Book Description
Though of eminent birth and status in their own right, the women of Crowned in a Far Country all left the countries of their birth to marry heirs to great thrones. They all shared an inbred sense of duty and a genuine desire to see it performed. None fought against what she saw as her destiny but only sought to fulfill it. Some were passionate, others less so. Some were good wives; some were caring mothers. They were all catalysts, the pivots of their worlds for a time.
More than just a window into the politics and power brokering of royal marriage, Crowned in a Far Country charts the transformations of privileged princesses into women of power and historical importance.
Customer Reviews:
Pleasing vignettes.......2007-09-28
I think that some of the reviewers have been a bit harsh on HRH and that she's presented a likeable, gossipy view of the temperaments and times of the ladies about whom she's written. I don't believe that she ever intended to give an in depth, political overview of the royal consorts...far from it! Even though one reviewer called it a "lightweight" book, I believe that it was the personal side of these women that the author wished to show, not their effect on the country's politics. Personally, I loved hearing about the fashions, customs and foibles of these princesses from past times and also loved to hear about their relationships with their husbands, children and families. So, it's all irrelevant to the workings of the various countries but, so what..it's an entertaining collage of personal facts about well known women and I for one, thoroughly enjoyed it!
Lightweight..........2005-10-15
For someone who spends a lot of time reading about the history of royalty in Europe, Crowned in a Far Off Country: Portraits of Eight Royal Brides by Princess Michael of Kent is about as lightweight as they come.
The author chronicles eight women born into the royal families of Europe who married to become queens and empresses. Included are Marie Antoinette, Catherine the Great, Empress Marie (Russia), Queen Alexandra (England), Queen Maria Carolina (Naples), Empress Victoria (Prussia), Empress Eugenie (France) and Empress Leopoldina (Brazil). Princess Michael provides a chapter on each woman, and none of the chapters is longer than 29 pages. The Danish sisters, Alexandra (England) and Marie (Russia) share one chapter. Confining Catherine the Great or Marie Antoinette to less than 30 pages is almost laughable.
In describing these women, Princess Michael spends more time discussing their palaces, their make-up, their clothes, their rooms, their hairstyles and their table services rather than the really important things about their lives. Many were victims of complicated political intrigues, but we are given only abbreviated versions. In fact, the author states in her introduction that she "tried to ignore politics and concentrate on the lighter side of their lives." She claims to have "felt cheated when reading biographies of such famous women without learning about what they wore, or how their hair was arranged, or what they ate," etc. As far as I'm concerned, facts like these are mere fluff, and not what I'm looking for in a biography. Also, Princess Michael is not very good at documenting where she got her information.
In terms of the major, more well-known characters, there is nothing new to be learned here. In fact, I'm not sure how well the author knows her subject matter (despite her claims to have come to love them all). For instance, she claims that Queen Alexandra was not a fashion leader and that her personal style was simplicity. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Queen Alex has been compared to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Both women were extremely stylish and set many fashion trends in England. Also, anyone who has seen a photo of Queen Alex dripping with jewels would not accuse her of simple tastes.
So, if you have very little knowledge of European royalty, Crowned in a Far Country might be a good place to start. But for me, it was pretty much a waste.
Not scholarly but a good starting place.......2005-09-17
The first duty of a princess has always been to marry for the good of the dynasty and/or the country; that's the role she was born to fill and most female royals accepted the marriages arranged for them with at least a sense of duty and sometimes with an eager eye to adventure. But some of these women were strong-willed and talented in their own right and came to exert considerable influence over their adopted nations. The author, an Austrian-Bohemian whose family lost everything in the two world wars, lived in Australia and Africa, studied art in Italy, and established her own design company in London. In 1978, she married Prince Michael of Kent, Queen Elizabeth's first cousin, and set up housekeeping in Kensington Palace (and still ran her company). In this volume, she outlines the lives of eight women married off as political chess pieces, and especially their experiences in their new homelands. These include major figures like Marie Antoinette of Austria, who married Louis XVI of France and went to the guillotine, and Catherine of Anhalt, who became empress of Russia; lesser lights like Leopoldina of Austria, who became empress of Brazil, and Maria Carolina, also of Austria, who married the king of Naples; much-loved figureheads like the Danish princess who became Queen Alexandra of Great Britain; and the tragic figures of Empress Victoria of Prussia, daughter of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, whose husband, Frederick III, died only three months after acceding to the throne of Germany, and Empress Marie of Russia, who lived to see her son, Nicholas II, executed with his family. Because of her inside track with both Austrian and British titled families, the author generally does a good job of conveying the attitudes of her subjects. But because this is in no way a scholarly book, her many quotes lack citations and the short bibliography is heavy on popular works. Still, it's a good place to start.
