Tag: Book Reviews

[book review] Thomas Cogswell, James I: The Phoenix King

cover cogswellThomas Cogswell, James I: The Phoenix King (Penguin Monarchs), (London:  Allen Lane, 2017)

Thomas Cogswell’s biography is recognisably one of the Penguin Monarchs series.  That means it’s concise (just 109 pages) and informative; a good general introduction to the king who succeeded Elizabeth. For those studying Shakespeare or the Early Modern period, the information about James’ early life is useful and potentially revealing.

It’s also often neglected.

Continue reading “[book review] Thomas Cogswell, James I: The Phoenix King”

[book review] AD Swanston: Incendium

cover incendium

AD Swanston, Incendium, (London:  Bantam Press, 2017)

This is the first in a new series, and much as I love this period (and am increasingly interested in historical fiction) I’m not convinced I’ll follow Christopher Radcliff’s adventures. Not, at least, at full price.

Continue reading “[book review] AD Swanston: Incendium”

[book review] Michael Bogdanov – Shakespeare: The Director’s Cut

cover bogdanovMichael Bogdanov, Shakespeare : The Director’s Cut (Capercaillie Books:  Edinburgh, 2005)

As soon as I read the Introduction to Bogdanov’s book, I blogged excitedly about it – I sensed a kindred spirit: someone I would have enjoyed a boisterous, passionate debate with over a few drinks.

Continue reading “[book review] Michael Bogdanov – Shakespeare: The Director’s Cut”

The Boar’s Head Bookshelf update

bookshelf hand removing book

“A bookshelf is as particular to its owner as are his or her clothes; a personality is stamped on a library just as a shoe is shaped by the foot.”  Alan Bennett

This year my book buying AND reading have grown exponentially.

Continue reading “The Boar’s Head Bookshelf update”

[book review] Laura Ashe, Richard II: A Brittle Glory

cover asheLaura Ashe,  Richard II:  A Brittle Glory (Penguin Monarchs), (London:  Penguin, 2017)

With a particular connection to Shakespeare’s play about Richard, and a few Penguin Monarchs already under my belt, I’d really hoped for something special from this book.

I was disappointed.

Continue reading “[book review] Laura Ashe, Richard II: A Brittle Glory”

[book review] Helen Castor, Elizabeth I: A Study in Insecurity

cover castorHelen Castor, Elizabeth I: A Study in Insecurity (Penguin Monarchs Series), (London:  Penguin, 2018)

Helen Castor is – perhaps despite the title – sensibly objective in this short (117 pages) but useful biography of Elizabeth. Early on, she admits that the queen was almost unknowable to her subjects and rivals, let alone to us from a distance of over 300 years.
Continue reading “[book review] Helen Castor, Elizabeth I: A Study in Insecurity”

[book review] Rory Clements: Revenger

cover clements revengerRory Clements, Revenger, (London:  John Murray, 2010)

(subtitled: ‘do you know who I’m related to?’)

Continue reading “[book review] Rory Clements: Revenger”

[book review] SJ Parris, Treachery

cover treachery

SJ Parris, Treachery, (London:  HarperCollins, 2014)

There’s a tang of salt in the air as Giordano Bruno and Sir Philip Sidney head to Plymouth in this fourth instalment of his adventures. Drake is about to set out on another quest for fame, glory, and riches, plus of course the opportunity to pull a few Spanish beards … until one of his crew is murdered.

Continue reading “[book review] SJ Parris, Treachery”

[book review] Robert Hutchinson: House of Treason

cover HUTCHINSONRobert Hutchinson, House of Treason:  The Rise and Fall of a Tudor Dynasty, (London:  Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2009)

Never mind, DBDDBS*, Robert Hutchinson gives us ample material for a new mnemonic in his account of various generations of the hapless Howard Dynasty.

    Continue reading “[book review] Robert Hutchinson: House of Treason”

[book review] Stacey Halls: The Familiars

halls coverStacey Halls, The Familiars, (London:  Zaffre, 2019)

Despite the anachronism of Elizabeth I’s lengthy reign, the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries provide rich pickings for any author attempting to write a feminist exposition of the harsh injustices visited on so many women. 

Perhaps there’s none harsher than the treatment of witches …

Continue reading “[book review] Stacey Halls: The Familiars”

%d bloggers like this: