A fantastic book for anyone who has an interest in British history and has a sense of humour. If you already have at least a basic level of knowledge of any period of British history pre-1945 and are looking for a book which is an easy and light hearted read then this is for you. It is crammed full of comedy based upon Ancient and Roman Britain right up to WWII. The entire book is divided into small sections, on average I'd estimate about 2 pages each, which makes it perfect for quick snatches of humour whenever you have a spare couple of minutes. Personally, I couldn't put it down - I found it to be a real page turner.
Really enjoyed this book - very funny, rambling writing on a range of topics. Manages to be lighthearted and very entertaining, with some moments that are surprisingly poignant. Really hope this book isn't overlooked due to recent "scandal" as it's a great read.
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I decided to buy this book after reading the magnificent 'The Forgotten Garden' by the same author. I had missed all the hype when it was on the Richard & Judy book list.
I found this a really good read, I liked the way that it was created through a series of flashbacks experienced by Grace, a housekeeper in the House At Riverton in the 1920's, as she draws together her memoirs for her grandson, an author.
Telling the story of the family who lived in the House it talks throughout of the death of a famous poet at the house during a family party and makes clear from the start that the book will seek to answer the questions surrounding his death. And the book does this magnificently, if a little crammed into the last few chapters. ... Read More:
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....this super book is a COMPILATION of over 130 of his most popular dishes 'evoking the pleasure and flavour associated with the coast', coupled with his own travel stories - all written in the familiar, relaxed Stein way.
BBC Books/2008
'Rick Stein's passion for fresh, well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer.'
From the acknowledgements:-
Amongst others, Rick pays tribute to his new commissioning editor, 'who saw the sense of a book of recipes as a record of all the parts of the world that have influenced me in my cooking......'
....this super book is a COMPILATION of over 130 of his most popular dishes 'evoking the pleasure and flavour associated with the coast', coupled with his own travel stories - all written in the familiar, relaxed Stein way.
BBC Books/2008
'Rick Stein's passion for fresh, well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer.'
From the acknowledgements:-
Amongst others, Rick pays tribute to his new commissioning editor, 'who saw the sense of a book of recipes as a record of all the parts of the world that have influenced me in my cooking......'
I got this book to read while on holiday and i have to say that i had it read within the first to days. I couldnt put it down! from the first page i was desperate to find out what happened to Lewis.
Lewis, the main character, is not the average hero of a novel as he is difficult to like and is troubled but when you start reading about his life and what he goes through you cannot help but feel symptathy for him. His hopeless father and his step mother who tried far to hard. While this is a very disturbing read as all of the characters have their own troubles in the book, the story captivates the reader and dosent let go until well after the last page has been read.
i strongly recommend this read, it is uplifting and makes people believe that love ... Read More:
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I was never the biggest Tony Curtis fan, but this is a fun and interesting read for fans of the Hollywood golden age. Curtis was a smooth character back in the day and a big time movie star. His life intersects with many of the biggest and brightest stars of the time including lovers such as Marilyn Monroe. A lot of the book does come off as "look at me, look who I knew and who I slept with," (Which I must admit was a guilty pleasure to read about) but the is more than that. It is also an interesting look into Hollywood during its golden age after world war two and prior to television taking over pop culture. The reader is taken behind the scenes of some of his great films "Houdini [1953] (REGION 1) (NTSC)", Some Like It Hot [1959] (with Marilyn Monroe), and Spartacus ... Read More:
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I was never the biggest Tony Curtis fan, but this is a fun and interesting read for fans of the Hollywood golden age. Curtis was a smooth character back in the day and a big time movie star. His life intersects with many of the biggest and brightest stars of the time including lovers such as Marilyn Monroe. A lot of the book does come off as "look at me, look who I knew and who I slept with," (Which I must admit was a guilty pleasure to read about) but the is more than that. It is also an interesting look into Hollywood during its golden age after world war two and prior to television taking over pop culture. The reader is taken behind the scenes of some of his great films "Houdini [1953] (REGION 1) (NTSC)", Some Like It Hot [1959] (with Marilyn Monroe), and Spartacus ... Read More:
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I was never the biggest Tony Curtis fan, but this is a fun and interesting read for fans of the Hollywood golden age. Curtis was a smooth character back in the day and a big time movie star. His life intersects with many of the biggest and brightest stars of the time including lovers such as Marilyn Monroe. A lot of the book does come off as "look at me, look who I knew and who I slept with," (Which I must admit was a guilty pleasure to read about) but the is more than that. It is also an interesting look into Hollywood during its golden age after world war two and prior to television taking over pop culture. The reader is taken behind the scenes of some of his great films "Houdini [1953] (REGION 1) (NTSC)", Some Like It Hot [1959] (with Marilyn Monroe), and Spartacus ... Read More:
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As a statistician, the book and its premise struck me as an interesting read, but it is clear after a few chapters that the book itself is meandering nowhere. What is worse is that the evidence is always second hand philosophy and the book is peppered with uninteresting self promotion. If your idea of a good read is to re-read Bertrand Russell or to move towards a footnote where the author feels it important to tell you he doesnt wear a tie in meetings then, please, feel free to lap this up and all the sixth form anarchy that it attempts to promote.
As for the statistics, it is amateur stuff. The Black Swan itself is an improbable event on which the author places far too much emphasis. It soon becomes confused and contradictory. Originally boldly stating that bell curve ... Read More:
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