The Secret Wife of King George IV

Book Description

Although it was illegal, secret, and against the express commands of his famously mad father, King George IV of England married twice--once for duty and once for love. While Caroline of Brunswick eventually became his lawful queen, it was the beautiful Maria Fitzherbert, recognized as his wife by the Catholic Church but not by the laws of England, who claimed his heart. In the hands of author Diane Haeger, their relationship becomes a mesmerizing love story, filled with intrigue and passion. The characters and drawing rooms of early 19th Century England come alive to create a sexy and vibrant portrait of the age that is colorful and resonant with historical detail.AUTHORBIO: Diane Haeger is the author of THE COURTESAN, published by Pocket, and a number of contemporary romances for HarperCollins. She lives in Newport Beach, California.

Customer Reviews:

Something I never knew.......2004-03-03

(This is a repeat of a previous review-somehow a friend's name got on the original so I am repeating it and correcting my identity).
I only read historical fiction and especially enjoy anything focusing on English history. I have to admit that I knew nothing about the secret relationship of George IV and Maria Fitzherbert and I knew I would have to read this book when I found it on the shelf.
The style of the book was just a step above your typical "romance novel." I could have done without the constant mushy, sugary-sweet romantic dialogue and the overly done descriptions of their romantic encounters (although they were not vulgar). While the intensity of their relationship was clearly conveyed with this type of format, it seemed alittle overdone at times.
I can't say that the book was gripping or that I was unable to put it down, but the author's easy-to-read and fast-paced writing style made reading time go by fast.
All in all, this was a pleasant book about an interesting topic. I am glad that I read it and recommend it to anyone interested in learning alittle more about the secrets of the British monarchy.

Something I never knew.......2004-01-16

I only read historical fiction and especially enjoy anything focusing on English history. I have to admit that I knew nothing about the secret relationship of George IV and Maria Fitzherbert and I knew I would have to read this book when I found it on the shelf.
The style of the book was just a step above your typical "romance novel." I could have done without the constant mushy, sugary-sweet romantic dialogue and the overly done descriptions of their romantic encounters (although they were not vulgar). While the intensity of their relationship was clearly conveyed with this type of format, it seemed alittle overdone at times.
I can't say that the book was gripping or that I was unable to put it down, but the author's easy-to-read and fast-paced writing style made reading time go by fast.
All in all, this was a pleasant book about an interesting topic. I am glad that I read it and recommend it to anyone interested in learning alittle more about the secrets of the British monarchy.

Grossly Inaccurate and Inappropriate.......2003-09-22

I bought this book because I am an English history nut, and I enjoyed Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill (also about Maria FitzHerbert). I was very disappointed. It only follows the bare framework of her life, and is hardly appropriate reading material for respectable people. It paints Maria as a very stupid woman, when in fact, she was extremely smart. She also was more moral than she is portrayed. I am glad that I am not her, because everyone that reads this book without knowing the facts would think that I am the exact opposite of what I stand for. For a better read, try Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill by Jean Plaidy.

The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because of the well written. I only wish Ms. Haeger would use her talent more respectfully and truthfully.

The woman who would not be Queen.......2002-11-10

This is the story of the ultimate damsel in distress. When Maria Fitzherbert came to London in the 1784, she knew little about the infamous son of the King, George IV, heir to the throne, other than his reputation. George lived a profligate life as a gambler, womanizer and drunkard. In his early twenties, a few years younger than the widow Fitzherbert, he became obsessed with her, demanding that they marry, although she was a fervent Catholic, abhorrent to the Crown at that time because of her religion. Swayed by the intensity of their mutual passion, the couple secretly married and she was issued a Papal degree of the validity of the union before God.

Rumors were rife: either they were married and breaking the law, which put Maria and her family in jeopardy, or they weren't. But Prince George would make no statement one way or another. Son of the Mad King George III, the impetuous Prince had been feuding with his father for years in a power struggle he, George IV, believed would end soon, upon the death of the King. Frequently ill and raving, it seemed impossible that the King could live very much longer. With this in mind, George IV gambled his future and the success of his marriage, planning for his wife to become his Queen. But there was such antipathy toward the Papists in England at the time that there was no question of a Catholic as Queen.

