IPhone 3G used's review (Grace's Biography) 『Anne Chambers is the authority on Granuaile O'Malley, and she has written the definitive scholarly work in this biography on her.』
(Inspiring!) 『Anne Chambers' book provides a fascinating and inspiring glimpse into the life of an extraordinary Irish woman. Ms Chambers does an excellent job painting a picture of life in Ireland during the 16th century and the role of women in Ireland through the ages. Anyone traveling to Ireland or interesting in Irish history and the role of women in Irish society will benefit from reading this biography.』
(Much too dry and fact oriented) 『It's my fault really but this book is just not what I was looking for and I could not get through it.』
(Granuaile) 『This book was excellently written. To the person who said the anti-christian statements were not true- Let me guess? Your a christian right. Thats the problem with christians, they still deny the truth no matter what. Christianity has always been a man's religion and its the most degrading religion to women and womens rights that has ever existed. I'm glad this author had the guts to be more unique and unconventional to tell the TRUTH. Sorry Christians. I know you never appreciate that.』
(Beware of the anti-Christian, radical feminist rants in this book) 『I'm an O'Malley, so you can bet I was looking forward to this book. However, with all due respect to the author, at least in the early going, this book contains some anti-Christian, radical feminist claims that put into question the integrity of the rest of it. For instance, on page 17-18 (paperback edition) the author states: "The writings of the early Christian saints, such as Paul, John, Ambrose, Jerome and Augustine, reflected the degraded position of women in Roman society. Augustine wrote of the 'horrible beastliness of women'..."
Not surprisingly, the author can not substantiate this claim and therefore does not give reference to the original source documents in her endnotes as she does with other claims. Don't get me wrong, there is no doubt that the period in which Granuaile lived was male dominated, and at times, shamefully so. However, that doesn't give an author a license to try to right any injustices by yet another injustice.
It's a shame that the apparent good intentions of this author were laid waste by her seeming desire to bash males and Christianity. A biographer should, at the very least, seek, know and uphold the truth, and then tell the good, the bad and the ugly in an even handed way. This isn't too much to ask.
』 『Using state papers and manuscripts of the period, Anne Chambers reveals the woman behind the legend and presents one of history's most remarkable women against the turbulent political environment of her time. What emerges is a woman who challenges our predisposed sense of convention, who, over four hundred years ago, was one of the first women to break the mold and make a unique contribution to history.』
Kakaku：137 saved$1.37
Gambit Publications
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (An average repertoire book) 『This book is divided into three parts. Part 1 consists of queen gambit accepted lines which not include the classical variation, part 2 handles the classical variation and part 3 handles openings where white do not follow up with c4 (Colle, London, Veresov, etc.)
Rizzitano handles the 3 parts very differently. While the classical variation is very deeply explained (as for 2300 players), Rizzitano handles for instance the Torre Attack more lightly (as for 1700 players).
So this book is not for ordinary club players. In many positions where white has more than just one alternative, Rizzitano often just describe just one alternative. The other alternatives may be less attractive, but for an ordinary club player who plays black, it is not easy to understand why. This book is full of variations and variations. Rizzitano surely knows how to use a chess database. But I miss some informative text, and not just variations after words like: Alternatives:, then:, now:, White has some alternatives here:, Let's examine: When someone write "Let's examine" I want some explanation text, not just variations. I believe it may be difficult for a normal chess player to benefit 100% from this book, without doing his one opening description from this book.
So I will not recommend this book for players rated below 2000.
What I also miss in this book is a more specific description of strategically ideas about each variant and some complete games showing when these strategically ideas are successful.』
(Great Book) 『This is an amazing book, extremely detailed and thorough. It is a totally complete repertoire against 1.d4. I don't know what the last reviewer is talking about. Contrarily, this one of the most complete and thorough opening repertoire books I've ever seen.
This is your road map when white plays 1.d4. Keep in mind that it's a repertoire book, not an instructional manual on how to play every single move in every single position. (But it comes close!) One thing the book lacks is an "Illustrative Games" section. If this is your only reference, then you will need to either find a supplemental book, well annotated QGA games, or a coach to help you work through the positions once the analysis stops.
The good news is that he basically quotes his sources on every book, game fragment, and annotator. If you want to see more, just pull the game up on your computer and have at it. This is a window into a titled player's opening preparation, so be prepared to do some work to digest the material.
I think this is good for players rated 1800+, because it can be an overwhelming amount of material at some points. It is definitely *not* the "Easy Guide" to the QGA.
I am looking forward to seeing more from the meticulously thorough Rizzitano.』
(Good Repertoire Book, But....) 『Missing a couple of critical lines that Black should be aware of.
Of course, all the initial analysis through the earlly stages of the ooening is spot-on, but at that nebulous threshold between the end of an opening and the onset of a full-blown middle game, this book serves the function of dropping us off at a couple of key (and very complex) intersections with a map that does not show all the avaliable roads that can be taken. Of course, this is not an real big deal if these are options for our side (the good guys!-- it is a repertoire book afterall), but when these options are important (and powerful) moves that are opponent can spring, and they are not even mentioned, it makes me wonder what the full intent of the author really was.
Don't get me wrong, I like this book, and if the player with the white pieces cooperatively stays within the confines of the repertoire proffered, Black is doing fine. But for a volume of this size and reputation, I was disappointingly surprising to see it completely overlooks some key lines that Black will probably see OTB.』
(Won my first two QGA games after reading this book) 『I'm an ICCF Master Class player and I recently bought Rizzitano's book "How to beat 1.d4". I ever had problem with black vs 1.d4 and I read with great interest Rizzitano's book. The book was clear, extremely interesting, up to date, with all strategic ideas behind the opening well analysed and explained.
I recently tried the QGA in an ICCF Master Class tournament (EM-M-307) and the result was : +2 =0 -0 that is 100% for the first 2 QGA I ever played!!!!
Compliments to the author: the good result I get in the tournament is fully due to his book!!!
Dr.Mauro Marchisotti, Torino, Italy
』
(An Exemplar of Chess Opening Books) 『Rizzitano's "How to Beat 1 d4" is an example of how opening repetoire books should be written. The reader can tell how meticulously the author approached this work- all the relevant analysis, along with many suggested improvements from the author himself. The book presents the Queen's Gambit Accepted as the centerpiece of the repetoire, and also offers lines against all of White's second-move alternatives. A welcome bonus is analysis of 3 e3 e5 in the QGA, which allows Black to play alternatives such as 4...Bg4 in the main line after 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 e3. A great work.』 『Rizzitano, author of Understanding Your Chess, presents a full repertoire for Black against 1 d4, based on the Queen's Gambit Accepted (QGA). The QGA is an extremely popular opening amongst players of all levels, as it gives Black free development and counterpunching potential, especially if White takes up the challenge and tries to set up a broad pawn centre. The QGA's soundness is shown by the number of top-class grandmasters who have used it in critical games - it was a key factor in Short's victory over Karpov, and has even been used by Garry Kasparov at world-championship level. Rizzitano has chosen to recommend dependable main lines of the QGA, and throughout emphasizes how Black can create winning chances and White's typical ways to go wrong. The repertoire is completed by a set of weapons against White's alternatives to offering the Queen's Gambit, ranging from the stolid Colle to the weird Hodgson Attack and the reckless Blackmar-Diemer.』
IPhone 3G used's review (Very Well Done) 『Eyes of the Lich Queen is a roller coaster ride through Eberron. This adventure is very substantial promising hours upon hours of excellent gaming time. With Dragons, Dungeons, Dragonmarks, and adventure all across the land, what more could you ask for?』
(Great Adventure) 『This is a great twist for Dragonmark and non Dragonmark races alike. The four pc's I am running through it are loving it. The new encounter system is great. You don't need to lug around all your monster books, it has everything you need to know in the book itself. From tactics to different scenarios, depending on what the pc's do. This adventure will easily take characters from 5th to 9th. Keeps the pc's rockin with little down time.』
(LENGTHY BUT VERY GOOD ADVENTURE) 『Eyes of the Lich Queen is a campaign/adventure book designed for the Eberron setting although with a little creativity and work, it can really be dropped into any fantasy campaign of your choosing if you do not play in Eberron. You'll require all of the standard books to play. The adventure is designed for four 5th level characters although five or six may be more reasonable. This is a good ol' fashioned quest adventure with the players seeking an artifact called The Dragon's Eye. The ancient artifact was created during the age of Demons and its said the Eye can give the holder total domination over dragons. The dragons are none to happy about someone finding the artifact that had been considered mere legend. They set out to find the Eye for safekeeping. Meanwhile, the lich queen Vol is dead set on finding the Eye for herself and has set her agents about finding the artifact.
