A New Perspective, 25 Jul 2008
This book is an interesting new perspective in Vermeer studies, looking at the objects in his paintings from the point of view of the expanding trade networks of the 17th century. It is engagingly written and he wears his scholarship lightly.

I was disappointed the author did not investigate Vermeer's famous blue colour (anachronistically called "cobalt blue" in the book), since the ultramarine would itself have come from a complex trade network, and how it came to Delft would itself have made quite a story.

Breathtaking, 24 Jul 2008
Simply, a beautiful and breathtaking book. Full of marvels and curiousities, each chapter opens out to show the wider maps and ideas we thought we knew about...small details from the paintings are peered closely at, and behind them the seventeenth-century world of travel and trade, narrated through human encounters and stories. He writes wonderfully well and with such clarity about often complex issues, effortlessly moving the focus and scene from place to place: so there's a lovely rhythm about the book as he paces the (frequent) surprises subtly and narrates them with a drole and deceptively easy style. I started to read the other day and was still sat there seven hours later, transfixed by it, slowing up the pace of reading, not wanting it to end.


It didn't sparkle, 24 Apr 2008
I was a little disappointed in this book. Although its concept sounded very interesting the narrative was a bit flat.

The chapters concentrated on one particular object in a painting such as a beaver hat and then went on to explain where that object was most likely to have come from and some background history about, for example, the beaver trade. Unfortunately, the author tended to go on at length about one particular character or location for page after page of a chapter, barely referred back to Vermeer or Delft and, for most chapters, lost my interest.

I also felt cheated by the fact that although the book was trailed as a book about Vermeer's paintings separate chapters were included about works not involving Vermeer's paintings so that the author could discuss immigration into Holland and smoking.

Admittedly I did learn something about Vermeer and a few interesting facts about seventeenth century life but overall I thought the reviews I had read in newspapers were too generous.

The idea that money makes the world go round has become so ingrained in popular consciousness that it has almost acquired the status of eternal truth. Which is possibly by why it has escaped close examination. Until now. And as Niall Ferguson's The Cash Nexus makes clear it is one that doesn't stand up to close scrutiny. That there is a link between money and politics is unarguable. In the early 1700s, when governments discovered the black art of servicing debt through bond issues and a central bank, they unlocked the doors to warfare and empire building on a grand scale, and the ability to raise money has remained integral to domestic and international politics ever since. The question that Ferguson asks is whether the link always holds good and that, as both Marxist and right-wing historians continue to maintain, all political life is driven by economic forces. Indeed, so entrenched is the belief that governments themselves believe it. Bill Clinton's electioneering slogan, "It's the economy, stupid" has become such a given that the Labour government appear to be using it as the basis for their new campaign. And yet, as Ferguson points out, if you look at the results of recent elections, you see that the axiom carries little weight. If it had, John Major would have been re-elected in 1997 and Al Gore would have swept home in 2000. Similarly, if poor economic performance was a guarantee of electoral disaster, Margaret Thatcher would have been voted out of office in 1983. So politics--or the pursuit of power--do exist as a separate entity. Partly this may be because most people are catastrophically hopeless at assessing their economic self-interest, and partly because people are motivated by forces over and beyond money. Whatever the reason, the consequences for the way we view the world are immense, and as in The Pity of War, where Ferguson challenged some of the conventional wisdoms of the First World War, he takes a provocative pen to many of the accepted norms of the 21st century. Class war is replaced by age war, with the teens losing out; the Americans have been too timid rather than too aggressive in their global policing; and petrol tax revolts are a political inevitability. The Cash Nexus is ambitious, entertaining and thought-provoking. What it isn't is a populist history-lite easy read. Some of the ideas are just too complex to be broadbrushed; but don't give up. --John Crace

A New Perspective, 25 Jul 2008
This book is an interesting new perspective in Vermeer studies, looking at the objects in his paintings from the point of view of the expanding trade networks of the 17th century. It is engagingly written and he wears his scholarship lightly.

I was disappointed the author did not investigate Vermeer's famous blue colour (anachronistically called "cobalt blue" in the book), since the ultramarine would itself have come from a complex trade network, and how it came to Delft would itself have made quite a story.

Breathtaking, 24 Jul 2008
Simply, a beautiful and breathtaking book. Full of marvels and curiousities, each chapter opens out to show the wider maps and ideas we thought we knew about...small details from the paintings are peered closely at, and behind them the seventeenth-century world of travel and trade, narrated through human encounters and stories. He writes wonderfully well and with such clarity about often complex issues, effortlessly moving the focus and scene from place to place: so there's a lovely rhythm about the book as he paces the (frequent) surprises subtly and narrates them with a drole and deceptively easy style. I started to read the other day and was still sat there seven hours later, transfixed by it, slowing up the pace of reading, not wanting it to end.


It didn't sparkle, 24 Apr 2008
I was a little disappointed in this book. Although its concept sounded very interesting the narrative was a bit flat.

The chapters concentrated on one particular object in a painting such as a beaver hat and then went on to explain where that object was most likely to have come from and some background history about, for example, the beaver trade. Unfortunately, the author tended to go on at length about one particular character or location for page after page of a chapter, barely referred back to Vermeer or Delft and, for most chapters, lost my interest.

I also felt cheated by the fact that although the book was trailed as a book about Vermeer's paintings separate chapters were included about works not involving Vermeer's paintings so that the author could discuss immigration into Holland and smoking.

Admittedly I did learn something about Vermeer and a few interesting facts about seventeenth century life but overall I thought the reviews I had read in newspapers were too generous.

The cash nebulous, 30 Mar 2006
I purchased this book on the basis of the on-line reviews anticipating a study of financial history.

Whilst it is reasonable on the history of currency, banking, and international finance it drifts off badly into loose discussions of UK politics, democracy and development, and the rise of the US economy. None of this material is particularly convincing and is based far too much on citations.

Overall I found it a frustrating read. There is a too much of a feeling that the author is a moderator in a debate which he doesn't fully understand.

Hard going but worth the effort, 22 Jun 2003
The book's scope is much wider than its title would imply. The author analyzes why some regimes have been more successful than others during past 300 years. The book emphasizes importance of four institutions as the bases of financial strength (and long-term success) of the state:
- a tax-collecting bureaucracy
- a representative parliament
- a national debt
- a central bank

There is lot of intellectual gymnastics with figures and facts in the middle of the book that test your determination to go on. Those who persevere get rewarded with the interesting discussion in the end of the book about defense expenses as a insurance policy for the state and a need for a superpower policeman for the free world in order to make peace and prosperity to last.

Read and find out if you agree with the conclusions of the author.

An excellent book but it does tend to drift off in places, 28 Feb 2001
Overall an excellent book that look at the link of bond prices democracy, politics and a nation-states power. It is very informative and contains alot of data simply set out; especially useful if you just happening to be doing a degree at the time.

My favourite aspect of this book is the completely fresh look ( even if I don't agree with all of it ) it takes at national power rather than rehashing old books with little, if anything, new to say.

Saying that the book at times does drift off losing all sense of structure especially in the middle covering the links between political parties and various lobby groups.

This does not stop being easy to read and comprehend while still being extremely informative.

A New Perspective, 25 Jul 2008
This book is an interesting new perspective in Vermeer studies, looking at the objects in his paintings from the point of view of the expanding trade networks of the 17th century. It is engagingly written and he wears his scholarship lightly.

I was disappointed the author did not investigate Vermeer's famous blue colour (anachronistically called "cobalt blue" in the book), since the ultramarine would itself have come from a complex trade network, and how it came to Delft would itself have made quite a story.

Breathtaking, 24 Jul 2008
Simply, a beautiful and breathtaking book. Full of marvels and curiousities, each chapter opens out to show the wider maps and ideas we thought we knew about...small details from the paintings are peered closely at, and behind them the seventeenth-century world of travel and trade, narrated through human encounters and stories. He writes wonderfully well and with such clarity about often complex issues, effortlessly moving the focus and scene from place to place: so there's a lovely rhythm about the book as he paces the (frequent) surprises subtly and narrates them with a drole and deceptively easy style. I started to read the other day and was still sat there seven hours later, transfixed by it, slowing up the pace of reading, not wanting it to end.


