This is a great book! While the quality of the poems varies widely (there being a few which really don't deserve a place in any anthology), you will find many surprises in this book, some derived from the sheer historical interest of the works, some from unexpectedly masterly poems from little-known authors who will give you lines to remember! Every once in a while, a particular line or poem would leave me stunned at its beauty and the way it portrayed something I had personally felt (which is, by the way, one of the most important things that poetry aims at). See for example the work of Sarah Maguire, Patricia Beer, Kath Fraser and Marion Strobel, to name only a few. The biographical info is particularly useful if you want to read more from any of the authors, and also because of the interesting (if, inevitably, succinct) data it provides on these creative and talented women.

To think that women's views on love and relationships as far back as 500 years ago hasn't changed one bit and never will. So diverse, yet so common. The selections are excellent!

Love's Witness is a wonderful collection of love poetry by women. I have read it cover to cover and highly recommend it. It has become one of my favourite books - a must have! :-

Everyone alive should know the joy of receiving a genuine love letter. How the sight of it makes the hand tremble and the heart beat faster, the first breathless reading, the second just to savour. But, as much as love letters can delight, they also have the power to wound. While Cupid's arrow aims straight for the heart, it can bring pain as often as joy. In this beautiful, lavishly illustrated volume, Lady Antonia Fraser has gathered together some of the most beautiful and timeless love letters ever written. She chose them, she tells us, based on her own personal preference, but the reader need have no worries on that score, for Antonia Fraser's taste is, as always, flawless, her style, impeccable. She has chosen the letters that convey the most emotion, those that speak to the heart, from the heart. And, she has grouped the letters according to the emotions they convey. While many of the letters were written by people whose names one cannot fail to recognize, the author has also included poignant letters from lesser known persons. My personal favorite is the passionate letter of John Keats to Fanny Brawne. These tortured letters have achieved almost the same status as Keats' poetry and are among the most moving in the English language. If you love of if you feel unloved; if you seek inspiration or consolation; if you just want to be moved and delighted beyond measure, this is the book for you.

I am lucky to have this book in my library. I thought this would make a wonderful christmas gift for my friends who love to read.Sadly not available.

It's odd to note that Lady Antonia Fraser, famous for her historical biographies, decided to try writing mysteries as a lark; she turns out to be the best mystery writer I have read since Agatha Christie! Possibly that's because, unlike so many other mystery writers, she does not copy or imitate Christie, Doyle or the other old masters of the genre. Instead, in Jemima Shore, she has created a startlingly original character; one who does not resemble any literary detective of the past. Fraser is also great at characterization (one of Christie's weak points); her creations are vivid and frighteningly real. This is her first Jemima Shore novel; sadly, many of the others are out of print, but if you can find them, read them.

Antonia Fraser (better known to many for her historical novels) is a stellar mystery writer in the classical style. It's been twenty-some years since this mystery book was written, and it doesn't feel stale or dated to read. Jemima Shore is an interesting detective-- conflicted, maturing, and unsure of herself-- she makes an excellent vehicle for exploring a nunnery on the brink of change and for finding a murderer within its walls.

King Charles II, never short of female admirers during his lifetime, certainly has found another fan in Antonia Fraser. The man who fathered fourteen illegitimate children, yet failed to sire an heir to his throne, was tall, charming, and in his own strange way, handsome - although, as Fraser tells us, his olive complexion and Medici looks were not considered to be conventionally good looking. Despite contemporary denials, he was also a convinced Catholic - even though he only formally confessed on his deathbed. Fraser takes us through the many wild turns of Charles' life - early years as the established heir apparent in the court of Charles I, teen years as a minor player in the English Civil War, hero of the siege of Worcester, months as fugitive from the Cromwellians following his father's beheading (and Britain's most wanted man), early adulthood in exile in France and Flanders, glorious Restoration in 1660 and subsequently King of a mini-golden era. While this is by no means an uncritical biography, Fraser argues persuasively that Charles was the master politician of his generation, and she seduces us into cheering on Charles' various attempts, late in his reign, to govern without Parliament. Fraser doesn't assume prior knowledge of English history, so is a great starting point for a first-time encounter with the English Restoration period, yet Fraser's erudition provides enough satisfaction too for seasoned history lovers.

Royal Charles is a delight to read and Fraser makes reading history enjoyable.

A very good book, well written and very interesting. It provides the reader with information about Seventeenth Century women from every class, noble and peasants alike. Every girl should read it. It will give them much more self-consciousness than 30 feminist treatises!