The adventure is plated out over four parts and at 126 pages, is a fairly lengthy adventure, designed to take the player characters from 5th to 9th level by the time the campaign is finished. The journey will take the group over 5,000 miles in their travels although DM's are encouraged to give players a sense of the vast distances they are traveling without bogging them down with random encounters every step of the way. The designers are looking for an epic feel to their adventure, not a tedious one. The players will be drawn into their adventure with the promise of a great treasure, hired by a Silver Dragon named Sur'Kil, who will appear to them in the form of a middle-aged human.
The first target is the Temple of Kha'shazul, located in the jungles of Q'barra, and home to various tribes of Lizard Folk. Sur'Kil speaks only of ancient relics to be found within the temple but does not mention the Eye specifically. With the ancient temple is where the players will first hear mention of the Eye and, should they survive the temple, report their findings to Su'Kil. Sur'kil then sends the players on the path of another ancient artifact hunter who sought the Eye. Next up the players go island hopping, encounterin pirates, and eventually finding themselves at the prison fortress of Dreadhold, searching for an old gnome who has important symbols and notes tattooed into his skin that will lead the players to their next clue on the trail of the Dragon's Eye.
Like the other adventure books, Eyes of the Lich Queen presents the locations in full, and in brief overview, with the specifics of each encounter area coming after that. The thing I like most about the book is the sense of wonder and scope of the entire adventure. This isn't just a jungle crawl but a truly epic, world-spanning quest to exotic locations, cities, and yes, dungeon settings as well. There's also a strong sense of intrigue as well. The players are not only pitted against the creatures they encounter along the way, but also against the forces of the Lich Queen Vol and her deadly agents who believe the players may have already located the eye. Of course, it will take a deft DM to really bring this all home to the players and hopefully, yours is one!
There's a lot to do in Eyes of the Lich Queen and it need not be followed in linear fashion...again, a skilled DM can really make this a great time for the players. There are scores of maps in the book! I personally don't play Eberron, but as I said, it's no big deal to drop this into, say, a Forgotten Realms campaign or even one of your own designs. One Beef...I'd have liked to seen this at around $20 rather than $25.
REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON』
(Since this is soft bound) 『This is a well written adventure with some extremely good ideas on DMing and keeping the story moving. My only real problem with it is the price and the fact it is a soft bound book. If I wanted to overpay for something I would have bought this at a comic book shop.』
(Very good addition) 『This seems to be one in the latest trend of WoTC adventure products for its various gameworlds. Once again, this is a set of adventures that make up a mini-campaign taking the players through various levels. It uses the latest formatting design from WoTC. That is, having encounters in a separate area, at the end of the chapters, complete with maps. Honestly, it is confusing at first, having to jump back and forth between the non-combat description and the tactical scenarios. It takes maybe two sessions to get the hang of it, in my opinion.
