Great Stuff, 17 Jun 2008
I got this wee book and after reading it knocked together a hen house, bought 3 hens and never looked back.
Whilst the book is short it tells you all the basics you need to know about keeping hens.

Not happy, 19 Jun 2007
I'm loathe to criticise any National Trust/Country Living puplication, but I expected so much more from this book. The book does give a good introduction to Hen keeping, but it is very basic, and is a TINY little book, not much bigger than the size of a notebook. The synopsis on Amazon also said there was "stunning photography"...there is not one single photograph in the book, just a few sketches and hand-drawn illustrations(perhaps I have received the wrong book?!?....) Ok...so the title does point you in the direction that it will "inspire" you, and the book does make you want to rush out and buy a chicken asap, but the book is just so small! If you were seriously going to keep chickens for the first time, you would need much more information than this book provides. Ditto for another book in the series "Beekeeping"...also a letdown. Sorry!

Fabulous, 11 Feb 2007
Practical but witty and easy to use, this book gives brilliant advice on keeping chickens. Using first hand experience, it gives the basics for anyone considering keeping a few hens. I've seen the review copy and it is brilliant.

Great Stuff, 17 Jun 2008
I got this wee book and after reading it knocked together a hen house, bought 3 hens and never looked back.
Whilst the book is short it tells you all the basics you need to know about keeping hens.

Not happy, 19 Jun 2007
I'm loathe to criticise any National Trust/Country Living puplication, but I expected so much more from this book. The book does give a good introduction to Hen keeping, but it is very basic, and is a TINY little book, not much bigger than the size of a notebook. The synopsis on Amazon also said there was "stunning photography"...there is not one single photograph in the book, just a few sketches and hand-drawn illustrations(perhaps I have received the wrong book?!?....) Ok...so the title does point you in the direction that it will "inspire" you, and the book does make you want to rush out and buy a chicken asap, but the book is just so small! If you were seriously going to keep chickens for the first time, you would need much more information than this book provides. Ditto for another book in the series "Beekeeping"...also a letdown. Sorry!

Fabulous, 11 Feb 2007
Practical but witty and easy to use, this book gives brilliant advice on keeping chickens. Using first hand experience, it gives the basics for anyone considering keeping a few hens. I've seen the review copy and it is brilliant.

reading a time in history, 27 Feb 2007
BEING A EDGEWORTH BY BIRTH TO BE ABLE TO READ ABOUT A DIRECT GRANDFATHER WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I THINK JENNY DID A GREAT JOB GETTING INTO THE MINDS OF HER LIST OF LUNAR CLUB MEMBERS AND DOING THE STORY FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW,,,

Heavy going, 21 Sep 2005
I can pretty much guarantee that this subject matter will be new to almost any reader. It's interesting to find out what all the characters were all up to and the development of early forms of science, but to be honest I found it heavy going. Unless you're particularly interested in the period or the people then you may find yet another description of a new form of carriage a little galling. Buy it if you're looking at the subject specifically, but not if you're just dipping into it.

Return to "o" Level history, 28 Sep 2003
Having studied the Industrial Revolution atboth O and A level in the 1980's, I have fascinated to read this book about many of the major players in this important part of British History. Jenny Uglow has succeeded to writing a very readable book that brings such characters to life at Boulton,Watt, Wedgewood, Priestly, etc although the polymath Erasmus Darwin emerges as the most impressive. Anyone who studied this era of history at school will find much to enjoy.

"O" Level history made human, 28 Sep 2003
Having enjoyed studying the Industrial Revolution at both "o" and "A" level during the 1980's, it was a pleasure to read the human story behind the great names such as Wedgewood, Boulton, Priestly and Watt. Erasmus Darwin emerges as a great polymath and the unlikely hero of the enthralling book by popular historian Jenny Uglow. It would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this hero as it does more than many more celebrated authors / television presenter's books to explain why this period was so important to the development of Britain. The characters are very much real people and the reader becomes involved in their struggles to overcome corruption and personal trageties. Anyone who studied the same course as myself during the 1980's will want to read this. Recommended unreservedly.

lunatics they were not?, 16 Sep 2002
A truly fascinating book, describing the 'club' formed by five amatuer experimenters from the Midlands in the 1760's. But not any experimenters: James Watt; Josiah Wedgewood; Joseph Priestley; Matthew Boulton; Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin. Each of these men is famous and all have had biographies written, but this book about the Lunar Society of Birmingham shows their passions and interests vividly. What a fascinating illustration of early modern history and the power of young and optimistic men to create ideas that actually did change the world around them.

The book has much detailed research presented with transparent enthusiasm for the subject. If you bear with the detail, the underlying story is a gem. Oh, and now I know what a 'lunatic' really is!