It didn't sparkle, 24 Apr 2008
I was a little disappointed in this book. Although its concept sounded very interesting the narrative was a bit flat.

The chapters concentrated on one particular object in a painting such as a beaver hat and then went on to explain where that object was most likely to have come from and some background history about, for example, the beaver trade. Unfortunately, the author tended to go on at length about one particular character or location for page after page of a chapter, barely referred back to Vermeer or Delft and, for most chapters, lost my interest.

I also felt cheated by the fact that although the book was trailed as a book about Vermeer's paintings separate chapters were included about works not involving Vermeer's paintings so that the author could discuss immigration into Holland and smoking.

Admittedly I did learn something about Vermeer and a few interesting facts about seventeenth century life but overall I thought the reviews I had read in newspapers were too generous.

The cash nebulous, 30 Mar 2006
I purchased this book on the basis of the on-line reviews anticipating a study of financial history.

Whilst it is reasonable on the history of currency, banking, and international finance it drifts off badly into loose discussions of UK politics, democracy and development, and the rise of the US economy. None of this material is particularly convincing and is based far too much on citations.

Overall I found it a frustrating read. There is a too much of a feeling that the author is a moderator in a debate which he doesn't fully understand.

Hard going but worth the effort, 22 Jun 2003
The book's scope is much wider than its title would imply. The author analyzes why some regimes have been more successful than others during past 300 years. The book emphasizes importance of four institutions as the bases of financial strength (and long-term success) of the state:
- a tax-collecting bureaucracy
- a representative parliament
- a national debt
- a central bank

There is lot of intellectual gymnastics with figures and facts in the middle of the book that test your determination to go on. Those who persevere get rewarded with the interesting discussion in the end of the book about defense expenses as a insurance policy for the state and a need for a superpower policeman for the free world in order to make peace and prosperity to last.

Read and find out if you agree with the conclusions of the author.

An excellent book but it does tend to drift off in places, 28 Feb 2001
Overall an excellent book that look at the link of bond prices democracy, politics and a nation-states power. It is very informative and contains alot of data simply set out; especially useful if you just happening to be doing a degree at the time.

My favourite aspect of this book is the completely fresh look ( even if I don't agree with all of it ) it takes at national power rather than rehashing old books with little, if anything, new to say.

Saying that the book at times does drift off losing all sense of structure especially in the middle covering the links between political parties and various lobby groups.

This does not stop being easy to read and comprehend while still being extremely informative.

A wonderful journey into Renaissance Florence, 21 Jun 2008
Caroline P Murphy's follow up to the Pope's Daughter does not disappoint.
It is a first class exploration of the life of Isabella de Medici, Renaissance Florence, the Medici family,and the inevitable politics, of
a fascinating time in Italian history.
The book is full of intrigue, betrayal, clandestine affairs, and murder.
It is not without humour and stories of everyday events within the Medici court.
A life which began with promise, privilege and moved on with not a little passsion,to end in such a brutal manner.
The story of Isabella de Medici is a compelling, marvellous read.

A New Perspective, 25 Jul 2008
This book is an interesting new perspective in Vermeer studies, looking at the objects in his paintings from the point of view of the expanding trade networks of the 17th century. It is engagingly written and he wears his scholarship lightly.

I was disappointed the author did not investigate Vermeer's famous blue colour (anachronistically called "cobalt blue" in the book), since the ultramarine would itself have come from a complex trade network, and how it came to Delft would itself have made quite a story.

Breathtaking, 24 Jul 2008
Simply, a beautiful and breathtaking book. Full of marvels and curiousities, each chapter opens out to show the wider maps and ideas we thought we knew about...small details from the paintings are peered closely at, and behind them the seventeenth-century world of travel and trade, narrated through human encounters and stories. He writes wonderfully well and with such clarity about often complex issues, effortlessly moving the focus and scene from place to place: so there's a lovely rhythm about the book as he paces the (frequent) surprises subtly and narrates them with a drole and deceptively easy style. I started to read the other day and was still sat there seven hours later, transfixed by it, slowing up the pace of reading, not wanting it to end.


It didn't sparkle, 24 Apr 2008
I was a little disappointed in this book. Although its concept sounded very interesting the narrative was a bit flat.

The chapters concentrated on one particular object in a painting such as a beaver hat and then went on to explain where that object was most likely to have come from and some background history about, for example, the beaver trade. Unfortunately, the author tended to go on at length about one particular character or location for page after page of a chapter, barely referred back to Vermeer or Delft and, for most chapters, lost my interest.

I also felt cheated by the fact that although the book was trailed as a book about Vermeer's paintings separate chapters were included about works not involving Vermeer's paintings so that the author could discuss immigration into Holland and smoking.

Admittedly I did learn something about Vermeer and a few interesting facts about seventeenth century life but overall I thought the reviews I had read in newspapers were too generous.

The cash nebulous, 30 Mar 2006
I purchased this book on the basis of the on-line reviews anticipating a study of financial history.

Whilst it is reasonable on the history of currency, banking, and international finance it drifts off badly into loose discussions of UK politics, democracy and development, and the rise of the US economy. None of this material is particularly convincing and is based far too much on citations.

Overall I found it a frustrating read. There is a too much of a feeling that the author is a moderator in a debate which he doesn't fully understand.

Hard going but worth the effort, 22 Jun 2003
The book's scope is much wider than its title would imply. The author analyzes why some regimes have been more successful than others during past 300 years. The book emphasizes importance of four institutions as the bases of financial strength (and long-term success) of the state:
- a tax-collecting bureaucracy
- a representative parliament
- a national debt
- a central bank

There is lot of intellectual gymnastics with figures and facts in the middle of the book that test your determination to go on. Those who persevere get rewarded with the interesting discussion in the end of the book about defense expenses as a insurance policy for the state and a need for a superpower policeman for the free world in order to make peace and prosperity to last.

Read and find out if you agree with the conclusions of the author.

An excellent book but it does tend to drift off in places, 28 Feb 2001
Overall an excellent book that look at the link of bond prices democracy, politics and a nation-states power. It is very informative and contains alot of data simply set out; especially useful if you just happening to be doing a degree at the time.

My favourite aspect of this book is the completely fresh look ( even if I don't agree with all of it ) it takes at national power rather than rehashing old books with little, if anything, new to say.

Saying that the book at times does drift off losing all sense of structure especially in the middle covering the links between political parties and various lobby groups.

This does not stop being easy to read and comprehend while still being extremely informative.

A wonderful journey into Renaissance Florence, 21 Jun 2008
Caroline P Murphy's follow up to the Pope's Daughter does not disappoint.
It is a first class exploration of the life of Isabella de Medici, Renaissance Florence, the Medici family,and the inevitable politics, of
a fascinating time in Italian history.
The book is full of intrigue, betrayal, clandestine affairs, and murder.
It is not without humour and stories of everyday events within the Medici court.
A life which began with promise, privilege and moved on with not a little passsion,to end in such a brutal manner.
The story of Isabella de Medici is a compelling, marvellous read.


Amazing piece of forgotton history, 02 Oct 2008
This is an amazing book chronicalling a rarely spoken of history of white slavery. Although the writer focuses on the fates of the villagers of Baltimore his wide lens views the lives of many white English and European slaves and the decadent playground of North Africa with its fearsome pirate hordes.He paints a real breathing picture of the harems,jails, societies cities, and high seas of the time.I took this book on a holiday to Morocco enjoying the link geographically with the events in this book so perhaps I'm particular biased, but it was a fantastic read and I highly reccomend it.

A New Perspective, 25 Jul 2008
This book is an interesting new perspective in Vermeer studies, looking at the objects in his paintings from the point of view of the expanding trade networks of the 17th century. It is engagingly written and he wears his scholarship lightly.