The couple was extremely happy, although they never had children, and George was able to put his wild youthful ways behind him. Unfortunately, the one constant working against them, time, was immutable. The mad King did not die, but stubbornly continued on until 85 years of age. Meanwhile, George IV temporized his positions in order to appease everyone and keep his wife. He made promises that he was later forced to break, and Maria valued his word above all else. They separated twice, and were unable to reunite, although each mourned the loss of the other over the years.

The story is based on historical fact, but most of the dialog and scenes are pure fiction. Haeger is well known as a Romance writer, and in some areas of the novel, she slips into "Romantic-speak". At these times, the novel loses any sense of believability, although doubtless well researched on appropriate details. But there are frequent asides (in italics), as Maria thinks to herself: "And God help me" she thought."I know I shall never stop loving you". Tightened up and unflounced, this could have been an engaging story of love gone wrong.

A Princely Effort.......2002-10-30

Let me get straight to the point, this novel is fantastic. I was well-informed about the interesting and somewhat sad life of the secret wife of King George IV, so I wasn't too sure how I would feel about reading a novel about her. I mean, I thought I might be bored. I was wrong. Diane Haeger is a talented author, with an ability to create characters that are believable and larger than life. I especially liked her take on Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Most historians paint her as this wonderfully independent woman - see Amanda Foreman's fantastic biography - but Haeger really brings out a bitchy side of Georgiana that made for a great read.

Book Description

For more than a century Buckingham Palace suppressed the facts about the illicit marriage between the twice-widowed Catholic Maria Fitzherbert and the Prince of Wales, the future George IV. Rumor and scandal began immediately when she met the accomplished if already slightly dissolute Prince of Wales, and even in her obituary, the Times of London pronounced the marriage “either a cruel imposition to silence the scruples of a virtuous though weakminded woman, or an hypocritical pretext adopted by the lady herself to cover her shame.” The Maria that emerges in the pages of biographer James Munson’s pages is neither the unprincipled temptress of her critics nor the romantic heroine of her advocates but rather a complex woman of strong principles, remarkable practicality, iron will, and genuine virtue. For as resolutely as the prince pursued her, Maria steadfastly refused to become his mistress. However much he might want her or she him, she wanted marriage more. Thus was Maria thrust into the political intrigues that underlay the Regency crisis and reign of George IV as well as into one of the most bizarre chapters in the history of the English monarchy. Eight pages of black-and-white photographs add to this “... excellent, entertaining biography-cum-history of this bizarre episode in the history of the English monarchy.”—Booklist (starred) “By far the most exhaustive account of its subject yet written....”—The Sunday Telegraph “Relevant and engaging ... Fitzherbert and her prince make for a lively tale.”—Rocky Mountain News “A life given lively treatment here.”—Publishers Weekly

Maria Fitzherbert: The Secret Wife of George IV

Average customer rating:

Maria Fitzherbert: The Secret Wife of George IV
James Munson
Manufacturer: Constable and Robinson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OH71FQ

No Hurdle Too High: The Story of Show Jumper Margie Goldstein Engle
Average customer rating:

Read the Chronicle instead

Not for adults

A determined young woman

Delightful Diversion

Delightful Diversion

No Hurdle Too High: The Story of Show Jumper Margie Goldstein Engle
Mona Pastroff Goldstein
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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George H. Morris: Because Every Round Counts

ASIN: 1592286836

Book Description

A biography of Olympic and Grand Prix show jumping rider Margie Goldstein Engle.

Customer Reviews:

Read the Chronicle instead.......2005-10-06

Mom, who is rightfully proud of her daughter, is a retired schoolteacher, and boy does it show. To say the book was written on a third grade reading level, which another reviewer has claimed, is completely accurate. The corny, quoted dialogue that supposedly takes place between mother and daughter reads like an elementary school play: "How did the grand prix go?" "Very well, thank you. I got first, second and fourth." "That's wonderful. How do you feel about the Olympic outcome?" This would be a delightful read for a preteen that aspires to be a top rider, but it's merit ends there. If you want to follow Margie's career, but a subscription to the Chronicle of the Horse instead.

Not for adults.......2005-04-20

This would be interesting reading for a young rider. I expected explanations and descriptions about how Margie achieved her successes. Instead, it is more like her mother's walk down Memory Lane. It might be fine for a young fan of Margie's, but it is not for a mature, serious rider. I also do not understand why the Kelso family review was repeated and included twice in averaging the rating.