It relates to the women in 17th Century England and the times they endured, torn down by the "stereotypical" views of what women of today think. Women of the 17th Century carried a role within the society in which they were able to stand up, to be a woman. They were able to lift their heads despite what the men had said of the time period. Women were able to gain custody of their children, marry the man they love and become much more of a customary woman that what had been perceived. Antonia Fraser's historically written book justifies the idea that women truly played a role within the society that was not forfeited. The question she had asked, "were there women in the 17th century?" Yes, yes there were, and Antonia Fraser proved it. Historically, in a fictional manner in a non-fiction piece.

Lady Antonia displays her interest in history by focusing this book on a murder in the distant past. As always, Jemima Shore finds herself surrounded by a cast of fascinating, eccentric characters, almost any of whom could be a murderer. Fraser is remarkably good at creating vivid characters, and none perhaps so vivid as Jemima Shore herself. Fraser is a great mystery writer; if you are an Agatha Christie fan, check out Antonia Fraser; you're in for a treat!

A carefully chosen collection that requires care in the reading. One cannot read these poems shielded; they are to be embraced, experienced and treasured.

Let this scene from the revolt of Boudicca fire your imagination: "the captured Roman women had their breasts sliced off and sewn to their faces so it would appear they were eating them; then they were skewered alive and strung up longways"

This is a series of essays on female leadership, and mens' reaction to it, by the renowned author Lady Antonia Fraser. Though it purports to center about the legendary Briton queen Boadicea, the "elephant sitting in the corner" throughout the whole account is the former PM Margaret Thatcher. The Iron Lady makes an overt appearance in the final chapter but her specter looms in the earlier chapters about such rulers as Zenobia, the Palmryan Queen who fought Aurelian, or Elizabeth I, the red-headed Virgin Queen. Fraser is very clever at identifying some of the vices and syndromes, many of them contradictory, that have clustered around female rulers, including the "Voracity Syndrome" - the theory that women in power are sex-crazy. Only Tsarina Catherine II (the "Great") truly matches that description; most, such as Cleopatra, were one-man women, despite their detractors' rhetoric. A fine work of history made especially enjoyable by its breadth and wit.

This book, like many by Antonia Fraser, was very entertaining and quite thrilling. There was a British bias but it helped to frame the book and there were many side journeys to other nations to keep this journey fascinating.

What was most interesting was how the various women used being women to their advantage as well as how their enemies also used their femaleness against them. Antonia Fraser weaves all these women together but clearly presents their differences. They are all linked by being women but it is shown how that very similarity can be so differently used and percieved by all these various warriors. The inidivduals that come out of this story are unique and interesting. It is these vivid brief portraits that carry this book along. Well done.

Until I read this book, the history of England and her monarchs was clouded in confusion. No longer! A beautiful book, full of color and informative graphics, "Lives" packs much information in one volume. Antonia Frazier has done a wonderful job editing the work of many authors. "Lives" draws the reader into the life and times of kings, queens, bas***ds, pretenders, earls, dukes and mistresses. The role and evolution of Parliment is explored, as well as brief outlines of the world at large in order to maintain historical perspective. Often the authors attempt to correct what they feel were previous historical inaccuracies and judge the reigns of each monarch. From the Norman conquest in 1066 to the present, the history of this great country (and Empire) is one we need to better understand because of England's great influence on not only the US, but the world. I can't wait to read the updated 1998 edition, which I just thumbed through at a local retailer.

If you are not aware of whom the Kings and Queens of England are, or if you are a novice in understanding who these colorful individuals are this is a wonderful book to introduce you to them. This book covers all of them from the beginning (Norman Rule) to present day, and even takes a look at the future of the monarchy. Short biographies on each monarch as well as color photos help put a face and personality to each monarch.

Don't expect this book to offer a detail explanation and action of each monarch since that would require the book to be way to extensive. This is a brief intoduction to each and a wonderful first look. This book is great for either pleasure reading, or reference material.

For anyone who has even a passing interest in the English monarchs (what's the difference between Bloody Mary and Mary, Queen of Scots?) this is the perfect book. Within four to eight pages, depending on the subject, Antonia Fraser gives a wonderful summary of every monarch since Normand time, right up to Elizabeth II. I used this book not only to clarify which Edward or Mary was which, but also to give me teasers about important events in English history. From this I read two books by another great English historiographer, Alison Weir, "The Wars of the Roses" and "The Princes in the Tower." I even used Fraser's book to guide me as I watched "Mrs. Brown" on video! Fraser manages to take these fascinating people and put them in the context of their time, without romantic presupposition or fake dialogue. Fraser delivers documented facts or opinions and still manages to give her work an interesting and engaging voice.

