Real history in the making, 21 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!

Here are just a few excerpts:-

To: Valerius Paulinus "I am furious with you, rightly or not I don't know, but it makes no difference. You know very well that love is sometimes unfair, often violent, and always quick to take offence, but I have good reason, whether or not it is a just one, to be as furious as I would be in a just cause. It is so long since I had a letter from you. The only way to placate me is to write me a lot of letters now, at long last - lengthy ones, too."

To: Sempronius Rufus "I had gone down to the Basilica Julia to listen to the speeches in a case where I had to appear for the defence at the next hearing. The court was seated, the presiding magistrates had arrived and counsel on both sides were coming and going; then there was a long silence, broken at last by a message from the Praetor. The court adjourned and the case was suspended, much to my delight for I am never so well prepared as not to be glad of a delay"

To: Cornelius Tacitus "I should like to obey your orders,but when you tell me I ought to honour Diana along with Minerva I find it impossible - there is such a shortage of boars. So I can only serve Minerva, and even her in the lazy way to be expected during a summer holiday.

On my way here I made up some bits of nonesense (not worth keeping) in the conversational style one uses when travelling, and I added something to them once I was here and had nothing better to do; but peace reigns over the poems which you fancy are only too easy to finish in the woods and groves. I have revised one or two short speeches, though this is the sort of disagreeable task I detest and is more like one of the hardships of country life than it's pleasures."

An accessable and enjoyable book, 19 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!...

Real history in the making, 21 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!

Here are just a few excerpts:-

To: Valerius Paulinus "I am furious with you, rightly or not I don't know, but it makes no difference. You know very well that love is sometimes unfair, often violent, and always quick to take offence, but I have good reason, whether or not it is a just one, to be as furious as I would be in a just cause. It is so long since I had a letter from you. The only way to placate me is to write me a lot of letters now, at long last - lengthy ones, too."

To: Sempronius Rufus "I had gone down to the Basilica Julia to listen to the speeches in a case where I had to appear for the defence at the next hearing. The court was seated, the presiding magistrates had arrived and counsel on both sides were coming and going; then there was a long silence, broken at last by a message from the Praetor. The court adjourned and the case was suspended, much to my delight for I am never so well prepared as not to be glad of a delay"

To: Cornelius Tacitus "I should like to obey your orders,but when you tell me I ought to honour Diana along with Minerva I find it impossible - there is such a shortage of boars. So I can only serve Minerva, and even her in the lazy way to be expected during a summer holiday.

On my way here I made up some bits of nonesense (not worth keeping) in the conversational style one uses when travelling, and I added something to them once I was here and had nothing better to do; but peace reigns over the poems which you fancy are only too easy to finish in the woods and groves. I have revised one or two short speeches, though this is the sort of disagreeable task I detest and is more like one of the hardships of country life than it's pleasures."

An accessable and enjoyable book, 19 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!...

Domesday now within the grasp of everyone ., 14 Feb 2008
There are few historical documents now over 900 years old that are frequently quoted in courts of law to clarifie points of law.

The Domesday volumes,Great Domesday and Little Domesday as they are known are kept within a large 14Century chest at the Public Records Office at Kew in London.On prior arrangement and a fee you are allowed to examine under strict supervision the contents of either volume but unless you are a scholar in early Latin their velum pages will mean little.

In the early 1980s a most impressive hardback series totalling every county surveyed by Williams officials known as The Philimore Collection became available but at a considerable cost.I know because i bought the Hereford volume with its gorgeous red cover to help in my research of churches mentioned in the Hereford area during the Elevnth Century.

The Philimore collection was magnificent but had one major flaw in that it was aimed at the accademic scholar whose grasp of early Latin enhanced their understanding of the text.

Roll forward twenty or so years and we are presented with what must be the Holy Grail for those stydying 11thCentury history.
Penguin have compiled the entire Domesday both Great and Small into one most impressive 1436 soft back or hardback volume.

The time it must have taken those involved to translate the early text into 21st Century language must have been collasal.What we have here is plain English that we can all understand but still this is hardly Harry Potter.Your interest must lie in discovering what 11thCentury life in Williams kingdom was really like.

I find its contents trully fasinating,the information on how many people and properties were at Oxford and Gloucester in 1086 aswell as how many oxen and slaves ploughed the land in each and every village thereabout is history at your fingertips.

The most compelling thing is that the many place names especially in the Hereford and Gloucestershire areas are still here over 900 years later and with some, the population has little changed apart from lack of oxen and your occasional slave or Housecarl tending the land.

We have our regular census every now and then but really there is no historical document in any country throughout the world to rival THE DOMESDAY survey.It was of its time but the insight into a way of life and being is relevant today.

Until you familiarise yourself with its contents you cannot imagine the pleasure it will give those trully interested in early English history.

If you set sail from the port of Chester without the permission of the crown everybody found onboard the vessel was fined 100 shillings.

Likewise if you refused to gather arms upon request to venture into Wales to give the Taffies a bloodynose you were fined 40 shillings.

This was serious money all those years ago, more than a years wages for most workers.

These are only two of the very interesting declarations provided by the Crown in the Chester section..Considering there are over 1400 such pages of interest you will never tire of reading its contents.

Prabably not a document you will read from cover to cover but certainly one you can pick up again and again to learn what life was really like over 900 years ago.

What other document of similar antiquity can provide a modern reader with so much relevant information.

Domesday predates Magna Carta by well over 150 years both are just as relevant to our legal system to this very day and thats why both are often quoted in our Courts of Law.


It has taken years to materialise and is now available for all to read,its contents will enthrall or disintrest you but you cannot denie its impressiveness,there are few books on my bookshelf as thick or as compelling to read as this one.Its price is so impressive that it would make the ideal gift to anyone interested in history but here is a book that now is easy to read and follow and thankfully has a glossary at the back to explain what a Housecarl is.

What a wonderful and fascinating resource!, 11 Sep 2005
This is the first time that the entire contents of both Little Domesday and Great Domesday have been available in one affordable volume, and what a wonderful thing Penguin have done! This is a translation by a group of the greatest Domesday scholars, and provides a powerful insight into the society of medieval Britain, through a document unique in the world in it's scope and detail. It is possible to look beyond the numbers, and gain real insight into how an individual, or a community was doing. By examining the economy, landscapes and early settlements, it paints a picture of what sort of people lived on this island 900 years ago. This is not a book that anyone will read from cover to cover, but rather you can open any page and enjoy history in bite-size pieces.

Still a vivid and authoritative guide, so long after it's creation, it is a book that I will be dipping into for many years, and I am sure that it will be a source of great pleasure to all historians, amateur and otherwise. Penguin Classics are to be congratulated for a truly worthy (and fascinating) publication.

treasure, 13 Feb 2003
I wouldn't venture reviewing the contents of the Domesday Book !
I was simply pleased to hold a monument which is mentioned in every book on medieval England, some treasure chest which can now be opened at will. Though the survey it contains is probably of far more interest to a professional historian, one does quickly get an idea of the formidable takeover of the anglo-saxon economy by a foreign aristocracy over such a short period. The Norman Barons appear to have made a good return on investment after a rather devastating invasion, having taken ownership of every economic unit of estimatable wealth. Still, most readers will simply be delighted to check their favorite town or village has been surveyed 900 years ago.

Real history in the making, 21 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!

Here are just a few excerpts:-

To: Valerius Paulinus "I am furious with you, rightly or not I don't know, but it makes no difference. You know very well that love is sometimes unfair, often violent, and always quick to take offence, but I have good reason, whether or not it is a just one, to be as furious as I would be in a just cause. It is so long since I had a letter from you. The only way to placate me is to write me a lot of letters now, at long last - lengthy ones, too."