The adventure itself is very intriguing to read, and hopefully this will translate to the gaming table. The encounters are challenging, and the authors seem to have made very tough, and memorable opponents instead of your basic cookie-cutter monsters. There are a few typos and omissions in the text, which unfortunately, bring a good quality product slightly down.
In summary though, well worth purchasing. Plenty of surprises for players, and so far, loads of fun to run.』
Kakaku：247 saved$2.47
Phoenix Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (An 18th Century true crime whodunnit) 『Copies of this book are on sale in the gift shop at the Palace of Versailles. That's saying something for a book published, in English, in 1961. I figured there must be a reason and I was right. This fascinating page-turner is equal parts social history, shadowy mystery, and riveting tale of intrigue. The story is told primarily through masterfully translated excerpts from contemporary source materials--diaries, memoirs, autobiographies. In all honesty I rarely read books this long anymore, but this did not seem long at all. Finally, this title will expand your vocabulary--I guess readers were familiar with more words in 1961!』
(History and Heredity) 『The Queen's Necklace is a remarkable book. As an avid reader of French Revolutionary history, I was initially daunted by its 500+ pages, but the style of writing with it's excerpts from period memoirs, made it eminently readable. I found myself unable to stop reading. The use of the memoirs, particularly when they contradict each other so strongly, presents the reader with the opportunity to weigh each version and use them to "read between the lines" to obtain the story - or in some cases, "a" story - by the memoirs' authors themselves.
It was a delightful read with virtually no connection to the movie of the same name. What a wasted opportunity that was! The real story is the stuff of movie making, had the writer and producer used this book, the film might have been a hit. Sophia Coppola, with her "Marie Antoinette" film could have benefitted from this book as it accurately presents Marie Antoinette at a time when her fate had already been decided in the minds of the public by libelous pamphleteers and the actions of such self-interested, self-involved charlatans as Madame La Motte-Valois, the central character in this story.
I was fortunate to be able to see the San Francisco Legion of Honor exhibit on Marie Antoinette and the Grand Trianon as I was reading this book. It served to reinforce what a great book this is.』
(The Scam of the century) 『In 1785 The Queen's Necklace scandal broke over France. Queen Marie Antoinette was alleged to have bought a diamond necklace worth over 1.6 million franks and refused to pay for it, and had Cardinal Prince Rohan, a long time courtier out of favour, arrested for it along with his accomplices the Countess de la Motte-Valois and the famous mystic Count Cagliostro.
This book is a series of fascinating first person accounts of how the necklace swindle occurred and the trial that followed it. Most of the people involved in the scandal wrote their memoirs and virtually all the court related documentation is still available in France in archives. This book is a compilation of these memoirs and legal statements made by all the parties involved in this crime which opened the monarchy and France to the fury of the revolution.
The author does not impose her own interpretation of the events on the reader, but does provide explanations to the backgrounds of the people involved and the social and political niceties of the time that explain why people acted as they did.
This book is a lively account of this important French scandal that, because of the first person accounts, reads like a novel. If the story wasn't true it would be hard to credit such a cast of interesting characters, with their extravagant and wildly different backgrounds, coming together like this to play a crucial role in the downfall of the French Monarchy. Its also very interesting to compare this book to what is portrayed in the movie of the same name. There are a number of very significant differences!