A determined young woman.......2002-03-20

I have read "No Hurdle Too High" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought that the author by choosing to write it from a third person, objective point of view, as a parent, as opposed to Margie-Engle Goldstein's first person, subjective, point of view
was the author's prerogative. And by using this approach, she made the book intriguing and heart-warming. Either approach, if used would have satisfied some people and left others unhappy.
The book conveys a good sense of the difficulties (hurdles0 that Margie faced and conquered. The purpose of the book, I believe, was to learn not about the technicalities of Horse Jumping, but to tell Margie's story it more personal and less technical.
I found it very inspiring and recommend it strongly.
Herb

Delightful Diversion.......2002-03-19

This is one of those unforgetable stories. In this world of terrorists and unrest, we found it a Delightful Diversion. We laughted and cried tears of joy at Margie's antics and accomplishments.We thought the book was well written, and easy to read. We highly recomend it.

Delightful Diversion.......2002-03-19

Book Description

A Better Tomorrow has always been hailed as a milestone in Hong Kong cinema. This book describes the different responses to the movie in Hong Kong and worldwide, which paved the way for the promotion of John Woo and Chow Yun-fat to their current prominence in Hollywood. Karen Fang tracks the connections between ying shung pian, or "hero movie," the term by which Woo's film became famous in Hong Kong, and the spectacle of violence emphasized in the term "heroic bloodshed," the category in which the film was known in the West.

Average customer rating:

John Woo's A Better Tomorrow
Karen Fang
Manufacturer: EUROSPAN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K7MKD8

Book Description

Based on National Book Award-winner Joyce Carol Oates' novella about the Chappaquiddick scandal, this tragic and beautiful new opera enthralls as a handsome Senator used power to enchant, seduce and carelessly destroy.

Customer Reviews:

Joyce Carol Oates is at it again.......2007-06-04

I am a fan of Joyce Carol Oates and believe that even her worst work is better than most. She is a prolific writer and this "practice" is evident in all she does. No one can touch her ability to tell a good story. Black Water is just that- a good story. Not her best but very good. The focus on a girl's loyalty to an image is what propels the reader to keep going. This idealism, if understood by the reader, makes this an entertaining read. However, as with some of her writing, she repeats pharses or events for effect and in this book it comes through as being boring and kind of annoying. SUPER summer read.

Surprised.......2005-10-11

This book surprised me on several fronts. A book club choice I'd not heard of, I looked forward to it because I'd never read Oates (caveat: I'm not much into fiction), though I certainly am aware of her reputation. The subject was absolutely a surprise, especially given the publication date and an author of repute. I remember the event well and would sooner expect to see a story like this headlined in the rags next to the checkout counter at the supermarket.

Frankly I don't see the worth of it. It's a short read and easy enough, but I am seeing very little depth in it. The senator is a shadowy character seen only through the eyes of the girl, the girl's most important quality seemingly her sexual proclivities. We learn very little else about her in the book, even though it's written from her perspective. She had her (most recent? longest? most fulfilling?) sexual relationship with G----, as he is identified in the book. What, they think we might know him? Better than we know who The Senator is? Most of the book takes place in the car, in the water, the girl dies over and over and over again.

Not for me, however, soon or definitively enough.

Oates gives me more credit than I deserve. More, she, and the publisher of this little tome, think me more curious about such things than I am.

I've read several novels lately - McEwan's The Atonement, Puzo's The Family come to mind - and have been reconsidering my position. This one has reminded me why so much fiction leaves me so cold.

Suffocation by Manipulated Narrative Structure.......2005-04-13

"Black Water" is one of Joyce Carol Oates' masterpieces. Being predisposed to lean toward her short fiction, I was surprised to find myself so in love with this book.

To answer a few questions, yes it does bring to mind a certain senator who is a member of "America's Royal Family." And yes, it does completely abandon the traditional guidelines for storytelling.

Howecer, only a truly magnificent writer can take these rules and throw them out the window with such skill. This novel begins with its central character drowning in a car accident. In fact, every single chapter details the exact same event. Oates' tale is like a memory. We are looking at the same thing over and over until we finally understand its origin.

This is not the only truly amazing thing about "Black Water." Oates makes us drown too. This is something that is said all too often about way too many writers; however, in this case, it would be true. It brings to mind earlier work. I find myself reminiscing over the way I felt for Connie when I first read "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" I am excited to see how fast she will make my heart beat in the future.

