Similar in some respects to Mike Curtis' 'CQB', this is an account of the author's SAS career, having joined via the parachute regiment in the 1970s. It divides up into three distinct battlefields - Oman, the Falklands the the Gulf, with the meat of the book taking place in the latter area. The first two sections are fairly run-of-the-mill, although it's interesting to compare the Falklands section with Max Hastings' 'Battle for the Falklands' and the aforementioned 'CQB', as one particular moment - in which an SAS soldier shoots down an Argentine aircraft with a Stinger - pops up in all three books, each from a slightly different perspective.
It's the coverage of the Gulf war that's particularly interesting, though, as Ratcliffe took part in an SAS operation that's been gone over comprehensively in other books, books which he has read. Consequently, like some real-life 'Rashomon', he points out the exaggerations and untruths in 'Bravo Two Zero', 'Sabre Squadron' and others, all books which you can find elsewhere on Amazon.com. Whilst he seems slightly petulant at times (his account of leading a patrol gives the impression that he was blissfully unaware that he might come across as being, well, smug), it makes for fascinating reading...

I've read a few Special Forces books but this one is by far and away the best one yet. There's so much in it that one doesn't usually hear about and also I enjoyed 'Billy's' sense of humour which crops up now and again. Tremendous read.

Noel Botham co-authored an earlier bio in 1975-76, this book is very much a rehash of the same material, much of it suspect. No index and notes make verification of the facts and sources difficult. Not worth hanging on to. My advice is to wait for the upcoming biography authored by Emily Leider.

If you're a romantic, in love with the mysterious man that has kept women (and some men) spellbound for decades, read on. If you're looking for a scholarly examination of Valentino's life and work, this isn't the book for you.

`Valentino: The First Superstar' is a lightweight journey through the life of Rudolph Valentino, of whom too few decent books have been written. The author frames the bare details in theatrical vignettes, complete with all dialogue, giving a sense of drama but not necessarily of veracity. Such an approach is a suspect one; by putting words in the mouths of his `characters', the author sculpts history to his own liking. The overall impression is that of an afternoon television movie.

The lack of an index and the limited bibliography confirms the book as one of amateur, not professional interest. However, if you know nothing of Valentino beyond his name and reputation, this might be a good place to begin.

Valentino: First Superstar is the story of the Latin lover who became the silver screen's first and greatest sex symbol represents more than twenty years of research and travel on the part of author Botham, who reveals missing answers about the star's brief but memorable life. Interviews with some of the costars and personalities of Valentino's time makes for a well-rounded biography.

I hesitated in deciding to review this book. Is it worth drawing the public's attention to a book that is, at best, descriptive journalism which promises more than it delivers? Only after reading the book did I acquaint myself with the author's journalistic reputation which helped explain some of my original disappointment with the book. As an academic, I cannot recommend this book to any serious reader interested in matters concerning the Windsor family. The book lacks proper endnotes and citations. Botham rarely identifies his sources but chooses convincing descriptive labels that suggest authoritative individuals with first hand knowledge. I am disappointed in Botham's "soap opera" treatment of a topic that is of genuine interest to many in the British Commonwealth. In short, save your money!