Great Stuff, 17 Jun 2008
I got this wee book and after reading it knocked together a hen house, bought 3 hens and never looked back.
Whilst the book is short it tells you all the basics you need to know about keeping hens.

Not happy, 19 Jun 2007
I'm loathe to criticise any National Trust/Country Living puplication, but I expected so much more from this book. The book does give a good introduction to Hen keeping, but it is very basic, and is a TINY little book, not much bigger than the size of a notebook. The synopsis on Amazon also said there was "stunning photography"...there is not one single photograph in the book, just a few sketches and hand-drawn illustrations(perhaps I have received the wrong book?!?....) Ok...so the title does point you in the direction that it will "inspire" you, and the book does make you want to rush out and buy a chicken asap, but the book is just so small! If you were seriously going to keep chickens for the first time, you would need much more information than this book provides. Ditto for another book in the series "Beekeeping"...also a letdown. Sorry!

Fabulous, 11 Feb 2007
Practical but witty and easy to use, this book gives brilliant advice on keeping chickens. Using first hand experience, it gives the basics for anyone considering keeping a few hens. I've seen the review copy and it is brilliant.

reading a time in history, 27 Feb 2007
BEING A EDGEWORTH BY BIRTH TO BE ABLE TO READ ABOUT A DIRECT GRANDFATHER WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I THINK JENNY DID A GREAT JOB GETTING INTO THE MINDS OF HER LIST OF LUNAR CLUB MEMBERS AND DOING THE STORY FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW,,,

Heavy going, 21 Sep 2005
I can pretty much guarantee that this subject matter will be new to almost any reader. It's interesting to find out what all the characters were all up to and the development of early forms of science, but to be honest I found it heavy going. Unless you're particularly interested in the period or the people then you may find yet another description of a new form of carriage a little galling. Buy it if you're looking at the subject specifically, but not if you're just dipping into it.

Return to "o" Level history, 28 Sep 2003
Having studied the Industrial Revolution atboth O and A level in the 1980's, I have fascinated to read this book about many of the major players in this important part of British History. Jenny Uglow has succeeded to writing a very readable book that brings such characters to life at Boulton,Watt, Wedgewood, Priestly, etc although the polymath Erasmus Darwin emerges as the most impressive. Anyone who studied this era of history at school will find much to enjoy.

"O" Level history made human, 28 Sep 2003
Having enjoyed studying the Industrial Revolution at both "o" and "A" level during the 1980's, it was a pleasure to read the human story behind the great names such as Wedgewood, Boulton, Priestly and Watt. Erasmus Darwin emerges as a great polymath and the unlikely hero of the enthralling book by popular historian Jenny Uglow. It would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this hero as it does more than many more celebrated authors / television presenter's books to explain why this period was so important to the development of Britain. The characters are very much real people and the reader becomes involved in their struggles to overcome corruption and personal trageties. Anyone who studied the same course as myself during the 1980's will want to read this. Recommended unreservedly.

lunatics they were not?, 16 Sep 2002
A truly fascinating book, describing the 'club' formed by five amatuer experimenters from the Midlands in the 1760's. But not any experimenters: James Watt; Josiah Wedgewood; Joseph Priestley; Matthew Boulton; Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin. Each of these men is famous and all have had biographies written, but this book about the Lunar Society of Birmingham shows their passions and interests vividly. What a fascinating illustration of early modern history and the power of young and optimistic men to create ideas that actually did change the world around them.

The book has much detailed research presented with transparent enthusiasm for the subject. If you bear with the detail, the underlying story is a gem. Oh, and now I know what a 'lunatic' really is!

A great read - James May at his best, 16 Sep 2008
James May's 20th Century really is a fantastic book, and I couldn't think of a better book to read.
It's simply staggering for anyone who likes awe-inspiring machines, like the Saturn V rocket, the Spitfire, or even Concorde.

James May, with his usual wit, digs deep into the 20th century, and covers what was so good about Saturn V, why the Lunar Rover was such a rip off, and why no-one ever said "there goes a Concorde", and how the world was severely shrunk in such a short period of time. He explains why the Reginald Mitchell's Supermarine Spitfire was such an amazing invention, and tells us, with great style and humour, why some stuff just didn't make it.

All in all, then, James May's 20th Century is a fantastic book, and makes great reading material.
A fabulous read for anyone who likes James May, likes awesome machines, and wants to dig deeper into the Five W's: who, what, where, why and when.

Strongly recommended.


One of the best books Ive read, 26 Jan 2008
James May - is a excellent man , his work inspired my work , because he is him self and write carefree almost Diary like.
James is exstreamly Intellegent , eccentric and British his work is 5 star .