I was disappointed the author did not investigate Vermeer's famous blue colour (anachronistically called "cobalt blue" in the book), since the ultramarine would itself have come from a complex trade network, and how it came to Delft would itself have made quite a story.

Breathtaking, 24 Jul 2008
Simply, a beautiful and breathtaking book. Full of marvels and curiousities, each chapter opens out to show the wider maps and ideas we thought we knew about...small details from the paintings are peered closely at, and behind them the seventeenth-century world of travel and trade, narrated through human encounters and stories. He writes wonderfully well and with such clarity about often complex issues, effortlessly moving the focus and scene from place to place: so there's a lovely rhythm about the book as he paces the (frequent) surprises subtly and narrates them with a drole and deceptively easy style. I started to read the other day and was still sat there seven hours later, transfixed by it, slowing up the pace of reading, not wanting it to end.


It didn't sparkle, 24 Apr 2008
I was a little disappointed in this book. Although its concept sounded very interesting the narrative was a bit flat.

The chapters concentrated on one particular object in a painting such as a beaver hat and then went on to explain where that object was most likely to have come from and some background history about, for example, the beaver trade. Unfortunately, the author tended to go on at length about one particular character or location for page after page of a chapter, barely referred back to Vermeer or Delft and, for most chapters, lost my interest.

I also felt cheated by the fact that although the book was trailed as a book about Vermeer's paintings separate chapters were included about works not involving Vermeer's paintings so that the author could discuss immigration into Holland and smoking.

Admittedly I did learn something about Vermeer and a few interesting facts about seventeenth century life but overall I thought the reviews I had read in newspapers were too generous.

The cash nebulous, 30 Mar 2006
I purchased this book on the basis of the on-line reviews anticipating a study of financial history.

Whilst it is reasonable on the history of currency, banking, and international finance it drifts off badly into loose discussions of UK politics, democracy and development, and the rise of the US economy. None of this material is particularly convincing and is based far too much on citations.

Overall I found it a frustrating read. There is a too much of a feeling that the author is a moderator in a debate which he doesn't fully understand.

Hard going but worth the effort, 22 Jun 2003
The book's scope is much wider than its title would imply. The author analyzes why some regimes have been more successful than others during past 300 years. The book emphasizes importance of four institutions as the bases of financial strength (and long-term success) of the state:
- a tax-collecting bureaucracy
- a representative parliament
- a national debt
- a central bank

There is lot of intellectual gymnastics with figures and facts in the middle of the book that test your determination to go on. Those who persevere get rewarded with the interesting discussion in the end of the book about defense expenses as a insurance policy for the state and a need for a superpower policeman for the free world in order to make peace and prosperity to last.

Read and find out if you agree with the conclusions of the author.

An excellent book but it does tend to drift off in places, 28 Feb 2001
Overall an excellent book that look at the link of bond prices democracy, politics and a nation-states power. It is very informative and contains alot of data simply set out; especially useful if you just happening to be doing a degree at the time.

My favourite aspect of this book is the completely fresh look ( even if I don't agree with all of it ) it takes at national power rather than rehashing old books with little, if anything, new to say.

Saying that the book at times does drift off losing all sense of structure especially in the middle covering the links between political parties and various lobby groups.

This does not stop being easy to read and comprehend while still being extremely informative.

A wonderful journey into Renaissance Florence, 21 Jun 2008
Caroline P Murphy's follow up to the Pope's Daughter does not disappoint.
It is a first class exploration of the life of Isabella de Medici, Renaissance Florence, the Medici family,and the inevitable politics, of
a fascinating time in Italian history.
The book is full of intrigue, betrayal, clandestine affairs, and murder.
It is not without humour and stories of everyday events within the Medici court.
A life which began with promise, privilege and moved on with not a little passsion,to end in such a brutal manner.
The story of Isabella de Medici is a compelling, marvellous read.


Amazing piece of forgotton history, 02 Oct 2008
This is an amazing book chronicalling a rarely spoken of history of white slavery. Although the writer focuses on the fates of the villagers of Baltimore his wide lens views the lives of many white English and European slaves and the decadent playground of North Africa with its fearsome pirate hordes.He paints a real breathing picture of the harems,jails, societies cities, and high seas of the time.I took this book on a holiday to Morocco enjoying the link geographically with the events in this book so perhaps I'm particular biased, but it was a fantastic read and I highly reccomend it.

The feminist's dream, 26 Oct 2008
This book is fascinating. It is a really easy and highly informative read. I love the fact that it covers all levels of 17th century society and not just the upper classes. It focuses on the role of women in society at the time and provides a fantastic insight into the everyday life of women from all walks of life. The research behind the book is very impressive. A very interesting read for any history and/or feminist enthusiast.

Very readable, 12 Jun 2006
I started reading Antonia Fraser's books after having read Gunpowder Plot. The Weaker Vessel is just as readble, and portrays the lives and characters of women from all walks of life, before, during and after the civil war. I think Ms Fraser is an amazing researcher, her books contain the most interesting facts all put together in pleasant prose which flows beautifully - so really it is like reading a novel rather than a work of pure fact (even though so many historical facts actually are included). Ms Fraser makes the female heroines of this novel come to life, for each lady discussed you feel genuine compassion, admiration, and sometimes disbelief at their feats of courage in the face of civil war. Included are excerpts from letters, diaries , etc which makes the account even more enjoyable. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in 17th century history or the history of women. One star less because I feel that the reader is not given an overall view of women in the 17th century - Antonia Fraser focuses on a handful of women, most of them extraordinarily courageous, but I do not think that the women in question were representative of the majority of women in Britain at the time.

A fascinating read., 11 Apr 2002
You don't have to be a keen historian or a reader of "dry" books. This book is extremely well written and kept me really interested right to the end. It covers all aspects of women's role in society in the 17th century, from midwives, mistresses, whores, witches, middle-class wives and poor fishwives and deals with each backing up points of view with short written quotations. In fact it encouraged me to buy Samuel Pepys diary (you have to read it to believe it)!

An excellent insight into 17th Century life, 31 Jan 2001
This is one of the most readable and enlightening books that I have read about life in 17th Century England. Although this is a very comprehensive work it is very readable and, once begun, very difficult to put down. Although it primarily deals with the role of women in the 17th century, it balances this by putting that role in context with events taking place at the time. What I found particularly facinating is that the book managed to give an in-depth look at life at all levels of society. This is a book that, having read it from start to finish, I still dip into from time to time because it is just so interesting.

really good, 17 Jul 2000
A really good book. Authoritative, exhaustive historical and also entertaining. From the upper classes to dairy maids, scolds and "witches"; from the pain and perils of pregnancy to domestic violence; the ignorant and the (few) learned women: every 17th Cetury female has her place in this wonderful book.

A New Perspective, 25 Jul 2008
This book is an interesting new perspective in Vermeer studies, looking at the objects in his paintings from the point of view of the expanding trade networks of the 17th century. It is engagingly written and he wears his scholarship lightly.

I was disappointed the author did not investigate Vermeer's famous blue colour (anachronistically called "cobalt blue" in the book), since the ultramarine would itself have come from a complex trade network, and how it came to Delft would itself have made quite a story.

Breathtaking, 24 Jul 2008
Simply, a beautiful and breathtaking book. Full of marvels and curiousities, each chapter opens out to show the wider maps and ideas we thought we knew about...small details from the paintings are peered closely at, and behind them the seventeenth-century world of travel and trade, narrated through human encounters and stories. He writes wonderfully well and with such clarity about often complex issues, effortlessly moving the focus and scene from place to place: so there's a lovely rhythm about the book as he paces the (frequent) surprises subtly and narrates them with a drole and deceptively easy style. I started to read the other day and was still sat there seven hours later, transfixed by it, slowing up the pace of reading, not wanting it to end.


It didn't sparkle, 24 Apr 2008
I was a little disappointed in this book. Although its concept sounded very interesting the narrative was a bit flat.

The chapters concentrated on one particular object in a painting such as a beaver hat and then went on to explain where that object was most likely to have come from and some background history about, for example, the beaver trade. Unfortunately, the author tended to go on at length about one particular character or location for page after page of a chapter, barely referred back to Vermeer or Delft and, for most chapters, lost my interest.