Wonderful.......2003-06-10
This book is very good.In the sources part of the book it doesnt say where she got alot of her recources.She knows these things because shes related to almost all of them.If not by blood then by marriage.All but two of the royal houses of europe still running or not were intwined by marriage.So that is how she got most of her resources.
Wonderful.......2003-06-10
This book is very good.In the sources part of the book it doesnt say where she got alot of her recources.She knows these things because shes related to almost all of them.If not by blood then by marriage.All but two of the royal houses of europe still running or not were intwined by marriage.So that is how she got most of her resources.
Average customer rating:
- Great Gretzky - Great Book
- Worthy Tribute
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99: My Life in Pictures
Wayne Gretzky , and
John Davidson
Manufacturer: Total Sports
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Photo Essays
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ASIN: 1892129191 |
Amazon.com
If the child is truly father to the man, it's hard to miss the man The Great One would become in his boyhood pictures on the ice; the features mature, but the exuberance and determination they express never waver. Hockey fans of all allegiances--and, of course, Wayne Gretzky aficionados in particular--will revel in this sparkling photographic celebration of the best hockey player to ever tie on skates. A star before he turned 13, his wattage never faded; his career is captured here from beginning to end. Literally. Photos of his first goal as a pee-wee and his final, tearful wave to the fans at Madison Square Garden bookend the splendid achievements of an athlete who, in 21 professional seasons, would virtually rewrite his sport's record book. John Davidson, a former NHL goalie-turned-commentator, recalls Gretzky's brilliance in his introductory essay, titled "The Meaning of Wayne." It would take volumes, though, to capture the meaning that comes through, page after page, in the images presented in this public, and personal, scrapbook. --Jeff Silverman
Book Description
Ranked with basketball's Michael Jordan and soccer's Pele, hockey's Wayne Gretzky retired from the NHL in April 1999. The center who played with the New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, and Edmonton Oilers left the game with 2,857 points, 894 goals, and 1,963 assists. 99: My Life in Pictures traces the Great One's career from playing in his father's backyard rink in Brantford, Ontario, through his unprecedented 21-year pro career during which he rewrote the NHL record book - breaking 61 NHL records, leading Canada in international competition, and captaining the Oilers to four Stanley Cup titles. With insightful essays and more than 250 images, 99 deserves a place on every sports fan's shelf.
Customer Reviews:
Great Gretzky - Great Book.......1999-11-06
This is a very nice coffe table book. Many pictures of Wayne from his years in Edmonton to New York coupled with qoutes. A must for any Gretzky or hockey fan.
Worthy Tribute.......1999-10-12
This book is a worthy tribute to the greatest hockey player of all time. Breathtaking photos capture all the emotion of an unparalleled life and career.
Average customer rating:
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Beverly Bayne, Queen of the Movies: A Biography; With a Filmography and a Listing of Stage, Radio and Television Appearances
Richard J. Maturi , and
Mary Buckingham Maturi
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
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ASIN: 0786407964 |
Book Description
Over the course of film history, many actresses have been dubbed "queens" of the "silver screen." Yet the first actress to be called the "Queen of the Movies" has been all but forgotten by modern filmgoers. Beverly Pearl Bayne skyrocketed to film success as a high school student in 1912. Within a matter of months, she was costarring with some of Hollywood's leading men, and in 1915, she and her perennial costar Francis X. Bushman were crowned "Queen and King of the Movies." Bayne's personal life, including her scandalous breakup of Bushman's existing marriage, was often as dramatic as her stellar career, spanning the silent screen, vaudeville, and the legitimate theater. The first part of this definitive book on Bayne is her biography, including her professional and personal life. The second part of the book is a complete filmography, including her film, stage, radio and television appearances. A bibliography and index are also included.