To: Sempronius Rufus "I had gone down to the Basilica Julia to listen to the speeches in a case where I had to appear for the defence at the next hearing. The court was seated, the presiding magistrates had arrived and counsel on both sides were coming and going; then there was a long silence, broken at last by a message from the Praetor. The court adjourned and the case was suspended, much to my delight for I am never so well prepared as not to be glad of a delay"

To: Cornelius Tacitus "I should like to obey your orders,but when you tell me I ought to honour Diana along with Minerva I find it impossible - there is such a shortage of boars. So I can only serve Minerva, and even her in the lazy way to be expected during a summer holiday.

On my way here I made up some bits of nonesense (not worth keeping) in the conversational style one uses when travelling, and I added something to them once I was here and had nothing better to do; but peace reigns over the poems which you fancy are only too easy to finish in the woods and groves. I have revised one or two short speeches, though this is the sort of disagreeable task I detest and is more like one of the hardships of country life than it's pleasures."

An accessable and enjoyable book, 19 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!...

Domesday now within the grasp of everyone ., 14 Feb 2008
There are few historical documents now over 900 years old that are frequently quoted in courts of law to clarifie points of law.

The Domesday volumes,Great Domesday and Little Domesday as they are known are kept within a large 14Century chest at the Public Records Office at Kew in London.On prior arrangement and a fee you are allowed to examine under strict supervision the contents of either volume but unless you are a scholar in early Latin their velum pages will mean little.

In the early 1980s a most impressive hardback series totalling every county surveyed by Williams officials known as The Philimore Collection became available but at a considerable cost.I know because i bought the Hereford volume with its gorgeous red cover to help in my research of churches mentioned in the Hereford area during the Elevnth Century.

The Philimore collection was magnificent but had one major flaw in that it was aimed at the accademic scholar whose grasp of early Latin enhanced their understanding of the text.

Roll forward twenty or so years and we are presented with what must be the Holy Grail for those stydying 11thCentury history.
Penguin have compiled the entire Domesday both Great and Small into one most impressive 1436 soft back or hardback volume.

The time it must have taken those involved to translate the early text into 21st Century language must have been collasal.What we have here is plain English that we can all understand but still this is hardly Harry Potter.Your interest must lie in discovering what 11thCentury life in Williams kingdom was really like.

I find its contents trully fasinating,the information on how many people and properties were at Oxford and Gloucester in 1086 aswell as how many oxen and slaves ploughed the land in each and every village thereabout is history at your fingertips.

The most compelling thing is that the many place names especially in the Hereford and Gloucestershire areas are still here over 900 years later and with some, the population has little changed apart from lack of oxen and your occasional slave or Housecarl tending the land.

We have our regular census every now and then but really there is no historical document in any country throughout the world to rival THE DOMESDAY survey.It was of its time but the insight into a way of life and being is relevant today.

Until you familiarise yourself with its contents you cannot imagine the pleasure it will give those trully interested in early English history.

If you set sail from the port of Chester without the permission of the crown everybody found onboard the vessel was fined 100 shillings.

Likewise if you refused to gather arms upon request to venture into Wales to give the Taffies a bloodynose you were fined 40 shillings.

This was serious money all those years ago, more than a years wages for most workers.

These are only two of the very interesting declarations provided by the Crown in the Chester section..Considering there are over 1400 such pages of interest you will never tire of reading its contents.

Prabably not a document you will read from cover to cover but certainly one you can pick up again and again to learn what life was really like over 900 years ago.

What other document of similar antiquity can provide a modern reader with so much relevant information.

Domesday predates Magna Carta by well over 150 years both are just as relevant to our legal system to this very day and thats why both are often quoted in our Courts of Law.


It has taken years to materialise and is now available for all to read,its contents will enthrall or disintrest you but you cannot denie its impressiveness,there are few books on my bookshelf as thick or as compelling to read as this one.Its price is so impressive that it would make the ideal gift to anyone interested in history but here is a book that now is easy to read and follow and thankfully has a glossary at the back to explain what a Housecarl is.

What a wonderful and fascinating resource!, 11 Sep 2005
This is the first time that the entire contents of both Little Domesday and Great Domesday have been available in one affordable volume, and what a wonderful thing Penguin have done! This is a translation by a group of the greatest Domesday scholars, and provides a powerful insight into the society of medieval Britain, through a document unique in the world in it's scope and detail. It is possible to look beyond the numbers, and gain real insight into how an individual, or a community was doing. By examining the economy, landscapes and early settlements, it paints a picture of what sort of people lived on this island 900 years ago. This is not a book that anyone will read from cover to cover, but rather you can open any page and enjoy history in bite-size pieces.

Still a vivid and authoritative guide, so long after it's creation, it is a book that I will be dipping into for many years, and I am sure that it will be a source of great pleasure to all historians, amateur and otherwise. Penguin Classics are to be congratulated for a truly worthy (and fascinating) publication.

treasure, 13 Feb 2003
I wouldn't venture reviewing the contents of the Domesday Book !
I was simply pleased to hold a monument which is mentioned in every book on medieval England, some treasure chest which can now be opened at will. Though the survey it contains is probably of far more interest to a professional historian, one does quickly get an idea of the formidable takeover of the anglo-saxon economy by a foreign aristocracy over such a short period. The Norman Barons appear to have made a good return on investment after a rather devastating invasion, having taken ownership of every economic unit of estimatable wealth. Still, most readers will simply be delighted to check their favorite town or village has been surveyed 900 years ago.

Poetics - a vital source through which to understand writing, 12 Oct 2002
If you have an interest in writing, or in Literature, or even philosophy or psychology, then Aristotle's Poetics is a very good book for you to read: Aristotle had a burning desire to understand the drives and ambitions of human beings -- he yearned to understand the human world. In the book, Malcolm Heath explains (very well, I might add) the thoughts of Aristotle, concerning his understanding of the human necessity for expression. If you want to be a writer, or want to comprehend the roots of Literature, Poetics is a vital source of essential and fundamental information. Heath additionally refers to many of Aristotle's other notes in order to present an unbiased and comprehensive case. I very much recommend this book to anyone, especially those who wish to write fiction.

Real history in the making, 21 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!

Here are just a few excerpts:-

To: Valerius Paulinus "I am furious with you, rightly or not I don't know, but it makes no difference. You know very well that love is sometimes unfair, often violent, and always quick to take offence, but I have good reason, whether or not it is a just one, to be as furious as I would be in a just cause. It is so long since I had a letter from you. The only way to placate me is to write me a lot of letters now, at long last - lengthy ones, too."

To: Sempronius Rufus "I had gone down to the Basilica Julia to listen to the speeches in a case where I had to appear for the defence at the next hearing. The court was seated, the presiding magistrates had arrived and counsel on both sides were coming and going; then there was a long silence, broken at last by a message from the Praetor. The court adjourned and the case was suspended, much to my delight for I am never so well prepared as not to be glad of a delay"

To: Cornelius Tacitus "I should like to obey your orders,but when you tell me I ought to honour Diana along with Minerva I find it impossible - there is such a shortage of boars. So I can only serve Minerva, and even her in the lazy way to be expected during a summer holiday.

On my way here I made up some bits of nonesense (not worth keeping) in the conversational style one uses when travelling, and I added something to them once I was here and had nothing better to do; but peace reigns over the poems which you fancy are only too easy to finish in the woods and groves. I have revised one or two short speeches, though this is the sort of disagreeable task I detest and is more like one of the hardships of country life than it's pleasures."

An accessable and enjoyable book, 19 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!...

Domesday now within the grasp of everyone ., 14 Feb 2008
There are few historical documents now over 900 years old that are frequently quoted in courts of law to clarifie points of law.

The Domesday volumes,Great Domesday and Little Domesday as they are known are kept within a large 14Century chest at the Public Records Office at Kew in London.On prior arrangement and a fee you are allowed to examine under strict supervision the contents of either volume but unless you are a scholar in early Latin their velum pages will mean little.

In the early 1980s a most impressive hardback series totalling every county surveyed by Williams officials known as The Philimore Collection became available but at a considerable cost.I know because i bought the Hereford volume with its gorgeous red cover to help in my research of churches mentioned in the Hereford area during the Elevnth Century.