I also felt cheated by the fact that although the book was trailed as a book about Vermeer's paintings separate chapters were included about works not involving Vermeer's paintings so that the author could discuss immigration into Holland and smoking.

Admittedly I did learn something about Vermeer and a few interesting facts about seventeenth century life but overall I thought the reviews I had read in newspapers were too generous.

The cash nebulous, 30 Mar 2006
I purchased this book on the basis of the on-line reviews anticipating a study of financial history.

Whilst it is reasonable on the history of currency, banking, and international finance it drifts off badly into loose discussions of UK politics, democracy and development, and the rise of the US economy. None of this material is particularly convincing and is based far too much on citations.

Overall I found it a frustrating read. There is a too much of a feeling that the author is a moderator in a debate which he doesn't fully understand.

Hard going but worth the effort, 22 Jun 2003
The book's scope is much wider than its title would imply. The author analyzes why some regimes have been more successful than others during past 300 years. The book emphasizes importance of four institutions as the bases of financial strength (and long-term success) of the state:
- a tax-collecting bureaucracy
- a representative parliament
- a national debt
- a central bank

There is lot of intellectual gymnastics with figures and facts in the middle of the book that test your determination to go on. Those who persevere get rewarded with the interesting discussion in the end of the book about defense expenses as a insurance policy for the state and a need for a superpower policeman for the free world in order to make peace and prosperity to last.

Read and find out if you agree with the conclusions of the author.

An excellent book but it does tend to drift off in places, 28 Feb 2001
Overall an excellent book that look at the link of bond prices democracy, politics and a nation-states power. It is very informative and contains alot of data simply set out; especially useful if you just happening to be doing a degree at the time.

My favourite aspect of this book is the completely fresh look ( even if I don't agree with all of it ) it takes at national power rather than rehashing old books with little, if anything, new to say.

Saying that the book at times does drift off losing all sense of structure especially in the middle covering the links between political parties and various lobby groups.

This does not stop being easy to read and comprehend while still being extremely informative.

A wonderful journey into Renaissance Florence, 21 Jun 2008
Caroline P Murphy's follow up to the Pope's Daughter does not disappoint.
It is a first class exploration of the life of Isabella de Medici, Renaissance Florence, the Medici family,and the inevitable politics, of
a fascinating time in Italian history.
The book is full of intrigue, betrayal, clandestine affairs, and murder.
It is not without humour and stories of everyday events within the Medici court.
A life which began with promise, privilege and moved on with not a little passsion,to end in such a brutal manner.
The story of Isabella de Medici is a compelling, marvellous read.


Amazing piece of forgotton history, 02 Oct 2008
This is an amazing book chronicalling a rarely spoken of history of white slavery. Although the writer focuses on the fates of the villagers of Baltimore his wide lens views the lives of many white English and European slaves and the decadent playground of North Africa with its fearsome pirate hordes.He paints a real breathing picture of the harems,jails, societies cities, and high seas of the time.I took this book on a holiday to Morocco enjoying the link geographically with the events in this book so perhaps I'm particular biased, but it was a fantastic read and I highly reccomend it.

The feminist's dream, 26 Oct 2008
This book is fascinating. It is a really easy and highly informative read. I love the fact that it covers all levels of 17th century society and not just the upper classes. It focuses on the role of women in society at the time and provides a fantastic insight into the everyday life of women from all walks of life. The research behind the book is very impressive. A very interesting read for any history and/or feminist enthusiast.

Very readable, 12 Jun 2006
I started reading Antonia Fraser's books after having read Gunpowder Plot. The Weaker Vessel is just as readble, and portrays the lives and characters of women from all walks of life, before, during and after the civil war. I think Ms Fraser is an amazing researcher, her books contain the most interesting facts all put together in pleasant prose which flows beautifully - so really it is like reading a novel rather than a work of pure fact (even though so many historical facts actually are included). Ms Fraser makes the female heroines of this novel come to life, for each lady discussed you feel genuine compassion, admiration, and sometimes disbelief at their feats of courage in the face of civil war. Included are excerpts from letters, diaries , etc which makes the account even more enjoyable. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in 17th century history or the history of women. One star less because I feel that the reader is not given an overall view of women in the 17th century - Antonia Fraser focuses on a handful of women, most of them extraordinarily courageous, but I do not think that the women in question were representative of the majority of women in Britain at the time.

A fascinating read., 11 Apr 2002
You don't have to be a keen historian or a reader of "dry" books. This book is extremely well written and kept me really interested right to the end. It covers all aspects of women's role in society in the 17th century, from midwives, mistresses, whores, witches, middle-class wives and poor fishwives and deals with each backing up points of view with short written quotations. In fact it encouraged me to buy Samuel Pepys diary (you have to read it to believe it)!

An excellent insight into 17th Century life, 31 Jan 2001
This is one of the most readable and enlightening books that I have read about life in 17th Century England. Although this is a very comprehensive work it is very readable and, once begun, very difficult to put down. Although it primarily deals with the role of women in the 17th century, it balances this by putting that role in context with events taking place at the time. What I found particularly facinating is that the book managed to give an in-depth look at life at all levels of society. This is a book that, having read it from start to finish, I still dip into from time to time because it is just so interesting.

really good, 17 Jul 2000
A really good book. Authoritative, exhaustive historical and also entertaining. From the upper classes to dairy maids, scolds and "witches"; from the pain and perils of pregnancy to domestic violence; the ignorant and the (few) learned women: every 17th Cetury female has her place in this wonderful book.

Journey of Discovery, 28 Apr 2008
Felipe's Pathfinders: A Global History of Exploration is a tremendous piece of writing, covering a vast topic in an eminently readable style. Whilst not claiming to be a sacrosanct text, Felipe presents some of the most commonly accepted explanations about aspects of this huge topic in a very pragmatic and reasonable way. Amongst the many topics covered are the following:

* A brief history of early human development and the dispersion of people around the globe
* How the natural environment around the Indian Ocean enabled a flourishing, ocean going trade system to develop many, many centuries ago
* Insights into how trade, romanticism and empire building inspired various European countries to start explorations around the globe
* How a desire to reach the Indo-Chinese trade routes led to the `discovery' of America: which was for a long time only seen as a barrier to the original goal
* A look at what is now left for the pathfinders of today and tomorrow

I started reading this book knowing that I knew very little of the history about how humanity had developed in different parts of the world, I have also found that my knowledge of the worlds geography was also limited and, as such, spent a lot of time referencing a small globe whilst reading. I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in history or humanity or, as myself, the origins of world trade and commerce.


wise and wonderful, 29 Sep 2007
Fernandez Armesto has breathtaking ambition and scope. His history combines a fine sense for what makes a great yarn with sure-footed scholarship. He tells it with a flourish, and what an epic collection of tales he has to tell. This is what history should be, great entertainment, a welter of fasincating detail, and a grand perspective.
-Mick.

Great history writing, 09 Jul 2007
One cannot praise enough this book for its clarity and profoundity, when the author unravels the paths pursued by humanity in exploring the world and other cultures.Armesto's fine intuitions and great storitelling make this book a true masterpiece.

The route-finders, 09 Nov 2006
Finally we have received a book about exploration which on the contrary to Allen's book `Faber book of Exploration' gives wide and not only English perspective on the subject. And this is the greatest value of this volume in addition to truly spectacular review of human endurance in exploration. For Fernandez-Armesto, on the contrary to Allen, the world exploration is a continuous process, which is not only related to mare conquering lands and seas but mainly to human progress from the dark past to present time. Remarkable work showing from the first chapter to the last one how we came to global vision and one would say destruction by globalization. ( Chapter 9).

A New Perspective, 25 Jul 2008
This book is an interesting new perspective in Vermeer studies, looking at the objects in his paintings from the point of view of the expanding trade networks of the 17th century. It is engagingly written and he wears his scholarship lightly.

