves or hire help, seventeenth-century settlers adapted the labor systems of Europe to cope with the shortages of capital and workers they encountered on the edge of the wilderness. As their world developed, changes in labor arrangements paved the way for the economic transformations of the nineteenth century.
By reconstructing the work experiences of thousands of farmers and fishermen in eastern Massachusetts, Vickers identifies who worked for whom and under what terms. Seventeenth-century farmers, for example, maintained patriarchal control over their sons largely to assure themselves of a labor force. The first generation of fish merchants relied on a system of clientage that bound poor fishermen to deliver their hauls in exchange for goods. Toward the end of the colonial period, land scarcity forced farmers and fishermen to search for ways to support themselves through wage employment and home manufacture. Out of these adjustments, says Vickers, emerged a labor market sufficient for industrialization.
Customer Reviews:
assigned reading?.......2007-09-06
god awful boring. potential to be interesting as it has many many many historical facts. problem is there are too many pointless ones.
Yeah, but at least I'll have a degree.......2006-12-19
And you'll be serving my kids fries on our way to a skiing trip.
Is that your thing?.......2006-10-02
You memorize some obscure passage and then pawn it off as your own work? Just to impress some girls, embarrass my friend? ...you're gonna come up with the fact that there are two certainties in life. 1, don't do that and 2, you dropped a $150,000 on a **** education you couldda got for $1.50 in late charges at the public library.
I know that one.......2004-07-12
Yeah, I read that, too. Do you have any thoughts of your own on the matter or were you just gonna plaguerize the whole book for me?
Wood drastically underestimates the impact of social distinc.......1999-08-05
Wood drastically underestimates the impact of social distinction as predicated upon wealth, especially inherited wealth. Vickers, Work in Essex county page 98
Product Description
Nationally-known designers McKim, Mead & White, Olmsted Brothers, Peabody & Stearns, Carrere & Hastings, Ogden Codman and David Adler join Bostonians Little & Browne, Wheelwright & Haven, Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge and Guy Lowell in a grand procession of expansive shingle summer cottages, rambling Tudor manors, stately Georgian mansions and colorful Italian villas set amid some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the nation.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous book with fabulous houses and pictures!.......2005-08-20
I saw this book and as soon as I started looking through it I fell in love. This novel chronicles the expansive mansions on Boston's North Shore, with black and white photographs of both the exteriors and interiors. These pictures made me feel like I was part of that life, and helped me understand how people actually decorated those "Maderley" type manor houses. I was shocked to know families actually lived in them, and furnished them so lavishly!
For anyone who is a fan of architecture or old houses, even victorian decorating, check this book out! I love old houses and seeing the way people decorated them, and this HUGE book took me further in than I ever expected. Some of these have blueprints, which helped me figure out the layout of these grand mansions, and how many rooms there really were.
Boston Brilliance.......2005-07-15
This is a beautiful book and a great follow up to the book on Chicago's North Shore. These books are so luxurious and elegant, the craftsmanship is just amazing, I highly recommend both. It is wonderful to explore this well researched and interesting book. The black and white historic pictures are crisp and detailed and the history well researched. Anyone who has any interest in historic estates or just appreciates fine craftsmanship in a book will not be disappointed. I commend the authors and publisher for a job well done.
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- Kaplan MCAT 2007-2008 Premier Program (w/ CD-ROM) (Kaplan MCAT Premier Program (W/CD))
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- Meanwhile Back at the Ranch (Reading Rainbow)
- Middlesex: A Novel
- Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, 2E
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