The Philimore collection was magnificent but had one major flaw in that it was aimed at the accademic scholar whose grasp of early Latin enhanced their understanding of the text.

Roll forward twenty or so years and we are presented with what must be the Holy Grail for those stydying 11thCentury history.
Penguin have compiled the entire Domesday both Great and Small into one most impressive 1436 soft back or hardback volume.

The time it must have taken those involved to translate the early text into 21st Century language must have been collasal.What we have here is plain English that we can all understand but still this is hardly Harry Potter.Your interest must lie in discovering what 11thCentury life in Williams kingdom was really like.

I find its contents trully fasinating,the information on how many people and properties were at Oxford and Gloucester in 1086 aswell as how many oxen and slaves ploughed the land in each and every village thereabout is history at your fingertips.

The most compelling thing is that the many place names especially in the Hereford and Gloucestershire areas are still here over 900 years later and with some, the population has little changed apart from lack of oxen and your occasional slave or Housecarl tending the land.

We have our regular census every now and then but really there is no historical document in any country throughout the world to rival THE DOMESDAY survey.It was of its time but the insight into a way of life and being is relevant today.

Until you familiarise yourself with its contents you cannot imagine the pleasure it will give those trully interested in early English history.

If you set sail from the port of Chester without the permission of the crown everybody found onboard the vessel was fined 100 shillings.

Likewise if you refused to gather arms upon request to venture into Wales to give the Taffies a bloodynose you were fined 40 shillings.

This was serious money all those years ago, more than a years wages for most workers.

These are only two of the very interesting declarations provided by the Crown in the Chester section..Considering there are over 1400 such pages of interest you will never tire of reading its contents.

Prabably not a document you will read from cover to cover but certainly one you can pick up again and again to learn what life was really like over 900 years ago.

What other document of similar antiquity can provide a modern reader with so much relevant information.

Domesday predates Magna Carta by well over 150 years both are just as relevant to our legal system to this very day and thats why both are often quoted in our Courts of Law.


It has taken years to materialise and is now available for all to read,its contents will enthrall or disintrest you but you cannot denie its impressiveness,there are few books on my bookshelf as thick or as compelling to read as this one.Its price is so impressive that it would make the ideal gift to anyone interested in history but here is a book that now is easy to read and follow and thankfully has a glossary at the back to explain what a Housecarl is.

What a wonderful and fascinating resource!, 11 Sep 2005
This is the first time that the entire contents of both Little Domesday and Great Domesday have been available in one affordable volume, and what a wonderful thing Penguin have done! This is a translation by a group of the greatest Domesday scholars, and provides a powerful insight into the society of medieval Britain, through a document unique in the world in it's scope and detail. It is possible to look beyond the numbers, and gain real insight into how an individual, or a community was doing. By examining the economy, landscapes and early settlements, it paints a picture of what sort of people lived on this island 900 years ago. This is not a book that anyone will read from cover to cover, but rather you can open any page and enjoy history in bite-size pieces.

Still a vivid and authoritative guide, so long after it's creation, it is a book that I will be dipping into for many years, and I am sure that it will be a source of great pleasure to all historians, amateur and otherwise. Penguin Classics are to be congratulated for a truly worthy (and fascinating) publication.

treasure, 13 Feb 2003
I wouldn't venture reviewing the contents of the Domesday Book !
I was simply pleased to hold a monument which is mentioned in every book on medieval England, some treasure chest which can now be opened at will. Though the survey it contains is probably of far more interest to a professional historian, one does quickly get an idea of the formidable takeover of the anglo-saxon economy by a foreign aristocracy over such a short period. The Norman Barons appear to have made a good return on investment after a rather devastating invasion, having taken ownership of every economic unit of estimatable wealth. Still, most readers will simply be delighted to check their favorite town or village has been surveyed 900 years ago.

Poetics - a vital source through which to understand writing, 12 Oct 2002
If you have an interest in writing, or in Literature, or even philosophy or psychology, then Aristotle's Poetics is a very good book for you to read: Aristotle had a burning desire to understand the drives and ambitions of human beings -- he yearned to understand the human world. In the book, Malcolm Heath explains (very well, I might add) the thoughts of Aristotle, concerning his understanding of the human necessity for expression. If you want to be a writer, or want to comprehend the roots of Literature, Poetics is a vital source of essential and fundamental information. Heath additionally refers to many of Aristotle's other notes in order to present an unbiased and comprehensive case. I very much recommend this book to anyone, especially those who wish to write fiction.

D'you want power, corruption and fries with that? No ta., 16 Nov 2008
Machiavelli's Il Principe is a slim volume, but it's jam-packed with aperçu of political scenarios that just somehow seemed to be completely beyond the grasp of many so-called philosphers hundreds of years later. I'm not naming any names, but some of the political tomes I've read come across like the writer has spent too much time pondering and not enough time living.

The other thing that sets Machiavelli apart is that it's fun to read. If you admire the work of Marcus Aurelius, Sun Tzu, or The KLF, then this book is a must.

The most basic lesson of Machiavelli is simple common sense - namely that common sense isn't common, and has nothing to do with sense.

Chapters XIX "The need to avoid contempt and hatred" and XXIII "How flatterers must be shunned" - both of these need to be read and understood by anyone with an interest in management. You'd be surprised (or maybe you wouldn't) how many of your middle managers are just clockwatchers, ***********, and suit-wearing robots.

Full marks for this translation - it captures the energy and impetus, and most importantly the concise nature of the original text.



One of THE most important works ever written, 25 Aug 2007
This masterpiece of reasoning and good practical handbook on how to get ahead in real life if you happen to be already a man of some means, was a work of great humanity in an age when humanity was still considered disgusting and subserviant to the Lord above and his chosen servants on Earth. What a shot across the bows to all those religious hypocrites and Bible following automatons this must have been, then. Two elements surrounding this work's brave publication are crucial, I feel: One being that this was Italy, (as it became) and at its advanced stage of the great Renaissance, as we now know it, and the second being that it was written at a time which was just right to be publishing order challenging controversial works. After seeing the liberal benefits to man that the use of the printing press had brought, and the world of possibilities it offered, Machiavelli struck the first blow against the stifling and corrupt order of the age.

His publication of political thought and theory which was refreshingly devoid of religious dogma or even quotations, preceded the publication of that other world changing document by three or four years: Luther's pinning of the ninety five thesis to a Church door a few hundred miles north in an area still ruled by edicts pumped out by prelates living closer to Machiavelli. This was exactly the right time to be reaching the learned men of the world with anything revolutionary in tone, and well presented and researched contradictions of established thought were very lible to strike a chord with many. In other words, many people by this time had clearly had all they could stomach of the seething hypocrisy they witnessed being displayed by the Lord's own servants, in the church and consequently in the monarchy led governments of the age. To be spouting their harsh godfearing edicts out to the uneducated masses when the vast majority of them enjoyed the sins they were loudly proscribing the common populace from having, was all a bit rich for certain educated but strong minded men like Machiavelli and Luther. The time was very ripe for a wind of change, and even the corrupt but mighty church of Rome knew it, and feared it.

Machievelli simply took a different line to Luther, perhaps not least because he was far more used to living with these ruler's inconsistencies than the more morally outraged teutonic man of God was. Where Luther got all spiritual and quoted the many edicts from scripture that the church of Rome was blatantly abusing, Machiavelli simply plotted the practical lines for a prostective leader of state to follow, quoting the works of historians and statesmen who had written about both the world's most successful leaders and its least successful leaders, as a practical handbook on how to be a successful head of state. Both of their actions though were brave, and both of them catastrophic to the cosy order of things and to the power of the once mighty Catholic Church. Humanity owes both of these great men an enormous debt, for their brave and insightful works helped breathe a real wind of change to the way the human race had been living.