Book Description
Marty Sez - Volume 3 is the third book in the very popular series. Highlights of this book include an extensive look at how to proceed after an opponent's takeout double.
Book Description
A bestseller, "The Leadership Wisdom of Jesus provides practical leadership lessons at a time when religious-themed works like "The Purpose-Driven Life are increasingly popular. This updated and expanded edition shows how Jesus' teachings apply to contemporary workplace issues, including how to motivate and empower employees. Manz challenges readers to evaluate their own leadership style, improve interpersonal management skills, and consider how time-tested spiritual wisdom can increase their effectiveness. The book explores such themes as servant leadership, letting go of judgment, and the wisdom of recognizing and affirming the value of every person. The new chapter addresses issues like accountability and justice in relation to compassion and forgiveness, and provides more examples of women in management and other leadership situations.
Customer Reviews:
Powerful truths seldom practiced.......2006-08-18
As a 20-year veteran of global sales training, leadership development and communications training, I found this book to be profoundly important. The lessons in leadership and communication that were taught by Christ are just as relevant today as they were in Palestine over 2000 years ago. And they will remain so eternally.
Cute, but useless.......2006-06-30
The book's theme is attractive, but useless. To explain using the author's own paradigm: Jesus Christ, for all of his goodness and potential as a leader, was still crucified. This is the same path that servant leadership leads to in the corporate world. While the spiritual world may have offered reward for this destiny, the business world is far less accommodating.
The book is well written and persuasive, perhaps good as the foundation of a management theory course (stressing the word theory, here). But in the end it is not worth the purchase simply based upon this reality.
Great for new managers and old who care for their followers.......1999-08-23
I am a Christian and was looking for a book on managagement that would help me to be a good leader and also help me learn to creatate a win-win type situation. I found that this book confurmed that what I have been doing in regard to my leadership style is how God would have me to be. I have to say that Mr. Manz stretches for the passage and the subject to meet, He in the most part does a very good job. I would recemmened this book to everyone, leader or not .It give good advice on how we should treat people.
Outstanding lessons in sound leadership practice........1998-09-07
I enjoyed Manz's perspective on leadership. In the age of mergers, aquisitions, and emphasis on the bottom line, Manz offers sound leadership for the business executive based on the fundamental wisdom of Jesus Christ. The subject manner offers huge challenges for the executive of today. Ideas such as lead by serving, passiveness, lifting up employees, and leadership through example are all sound but seem to be huge challenges in todays world. Those who are critical are unwilling to accept the challenge but it does work. It is refreshing to see a perspective based solely on the truth. Leadership based on the truth will not fail and I congradulate Dr. Manz on his stance and his thoughts.
Book Description
Rick Porrello writes about the important connection with mega-mobsters Charles Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky, the Cleveland mob's move to Las Vegas, and the first top-level national meeting of the Sicilian-American Mafia.
Customer Reviews:
Good mob book.......2007-05-07
I love mob books and this one doesn't dissappoint. Must have for the mob book lover.
Rise and fall of the Clevland Mafia.......2007-01-09
Great historical facts. Could have been better if it flowed better with less jumping around. Would have enjoyed learning the facts more if it had been done as a factual novel. A must read for any history buff interested in the Clevland area.
Classic History of the Cleveland Mafia.......2006-12-14
Organized crime flourishes beyond New York and Chicago and the mob wars of Cleveland, during Prohibition and since, were as colorful and violent as any elsewhere. Rick Porrello is a fantastic writer, a dedicated Mafia researcher, and as both a Cleveland cop and a descendant of Joe Porrello has the inside track on the Cleveland Hit Parade!