I was disappointed the author did not investigate Vermeer's famous blue colour (anachronistically called "cobalt blue" in the book), since the ultramarine would itself have come from a complex trade network, and how it came to Delft would itself have made quite a story.

Breathtaking, 24 Jul 2008
Simply, a beautiful and breathtaking book. Full of marvels and curiousities, each chapter opens out to show the wider maps and ideas we thought we knew about...small details from the paintings are peered closely at, and behind them the seventeenth-century world of travel and trade, narrated through human encounters and stories. He writes wonderfully well and with such clarity about often complex issues, effortlessly moving the focus and scene from place to place: so there's a lovely rhythm about the book as he paces the (frequent) surprises subtly and narrates them with a drole and deceptively easy style. I started to read the other day and was still sat there seven hours later, transfixed by it, slowing up the pace of reading, not wanting it to end.


It didn't sparkle, 24 Apr 2008
I was a little disappointed in this book. Although its concept sounded very interesting the narrative was a bit flat.

The chapters concentrated on one particular object in a painting such as a beaver hat and then went on to explain where that object was most likely to have come from and some background history about, for example, the beaver trade. Unfortunately, the author tended to go on at length about one particular character or location for page after page of a chapter, barely referred back to Vermeer or Delft and, for most chapters, lost my interest.

I also felt cheated by the fact that although the book was trailed as a book about Vermeer's paintings separate chapters were included about works not involving Vermeer's paintings so that the author could discuss immigration into Holland and smoking.

Admittedly I did learn something about Vermeer and a few interesting facts about seventeenth century life but overall I thought the reviews I had read in newspapers were too generous.

The cash nebulous, 30 Mar 2006
I purchased this book on the basis of the on-line reviews anticipating a study of financial history.

Whilst it is reasonable on the history of currency, banking, and international finance it drifts off badly into loose discussions of UK politics, democracy and development, and the rise of the US economy. None of this material is particularly convincing and is based far too much on citations.

Overall I found it a frustrating read. There is a too much of a feeling that the author is a moderator in a debate which he doesn't fully understand.

Hard going but worth the effort, 22 Jun 2003
The book's scope is much wider than its title would imply. The author analyzes why some regimes have been more successful than others during past 300 years. The book emphasizes importance of four institutions as the bases of financial strength (and long-term success) of the state:
- a tax-collecting bureaucracy
- a representative parliament
- a national debt
- a central bank

There is lot of intellectual gymnastics with figures and facts in the middle of the book that test your determination to go on. Those who persevere get rewarded with the interesting discussion in the end of the book about defense expenses as a insurance policy for the state and a need for a superpower policeman for the free world in order to make peace and prosperity to last.

Read and find out if you agree with the conclusions of the author.

An excellent book but it does tend to drift off in places, 28 Feb 2001
Overall an excellent book that look at the link of bond prices democracy, politics and a nation-states power. It is very informative and contains alot of data simply set out; especially useful if you just happening to be doing a degree at the time.

My favourite aspect of this book is the completely fresh look ( even if I don't agree with all of it ) it takes at national power rather than rehashing old books with little, if anything, new to say.

Saying that the book at times does drift off losing all sense of structure especially in the middle covering the links between political parties and various lobby groups.

This does not stop being easy to read and comprehend while still being extremely informative.

A wonderful journey into Renaissance Florence, 21 Jun 2008
Caroline P Murphy's follow up to the Pope's Daughter does not disappoint.
It is a first class exploration of the life of Isabella de Medici, Renaissance Florence, the Medici family,and the inevitable politics, of
a fascinating time in Italian history.
The book is full of intrigue, betrayal, clandestine affairs, and murder.
It is not without humour and stories of everyday events within the Medici court.
A life which began with promise, privilege and moved on with not a little passsion,to end in such a brutal manner.
The story of Isabella de Medici is a compelling, marvellous read.


Amazing piece of forgotton history, 02 Oct 2008
This is an amazing book chronicalling a rarely spoken of history of white slavery. Although the writer focuses on the fates of the villagers of Baltimore his wide lens views the lives of many white English and European slaves and the decadent playground of North Africa with its fearsome pirate hordes.He paints a real breathing picture of the harems,jails, societies cities, and high seas of the time.I took this book on a holiday to Morocco enjoying the link geographically with the events in this book so perhaps I'm particular biased, but it was a fantastic read and I highly reccomend it.

The feminist's dream, 26 Oct 2008
This book is fascinating. It is a really easy and highly informative read. I love the fact that it covers all levels of 17th century society and not just the upper classes. It focuses on the role of women in society at the time and provides a fantastic insight into the everyday life of women from all walks of life. The research behind the book is very impressive. A very interesting read for any history and/or feminist enthusiast.

Very readable, 12 Jun 2006
I started reading Antonia Fraser's books after having read Gunpowder Plot. The Weaker Vessel is just as readble, and portrays the lives and characters of women from all walks of life, before, during and after the civil war. I think Ms Fraser is an amazing researcher, her books contain the most interesting facts all put together in pleasant prose which flows beautifully - so really it is like reading a novel rather than a work of pure fact (even though so many historical facts actually are included). Ms Fraser makes the female heroines of this novel come to life, for each lady discussed you feel genuine compassion, admiration, and sometimes disbelief at their feats of courage in the face of civil war. Included are excerpts from letters, diaries , etc which makes the account even more enjoyable. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in 17th century history or the history of women. One star less because I feel that the reader is not given an overall view of women in the 17th century - Antonia Fraser focuses on a handful of women, most of them extraordinarily courageous, but I do not think that the women in question were representative of the majority of women in Britain at the time.

A fascinating read., 11 Apr 2002
You don't have to be a keen historian or a reader of "dry" books. This book is extremely well written and kept me really interested right to the end. It covers all aspects of women's role in society in the 17th century, from midwives, mistresses, whores, witches, middle-class wives and poor fishwives and deals with each backing up points of view with short written quotations. In fact it encouraged me to buy Samuel Pepys diary (you have to read it to believe it)!

An excellent insight into 17th Century life, 31 Jan 2001
This is one of the most readable and enlightening books that I have read about life in 17th Century England. Although this is a very comprehensive work it is very readable and, once begun, very difficult to put down. Although it primarily deals with the role of women in the 17th century, it balances this by putting that role in context with events taking place at the time. What I found particularly facinating is that the book managed to give an in-depth look at life at all levels of society. This is a book that, having read it from start to finish, I still dip into from time to time because it is just so interesting.

really good, 17 Jul 2000
A really good book. Authoritative, exhaustive historical and also entertaining. From the upper classes to dairy maids, scolds and "witches"; from the pain and perils of pregnancy to domestic violence; the ignorant and the (few) learned women: every 17th Cetury female has her place in this wonderful book.

Journey of Discovery, 28 Apr 2008
Felipe's Pathfinders: A Global History of Exploration is a tremendous piece of writing, covering a vast topic in an eminently readable style. Whilst not claiming to be a sacrosanct text, Felipe presents some of the most commonly accepted explanations about aspects of this huge topic in a very pragmatic and reasonable way. Amongst the many topics covered are the following:

* A brief history of early human development and the dispersion of people around the globe
* How the natural environment around the Indian Ocean enabled a flourishing, ocean going trade system to develop many, many centuries ago
* Insights into how trade, romanticism and empire building inspired various European countries to start explorations around the globe
* How a desire to reach the Indo-Chinese trade routes led to the `discovery' of America: which was for a long time only seen as a barrier to the original goal
* A look at what is now left for the pathfinders of today and tomorrow

I started reading this book knowing that I knew very little of the history about how humanity had developed in different parts of the world, I have also found that my knowledge of the worlds geography was also limited and, as such, spent a lot of time referencing a small globe whilst reading. I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in history or humanity or, as myself, the origins of world trade and commerce.


wise and wonderful, 29 Sep 2007
Fernandez Armesto has breathtaking ambition and scope. His history combines a fine sense for what makes a great yarn with sure-footed scholarship. He tells it with a flourish, and what an epic collection of tales he has to tell. This is what history should be, great entertainment, a welter of fasincating detail, and a grand perspective.
-Mick.