The virtues of Machiavelli, 03 Feb 2005
In the course of my political science training, I studied at great length the modern idea of realpolitik. In that study I came to realise that it was somewhat incomplete, without the companionship of The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli, a Florentine governmental official in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. The Prince is an oft quoted, oft mis-quoted work, used as the philosophical underpinning for much of what is considered both pragmatic and wrong in politics today. To describe someone as being Machiavellian is to attribute to the person ruthless ambition, craftiness and merciless political tactics. Being believed to be Machiavellian is generally politically incorrect. Being Machiavellian, alas, can often be politically expedient.

Machiavelli based his work in The Prince upon his basic understanding of human nature. He held that people are motivated by fear and envy, by novelty, by desire for wealth, power and security, and by a hatred of restriction. In the Italy in which he was writing, democracy was an un-implemented Greek philosophical idea, not a political structure with a history of success; thus, one person's power usually involved the limitation of another person's power in an autocratic way.

Machiavelli did not see this as a permanent or natural state of being -- in fact, he felt that, during his age, human nature had been corrupted and reduced from a loftier nobility achieved during the golden ages of Greece and Rome. He decided that it was the corrupting influence of Christianity that had reduced human nature, by its exaltation of meekness, humility, and otherworldliness.

Machiavelli has a great admiration for the possible and potential, but finds himself inexorably drawn to the practical, dealing with situations as they are, thus becoming an early champion of realpolitik carried forward into this century by the likes of Kissinger, Thatcher, Nixon, and countless others. One of the innovations of Machiavelli's thought was the recognition that the prince, the leader of the city/state/empire/etc., was nonetheless a human being, and subject to all the human limitations and desires with which all contend.

Because the average prince (like the average person) is likely to be focussed upon his own interests, a prince's private interests are generally in opposition to those of his subjects. Fortunate is the kingdom ruled by a virtuous prince, virtue here not defined by Christian or religious tenets, but rather the civic virtue of being able to pursue his own interests without conflicting those of his subjects.

Virtue is that which increases power; vice is that which decreases power. These follow Machiavelli's assumptions about human nature. Machiavelli rejected the Platonic idea of a division between what a prince does and what a prince ought to do. The two principle instruments of the prince are force and propaganda, and the prince, in order to increase power (virtue) ought to employ force completely and ruthlessly, and propaganda wisely, backed up by force. Of course, for Machiavelli, the chief propaganda vehicle is that of religion.

Whoever reads Roman history attentively will see in how great a degree religion served in the command of the armies, in uniting the people and keeping them well conducted, and in covering the wicked with shame.

Machiavelli has been credited with giving ruthless strategies (the example of a new political ruler killing the deposed ruler and the ruler's family to prevent usurpation and plotting is well known) -- it is hard to enact many in current politics in a literal way, but many of his strategies can still be seen in electioneering at every level, in national and international relations, and even in corporate and family internal 'politics'. In fact, I have found fewer more Machiavellian types than in church politics!

Of course, these people would be considered 'virtuous' in Machiavellian terms -- doing what is necessary to increase power and authority.

The title of this piece -- the virtues of Machiavelli, must be considered in this frame; certainly in no way virtuous by current standards, but then, it shows, not all have the same standards. Be careful of the words you use -- they may have differing definitions.

Perhaps if Machiavelli had lived a bit later, and been informed by the general rise of science as a rational underpinning to the world, he might have been able to accept less of a degree of randomness in the universe. Perhaps he would have modified his views. Perhaps not -- after all, the realpolitikers of this age are aware of the scientific framework of the universe, and still pursue their courses.

This is an important work, intriguing in many respects. Far shorter than the average classical or medieval philosophical tome, and more accessible by current readers because of a greater familiarity with politics than, say, metaphysics or epistemology, this work yields benefits and insights to all who read, mark, inwardly digest, and critically examine the precepts.

Ruthless, 28 Oct 2004
The Prince... well its difficult to describe exactly what it entails. I think to start with all who consider going into politics or any kind of management role should be handed a copy of this book at the same time as they recieve their application forms. It is ruthless but efficient also and so its central premises should always be remembered, particularly by our governing bodies.
Machiavelli writes with a self assurance which is refreshing in an age of hesitation and self correction.
I'm not convinced that this was a life changing book for me to read, it certainly affected my attitudes and values but is not a inspirational self help book (not that its supposed to be).
I recommend this to anyone who has an interest in history or in politics.

A prince among men., 14 Oct 2003
Machiavelli's realisation of the true nature of men as "...fickle,lying,cowards..." leads him in his brilliantly astute work to illuminate the realities of government and life in general.
Disregarding all political theorie's and ideaoligies machiavelli refreshingly deals with how things are and not how they should.
While on first glance machiavellis work would seem almost evil in its implications as it has been labeled countless times, a deeper look would show it to be more humane and considerate of human wellbeing then any half baked political ideology (communism, Republicanism,democracy etc). His assertion that the ends justifies the means is a good demonstration of this as Machiavelli demonstrates through historical analogies the truth of life in general: for people to prosper others have to suffer. In truthfully explaining this and insisting it be done quickly and totaly for it to be over and done with machiavelli shows a level of compasion far greater than any bleeding hearted liberal vegaterian (the most likely to be opposed to his assertions)
His work while being what many would labels as deeply cinical is niether cinical nor idealogical but an honest assesment of life in general as well as politics, which cannot help but uplift those of the same frame of mind with the comfort of nowing that the realisation that the world is a very unhappy place is not theres alone.
But if you truly believe in the hollywood view of the world in which love is blind and happy endings happen for every one than don't read this book (ignorance is bliss).

Real history in the making, 21 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!

Here are just a few excerpts:-

To: Valerius Paulinus "I am furious with you, rightly or not I don't know, but it makes no difference. You know very well that love is sometimes unfair, often violent, and always quick to take offence, but I have good reason, whether or not it is a just one, to be as furious as I would be in a just cause. It is so long since I had a letter from you. The only way to placate me is to write me a lot of letters now, at long last - lengthy ones, too."

To: Sempronius Rufus "I had gone down to the Basilica Julia to listen to the speeches in a case where I had to appear for the defence at the next hearing. The court was seated, the presiding magistrates had arrived and counsel on both sides were coming and going; then there was a long silence, broken at last by a message from the Praetor. The court adjourned and the case was suspended, much to my delight for I am never so well prepared as not to be glad of a delay"

To: Cornelius Tacitus "I should like to obey your orders,but when you tell me I ought to honour Diana along with Minerva I find it impossible - there is such a shortage of boars. So I can only serve Minerva, and even her in the lazy way to be expected during a summer holiday.

On my way here I made up some bits of nonesense (not worth keeping) in the conversational style one uses when travelling, and I added something to them once I was here and had nothing better to do; but peace reigns over the poems which you fancy are only too easy to finish in the woods and groves. I have revised one or two short speeches, though this is the sort of disagreeable task I detest and is more like one of the hardships of country life than it's pleasures."

An accessable and enjoyable book, 19 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!...

Domesday now within the grasp of everyone ., 14 Feb 2008
There are few historical documents now over 900 years old that are frequently quoted in courts of law to clarifie points of law.

The Domesday volumes,Great Domesday and Little Domesday as they are known are kept within a large 14Century chest at the Public Records Office at Kew in London.On prior arrangement and a fee you are allowed to examine under strict supervision the contents of either volume but unless you are a scholar in early Latin their velum pages will mean little.

In the early 1980s a most impressive hardback series totalling every county surveyed by Williams officials known as The Philimore Collection became available but at a considerable cost.I know because i bought the Hereford volume with its gorgeous red cover to help in my research of churches mentioned in the Hereford area during the Elevnth Century.

The Philimore collection was magnificent but had one major flaw in that it was aimed at the accademic scholar whose grasp of early Latin enhanced their understanding of the text.

Roll forward twenty or so years and we are presented with what must be the Holy Grail for those stydying 11thCentury history.
Penguin have compiled the entire Domesday both Great and Small into one most impressive 1436 soft back or hardback volume.

The time it must have taken those involved to translate the early text into 21st Century language must have been collasal.What we have here is plain English that we can all understand but still this is hardly Harry Potter.Your interest must lie in discovering what 11thCentury life in Williams kingdom was really like.

I find its contents trully fasinating,the information on how many people and properties were at Oxford and Gloucester in 1086 aswell as how many oxen and slaves ploughed the land in each and every village thereabout is history at your fingertips.

The most compelling thing is that the many place names especially in the Hereford and Gloucestershire areas are still here over 900 years later and with some, the population has little changed apart from lack of oxen and your occasional slave or Housecarl tending the land.

We have our regular census every now and then but really there is no historical document in any country throughout the world to rival THE DOMESDAY survey.It was of its time but the insight into a way of life and being is relevant today.

Until you familiarise yourself with its contents you cannot imagine the pleasure it will give those trully interested in early English history.

If you set sail from the port of Chester without the permission of the crown everybody found onboard the vessel was fined 100 shillings.

Likewise if you refused to gather arms upon request to venture into Wales to give the Taffies a bloodynose you were fined 40 shillings.

This was serious money all those years ago, more than a years wages for most workers.

These are only two of the very interesting declarations provided by the Crown in the Chester section..Considering there are over 1400 such pages of interest you will never tire of reading its contents.

Prabably not a document you will read from cover to cover but certainly one you can pick up again and again to learn what life was really like over 900 years ago.

What other document of similar antiquity can provide a modern reader with so much relevant information.

Domesday predates Magna Carta by well over 150 years both are just as relevant to our legal system to this very day and thats why both are often quoted in our Courts of Law.


It has taken years to materialise and is now available for all to read,its contents will enthrall or disintrest you but you cannot denie its impressiveness,there are few books on my bookshelf as thick or as compelling to read as this one.Its price is so impressive that it would make the ideal gift to anyone interested in history but here is a book that now is easy to read and follow and thankfully has a glossary at the back to explain what a Housecarl is.

What a wonderful and fascinating resource!, 11 Sep 2005
This is the first time that the entire contents of both Little Domesday and Great Domesday have been available in one affordable volume, and what a wonderful thing Penguin have done! This is a translation by a group of the greatest Domesday scholars, and provides a powerful insight into the society of medieval Britain, through a document unique in the world in it's scope and detail. It is possible to look beyond the numbers, and gain real insight into how an individual, or a community was doing. By examining the economy, landscapes and early settlements, it paints a picture of what sort of people lived on this island 900 years ago. This is not a book that anyone will read from cover to cover, but rather you can open any page and enjoy history in bite-size pieces.

Still a vivid and authoritative guide, so long after it's creation, it is a book that I will be dipping into for many years, and I am sure that it will be a source of great pleasure to all historians, amateur and otherwise. Penguin Classics are to be congratulated for a truly worthy (and fascinating) publication.

treasure, 13 Feb 2003
I wouldn't venture reviewing the contents of the Domesday Book !
I was simply pleased to hold a monument which is mentioned in every book on medieval England, some treasure chest which can now be opened at will. Though the survey it contains is probably of far more interest to a professional historian, one does quickly get an idea of the formidable takeover of the anglo-saxon economy by a foreign aristocracy over such a short period. The Norman Barons appear to have made a good return on investment after a rather devastating invasion, having taken ownership of every economic unit of estimatable wealth. Still, most readers will simply be delighted to check their favorite town or village has been surveyed 900 years ago.

Poetics - a vital source through which to understand writing, 12 Oct 2002
If you have an interest in writing, or in Literature, or even philosophy or psychology, then Aristotle's Poetics is a very good book for you to read: Aristotle had a burning desire to understand the drives and ambitions of human beings -- he yearned to understand the human world. In the book, Malcolm Heath explains (very well, I might add) the thoughts of Aristotle, concerning his understanding of the human necessity for expression. If you want to be a writer, or want to comprehend the roots of Literature, Poetics is a vital source of essential and fundamental information. Heath additionally refers to many of Aristotle's other notes in order to present an unbiased and comprehensive case. I very much recommend this book to anyone, especially those who wish to write fiction.

D'you want power, corruption and fries with that? No ta., 16 Nov 2008
Machiavelli's Il Principe is a slim volume, but it's jam-packed with aperçu of political scenarios that just somehow seemed to be completely beyond the grasp of many so-called philosphers hundreds of years later. I'm not naming any names, but some of the political tomes I've read come across like the writer has spent too much time pondering and not enough time living.

The other thing that sets Machiavelli apart is that it's fun to read. If you admire the work of Marcus Aurelius, Sun Tzu, or The KLF, then this book is a must.

The most basic lesson of Machiavelli is simple common sense - namely that common sense isn't common, and has nothing to do with sense.

Chapters XIX "The need to avoid contempt and hatred" and XXIII "How flatterers must be shunned" - both of these need to be read and understood by anyone with an interest in management. You'd be surprised (or maybe you wouldn't) how many of your middle managers are just clockwatchers, ***********, and suit-wearing robots.

Full marks for this translation - it captures the energy and impetus, and most importantly the concise nature of the original text.



One of THE most important works ever written, 25 Aug 2007
This masterpiece of reasoning and good practical handbook on how to get ahead in real life if you happen to be already a man of some means, was a work of great humanity in an age when humanity was still considered disgusting and subserviant to the Lord above and his chosen servants on Earth. What a shot across the bows to all those religious hypocrites and Bible following automatons this must have been, then. Two elements surrounding this work's brave publication are crucial, I feel: One being that this was Italy, (as it became) and at its advanced stage of the great Renaissance, as we now know it, and the second being that it was written at a time which was just right to be publishing order challenging controversial works. After seeing the liberal benefits to man that the use of the printing press had brought, and the world of possibilities it offered, Machiavelli struck the first blow against the stifling and corrupt order of the age.

His publication of political thought and theory which was refreshingly devoid of religious dogma or even quotations, preceded the publication of that other world changing document by three or four years: Luther's pinning of the ninety five thesis to a Church door a few hundred miles north in an area still ruled by edicts pumped out by prelates living closer to Machiavelli. This was exactly the right time to be reaching the learned men of the world with anything revolutionary in tone, and well presented and researched contradictions of established thought were very lible to strike a chord with many. In other words, many people by this time had clearly had all they could stomach of the seething hypocrisy they witnessed being displayed by the Lord's own servants, in the church and consequently in the monarchy led governments of the age. To be spouting their harsh godfearing edicts out to the uneducated masses when the vast majority of them enjoyed the sins they were loudly proscribing the common populace from having, was all a bit rich for certain educated but strong minded men like Machiavelli and Luther. The time was very ripe for a wind of change, and even the corrupt but mighty church of Rome knew it, and feared it.

Machievelli simply took a different line to Luther, perhaps not least because he was far more used to living with these ruler's inconsistencies than the more morally outraged teutonic man of God was. Where Luther got all spiritual and quoted the many edicts from scripture that the church of Rome was blatantly abusing, Machiavelli simply plotted the practical lines for a prostective leader of state to follow, quoting the works of historians and statesmen who had written about both the world's most successful leaders and its least successful leaders, as a practical handbook on how to be a successful head of state. Both of their actions though were brave, and both of them catastrophic to the cosy order of things and to the power of the once mighty Catholic Church. Humanity owes both of these great men an enormous debt, for their brave and insightful works helped breathe a real wind of change to the way the human race had been living.

The virtues of Machiavelli, 03 Feb 2005
In the course of my political science training, I studied at great length the modern idea of realpolitik. In that study I came to realise that it was somewhat incomplete, without the companionship of The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli, a Florentine governmental official in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. The Prince is an oft quoted, oft mis-quoted work, used as the philosophical underpinning for much of what is considered both pragmatic and wrong in politics today. To describe someone as being Machiavellian is to attribute to the person ruthless ambition, craftiness and merciless political tactics. Being believed to be Machiavellian is generally politically incorrect. Being Machiavellian, alas, can often be politically expedient.

Machiavelli based his work in The Prince upon his basic understanding of human nature. He held that people are motivated by fear and envy, by novelty, by desire for wealth, power and security, and by a hatred of restriction. In the Italy in which he was writing, democracy was an un-implemented Greek philosophical idea, not a political structure with a history of success; thus, one person's power usually involved the limitation of another person's power in an autocratic way.

Machiavelli did not see this as a permanent or natural state of being -- in fact, he felt that, during his age, human nature had been corrupted and reduced from a loftier nobility achieved during the golden ages of Greece and Rome. He decided that it was the corrupting influence of Christianity that had reduced human nature, by its exaltation of meekness, humility, and otherworldliness.

Machiavelli has a great admiration for the possible and potential, but finds himself inexorably drawn to the practical, dealing with situations as they are, thus becoming an early champion of realpolitik carried forward into this century by the likes of Kissinger, Thatcher, Nixon, and countless others. One of the innovations of Machiavelli's thought was the recognition that the prince, the leader of the city/state/empire/etc., was nonetheless a human being, and subject to all the human limitations and desires with which all contend.

Because the average prince (like the average person) is likely to be focussed upon his own interests, a prince's private interests are generally in opposition to those of his subjects. Fortunate is the kingdom ruled by a virtuous prince, virtue here not defined by Christian or religious tenets, but rather the civic virtue of being able to pursue his own interests without conflicting those of his subjects.

Virtue is that which increases power; vice is that which decreases power. These follow Machiavelli's assumptions about human nature. Machiavelli rejected the Platonic idea of a division between what a prince does and what a prince ought to do. The two principle instruments of the prince are force and propaganda, and the prince, in order to increase power (virtue) ought to employ force completely and ruthlessly, and propaganda wisely, backed up by force. Of course, for Machiavelli, the chief propaganda vehicle is that of religion.

Whoever reads Roman history attentively will see in how great a degree religion served in the command of the armies, in uniting the people and keeping them well conducted, and in covering the wicked with shame.

Machiavelli has been credited with giving ruthless strategies (the example of a new political ruler killing the deposed ruler and the ruler's family to prevent usurpation and plotting is well known) -- it is hard to enact many in current politics in a literal way, but many of his strategies can still be seen in electioneering at every level, in national and international relations, and even in corporate and family internal 'politics'. In fact, I have found fewer more Machiavellian types than in church politics!

Of course, these people would be considered 'virtuous' in Machiavellian terms -- doing what is necessary to increase power and authority.

The title of this piece -- the virtues of Machiavelli, must be considered in this frame; certainly in no way virtuous by current standards, but then, it shows, not all have the same standards. Be careful of the words you use -- they may have differing definitions.

Perhaps if Machiavelli had lived a bit later, and been informed by the general rise of science as a rational underpinning to the world, he might have been able to accept less of a degree of randomness in the universe. Perhaps he would have modified his views. Perhaps not -- after all, the realpolitikers of this age are aware of the scientific framework of the universe, and still pursue their courses.

This is an important work, intriguing in many respects. Far shorter than the average classical or medieval philosophical tome, and more accessible by current readers because of a greater familiarity with politics than, say, metaphysics or epistemology, this work yields benefits and insights to all who read, mark, inwardly digest, and critically examine the precepts.

Ruthless, 28 Oct 2004
The Prince... well its difficult to describe exactly what it entails. I think to start with all who consider going into politics or any kind of management role should be handed a copy of this book at the same time as they recieve their application forms. It is ruthless but efficient also and so its central premises should always be remembered, particularly by our governing bodies.
Machiavelli writes with a self assurance which is refreshing in an age of hesitation and self correction.
I'm not convinced that this was a life changing book for me to read, it certainly affected my attitudes and values but is not a inspirational self help book (not that its supposed to be).
I recommend this to anyone who has an interest in history or in politics.

A prince among men., 14 Oct 2003
Machiavelli's realisation of the true nature of men as "...fickle,lying,cowards..." leads him in his brilliantly astute work to illuminate the realities of government and life in general.
Disregarding all political theorie's and ideaoligies machiavelli refreshingly deals with how things are and not how they should.
While on first glance machiavellis work would seem almost evil in its implications as it has been labeled countless times, a deeper look would show it to be more humane and considerate of human wellbeing then any half baked political ideology (communism, Republicanism,democracy etc). His assertion that the ends justifies the means is a good demonstration of this as Machiavelli demonstrates through historical analogies the truth of life in general: for people to prosper others have to suffer. In truthfully explaining this and insisting it be done quickly and totaly for it to be over and done with machiavelli shows a level of compasion far greater than any bleeding hearted liberal vegaterian (the most likely to be opposed to his assertions)
His work while being what many would labels as deeply cinical is niether cinical nor idealogical but an honest assesment of life in general as well as politics, which cannot help but uplift those of the same frame of mind with the comfort of nowing that the realisation that the world is a very unhappy place is not theres alone.
But if you truly believe in the hollywood view of the world in which love is blind and happy endings happen for every one than don't read this book (ignorance is bliss).

simply beautiful, 19 Sep 2008
I adore this book...it is packed full of divine revelations from Christ to Mother Julian concerning His love - and it is simply beautiful. As someone who v much loves Jesus it is pure pleasure to read and i would recommend it to anyone who has a heart for Him Unmissable

The First Woman Writer, 13 Mar 2003
This is a fantastic book by the first British writer who can be identified as female. Although she led a secluded life, it gave her the time and space to ruminate over her 'visions' in relation to philosophy and theology. The images are beautifully crafted, the visions described intricately. Perhaps the most interesting element of this book is that Julian uses a site of patriarchal power to investigate femininity - Jesus is a mother, his love is the love of a mother.

a peculiarly modern medieval mystic!, 13 Nov 2000
Julian Of Norwich was an anchoress living in Norwich in the late 14th century. Aged 30, she receieved her showings, or revelations of Divine Love. She then became enclosed, devoting to the rest of her life to writing down her visions, and understanding them.

Julian can be easily placed within a series of female medieval mystics - women such as Hildegard of Bingen, Hadewich of Brabant, Clare of Assisi. Where she differs is in the simple uncluttered honesty of her approach; in her exploration of God as Mother, as well as of Father; and in her acceptance of our bodily nature, even joy in it.

Real history in the making, 21 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!

Here are just a few excerpts:-

To: Valerius Paulinus "I am furious with you, rightly or not I don't know, but it makes no difference. You know very well that love is sometimes unfair, often violent, and always quick to take offence, but I have good reason, whether or not it is a just one, to be as furious as I would be in a just cause. It is so long since I had a letter from you. The only way to placate me is to write me a lot of letters now, at long last - lengthy ones, too."

To: Sempronius Rufus "I had gone down to the Basilica Julia to listen to the speeches in a case where I had to appear for the defence at the next hearing. The court was seated, the presiding magistrates had arrived and counsel on both sides were coming and going; then there was a long silence, broken at last by a message from the Praetor. The court adjourned and the case was suspended, much to my delight for I am never so well prepared as not to be glad of a delay"

To: Cornelius Tacitus "I should like to obey your orders,but when you tell me I ought to honour Diana along with Minerva I find it impossible - there is such a shortage of boars. So I can only serve Minerva, and even her in the lazy way to be expected during a summer holiday.

On my way here I made up some bits of nonesense (not worth keeping) in the conversational style one uses when travelling, and I added something to them once I was here and had nothing better to do; but peace reigns over the poems which you fancy are only too easy to finish in the woods and groves. I have revised one or two short speeches, though this is the sort of disagreeable task I detest and is more like one of the hardships of country life than it's pleasures."

An accessable and enjoyable book, 19 Mar 2001
Many books have been penned about Ancient Rome. Some are well written and know what the're talking about - whilst others are long-winded and can bore you to tears in thirty seconds. Well, how about slicing through all that - and reading the words of a man who was actually there?