Someone's little girl.......2005-02-27

Joyce Carol Oates has produced a relatively tasteful rendition of a tragedy filling U.S. headlines. She uses her imagination and writerly skills to reconstruct what could have happened. The story is told from the point of view of the young woman, victim, who catches the attention of the charismatic liberal political figure at a holiday party. Tellingly, the political figure and the accident victim share the same Irish-American identity. The young woman in Oates's story has an expectation the political figure will return to the scene of the accident and save her.

A True Look at Politicians.......2004-05-14

People say this novel is about Ted and Mary Jo which is correct to a degree. However, it is also about the extraordinary efforts elected representitives will go to save their own hides when things go badly for them both privately and publicly. We saw that in 1969 and are seeing that now in regard to Iraq. Joyce Carol Oates is not only a great writer but also a woman who has enormous prescience and perception of the troubled world we live in.

Customer Reviews:

additional comments.......2000-01-27

War against the Chtorr is a unique rpg world. For a fan of Gerrold's series, this is almost a must have. It is very true to the novels both in facts and in it's tone. The material is interesting even for someone who has not read the novels. The above reviewer is quite correct. Gurps is the only system for this setting. No references exist for any other system. It is definitely for mature and experienced role-players. The setting is very grim and gritty. I don't see how they can talk about winning either. Note: you must have the gurps basic set to use this book and gurps ultratech is invaluable in connection with it.

Aliens who are more than just Bug-Eyed-Monsters!.......1998-08-30

I've been a fan of David Gerrold ever since he wrote "The Trouble With Tribbles" for Star Trek so many years ago. So when he stated this new series, I bought it right away. I still don't see how the humans can fight the Chtorr and talk about winning. However, if you want to try a RPG based on the books, I can think of no better game to use than GURPS. Includes some material not in the original novels. Hard to get nowadays, but worth the effort.

The Financial Services Marketing Handbook: Tactics and Techniques that Produce Results
Average customer rating:

Unable to review

For the novice independent sales professional

Insightful!

Gail Fox, Marketing and Research Consultant

The Financial Services Marketing Handbook: Tactics and Techniques that Produce Results
Evelyn Ehrlich , and Duke Fanelli
Manufacturer: Bloomberg Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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Marketing Financial Services

Money For The Bank: A Banker's Guide To Marketing

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ASIN: 1576601560

Book Description

Financial professionals realize that today, with money tight and customers skeptical, they need to become much better informed about how to create an image and sell their services. Marketing is an essential component of any financial service--whether one is an independent adviser or is at a large institutional firm--and the challenges and requirements inherent in marketing money are unique, numerous, and onerous. "The Financial Services Marketing Handbook gives financial professionals invaluable information on how to target, win, and retain profitable customers. It provides an overview of the basic marketing functions--segmentation, positioning, brand building, situational analyses, and tactical planning--as they relate specifically to the financial services industry. By citing case studies from companies including Capital One, Schwab, and Vanguard that show what has worked and, more tellingly, what hasn't, it demonstrates how marketers can effectively utilize tools ranging from advertising and public relations to direct mail and the Internet.

Customer Reviews:

Unable to review.......2007-03-07

Sorry - this book purchase was a gift and as yet the recipient has not given me any feedback; I'm not even sure if she's started reading it, so I'm unable to submit a review of the book's contents at this time.

For the novice independent sales professional.......2005-09-16

Summary: This book provides a very generalized overview of 1) how to prepare a marketing plan, and 2) a variety of marketing tactics from advertising to sponsorship, the internet and sales strategies.

Review: For the independent financial services sales rep that has very little background in marketing or sales this book may be useful. However, the book does not provide anything of value to a financial services firm of any size or any professional marketers. The book is not bad, but in my opinion (marketer working in financial services, 10+ years experience) it is really only of value to a novice independent sales professional who needs assistance with planning their own personal marketing activities. In fact, if I could make a recommendation to the authors it would be that the next version of the book should focus very specifically on just that.

Insightful!.......2004-12-22

No one claims that marketing any service is easy, but marketing financial services is especially difficult. Today, you can buy financial products - mutual funds, insurance, banking services, mortgages, credit cards - through a variety of channels and providers, often at a discount. This creates a challenge for financial marketers, who tend to rely on proven time-tested marketing techniques from other industries that are not always effective for financial products. Here, consultants Evelyn Ehrlich and Duke Fanelli present marketing basics in a financial services context. Their best material comes from short case studies or vignettes from real financial services companies. Readers may wish there were more of these since much of the marketing content is not new. This is a good basic book for newcomers to marketing in the financial services industry, but veterans will find it less valuable. We recommend it to novice marketers or to those working in financial service firms' non-marketing areas (such as operations, shareholder services or sales) who want a marketing briefing.