Great history writing, 09 Jul 2007
One cannot praise enough this book for its clarity and profoundity, when the author unravels the paths pursued by humanity in exploring the world and other cultures.Armesto's fine intuitions and great storitelling make this book a true masterpiece.

The route-finders, 09 Nov 2006
Finally we have received a book about exploration which on the contrary to Allen's book `Faber book of Exploration' gives wide and not only English perspective on the subject. And this is the greatest value of this volume in addition to truly spectacular review of human endurance in exploration. For Fernandez-Armesto, on the contrary to Allen, the world exploration is a continuous process, which is not only related to mare conquering lands and seas but mainly to human progress from the dark past to present time. Remarkable work showing from the first chapter to the last one how we came to global vision and one would say destruction by globalization. ( Chapter 9).

Fire of london, 21 Jun 2005
This is a very useful book which I purchased because I was teaching the QCA module in Year 2 which dealt with Famous events. it linked into work about our capital city and has a useful section about Samuel Pepys and his diary. A good sized book with excellent photos and nice, large print. Worth the money.

Simple and Easy to Understand History, 20 Aug 2002
This book is an excellent way of introducing young children (aged between 5 to 7 years old) to history. There is a large colour picture on every page with just a few lines of text. The story of the Great Fire of London is told simply and in an easy to understand way. It is a great way to show quite young children that true stories can be just as fascinating as fictional ones.

A New Perspective, 25 Jul 2008
This book is an interesting new perspective in Vermeer studies, looking at the objects in his paintings from the point of view of the expanding trade networks of the 17th century. It is engagingly written and he wears his scholarship lightly.

I was disappointed the author did not investigate Vermeer's famous blue colour (anachronistically called "cobalt blue" in the book), since the ultramarine would itself have come from a complex trade network, and how it came to Delft would itself have made quite a story.

Breathtaking, 24 Jul 2008
Simply, a beautiful and breathtaking book. Full of marvels and curiousities, each chapter opens out to show the wider maps and ideas we thought we knew about...small details from the paintings are peered closely at, and behind them the seventeenth-century world of travel and trade, narrated through human encounters and stories. He writes wonderfully well and with such clarity about often complex issues, effortlessly moving the focus and scene from place to place: so there's a lovely rhythm about the book as he paces the (frequent) surprises subtly and narrates them with a drole and deceptively easy style. I started to read the other day and was still sat there seven hours later, transfixed by it, slowing up the pace of reading, not wanting it to end.


It didn't sparkle, 24 Apr 2008
I was a little disappointed in this book. Although its concept sounded very interesting the narrative was a bit flat.

The chapters concentrated on one particular object in a painting such as a beaver hat and then went on to explain where that object was most likely to have come from and some background history about, for example, the beaver trade. Unfortunately, the author tended to go on at length about one particular character or location for page after page of a chapter, barely referred back to Vermeer or Delft and, for most chapters, lost my interest.

I also felt cheated by the fact that although the book was trailed as a book about Vermeer's paintings separate chapters were included about works not involving Vermeer's paintings so that the author could discuss immigration into Holland and smoking.

Admittedly I did learn something about Vermeer and a few interesting facts about seventeenth century life but overall I thought the reviews I had read in newspapers were too generous.

The cash nebulous, 30 Mar 2006
I purchased this book on the basis of the on-line reviews anticipating a study of financial history.

Whilst it is reasonable on the history of currency, banking, and international finance it drifts off badly into loose discussions of UK politics, democracy and development, and the rise of the US economy. None of this material is particularly convincing and is based far too much on citations.

Overall I found it a frustrating read. There is a too much of a feeling that the author is a moderator in a debate which he doesn't fully understand.

Hard going but worth the effort, 22 Jun 2003
The book's scope is much wider than its title would imply. The author analyzes why some regimes have been more successful than others during past 300 years. The book emphasizes importance of four institutions as the bases of financial strength (and long-term success) of the state:
- a tax-collecting bureaucracy
- a representative parliament
- a national debt
- a central bank

There is lot of intellectual gymnastics with figures and facts in the middle of the book that test your determination to go on. Those who persevere get rewarded with the interesting discussion in the end of the book about defense expenses as a insurance policy for the state and a need for a superpower policeman for the free world in order to make peace and prosperity to last.

Read and find out if you agree with the conclusions of the author.

An excellent book but it does tend to drift off in places, 28 Feb 2001
Overall an excellent book that look at the link of bond prices democracy, politics and a nation-states power. It is very informative and contains alot of data simply set out; especially useful if you just happening to be doing a degree at the time.

My favourite aspect of this book is the completely fresh look ( even if I don't agree with all of it ) it takes at national power rather than rehashing old books with little, if anything, new to say.

Saying that the book at times does drift off losing all sense of structure especially in the middle covering the links between political parties and various lobby groups.

This does not stop being easy to read and comprehend while still being extremely informative.

A wonderful journey into Renaissance Florence, 21 Jun 2008
Caroline P Murphy's follow up to the Pope's Daughter does not disappoint.
It is a first class exploration of the life of Isabella de Medici, Renaissance Florence, the Medici family,and the inevitable politics, of
a fascinating time in Italian history.
The book is full of intrigue, betrayal, clandestine affairs, and murder.
It is not without humour and stories of everyday events within the Medici court.
A life which began with promise, privilege and moved on with not a little passsion,to end in such a brutal manner.
The story of Isabella de Medici is a compelling, marvellous read.


Amazing piece of forgotton history, 02 Oct 2008
This is an amazing book chronicalling a rarely spoken of history of white slavery. Although the writer focuses on the fates of the villagers of Baltimore his wide lens views the lives of many white English and European slaves and the decadent playground of North Africa with its fearsome pirate hordes.He paints a real breathing picture of the harems,jails, societies cities, and high seas of the time.I took this book on a holiday to Morocco enjoying the link geographically with the events in this book so perhaps I'm particular biased, but it was a fantastic read and I highly reccomend it.

The feminist's dream, 26 Oct 2008
This book is fascinating. It is a really easy and highly informative read. I love the fact that it covers all levels of 17th century society and not just the upper classes. It focuses on the role of women in society at the time and provides a fantastic insight into the everyday life of women from all walks of life. The research behind the book is very impressive. A very interesting read for any history and/or feminist enthusiast.

Very readable, 12 Jun 2006
I started reading Antonia Fraser's books after having read Gunpowder Plot. The Weaker Vessel is just as readble, and portrays the lives and characters of women from all walks of life, before, during and after the civil war. I think Ms Fraser is an amazing researcher, her books contain the most interesting facts all put together in pleasant prose which flows beautifully - so really it is like reading a novel rather than a work of pure fact (even though so many historical facts actually are included). Ms Fraser makes the female heroines of this novel come to life, for each lady discussed you feel genuine compassion, admiration, and sometimes disbelief at their feats of courage in the face of civil war. Included are excerpts from letters, diaries , etc which makes the account even more enjoyable. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in 17th century history or the history of women. One star less because I feel that the reader is not given an overall view of women in the 17th century - Antonia Fraser focuses on a handful of women, most of them extraordinarily courageous, but I do not think that the women in question were representative of the majority of women in Britain at the time.

A fascinating read., 11 Apr 2002
You don't have to be a keen historian or a reader of "dry" books. This book is extremely well written and kept me really interested right to the end. It covers all aspects of women's role in society in the 17th century, from midwives, mistresses, whores, witches, middle-class wives and poor fishwives and deals with each backing up points of view with short written quotations. In fact it encouraged me to buy Samuel Pepys diary (you have to read it to believe it)!

An excellent insight into 17th Century life, 31 Jan 2001
This is one of the most readable and enlightening books that I have read about life in 17th Century England. Although this is a very comprehensive work it is very readable and, once begun, very difficult to put down. Although it primarily deals with the role of women in the 17th century, it balances this by putting that role in context with events taking place at the time. What I found particularly facinating is that the book managed to give an in-depth look at life at all levels of society. This is a book that, having read it from start to finish, I still dip into from time to time because it is just so interesting.

really good, 17 Jul 2000
A really good book. Authoritative, exhaustive historical and also entertaining. From the upper classes to dairy maids, scolds and "witches"; from the pain and perils of pregnancy to domestic violence; the ignorant and the (few) learned women: every 17th Cetury female has her place in this wonderful book.