Pliny (the Younger) was a Roman nobleman born around 61AD. He served as a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and was the nephew of Pliny (the Elder) the famous statesman and writer. It's refreshing to read the words of an actual Roman for a change instead of those of ancient or modern historians, and Pliny's letters cover many fascinating aspects of roman life. Also gratifying is that often we are also given the replies.

Among the topics covered are; family, villas, court cases, hobbies, and poetry (his own verses, it must be said, stink!). How refreshing to get inside a Roman nobleman's head, and share his thoughts (even though his letters were written perhaps with "one eye" on their eventual publication).

The most famous letter is addressed to his friend the roman historian Tacitus who has asked for an account of his uncle's death in the eruption of Vesuvius. This of course took place in 79AD and caused the destruction of both Pompeii and other towns in the Bay of Naples).

The translator Betty Radice has done a very good job rendering the letters into modern english and her twenty-two page introduction makes interesting reading. Brief appendices include a short glossary and three maps. If "real" roman history is your thing - you can't beat this collection!...

Domesday now within the grasp of everyone ., 14 Feb 2008
There are few historical documents now over 900 years old that are frequently quoted in courts of law to clarifie points of law.

The Domesday volumes,Great Domesday and Little Domesday as they are known are kept within a large 14Century chest at the Public Records Office at Kew in London.On prior arrangement and a fee you are allowed to examine under strict supervision the contents of either volume but unless you are a scholar in early Latin their velum pages will mean little.

In the early 1980s a most impressive hardback series totalling every county surveyed by Williams officials known as The Philimore Collection became available but at a considerable cost.I know because i bought the Hereford volume with its gorgeous red cover to help in my research of churches mentioned in the Hereford area during the Elevnth Century.

The Philimore collection was magnificent but had one major flaw in that it was aimed at the accademic scholar whose grasp of early Latin enhanced their understanding of the text.

Roll forward twenty or so years and we are presented with what must be the Holy Grail for those stydying 11thCentury history.
Penguin have compiled the entire Domesday both Great and Small into one most impressive 1436 soft back or hardback volume.

The time it must have taken those involved to translate the early text into 21st Century language must have been collasal.What we have here is plain English that we can all understand but still this is hardly Harry Potter.Your interest must lie in discovering what 11thCentury life in Williams kingdom was really like.

I find its contents trully fasinating,the information on how many people and properties were at Oxford and Gloucester in 1086 aswell as how many oxen and slaves ploughed the land in each and every village thereabout is history at your fingertips.

The most compelling thing is that the many place names especially in the Hereford and Gloucestershire areas are still here over 900 years later and with some, the population has little changed apart from lack of oxen and your occasional slave or Housecarl tending the land.

We have our regular census every now and then but really there is no historical document in any country throughout the world to rival THE DOMESDAY survey.It was of its time but the insight into a way of life and being is relevant today.

Until you familiarise yourself with its contents you cannot imagine the pleasure it will give those trully interested in early English history.

If you set sail from the port of Chester without the permission of the crown everybody found onboard the vessel was fined 100 shillings.

Likewise if you refused to gather arms upon request to venture into Wales to give the Taffies a bloodynose you were fined 40 shillings.

This was serious money all those years ago, more than a years wages for most workers.

These are only two of the very interesting declarations provided by the Crown in the Chester section..Considering there are over 1400 such pages of interest you will never tire of reading its contents.

Prabably not a document you will read from cover to cover but certainly one you can pick up again and again to learn what life was really like over 900 years ago.

What other document of similar antiquity can provide a modern reader with so much relevant information.

Domesday predates Magna Carta by well over 150 years both are just as relevant to our legal system to this very day and thats why both are often quoted in our Courts of Law.


It has taken years to materialise and is now available for all to read,its contents will enthrall or disintrest you but you cannot denie its impressiveness,there are few books on my bookshelf as thick or as compelling to read as this one.Its price is so impressive that it would make the ideal gift to anyone interested in history but here is a book that now is easy to read and follow and thankfully has a glossary at the back to explain what a Housecarl is.

What a wonderful and fascinating resource!, 11 Sep 2005
This is the first time that the entire contents of both Little Domesday and Great Domesday have been available in one affordable volume, and what a wonderful thing Penguin have done! This is a translation by a group of the greatest Domesday scholars, and provides a powerful insight into the society of medieval Britain, through a document unique in the world in it's scope and detail. It is possible to look beyond the numbers, and gain real insight into how an individual, or a community was doing. By examining the economy, landscapes and early settlements, it paints a picture of what sort of people lived on this island 900 years ago. This is not a book that anyone will read from cover to cover, but rather you can open any page and enjoy history in bite-size pieces.

Still a vivid and authoritative guide, so long after it's creation, it is a book that I will be dipping into for many years, and I am sure that it will be a source of great pleasure to all historians, amateur and otherwise. Penguin Classics are to be congratulated for a truly worthy (and fascinating) publication.

treasure, 13 Feb 2003
I wouldn't venture reviewing the contents of the Domesday Book !
I was simply pleased to hold a monument which is mentioned in every book on medieval England, some treasure chest which can now be opened at will. Though the survey it contains is probably of far more interest to a professional historian, one does quickly get an idea of the formidable takeover of the anglo-saxon economy by a foreign aristocracy over such a short period. The Norman Barons appear to have made a good return on investment after a rather devastating invasion, having taken ownership of every economic unit of estimatable wealth. Still, most readers will simply be delighted to check their favorite town or village has been surveyed 900 years ago.

Poetics - a vital source through which to understand writing, 12 Oct 2002
If you have an interest in writing, or in Literature, or even philosophy or psychology, then Aristotle's Poetics is a very good book for you to read: Aristotle had a burning desire to understand the drives and ambitions of human beings -- he yearned to understand the human world. In the book, Malcolm Heath explains (very well, I might add) the thoughts of Aristotle, concerning his understanding of the human necessity for expression. If you want to be a writer, or want to comprehend the roots of Literature, Poetics is a vital source of essential and fundamental information. Heath additionally refers to many of Aristotle's other notes in order to present an unbiased and comprehensive case. I very much recommend this book to anyone, especially those who wish to write fiction.

D'you want power, corruption and fries with that? No ta., 16 Nov 2008
Machiavelli's Il Principe is a slim volume, but it's jam-packed with aperçu of political scenarios that just somehow seemed to be completely beyond the grasp of many so-called philosphers hundreds of years later. I'm not naming any names, but some of the political tomes I've read come across like the writer has spent too much time pondering and not enough time living.

The other thing that sets Machiavelli apart is that it's fun to read. If you admire the work of Marcus Aurelius, Sun Tzu, or The KLF, then this book is a must.

The most basic lesson of Machiavelli is simple common sense - namely that common sense isn't common, and has nothing to do with sense.

Chapters XIX "The need to avoid contempt and hatred" and XXIII "How flatterers must be shunned" - both of these need to be read and understood by anyone with an interest in management. You'd be surprised (or maybe you wouldn't) how many of your middle managers are just clockwatchers, ***********, and suit-wearing robots.

Full marks for this translation - it captures the energy and impetus, and most importantly the concise nature of the original text.



One of THE most important works ever written, 25 Aug 2007
This masterpiece of reasoning and good practical handbook on how to get ahead in real life if you happen to be already a man of some means, was a work of great humanity in an age when humanity was still considered disgusting and subserviant to the Lord above and his chosen servants on Earth. What a shot across the bows to all those religious hypocrites and Bible following automatons this must have been, then. Two elements surrounding this work's brave publication are crucial, I feel: One being that this was Italy, (as it became) and at its advanced stage of the great Renaissance, as we now know it, and the second being that it was written at a time which was just right to be publishing order challenging controversial works. After seeing the liberal benefits to man that the use of the printing press had brought, and the world of possibilities it offered, Machiavelli struck the first blow against the stifling and corrupt order of the age.

