I could barely put this book down. It pieces together the events in a celebrated libel action brought in England in 1891. What is at stake? Simply a gentelman's honour, which may not mean much these days. However, for me the whole book was a gripping if sad commentary on human nature and personal motivation, further magnified by the English class system. The plaintiff in the case, a highly decorated soldier, has been accused of cheating in an illegal game of cards. Was he or wasn't he? He simply wishes to clear his name, but other issues are in play - notably that his friend, the Prince of Wales and heir to the English throne, was also (scandalously) playing. The authors skillfully piece together the events of the weekend of the fateful card games before carefully examining the subsequent trial, including brilliant cross examinations, revelations of prejudice among the witnesses and apparent prejudice on the part of England's most senior judge. Why should anybody care about all of this upper class cheek slapping? Perhaps because it contains parallels in today's world at every turn, from the desire of society's lever-pushers to supress a scandal to the way in which people run for cover once the lid is blown off. You don't need to be a lawyer or a historian to read and enjoy this book. It is extremely well researched and written. In fact the only thing I didn't like was the jury's verdict........

A very interesting book, though the author is decidedly pro monarchy and particularly towards the Queen Mother. Wallis comes off as a shrew of the greatest magnitude, while the Queen Mum seems destined for sainthood. Having read a number of books about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, it's interesting to see the story from the other side. Let's just say that both women had their fair share of faults...and leave it at that.

This book is the culmination of an enormous undertaking. 9,000 addresses were selected from random geographical locations. The participants, aged 18 to 55 years, completed an hour and a half interview about their sexual practices. Anyone interested in human sexuality will want to learn about the results from this study. Although this book does not go into the depth or detail of "The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the Unites States," this book is more user-friendly. This book is a must for therapists who deal not only with sexulaity issuess but also relationship issues. Previous research has demonstrated that all couples have arguments about work, money and sex. Thus, it is essential to learn what the actual sexual practices of couples are and this book is a tool with a wealth of information.

This book provides a fine intro to general surgery as well as the surgical subspecialties. Good pics and diagrams. Written by a world class faculty at Harbor UCLA Med Center!

This color atlas of surgical approaches, planes, and technique is an excellent book for facial surgeons to add to their collection. The book is authored by two premier oral and maxillofacial surgeons which should also prove useful to persons in the field of plastic surgery interested in facial surgical technique.

The time frame covered by this book is enormous, but Prestwich deftly leaves few stones unturned. I would like to have seen a bit more on Edward II, but given the focus it is understandable why he was not fleshed out quite as well as the other "bookends". An excellent "primer" for the period before delving into more detailed works (like Preswich's own individual works in the Monarchs series).

"Whose Right to Bear Arms Did the Second Amendment Protect?" edited by Saul Cornell and Robert E. Shalhope is a collection of essays and journal articles debating the interpretations of the Second Amendment by top notch historians on the subject. The book encourage debate and therefore has a well balanced assortment of articles covering the full spectrum of debate concerning the Second Amendment.

Books from the "Historians at Work Series" are designed to encourage debate and deeper thinking on a particular historiographic issue in American history. Books from the "Historians at Work Series" are designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate level American history courses. This being said, its not an introductory text. The authors of the articles go directly into their subjects, with little significant background information. Therefore, you need to have an historical base-level to work from. Nonetheless, it is an excellent tool for students, scholars and general readers of American history.

Editions in the "Historians at Work" publish the entire article or essay, introduce the author and most importantly: it includes all endnotes--a rarity for books that are collections of articles/essays on a related topic.

Overall, an excellent representation on early American historical scholarship.

ADDED NOTE: The final chapter in this book, writen by Michael Bellesiles and his book were later found to be full of misrepresentation and misconduct in research. He has since lost his award and has resigned from his position @ Emory University.

"Gone for Soldiers" focuses almost exclusively on the relationship between and experiences of General Winfield Scott and Captain Robert E. Lee during the Mexican-American War. Readers looking for much more will be disappointed. The war at large and the exploits of many of it's primary figures, including General Zachary Taylor and his major role in the conflict, are virtually ignored. However, when viewed as a prequel to Jeff Shaara's "Gods and Generals" and "The Last Full Measure", as well as his father's "The Killer Angels", this book is a worthy addition to the narrative thread the two men have woven. "Gone for Soldiers", while the least exciting of the narratives, is still an engaging and enjoyable read. Shaara, like his father, breathes life into the sometimes one-dimensional figures of history by using the historical fiction genre to give voice to their unrecorded musings and conversations. For readers looking for a more balanced history of the war, John Eisenhower's "So Far From God" is strongly recommended for it's thorough treatment of the subject. The "Class of 1846" by John Waugh is also an outstanding book for those interested in the pre-Civil War story of that war's participants.

Having brought the Civil War to life through his continuation of his father's classic, "The Killer Angels," Jeff Shaara has now ressurected one of America's most forgotten wars, the Mexican War.

In his latest novel, Mr. Shaara introduces us to many of the Civil War's greatest leaders as they learn their craft under fire in Mexico. The book follows the exploits and deeds of one General Winfield Scott as he leads the campaign to defeat Santa Anna's army.

At his side is a young engineer, Capt. Robert E. Lee. Shaara's portrayal of Lee as a young officer, unsure of his untested abilities and his place in the command structure, is truly wonderful. It is a whole different Lee than the polished General of the Civil War. With each new mission Scott assigns him, we can see Lee grow and mature as an officer.

Many of the other men who would later become Generals are also with Lee in Mexico, Grant, Jackson, Meade, Johnston, Pickett, Longstreet, albeit as Lieutenants. They are not given the same in depth treatment as Lee, but already you can see their abilities developing for command.

General Scott and Santa Anna are also portrayed in manners rarely seen. Few modern Americans have heard of Scott, which is a shame since he was one of the best Generals in our early history. Santa Anna is usually mentioned only in conjunction with the Alamo, but here he is given a very fair treatment.

Overall I would say this book is every bit as good as the Shaaras' works on the Civil War. Once again Jeff Shaara has restored life to a long dead period of our nation's history.

For those who have an interest in the American Civil War and in some of the more noted people who became involved in the conflict, will be able to see some of these people at the early stages when all fought on the same side. This "Prequil" to use the term is fitting for this book by Jeff Sharra. Gone For Soilders: A Novel of the Mexican War. Is a very insightful historical fiction. Though the story revolves more around Robert Lee, Jeff Sharra does introduce the reader to an early Sam Grant and James Longstreet.

Like his father before him who's book Killer Angels brought to life again the battle of Gettysbugh as seen through the eyes of some of the people found in Gone For Soilders. The characters are well fleshed out and the story moves along well. It should help bring more people to read up on Pre-Civil War America and some of the men whos names are covered in this fine novel.

This is the first book in Trollope's 6 part Barchester series. While the subject matter, the intrigues surrounding clerical life in a fictional English cathedral town, might put you off, don't let it. Trollope wrote fantastic characters. While it's sequel, Barchester Towers, is even better, this is an excellent short introduction both to the series and to Trollope's writing as a whole. (Incidentally, the BBC TV series `Barchester Chronicles' is a really good adaptation of both `The Warden' and `Barchester Towers'.)

This is a simple, short novel dealing with the ethical dilemma of a virtuous man. The Reverend Harding is the warden of a small home providing quarters for 12 retired, indigent workers. The facility is provided for by a trust set up by its founder over two hundred years ago. Income off the land provides revenue for the maintenance of the home and a living for the warden.. The warden has traditionally been the benefactor of this income which has increased over the years. The Rev. Harding is a gentle, honest man who has never given thought to his 800 pound annual revenue until a young reformer files suit, claiming the intent of the will is being violated. Harding thinks about the matter and is inclined to resign. The Bishop and Archdeacon argue that he is entitled to the income.

This book certainly would be a good one for a book club read and discussion. The reformer, the lawyers, the church hierarchy and Reverend Harding all have their views on the matter. Author Trollope does not really pass final judgment on his characters; none of them are cast in black and white terms. In fact Trollope makes the unusual move of bringing a criticism of both the press and Charles Dickens into the novel. The press makes strident value judgments about issues without bothering itself with all the facts or considering the effect their articles will have on the people involved; Charles Dickens treats people as being all good or all bad. Indeed, I found myself arguing with myself for several days after reading The Warden. What should the Rev. Harding done? Was the issue shrouded in shades of gray, or was it clear cut one way or the other?

Many critics consider this to be one of Trollope's lesser works, yet to me it is a very interesting, valuable presentation of an ethical dilemma. And for readers who are reluctant to pick up Victorian novels because of their common 700+ page lengths, this is a little gem at less than 300 pages. Criticism? Well I did a bit of eye-rolling during some of the melodramatic passages. All and all, though, this is an excellent read. From an historical standpoint there was considerable attention being paid to clergy income during this period in England. Trollope's tale was very timely in this regard.

One final note. There are many outstanding Victorian novels that I would give a five star rating to. This book doesn't quite fit into that hall of fame so I have given it just 4 stars, which shouldn't be interpreted as a slight to Mr. Trollope or The Warden.