Journey of Discovery, 28 Apr 2008
Felipe's Pathfinders: A Global History of Exploration is a tremendous piece of writing, covering a vast topic in an eminently readable style. Whilst not claiming to be a sacrosanct text, Felipe presents some of the most commonly accepted explanations about aspects of this huge topic in a very pragmatic and reasonable way. Amongst the many topics covered are the following:

* A brief history of early human development and the dispersion of people around the globe
* How the natural environment around the Indian Ocean enabled a flourishing, ocean going trade system to develop many, many centuries ago
* Insights into how trade, romanticism and empire building inspired various European countries to start explorations around the globe
* How a desire to reach the Indo-Chinese trade routes led to the `discovery' of America: which was for a long time only seen as a barrier to the original goal
* A look at what is now left for the pathfinders of today and tomorrow

I started reading this book knowing that I knew very little of the history about how humanity had developed in different parts of the world, I have also found that my knowledge of the worlds geography was also limited and, as such, spent a lot of time referencing a small globe whilst reading. I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in history or humanity or, as myself, the origins of world trade and commerce.


wise and wonderful, 29 Sep 2007
Fernandez Armesto has breathtaking ambition and scope. His history combines a fine sense for what makes a great yarn with sure-footed scholarship. He tells it with a flourish, and what an epic collection of tales he has to tell. This is what history should be, great entertainment, a welter of fasincating detail, and a grand perspective.
-Mick.

Great history writing, 09 Jul 2007
One cannot praise enough this book for its clarity and profoundity, when the author unravels the paths pursued by humanity in exploring the world and other cultures.Armesto's fine intuitions and great storitelling make this book a true masterpiece.

The route-finders, 09 Nov 2006
Finally we have received a book about exploration which on the contrary to Allen's book `Faber book of Exploration' gives wide and not only English perspective on the subject. And this is the greatest value of this volume in addition to truly spectacular review of human endurance in exploration. For Fernandez-Armesto, on the contrary to Allen, the world exploration is a continuous process, which is not only related to mare conquering lands and seas but mainly to human progress from the dark past to present time. Remarkable work showing from the first chapter to the last one how we came to global vision and one would say destruction by globalization. ( Chapter 9).

Fire of london, 21 Jun 2005
This is a very useful book which I purchased because I was teaching the QCA module in Year 2 which dealt with Famous events. it linked into work about our capital city and has a useful section about Samuel Pepys and his diary. A good sized book with excellent photos and nice, large print. Worth the money.

Simple and Easy to Understand History, 20 Aug 2002
This book is an excellent way of introducing young children (aged between 5 to 7 years old) to history. There is a large colour picture on every page with just a few lines of text. The story of the Great Fire of London is told simply and in an easy to understand way. It is a great way to show quite young children that true stories can be just as fascinating as fictional ones.

comprehensive and fascinating, 13 Jan 2005
This is more or less the only available general history of Britain in the eighteenth century. Mr. O'Gorman is professor of history at Manchester University and is writing for students and other academics. He has clearly read the entire literature on the subject and refers frequently to it, and a feature of the book is his weighing up of opposing viewpoints.

The style of the book is to chop the period up into three or four segments and then go through each segment three times, looking in turn at political, social and other aspects. This can be wearisome particularly to the general reader such as myself, but the result is a thoroughly thought through and comprehensive understanding of the period. You have to really want to understand how the social aspects, of say working class movement for reform or the influence of the movement for catholic emancipation worked in with the political juggling of Canning and Peel to really enjoy this book, but if you do it works a treat.

At times I felt Mr. O'Gorman's enthusiastic juggling of the different strands leads to unintentional obscurity - some sentences I just could not figure out, and it can be irritating when he repeatedly refers to events without explaining them because he doesn't do that until the next chapter. Also if you want blow by blow accounts of the Napoleonic wars or the glories of our foreign policy you need to read a more traditional history, here you just get enough to produce a balanced account of life in Britain and the general development of our country.

On balance a readable, enthusiastic, balanced and comprehensive history of a fascinating period.

A New Perspective, 25 Jul 2008
This book is an interesting new perspective in Vermeer studies, looking at the objects in his paintings from the point of view of the expanding trade networks of the 17th century. It is engagingly written and he wears his scholarship lightly.

I was disappointed the author did not investigate Vermeer's famous blue colour (anachronistically called "cobalt blue" in the book), since the ultramarine would itself have come from a complex trade network, and how it came to Delft would itself have made quite a story.

Breathtaking, 24 Jul 2008
Simply, a beautiful and breathtaking book. Full of marvels and curiousities, each chapter opens out to show the wider maps and ideas we thought we knew about...small details from the paintings are peered closely at, and behind them the seventeenth-century world of travel and trade, narrated through human encounters and stories. He writes wonderfully well and with such clarity about often complex issues, effortlessly moving the focus and scene from place to place: so there's a lovely rhythm about the book as he paces the (frequent) surprises subtly and narrates them with a drole and deceptively easy style. I started to read the other day and was still sat there seven hours later, transfixed by it, slowing up the pace of reading, not wanting it to end.


It didn't sparkle, 24 Apr 2008
I was a little disappointed in this book. Although its concept sounded very interesting the narrative was a bit flat.

The chapters concentrated on one particular object in a painting such as a beaver hat and then went on to explain where that object was most likely to have come from and some background history about, for example, the beaver trade. Unfortunately, the author tended to go on at length about one particular character or location for page after page of a chapter, barely referred back to Vermeer or Delft and, for most chapters, lost my interest.

I also felt cheated by the fact that although the book was trailed as a book about Vermeer's paintings separate chapters were included about works not involving Vermeer's paintings so that the author could discuss immigration into Holland and smoking.

Admittedly I did learn something about Vermeer and a few interesting facts about seventeenth century life but overall I thought the reviews I had read in newspapers were too generous.

The cash nebulous, 30 Mar 2006
I purchased this book on the basis of the on-line reviews anticipating a study of financial history.

Whilst it is reasonable on the history of currency, banking, and international finance it drifts off badly into loose discussions of UK politics, democracy and development, and the rise of the US economy. None of this material is particularly convincing and is based far too much on citations.

Overall I found it a frustrating read. There is a too much of a feeling that the author is a moderator in a debate which he doesn't fully understand.

Hard going but worth the effort, 22 Jun 2003
The book's scope is much wider than its title would imply. The author analyzes why some regimes have been more successful than others during past 300 years. The book emphasizes importance of four institutions as the bases of financial strength (and long-term success) of the state:
- a tax-collecting bureaucracy
- a representative parliament
- a national debt
- a central bank

There is lot of intellectual gymnastics with figures and facts in the middle of the book that test your determination to go on. Those who persevere get rewarded with the interesting discussion in the end of the book about defense expenses as a insurance policy for the state and a need for a superpower policeman for the free world in order to make peace and prosperity to last.

Read and find out if you agree with the conclusions of the author.

An excellent book but it does tend to drift off in places, 28 Feb 2001
Overall an excellent book that look at the link of bond prices democracy, politics and a nation-states power. It is very informative and contains alot of data simply set out; especially useful if you just happening to be doing a degree at the time.

My favourite aspect of this book is the completely fresh look ( even if I don't agree with all of it ) it takes at national power rather than rehashing old books with little, if anything, new to say.

Saying that the book at times does drift off losing all sense of structure especially in the middle covering the links between political parties and various lobby groups.

This does not stop being easy to read and comprehend while still being extremely informative.