The first 5 stories feature Jemima Shore, Investigator, as she's called in her work in English television. Although she's not a detective, her reputation has involved her in a number of cases. Like the author, she was educated at a convent boarding school in England, although not the same one; see also Jemima's first full-length novel appearance, _Quiet as a Nun_.

The non-Jemima stories aren't typical mysteries. Two of them involve the killing of family pets; some involve problems other than crime.

"Jemima Shore's First Case" occurred when Jemima, at fifteen, attended school at Blessed Eleanor's. Although nominally Protestant, she's a day student since her parents live nearby. Just now they're both away, so she's boarding at the school temporarily, only to be wakened in the night by the screams of the irreligious Sybilla, who swears she saw one of the statues move in the chapel. (All other Jemima stories are set much later in her life.)

"The Case of the Parr Children" was famous a few years prior to this story; as heirs to the Parr fortune, their custody was disputed when Catherine Parr left her husband for a roaming life with her lover. The judge stuffily decided in favor of the husband's solid, worthy alternative of upbringing complete with nanny - although the supposedly impartial nanny, Zillah, married Parr once the divorce was final. Catherine, having just learned of her ex's death and of Zillah's recent drowning, wants verification that the two little girls really *are* her children, and has come to Jemima for help.

Mrs. B, Jemima's bossy cleaning lady, disapproves of her visits to Holland Pools for exercise, saying "Swimming Will Be the Death of You". Of course, *Jemima* isn't the woman drowned in an accident there.

As a TV personality, Jemima's appearance is part of her stock in trade. When an automated message from Arcangelo's salon calls to say "Your Appointment Is Cancelled" just after a long session abroad, she's concerned mainly with re-scheduling rather than with the murder of the proprietor's son-in-law. The victim was suspected of cheating on his wife with Epiphany, the beauty who fields telephone calls. As constructed, the story suffers from several plot holes; for instance, competent police wouldn't need Jemima's intervention to notice the key clue.

Jemima becomes involved in the disappearance of "The Girl Who Wanted To See Venice" after finishing the filming of an installment on 'The British Honeymoon' on location. Ironically, heiress Nadia Hewling *was* on her honeymoon in the same lavish hotel that Jemima's staying in, but they didn't meet in filming. Nadia left the hotel with only her passport, apparently not even spurred by any quarrel with her husband, although they were not only newlyweds but in her chosen city.

Pamela, the young wife of a successful middle-aged barrister, is determined to arrange the "Death of an Old Dog" without consulting either Richard or her stepson.

Sammy Luke's books have previously done well in the U.K. but not the U.S.; his newest, _Women Weeping_, however, has hit the jackpot, so he's in New York for his first publicity tour. His wife Zara hasn't accompanied him, her mother's illness taking priority over her normal smooth running of his life. Oddly enough, although he's usually a nervous little man, he's having a splendid time, until he starts getting anonymous phone calls whispering "Have a Nice Death".

Emily's young mother Cora calls her "Boots", short for Little Red Riding Boots; they're great readers of fairy stories. Cora doesn't believe in overprotecting Emily; Cora's boyfriend Mr. Inch makes a poor impression, forever closing doors to "protect" Emily from the grownups' conversation. She doesn't fear him, although he reminds her of a wolf, with his big teeth and the way he smiles at her when they're alone. Where's a woodcutter when you need one?

"Who Would Kill a Cat?" Twice-married Felicity's beloved cat Wotan was named when she, not he, was prone to wandering, as a hard-up divorced mother of a young son in London. Now widowed with a large country house - and no money - she has a court of hangers-on: her laid-off brother, her now-teenaged son and his young half-sister, an au pair, and her live-in lover. All have good reason to want her to be happy, but *someone* garrotted Wotan on his wanderings in the woods: the second violent incident at Chessworth lately, after a mysterious robbery.

Nola, a conscientious mother with a much older husband, five-year-old son, and frail health, continually encounters the same face in her travels to and from the British Museum: an ancient face, of indeterminate gender, with a youthful body. "Doctor Zeit" even turns up in the Reading Room, researching the same topic and even using the same references. Very worrying, especially when Nola nearly loses her son on the Underground, only to see that face yet again...

Melanie's friend Letty is sure that her actor husband doesn't know she's cheating on him, until Victor rises to the challenge of the perfect stage setting "On the Battlements".

A very sound portrayal of two young children, as Philip and Polly keep secret the visits of "The Night Mother". Nobody else at school has both a day mother and a night mother, still less a ghost who tells such stories. :)

Jacobine, divorced mother of two, asks "Who's Been Sitting In My Car?" upon finding it stuffed with cigarette butts. She's on good terms with her ex, and anyway the car was bought after the split. Creepy.