』 『Written in 1961 and now back in print, this classic and fascinating true crime story stars none other than Marie Antoinette. Four years before the French Revolution, some priceless diamonds were purchased in elaborate secrecy from a court jeweler. The jewels, not yet paid for, were delivered into the hands of the first Prelate of the Church of France. He, in turn, gave it to a countess who claimed to be acting for Marie Antoinette. Although essentially an innocent bystander, the Queen became embroiled in a scandal that fatally weakened the monarchy. 』
Kakaku：424 saved$4.24
Academy Chicago Publishers
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Good Biographical Read, Weak Political History) 『Neale's book comes from an older world of historical writing, and would not satisy the demands of current historians. It tells the story of Elizabeth I as a loving tale of a personal friend, focusing on assessments (or presumptions!) about character. The book makes Elizabeth seem a strong and deserving leader. The book reveals little, though, of the details and especially the implications of political decision-making. A war, or a raising of taxes, is seen as meaningful only as a development in some relationship between Elizabeth and some other nobleman. This work would be of almost no help to someone trying to understand the developments in English politics in the 1500s. As a personal drama, though, (perhaps as a soap-opera), this is an engaging and informative read.』
(The best book on QEI) 『Although hardly a year goes by without someone new coming up with another biography on Queen Elizabeth I, this probably is the best of the lot. Many of the subsequent volumes that have appeared after Neale generally owe him a debt of gratitude at least for assembling the basic facts of the life of the Virgin Queen.
Elizabeth's life has been told many times, her parents, Henry VIII and Anne Bolyn's ill-fated marriage, imprisionment during the reigns of both siblings, Thomas Seymour (whose sister replaced her mother in Henry's bed-would any soap opera try this plot twist?), Thomas Wyatt, William Cecil, Robert Dudley, Mary Queen of Scotts, the Spanish Armada, Shakespeare, and Gloriana. What Neale does quite well is to provide some real insight into the life of this the best of Britain's rulers and to place her actions in context. Some might think that Neale's treatment is too positive, I think the tone of the book is consistent with the greatness of this woman who, unlike her modern day namesake, ruled as well as reigned.』
(Worshipping at the feet of Gloriana) 『J.E. Neale, Elizabeth I's most famous modern biographer, is not an author who is easy to read for the modern scholar or anybody who regards the Virgin Queen as anything short of a goddess. His style of history has vanished, I'm glad to say. His worship of Elizabeth and his nationalistic biases make this a very tough read and not a very worthwhile one. Anne Somerset's modern biography would be a better use of the reader's time.』
(Queen Elizabeth did reign!) 『After having read everything I could get my hands on about Elizabethan England reading this book was very refreshing. Delving into the social and political realm of Queen Regina is what this book is all about. Well written and easy to read it gives a new perspective on the trials and tribulations of a very courageous and smart lady.』
(The Virgin Seductress) 『Every single one of Elizabeth's biographers (particularly the male ones) seem to have fallen in love with her, and this, the epic Bess bio, is the most unashamedly gushing. Part of the reason for Elizabeth's enduring appeal is that she combined good looks and dress sense with a flair for self-invention (and re-invention) - the very same qualities which still endear Onassis-Kennedy and Diana Spencer totheir legions of mourners. As a politician Elizabeth's achievements approached genius, but any sympathetic biographer still has to paper over the cracks somewhat when we get to her reliigious policy, particularly the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. Since this biography was written at a time where many Englishmen were still riding the Imperial wave, there is a tendency to forgive the Virgin Queen on matters such as this, but this work remains a milestone.』 『Long considered the definitive biography of the great Tudor Queen, this scholarly and immensely readable book won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Biography and has been translated into nine languages.』
Kakaku：259 saved$2.59
Miramax
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (A Queen of a script) 『I feel writing, creating a script based on someone who is still alive would be overwhelming. Yet the talent in this script is something all writers and readers should appreciate. The balance is right. Despite the difficult subject , I feel the writer gets inside the Queen and pardons her for being what she is - just human. Though having said that she does a wonderful job being the queen of england and I don't think any of us could do the job better, Since reading the script Queen Elizabeth has a new fan! She is a great role model for woman around the world And she has to survive with such pressure. Go Elizabeth!』
(Great screenplay (haven't seen the movie)) 『Peter Morgan shows us how it's done. It's the classic lot-of-white-space screenplay and it works. The whole story is quite interesting whether or not you are obsessed with the British monarchy (I, for one, am not).