A wonderful journey into Renaissance Florence, 21 Jun 2008
Caroline P Murphy's follow up to the Pope's Daughter does not disappoint.
It is a first class exploration of the life of Isabella de Medici, Renaissance Florence, the Medici family,and the inevitable politics, of
a fascinating time in Italian history.
The book is full of intrigue, betrayal, clandestine affairs, and murder.
It is not without humour and stories of everyday events within the Medici court.
A life which began with promise, privilege and moved on with not a little passsion,to end in such a brutal manner.
The story of Isabella de Medici is a compelling, marvellous read.


Amazing piece of forgotton history, 02 Oct 2008
This is an amazing book chronicalling a rarely spoken of history of white slavery. Although the writer focuses on the fates of the villagers of Baltimore his wide lens views the lives of many white English and European slaves and the decadent playground of North Africa with its fearsome pirate hordes.He paints a real breathing picture of the harems,jails, societies cities, and high seas of the time.I took this book on a holiday to Morocco enjoying the link geographically with the events in this book so perhaps I'm particular biased, but it was a fantastic read and I highly reccomend it.

The feminist's dream, 26 Oct 2008
This book is fascinating. It is a really easy and highly informative read. I love the fact that it covers all levels of 17th century society and not just the upper classes. It focuses on the role of women in society at the time and provides a fantastic insight into the everyday life of women from all walks of life. The research behind the book is very impressive. A very interesting read for any history and/or feminist enthusiast.

Very readable, 12 Jun 2006
I started reading Antonia Fraser's books after having read Gunpowder Plot. The Weaker Vessel is just as readble, and portrays the lives and characters of women from all walks of life, before, during and after the civil war. I think Ms Fraser is an amazing researcher, her books contain the most interesting facts all put together in pleasant prose which flows beautifully - so really it is like reading a novel rather than a work of pure fact (even though so many historical facts actually are included). Ms Fraser makes the female heroines of this novel come to life, for each lady discussed you feel genuine compassion, admiration, and sometimes disbelief at their feats of courage in the face of civil war. Included are excerpts from letters, diaries , etc which makes the account even more enjoyable. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in 17th century history or the history of women. One star less because I feel that the reader is not given an overall view of women in the 17th century - Antonia Fraser focuses on a handful of women, most of them extraordinarily courageous, but I do not think that the women in question were representative of the majority of women in Britain at the time.

A fascinating read., 11 Apr 2002
You don't have to be a keen historian or a reader of "dry" books. This book is extremely well written and kept me really interested right to the end. It covers all aspects of women's role in society in the 17th century, from midwives, mistresses, whores, witches, middle-class wives and poor fishwives and deals with each backing up points of view with short written quotations. In fact it encouraged me to buy Samuel Pepys diary (you have to read it to believe it)!

An excellent insight into 17th Century life, 31 Jan 2001
This is one of the most readable and enlightening books that I have read about life in 17th Century England. Although this is a very comprehensive work it is very readable and, once begun, very difficult to put down. Although it primarily deals with the role of women in the 17th century, it balances this by putting that role in context with events taking place at the time. What I found particularly facinating is that the book managed to give an in-depth look at life at all levels of society. This is a book that, having read it from start to finish, I still dip into from time to time because it is just so interesting.

really good, 17 Jul 2000
A really good book. Authoritative, exhaustive historical and also entertaining. From the upper classes to dairy maids, scolds and "witches"; from the pain and perils of pregnancy to domestic violence; the ignorant and the (few) learned women: every 17th Cetury female has her place in this wonderful book.

Journey of Discovery, 28 Apr 2008
Felipe's Pathfinders: A Global History of Exploration is a tremendous piece of writing, covering a vast topic in an eminently readable style. Whilst not claiming to be a sacrosanct text, Felipe presents some of the most commonly accepted explanations about aspects of this huge topic in a very pragmatic and reasonable way. Amongst the many topics covered are the following:

* A brief history of early human development and the dispersion of people around the globe
* How the natural environment around the Indian Ocean enabled a flourishing, ocean going trade system to develop many, many centuries ago
* Insights into how trade, romanticism and empire building inspired various European countries to start explorations around the globe
* How a desire to reach the Indo-Chinese trade routes led to the `discovery' of America: which was for a long time only seen as a barrier to the original goal
* A look at what is now left for the pathfinders of today and tomorrow

I started reading this book knowing that I knew very little of the history about how humanity had developed in different parts of the world, I have also found that my knowledge of the worlds geography was also limited and, as such, spent a lot of time referencing a small globe whilst reading. I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in history or humanity or, as myself, the origins of world trade and commerce.


wise and wonderful, 29 Sep 2007
Fernandez Armesto has breathtaking ambition and scope. His history combines a fine sense for what makes a great yarn with sure-footed scholarship. He tells it with a flourish, and what an epic collection of tales he has to tell. This is what history should be, great entertainment, a welter of fasincating detail, and a grand perspective.
-Mick.

Great history writing, 09 Jul 2007
One cannot praise enough this book for its clarity and profoundity, when the author unravels the paths pursued by humanity in exploring the world and other cultures.Armesto's fine intuitions and great storitelling make this book a true masterpiece.

The route-finders, 09 Nov 2006
Finally we have received a book about exploration which on the contrary to Allen's book `Faber book of Exploration' gives wide and not only English perspective on the subject. And this is the greatest value of this volume in addition to truly spectacular review of human endurance in exploration. For Fernandez-Armesto, on the contrary to Allen, the world exploration is a continuous process, which is not only related to mare conquering lands and seas but mainly to human progress from the dark past to present time. Remarkable work showing from the first chapter to the last one how we came to global vision and one would say destruction by globalization. ( Chapter 9).

Fire of london, 21 Jun 2005
This is a very useful book which I purchased because I was teaching the QCA module in Year 2 which dealt with Famous events. it linked into work about our capital city and has a useful section about Samuel Pepys and his diary. A good sized book with excellent photos and nice, large print. Worth the money.

Simple and Easy to Understand History, 20 Aug 2002
This book is an excellent way of introducing young children (aged between 5 to 7 years old) to history. There is a large colour picture on every page with just a few lines of text. The story of the Great Fire of London is told simply and in an easy to understand way. It is a great way to show quite young children that true stories can be just as fascinating as fictional ones.

comprehensive and fascinating, 13 Jan 2005
This is more or less the only available general history of Britain in the eighteenth century. Mr. O'Gorman is professor of history at Manchester University and is writing for students and other academics. He has clearly read the entire literature on the subject and refers frequently to it, and a feature of the book is his weighing up of opposing viewpoints.

The style of the book is to chop the period up into three or four segments and then go through each segment three times, looking in turn at political, social and other aspects. This can be wearisome particularly to the general reader such as myself, but the result is a thoroughly thought through and comprehensive understanding of the period. You have to really want to understand how the social aspects, of say working class movement for reform or the influence of the movement for catholic emancipation worked in with the political juggling of Canning and Peel to really enjoy this book, but if you do it works a treat.

At times I felt Mr. O'Gorman's enthusiastic juggling of the different strands leads to unintentional obscurity - some sentences I just could not figure out, and it can be irritating when he repeatedly refers to events without explaining them because he doesn't do that until the next chapter. Also if you want blow by blow accounts of the Napoleonic wars or the glories of our foreign policy you need to read a more traditional history, here you just get enough to produce a balanced account of life in Britain and the general development of our country.

On balance a readable, enthusiastic, balanced and comprehensive history of a fascinating period.

The Best Tudor History Book I've Read, 02 Oct 2008
Prof Elton's book spans the entire Tudor period from the Battle of Bosworth to the death of Elizabeth I. The book's triumphant central theme is summed up in the last sentences: "The state was built anew, government restored and reformed, enterprise encouraged, faith rekindled. The good part survived, the bad past died...a new and greater England emerged from the day-to-day turmoil of life." In exploring this subject, Prof Elton devotes entire chapters to e.g. Thomas Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell and Elizabethan seapower. In contrast, the reigns of Edward VI and Mary are summed up, and dismissed, in 20 pages.

However, this book is a must read for anyone interested in, or studying the Tudors. Prof Elton's writing style is both readable and witty. He demonstrates a clear mastery and enthusiasm for his subject matter.