This town ain't big enough...........2006-07-19
There was room for five families in New York. In Cleveland there was only room for one. The Lonardos and the Porellos struggle to control the manufacture and distribution of liquor during prohibition is well-chronicled in this work. Moe Dalitz financing of Las Vegas casinos is discussed. The book even continues on into the racketeering of Danny Greene and the ILA in the 1970's.
Martin Scorsese should read this book.......2006-03-13
Martin Scorsese would have great content for his next film if he read this book. Rick Porello is able to take these moments in Cleveland history and make them as compelling as the stories about Luciano, the Gambino Family, etc. I can't wait to begin reading his other two books.
Book Description
First published in 1926 and respected ever since for its measured view of the most famous battle in the American West, The Story of the Little Big Horn asks questions that are still being debated. What were the causes of the debacle that wiped out Custer’s command? Was it due to lack of a definite battle plan? To lack of correct information about the number, organization, and equipment of the Indians? To Custer’s hot-headedness and thirst for glory? To Reno’s alleged cowardice? To Benteen’s delay in providing reinforcement? In his factual but dramatic account, W. A. Graham suggests that an awesome concatenation of attitudes and circumstances ensured the defeat of the Seventh Cavalry. On that Sunday in June 1876, the Indians were simply better (though not braver) soldiers.
Customer Reviews:
Straight Foreward Review of LBH: Reno held Objectively.......2000-01-16
Classic account by Graham who appraises the LBH battle objectively in one sense but clearly seems to favor Reno's and Benteen's actions over Custer. The Reno Court of Inquiry testimony which Graham obtained in the 1920s in a limited release fueled much of the book.What was most interesting was a lengthy letter from a member of General Terry's staff officer who wrote the letter just after Terry's death. The letter is a defense of Terry who is characterized as a kind man who did not want to criticize Custer after death too harshly. The letter details how in the opinion of the staff officer, how Custer disobeyed orders particularly in the lack of use of scouts that were suppose to contact Colonel Gibbon's column prior to attacking. Fuels more fire in the controversy. The Custer Myth is the better of the two Graham books.
Classic exposition on the Battle of the Little Big Horn.......1996-10-21
This is one of the classic books on the Little Big Horn
fight. The author, W.A. Graham, was a retired Army lawyer
who spent his retirement in the study of the 1876 Sioux
Campaigns. Graham is almost unique within the tightly knit
universe of Little Big Horn scholarship. His training and
career as a lawyer made him attempt to be as objective as
possible in his gathering and assessment of the evidence
he presents. Graham indulges in little, if any, of the
polemics and special pleading which seems to characterize
much writing about Little Big Horn. For that reason alone,
this volume is recommended highly. While somewhat dated
by more recent scholarship (this is a reprint of the 1941
Second Edition) it is a "must have" in the library of anyone
interested in this famous battle of the Plains Indian Wars.
Product Description
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Average customer rating:
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Nature's Year: The Seasons of Cape Cod
Manufacturer: The National Audubon Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0345022572 |
Product Description
"We see very little. I am told that the very sands we sit on are full of minute organisms. The visible life, perhaps in the form of a few beach fleas, represents an extremely small percentage of the life unseen, a condition which has its parallel in the soil. But a short walk or wade along the shore line can give you proof enough, without the need of a nip from a crab, that the tidal grounds are covered and circulating with life..." Here is a beautifully written portrait of the interaction of the land, the forest, the wild life and the people of Cape Cod and how the movement and changes that occur in just one area serve to mirror much of the rest of the land.
Average customer rating:
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Nature's year;: The seasons of Cape Cod
John Hay
Manufacturer: DoubleDay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: B0006AX1AK |
Books:
- Danger To Elizabeth - The Catholics Under Elizabeth I
- Dark Horse: A Life of Anna Sewell
- Dearest Vicky, Darling Fritz: The Tragic Love Story of Queen Victoria's Eldest Daughter and the German Emperor
- Deber Real
- Diana: A Tribute in Photographs
- Diana's Boys: William and Harry and the Mother They Loved
- Diana, Her Life and Legacy
- Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words
- Diana: Secrets & Lies
- Diana: The Last Days
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