I first read Anthony Trollope's book "The Warden" in 1995 at the age of 54; three years later I had finished all forty-seven Trollope novels, his autobiography, and most of his short stories. "The Warden" provides a necessary introduction to the Barsetshire Novels, which, in turn, provide a marvelous introduction to rural Victorian society, and its religious, political, and social underpinnings. However, "The Warden" is a small literary masterpiece of its own, even though the more popular "Barchester Towers" tends to obscure it. "The Warden" moves slowly, of course, but so did Victorian England; soon the reader is enveloped in a rich world of brilliantly created characters: in the moral dilemma of a charming and innocent man, Reverend Septimus Harding, who is probably the most beloved of all Trollope's characters; in the connivings of Archdeacon Grantly, who will become a significant force in the later Barsetshire novels; in Eleanor, an example of the perfect Victorian woman, a type that appears in many of Trollope's subsequent novels; and in the sanctimonious meddling of John Bold, whose crusade for fairness throws the town into turmoil. In modern terminology, "The Warden" is a "good read" for those readers with patience, a love of 19th century England, and an appreciation of literary style. Trollope's sentences have a truly musical cadence. "The Warden" was Trollope's fourth novel and his first truly successful one. It provides a strong introduction to the other five novels of the Barsetshire series, where the reader will meet a group of fascinating characters, including the Mrs. Proudie (one of Trollope's finest creations), the Reverend Obadiah Slope, and the Grantly family. The reader will soon find that Trollope's well-developed characters soon become "friends," and that the small cathedral town of Barchester becomes a very familiar and fascinating world in itself. It is a wonderful trip through these six novels. (I read all six in about three weeks.) But one must begin with "The Warden." Brew a cup of tea, toast a scone on a quiet evening, and begin the wonderful voyage through Trollope's charming Barchester. When you have finished the six novels, you may, like me, want to commence reading the Palliser series (another six novels) and follow Plantagenet and Glencora Palliser through their triumphs and travails! However, that remains another story.

The author treats his audience like a class of students who have signed up for a last minute exam review of Italian rennaissance political history to which the Borgias are a footnote. This class is obviously doomed.He needs to read the works of Carolly Erickson and Al'Tabari atleast to learn how to make history a pleasure to read whilst providing focussed information.At the very least, man, read Antonia Frasier!Though dry she is at least succinct.A disappointing read.

Mr. Mallett's book is not only of the Borgian dynasty but also about Italian/Mediterranean politics during their time, and as such I found the book very comprehensive and well researched. Mr. Mallett gives a detailed background to the era before he plunges to the history of the Spanish-born Borgia family, who made a bid to create a Papal dynasty in Renaissance Italy. He gives a very clear picture of these complicated Italian power politics which can be very confusing with their shifting alliances and constant intrigue.

However, I was a bit curious about the way how Mr. Mallett used almost every opportunity to deny all the crimes that the Borgias have been accused of through the centuries. Even the cover of the book advertised that poison and murder were their legacy, but after finishing the book, I could recall only one assassination admitted to Borgias, and even that could be excused as a sort of pre-emptive self-defence. Everything else, according to author, was just rumours and hearsay spread by the Borgia enemies and therefore not true. He may of course be absolutely right but at least a couple of times the author had no problem of accepting similar rumours and hearsay about non-Borgias.

On the other hand, I wasn't looking lurid scandal-mongering, and as a history of a certain period in Renaissance Italy, this book can't be much faulted. But it did give a feeling of overt white-washing and made me scratch the fourth star.

Many may not be aware that as a certain notorious Italian navigator stumbled upon and laid claim to a New World for his royal Spanish employers, a preternaturally powerful Spanish family ("Borgia" being an Italianized version of the clan's original "Borja") was making a bid for dictatorial power in Italy. Michael Mallett does a professional job of detailing that family's rise to power, the context in which it occurred, its spectacular undoing, and the continued, albeit much more modest and obscure, fortune of its stay-at-home Spanish branch. Mallett begins with the setting in both time and space: an efficient rendition of the roots of the Rennaissance Papacy in the Great Schism of the fourteenth century, and its firm grounding in Italian princely politics in the fifteenth; a sketch of the Vatican and its practices in that era; and an almost futuristically post-apocalyptic walking tour of the anarchic and delapidated Papal States in the 1400's (my favorite part). The key role of the first powerful Borgia (Alonso/Pope Calixtus III) is detailed, although its significance to the big picture is only hinted at: it might be said that the instrumental part played by Alonso in erasing the Papacy's Great Schism was the fulcrum that levered the Borgias into the upper elite of Italy. His reward--nomination to the Cardinal college, and a career in Rome--launched him on his path to the Papal see, and planted the seeds for his family's aggrandizement. And, of course, the bloom was spectacular: Pope Alexander VI, Lucrezia and Cesare are the legendary characters of Machiavellian fables and visions of Italian Rennaissance high-life. Although Mallett takes pains not to wallow in glib scandal, it is interesting to note that his story cannot avoid lurid scenes of murder, illicit sex, and an exploitation of Church power so cynical that it borders on blasphemy. No amount of balanced historiography can clean the stains even five centuries later. But this book also presents less graphic aspects--at one point Mallett carefully reconstructs daily routine in the Papal household, right down to the amount of mutton purchased for Shrove Tuesday in 1502 (673 lbs) and the provision of eggs (they were provided by a chicken-keeper on the premises). Some may find this detail tiresome, but I found it almost heart-warming; and perhaps an indication that what we see as endless high-stakes power struggles were really just episodes of crisis and strain interspersed among longer periods of more sedate and orderly Mediterranean humdrum.