Gail Fox, Marketing and Research Consultant.......2004-11-29

An academic presentation in terms of thoroughness and professionalism-yet a "good read".
The appendix of "The Financial Services Marketing Handbook"
entitled Applying Marketing Principles to Sales Practice is a detailed Handbook and a MUST READ.

Book Description

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get--only with what you are expecting to give--which is everything-- Katherine Hepburn

An Intimate Portrait of Films Legendary Lovers--On Screen and Off

During their twenty-six years together, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy mesmerized movie audiences worldwide with their famous on-screen chemistry like no other couple. Yet their private love affair--which ended only with Tracys death in 1967--remained shrouded in secrecy.

Now, international best-selling author Christopher Andersen draws on his own extensive conversations with the immortal Hepburn as well as others who knew the legendary duo intimately to tell the poignant yet often heartbreaking love story of these beloved American icons and the life they shared . Revealing the strength, wit and dignity that characterized this historic partnership, Andersen offers a captivating portrait of a great American romance.

Customer Reviews:

Spence and Kate: the secret romance.......2003-07-31

These two screen giants met on the set of Woman of the Year in 1942 and were together until Spencer died of a heart attack, shortly after wrapping up Guess Whose Coming to Dinner in 1967. This book chronicles their remarkable, romantic pairing in an era where a movie star's private life could remain hidden from a prying public. Spencer was married to a devoted Catholic, Louise, and he refused to divorce her. He also felt a tremendous sense of guilty about his deaf son. So marriage was out of the question, but Kate didn't care, she just wanted she be with Spencer, and she was, following him all over the world to sit worshipfully at his feet.

Andersen dutifully chronicles the nine classic Tracy-Hepburn films and gives some intriguing behind-the-scenes glimpses into each movie. There is also much information about Tracy's legendary bouts with the bottle, his brief fling with Gene Tierney in the early 50's and Kate's affair with Howard Hughes in the 1930's. All the bases are covered, but I wish Andersen would have interviewed more people close to the duo. Still, an engrossing read and essential for anyone enamored with either Spencer or Kate.

Memorable.......2002-03-26

I found An Affair to Remember a truly remarkable portrait of Hepburn and Spencer's lives (before and after they met). The book was interesting and well written. A great pick for anyone interested in either actor.

Star-Crossed Lovers.......2000-04-06

This novel opened up a world that I knew nothing about. The world that only Katharine & Spencer lived in, together... I've been a huge fan of the acting duo for years. Now I feel like I almost know them. Reading this book is like taking a quick peek behind the scenes. It gives details into their lives prior to their initial meeting. Then continues describing how they had to sneak around in order to keep their affair out of the papers. This novel is heartwarming & also tragic. I loved it. If you're a romantic, you'll love it, too.

A book for all the hopless romantics out there........1999-10-01

One of the best books I have ever read. A great love story for the romantic in all of us. Chronicals the ups and downs of a relationship on the sly with a love that would last a lifetime. Very sad, yet a love we all wish we could find. I couldn't put it down.

Very intriguing........1999-07-19

It was filled with great information about Katharine and Spencer - seperately and together. It is unbelievable that they existed in a 26 year relationship and nobody talked about it until Katharine started talking about it herself. Amazing.

An Affair to Remember: The Remarkable Love Story of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy

Average customer rating:

An Affair to Remember: The Remarkable Love Story of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy
Christopher Anderson
Manufacturer: G.K. Hall & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000X48D5C

Product Description

From AudioFile: For the 90th birthday of Katharine Hepburn, Andersen tells of the "enchanted" life of Hepburn and Tracy, going beneath what the public saw to reveal their love, troubles and careers in Hollywood and on the stage. Their story is told from Hepburn's perspective, and Sandra Burr is the perfect reader. Her soft voice brings Katharine Hepburn to life and emphasizes the caring, dependent nature of the couple's life together. An Affair to Remember is primarily narrative, with minimal dialogue read in tones that subtly differentiate the characters. M.B.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Book Description