The only issues, from a speculation script standpoint, are that:
1) every character name always appears in CAPITALS; 2) the writer uses "a beat" with great frequency (this is supposedly an acting term not applicable to screenwriting [he should use "a pause" instead]); 3) camera direction is used, but the use is limited.
It's the ideal drama that could capture a broad audience or production interest. Little or no profanity; no nudity; no violence; no special effects.
I've read quite a few screenplays and this is one of the better ones. Very readable. Not very technical.』 『The screenplay for the acclaimed Miramax film of the same name, providing an intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Royal Family in the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death
"What’s most daring about it isn’t that it’s a satire. It’s a story that dares to paint people in power as complex, rounded, conflicted human beings just like you and me." --Peter Morgan
In the days following the death of Princess Diana, Great Britain exploded in a paroxysm of public grief that shocked the tightly contained, tradition-bound world of the Queen of England. The grieving nation was desperate for comfort from its beloved queen, and for many days it did not come. Elizabeth II, stunned by the unexpected depth of the public emotion at Diana’s passing and the vitriol of the British media toward her for not joining in, was forced to realize that her people felt abandoned and were in danger of abandoning her. This is the story told inThe Queen, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, and James Cromwell.
Peter Morgan’s screenplay, drawn from extensive interviews, devoted research, discreet sources, and informed imagination, shows us one of the modern world’s last great monarchs as she has never been seen before -- as a vulnerable human being in her darkest hour, struggling to preserve all she holds most dear.』
Kakaku：2200 saved$22.00
NYU Press
Usually ships in 24 hours 『The Clay Sanskrit Library will consist of 100 major works of classical literature.
Each book in the Clay Sanskrit Library is published in the original Sanskrit, in Roman script, on the left-hand page, and in English translation on the right. Twenty-seven leading scholars from eight countries are cooperating to produce fresh new translations that combine readability and accuracy.
The projected list of Clay Sanskrit Library volumes will include all books of the two Indian epics: the Ramáyana and the Maha•bhárata, as well as a rich selection of classical Indian literature (Kavya). Each book will be published in a jacketed hardcover edition, in a compact 4.5" x 6.5" format, designed to bring the great literature of India to the general public, scholars, and students.
Richard F. Gombrich is the Boden Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford University and the author ofOn Being SanskriticandThe Perfect Generosity of Prince Vessantara.
The Epitome of Queen Lilávati by Jina•ratna , Volume 2 Edited and translated by R.C.C. Fynes
The second volume of Jina•ratna’s thirteenth-century The Epitome of Queen Lilávati completes his story. Embodied souls undergo all too human adventures in a succession of lives, as they advance to final release. The primary purpose of Jain narrative literature was to edify lay people through amusement; consequently thestories are racy, and in some cases the moralizing element is rather tenuous.』
Kakaku：1995 saved$19.95
Goddess Queen Unlimited
Usually ships in 3 to 5 weeks IPhone 3G used's review (Living as the Goddess Queen's we all are) 『Such a magnificent book! It is transformational, informative and enlightening. The author provides wonderful tools in a simplistic, energizing and joyous manner. It's definitely a book to keep on the shelves, so that it can be read and utilized over and over again. It has been a truly divine gift in owning, recognizing and living the Goddess Queen within myself, along with cherishing even more the Goddess Queen within us all. This book is for "all walks of life". The author, Kelly, has a true gift in presenting such illuminating material that enlivens any and every heart and/or mind!』
(INSPIRATION, HOPE,&PEARLS FOREVER) 『This is a truly amazing book! The author reveals herself and in doing so allows you to be honest with yourself as to who you are. She gives you hope for the future and all the beauty that lay in you and in this world. You'll read it over and over again, laughing, empathisizing with the author, and filled with joy. This is a book you will keep for yourself and recommend to ALL of your friends! We all loving being Drama Queens, but life as a Goddess Queen is so much more FUN! 』