His publication of political thought and theory which was refreshingly devoid of religious dogma or even quotations, preceded the publication of that other world changing document by three or four years: Luther's pinning of the ninety five thesis to a Church door a few hundred miles north in an area still ruled by edicts pumped out by prelates living closer to Machiavelli. This was exactly the right time to be reaching the learned men of the world with anything revolutionary in tone, and well presented and researched contradictions of established thought were very lible to strike a chord with many. In other words, many people by this time had clearly had all they could stomach of the seething hypocrisy they witnessed being displayed by the Lord's own servants, in the church and consequently in the monarchy led governments of the age. To be spouting their harsh godfearing edicts out to the uneducated masses when the vast majority of them enjoyed the sins they were loudly proscribing the common populace from having, was all a bit rich for certain educated but strong minded men like Machiavelli and Luther. The time was very ripe for a wind of change, and even the corrupt but mighty church of Rome knew it, and feared it.

Machievelli simply took a different line to Luther, perhaps not least because he was far more used to living with these ruler's inconsistencies than the more morally outraged teutonic man of God was. Where Luther got all spiritual and quoted the many edicts from scripture that the church of Rome was blatantly abusing, Machiavelli simply plotted the practical lines for a prostective leader of state to follow, quoting the works of historians and statesmen who had written about both the world's most successful leaders and its least successful leaders, as a practical handbook on how to be a successful head of state. Both of their actions though were brave, and both of them catastrophic to the cosy order of things and to the power of the once mighty Catholic Church. Humanity owes both of these great men an enormous debt, for their brave and insightful works helped breathe a real wind of change to the way the human race had been living.

The virtues of Machiavelli, 03 Feb 2005
In the course of my political science training, I studied at great length the modern idea of realpolitik. In that study I came to realise that it was somewhat incomplete, without the companionship of The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli, a Florentine governmental official in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. The Prince is an oft quoted, oft mis-quoted work, used as the philosophical underpinning for much of what is considered both pragmatic and wrong in politics today. To describe someone as being Machiavellian is to attribute to the person ruthless ambition, craftiness and merciless political tactics. Being believed to be Machiavellian is generally politically incorrect. Being Machiavellian, alas, can often be politically expedient.

Machiavelli based his work in The Prince upon his basic understanding of human nature. He held that people are motivated by fear and envy, by novelty, by desire for wealth, power and security, and by a hatred of restriction. In the Italy in which he was writing, democracy was an un-implemented Greek philosophical idea, not a political structure with a history of success; thus, one person's power usually involved the limitation of another person's power in an autocratic way.

Machiavelli did not see this as a permanent or natural state of being -- in fact, he felt that, during his age, human nature had been corrupted and reduced from a loftier nobility achieved during the golden ages of Greece and Rome. He decided that it was the corrupting influence of Christianity that had reduced human nature, by its exaltation of meekness, humility, and otherworldliness.

Machiavelli has a great admiration for the possible and potential, but finds himself inexorably drawn to the practical, dealing with situations as they are, thus becoming an early champion of realpolitik carried forward into this century by the likes of Kissinger, Thatcher, Nixon, and countless others. One of the innovations of Machiavelli's thought was the recognition that the prince, the leader of the city/state/empire/etc., was nonetheless a human being, and subject to all the human limitations and desires with which all contend.

Because the average prince (like the average person) is likely to be focussed upon his own interests, a prince's private interests are generally in opposition to those of his subjects. Fortunate is the kingdom ruled by a virtuous prince, virtue here not defined by Christian or religious tenets, but rather the civic virtue of being able to pursue his own interests without conflicting those of his subjects.

Virtue is that which increases power; vice is that which decreases power. These follow Machiavelli's assumptions about human nature. Machiavelli rejected the Platonic idea of a division between what a prince does and what a prince ought to do. The two principle instruments of the prince are force and propaganda, and the prince, in order to increase power (virtue) ought to employ force completely and ruthlessly, and propaganda wisely, backed up by force. Of course, for Machiavelli, the chief propaganda vehicle is that of religion.

Whoever reads Roman history attentively will see in how great a degree religion served in the command of the armies, in uniting the people and keeping them well conducted, and in covering the wicked with shame.

Machiavelli has been credited with giving ruthless strategies (the example of a new political ruler killing the deposed ruler and the ruler's family to prevent usurpation and plotting is well known) -- it is hard to enact many in current politics in a literal way, but many of his strategies can still be seen in electioneering at every level, in national and international relations, and even in corporate and family internal 'politics'. In fact, I have found fewer more Machiavellian types than in church politics!

Of course, these people would be considered 'virtuous' in Machiavellian terms -- doing what is necessary to increase power and authority.

The title of this piece -- the virtues of Machiavelli, must be considered in this frame; certainly in no way virtuous by current standards, but then, it shows, not all have the same standards. Be careful of the words you use -- they may have differing definitions.

Perhaps if Machiavelli had lived a bit later, and been informed by the general rise of science as a rational underpinning to the world, he might have been able to accept less of a degree of randomness in the universe. Perhaps he would have modified his views. Perhaps not -- after all, the realpolitikers of this age are aware of the scientific framework of the universe, and still pursue their courses.

This is an important work, intriguing in many respects. Far shorter than the average classical or medieval philosophical tome, and more accessible by current readers because of a greater familiarity with politics than, say, metaphysics or epistemology, this work yields benefits and insights to all who read, mark, inwardly digest, and critically examine the precepts.

Ruthless, 28 Oct 2004
The Prince... well its difficult to describe exactly what it entails. I think to start with all who consider going into politics or any kind of management role should be handed a copy of this book at the same time as they recieve their application forms. It is ruthless but efficient also and so its central premises should always be remembered, particularly by our governing bodies.
Machiavelli writes with a self assurance which is refreshing in an age of hesitation and self correction.
I'm not convinced that this was a life changing book for me to read, it certainly affected my attitudes and values but is not a inspirational self help book (not that its supposed to be).
I recommend this to anyone who has an interest in history or in politics.

A prince among men., 14 Oct 2003
Machiavelli's realisation of the true nature of men as "...fickle,lying,cowards..." leads him in his brilliantly astute work to illuminate the realities of government and life in general.
Disregarding all political theorie's and ideaoligies machiavelli refreshingly deals with how things are and not how they should.
While on first glance machiavellis work would seem almost evil in its implications as it has been labeled countless times, a deeper look would show it to be more humane and considerate of human wellbeing then any half baked political ideology (communism, Republicanism,democracy etc). His assertion that the ends justifies the means is a good demonstration of this as Machiavelli demonstrates through historical analogies the truth of life in general: for people to prosper others have to suffer. In truthfully explaining this and insisting it be done quickly and totaly for it to be over and done with machiavelli shows a level of compasion far greater than any bleeding hearted liberal vegaterian (the most likely to be opposed to his assertions)
His work while being what many would labels as deeply cinical is niether cinical nor idealogical but an honest assesment of life in general as well as politics, which cannot help but uplift those of the same frame of mind with the comfort of nowing that the realisation that the world is a very unhappy place is not theres alone.
But if you truly believe in the hollywood view of the world in which love is blind and happy endings happen for every one than don't read this book (ignorance is bliss).

simply beautiful, 19 Sep 2008
I adore this book...it is packed full of divine revelations from Christ to Mother Julian concerning His love - and it is simply beautiful. As someone who v much loves Jesus it is pure pleasure to read and i would recommend it to anyone who has a heart for Him Unmissable

The First Woman Writer, 13 Mar 2003
This is a fantastic book by the first British writer who can be identified as female. Although she led a secluded life, it gave her the time and space to ruminate over her 'visions' in relation to philosophy and theology. The images are beautifully crafted, the visions described intricately. Perhaps the most interesting element of this book is that Julian uses a site of patriarchal power to investigate femininity - Jesus is a mother, his love is the love of a mother.

a peculiarly modern medieval mystic!, 13 Nov 2000
Julian Of Norwich was an anchoress living in Norwich in the late 14th century. Aged 30, she receieved her showings,