This is the full story of the Churchill tank; from the design of an oversized prototype in Belfast in 1940 to its final achievements against Communist forces in the Korean War some ten years later. For those with an interest in technical matters this book goes into a great deal of detail. For those interested in the mechanics and politics of war production it explains the systems, processes and pitfalls in depth. For those studying war history it examines the Churchill tank in action from the beaches of Dieppe to the mountains of Tunisia; from the Gothic Line in Italy to the Siegfried Line in Germany and in the harsh terrain of Korea. The Churchill is examined mark by mark, from the A20 prototype through to the heavyweight Black Prince design of 1944. Details are given of its service with every British regiment that operated Churchills and of its use by Australian, Canadian, Irish and Russian forces. The author has drawn heavily on original research material held in the library of the Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset, UK., over 250 b/w photographs, line drawings, 8 1/2" x 11"

Customer Reviews:

almost perfect.......2005-05-22

I enjoyed reading this book very much, it has a wealth of information on the development and history of the Churchill, an abundance of photos and quite a few amusing anecdotes.

Particularly valuable are the copies of original plans and diagrams.

The one criticism I have of this book is that for those interested in the harder technical and production detail what has been included has been scattered through the book in the text, inclusion of appendices like those in the Jentz books on German tanks would have been valuable - collating that data in one spot.

First-rate and long overdue account.......1999-05-30

Mr Churchill's Tank - The British Infantry Tank Mk IV by David Fletcher 210 pages, large format hardback, fully illustrated.

During the Second World War, the British Army operated three classes of tanks. The Light and medium-weight Cruiser classes generally corresponded in their intended roles with those of other nations. However, in the heavier class, Britain used the Infantry Tank. This was designed purely for support of infantry in the attack, and was designed to be move at the general pace of a foot soldier, while its armour was usually heavier so as to be able to withstand anti tank fire as it moved forward. While four types of this tank were produced, the third - the Valentine - was used at times in a cruiser role, but the last was definitely an Infantry Tank. The Churchill was born out of an planned design which would have acted in a similar manner to the first heavy tanks of the Great War. Times had changed however, and with them the need for the original design. Vauxhall Motors were asked to design and act as developer and technical experts on the new series, which first appeared at a time when Britain's tank recourses and general fortunes were at a low ebb. It was built without the usual cycle of building and testing prototypes, which meant that when first introduced into service it had many problems to be overcome. From then on, the tank's fortunes waxed and waned. It came close to being taken out of production more than once, only to be reprieved and improved before finally becoming a useful vehicle in the field in its intended role and some new ones. Its story is very complicated, and intertwined with that of British tank development at this period. While it has been written about before, some of what has appeared has missed some points or left details out. This makes the coverage here all the more valuable. David Fletcher is ideally placed, not only as one of Britain's leading authors on tank matters with a thirst for knowledge and an ability to pass that knowledge on in a very readable manner, but as Librarian and Curator at the Tank Museum he has ready access to a store of information on the Churchill and related matters. He follows the tank from its early beginnings, through development, user trials, problems in service and their resolution, improvements and modifications. Much light is shed on other matters such as development of tank armament, as well as the often conflicting demands and sometimes confusion and interference in design and production. Some interesting might-have-beens and even some areas not well documented are included. As tank development is always a continuing tale, he also describes the original "shelled area" tank which spawned Churchill and ends with Black Prince, a sort of Super Churchill, which appeared in time to be made unnecessary by the replacement of two streams of tanks by one, universal design. Not only is the story of the machines themselves told, but also its actions, from a less than auspicious debut at Dieppe through more successful use in Tunisia, then through North West Europe and Italy, on to its final deployment in Korea. Details, sadly still sketchy after many years and much change, of its use in Russia and peacetime service in Australia and Eire, are also included. Churchills were not only used as gun tanks. Many were converted or built as specialist armour, which wisely are not covered here apart from the unusual 3" Gun Carrier. This leaves the way open for a full and detailed study of them at a later date, allowing more detail to be included in areas not usually covered. Some unusual field modifications are however covered. Alongside a text which should be read closely as it contains a wealth of detail which could easily be missed, are a fine collection of photographs of the many versions produced, including views in the factory and of such things as the turret basket separate from the tank, and many photos of the tanks in action. Even more detail is shown using original stowage diagrams and extracts from various handbooks to show specific components. While most wartime British armour had a bad press, and the Churchill itself had some adverse comments, it generally came through with a good reputation. Its full story has had to wait a long time to be told, but now it has been brought into the light in good form in a book which deserves a worthy place among studies of major armoured vehicles.