(Absolutely amazing&beautifully written!) 『This book changed me from head to toe. I have learned to turn my attention away from drama and toward the divine. The tools Kelly gives you in this book will last a lifetime. It was a warm and witty journey that has left me with a well of practical information and exercises to draw from and use in my every day life to direct myself more positively and to steer away from negative thoughts. Thank you, Kelly! I loved your book.』
(Fabulous Book) 『This book is absolutly wonderful. I was inspired and transformed. The author has such a poetic way of guiding you to your higher self.』 『Discover Your Inner Goddess Queen...an Inspirational Journey from Drama Queen to Goddess Queen introduces 'every-woman' to two archetypes that go hand in velvet glove to inspire her to become her higher self in her daily life. This regally adorned book with gilded pages, a satin bookmarker and Austrian crystals is as fabulous to look at as it is to read.』
Kakaku：250 saved$2.50
Wiley
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (ELIZABETH R) 『The Queen is an engima, she is very hard to understand indepth, she was raised to have that stiff British upper lip. This book is hella long, but very interesting, it gives some insight into this extraordinary woman. She may be fabulously wealthy and she may be given millions of pounds each year by her country, but she earns it, she takes her duty very seriously and nobody doubts that she loves Britian and her subjects. To an American, like me, the monarchy seems so anachronistic, I mean the idea of somebody being inherantly better than somebody else simply because of their blood line, it so alien to me, but if I did have to chose a monarch, I'd chose Elizabeth Windsor....as for one of the other reviews statement that the Queen squandered her power, early in her reign, is just plain wrong, she and her advisors understood what the British public would accept, she saved the monarchy, Christ, she is the most famous monarch in the world by far, she is one of the most famous faces on the globe and Helen Mirron is about to win a academy award protraying her, she is respected the world over..That is squardering her crown?』
("The Family of Families") 『Her Majesty's immediate family, her mother, also Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mum, her father, King George VI, and her sister Margaret, were considered the "family of families" by the British public throughout King George VI's reign, particularly during the War years of 1939-1945. When Ben Pimlott wrote this book in 1996 the year of Her Majesty's 70th birthday, the Royal family's reputation was beseiged during a time when (British, I assume, anti-monarchical) republicanism was at its height and on the rise. However, during the first decades of Queen Elizabeth II's lengthy reign, the publics' feelings on the monarchy were unquestionably favorable which you'll understand by reading the book. Millions the world over watched Her Majesty's wedding, (when she was still a Princess), and later her coronation; for many people, it was the first time they had ever watched television. So Ben Pimlott writes in his Preface that his book "is a book about the Queen in people's heads, as well as at Buckingham Palace".
Ben Pimlott was "absolutely a patriot", his wife declared to the press following his death at age 58, almost a year ago, (he died on April 10, 2004, the day before Easter), after a short travail with leukemia. "He wanted, and believed, that the world and Britain could be a better place and that Goldsmiths could be a better place, and that poor people ought to have a brilliant university." Stumbling on his obituaries, I've become enamored with his life's work, (although short), and impressed with how well he was thought of; so many people were saddened by his passing. He was Warden of Goldsmiths University of London at the time. He had attended Oxford University when Bill Clinton was then a student there for one year. Professor Ken O Morgan wrote of him in an obituary that "he was one of the most important historians ever of the British left". Poor Brit, he was born on the fourth of July!
Ben Pimlott wrote two other biographies before The Queen, one about Hugh Dalton, another Labour leader who was Chancellor during WWII and also son of Queen Victoria's chaplain, and Harold Wilson, who was prime minister and also of the Labour party. He also edited and made available to the public Hugh Dalton's private diaries. He was somewhat apprehensive about writing this book, anticipating criticism from his colleagues.
Her Majesty invited Ben Pimlott over to Windsor Castle while he was writing this book, but interestingly, the book's contents were not discussed; he was merely invited over, I assume, for tea and a nice chat. In writing this book, he interviewed several former prime ministers, Princess Margaret, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Runcie. He used The diaries of Jock Colville, Queen El