Book Description

After his father's death, Dennis Covington plunges into a Florida shootout to claim his only inheritance, two and a half worthless acres of land that his father bought in a real estate scam-but the more determined he becomes to share his father's dream with his own children, the more it seems that his true legacy is bad judgment in real estate. In a tale filled with characters drawn from a Florida like Flannery O'Connor's Georgia, Covington finds his life threatened, his truck torched, and his small cabin shot up and vandalized, but he clings to his inheritance with heartbreaking tenacity. Redneck Riviera is at once a comic and tender celebration of family, a brilliant look at the clash of values tearing much of rural America apart, and a bittersweet comment on our age-old passion to possess and transform the land.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent small book!.......2004-11-17

Despite its relative lack of heft, this book makes for rich reading. You will learn a lot and think about what Mr. Covington has to say on the subjects of family, land, and place.

Fascinating, in fits and starts.......2004-03-05

The core of the book, which is the author's wrongheaded and doomed attempt to reclaim his father's land -- now dominated by local hunters, outlaws and vaguely corrupt law enforcement officials -- is fascinating. Covington's attempt to transfer his dream of recapturing his inheritance to the wilds of Idaho is somewhat less interesting. Most dissapointing, though, is the attempt to string together a narrative over what must be about a decade's chronology. All told, a few key days on his father's land makes up the core of the story, and you don't get a sense of how long or how hard Covington's efforts were.

Interestingly, this area in Florida where the book takes place seems to dovetail with the swamps covered in Susan Orlean's "The Orchid Thief," which also gives a brief history of the land scam that sets this book's plot in motion.

I'm glad I read the book, though it's less compelling than "Salvation on Sand Mountain," Covington's earlier book on snake-handling and other religiously-driven fervor.

Book Description

The first book of its kind, Wiccan Wisdomkeepers presents dozens of in-depth interviews with a diverse "global coven" of well-known Wiccans. Celebrating the Craft of the Wise, each interview is accompanied by an original photograph, details about each practitioner's individual philosophy, and a short invocation or spell. Representing a broad spectrum of men and women from many cultures and countries, the interviews include Starhawk, internationally renowned American Wiccan and passionate environmentalist; and Doreen Valiente, who is influential in present-day Wiccan lore and in the writing of the Witches' Book of Shadows. Others include Phyllis Currot, Patricia Morrison, Francesca Howell (author of this season's Making Magic with Gaia), Sirona Knight (author of next season's Goddess Bless!), Marina Baker, Janet Farrar and Gavin Bon, Jullius, Judy Harrow, Dawn Hardy and Tony Meadows, Cassandra, and many more.

Customer Reviews:

A Wise Purchase.......2005-05-26

This wonderful book is a collection of candid interviews with some of the biggest names in Wicca, including Doreen Valiente, Starhawk, Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone, Judy Harrow, and Phyllis Curott. Writer and photographer Sally Griffyn reveals the vibrant diversity of Wicca with intimacy and a wealth of vivid photographs.

I find only one weakness in the book: the inclusion of an essay by a man who goes by the pseudonym Edmund. He claims to be a High Priest, a widely published and respected author and expert in the history of Paganism and Witchcraft for over 10 years. I question anyone who makes such claims from the broom closet. Additionally, he says that Wiccans can be atheists, which tells me he doesn't know as much as he thinks he does.

Nevertheless, beginners will learn much from Wiccan Wisdomkeepers and more experienced practitioners can see all the different directions their practice can take. The lavish photographs are sure to inspire.

Pictures alone are worth purchasing this book........2002-08-06

After borrowing this book from a close friend, I knew I had to get a copy for myself. From Doreen Valiente's last poem to Patricia Kennealy Morrison's retelling of her pagan past (and present) with deceased husband Jim Morrison of The Doors, this book is a great addition to any pagan library.
If your journey is just getting started in the craft, or your path is well traveled, these well known pagan leaders offer insight to their own lifestyle and spiritality, with common ground being an affinity with nature.
The photos that accompany the interviews are brillant, with sharpness and clarity. Note: the Horned God was VERY inviting.
Only drawback, would have like to have seen more pagan authors/leaders being interviewed.

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