Fascinating and Fun, 04 Oct 2007
What a wonderful book. Full of interesting facts and glorious photographs. Anyone who watched the programmes will be surprised to learn the book is even better, for it is more in depth and covers subjects which weren't really touched upon in the programme. James May has a beautiful way with words and makes the science and invention of the 20th Century both exciting and fascinating.

A great Christmas book - put it on your lists now.

A fascinating read, 16 Sep 2007
James May's 20th Century, published in hardback on the 6th September 2007, accompanies the fabulous TV series broadcasted on Channel 2.

The book of the TV series is ever more fascinating than the TV series itself, mainly because there's more 'pukka-arity' to it - simply meaning there's more information, and wacky facts about the 20th century.

And being James May, he doesn't describe it in any way humble, or without great lumps of humour stirred into the mixture of interest, funniness, and even some facts that you don't need, or want, to know (!)

So, in conclusion of my review for this fantastic novel (and novelist), this book is one that you can't really put down if you can help it. It comprises qualities, and quantities, which other books don't have -

More than deserves 5 Star +

Great Stuff, 17 Jun 2008
I got this wee book and after reading it knocked together a hen house, bought 3 hens and never looked back.
Whilst the book is short it tells you all the basics you need to know about keeping hens.

Not happy, 19 Jun 2007
I'm loathe to criticise any National Trust/Country Living puplication, but I expected so much more from this book. The book does give a good introduction to Hen keeping, but it is very basic, and is a TINY little book, not much bigger than the size of a notebook. The synopsis on Amazon also said there was "stunning photography"...there is not one single photograph in the book, just a few sketches and hand-drawn illustrations(perhaps I have received the wrong book?!?....) Ok...so the title does point you in the direction that it will "inspire" you, and the book does make you want to rush out and buy a chicken asap, but the book is just so small! If you were seriously going to keep chickens for the first time, you would need much more information than this book provides. Ditto for another book in the series "Beekeeping"...also a letdown. Sorry!

Fabulous, 11 Feb 2007
Practical but witty and easy to use, this book gives brilliant advice on keeping chickens. Using first hand experience, it gives the basics for anyone considering keeping a few hens. I've seen the review copy and it is brilliant.

reading a time in history, 27 Feb 2007
BEING A EDGEWORTH BY BIRTH TO BE ABLE TO READ ABOUT A DIRECT GRANDFATHER WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I THINK JENNY DID A GREAT JOB GETTING INTO THE MINDS OF HER LIST OF LUNAR CLUB MEMBERS AND DOING THE STORY FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW,,,

Heavy going, 21 Sep 2005
I can pretty much guarantee that this subject matter will be new to almost any reader. It's interesting to find out what all the characters were all up to and the development of early forms of science, but to be honest I found it heavy going. Unless you're particularly interested in the period or the people then you may find yet another description of a new form of carriage a little galling. Buy it if you're looking at the subject specifically, but not if you're just dipping into it.

Return to "o" Level history, 28 Sep 2003
Having studied the Industrial Revolution atboth O and A level in the 1980's, I have fascinated to read this book about many of the major players in this important part of British History. Jenny Uglow has succeeded to writing a very readable book that brings such characters to life at Boulton,Watt, Wedgewood, Priestly, etc although the polymath Erasmus Darwin emerges as the most impressive. Anyone who studied this era of history at school will find much to enjoy.

"O" Level history made human, 28 Sep 2003
Having enjoyed studying the Industrial Revolution at both "o" and "A" level during the 1980's, it was a pleasure to read the human story behind the great names such as Wedgewood, Boulton, Priestly and Watt. Erasmus Darwin emerges as a great polymath and the unlikely hero of the enthralling book by popular historian Jenny Uglow. It would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this hero as it does more than many more celebrated authors / television presenter's books to explain why this period was so important to the development of Britain. The characters are very much real people and the reader becomes involved in their struggles to overcome corruption and personal trageties. Anyone who studied the same course as myself during the 1980's will want to read this. Recommended unreservedly.

lunatics they were not?, 16 Sep 2002
A truly fascinating book, describing the 'club' formed by five amatuer experimenters from the Midlands in the 1760's. But not any experimenters: James Watt; Josiah Wedgewood; Joseph Priestley; Matthew Boulton; Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin. Each of these men is famous and all have had biographies written, but this book about the Lunar Society of Birmingham shows their passions and interests vividly. What a fascinating illustration of early modern history and the power of young and optimistic men to create ideas that actually did change the world around them.

The book has much detailed research presented with transparent enthusiasm for the subject. If you bear with the detail, the underlying story is a gem. Oh, and now I know what a 'lunatic' really is!

A great read - James May at his best, 16 Sep 2008
James May's 20th Century really is a fantastic book, and I couldn't think of a better book to read.
It's simply staggering for anyone who likes awe-inspiring machines, like the Saturn V rocket, the Spitfire, or even Concorde.

James May, with his usual wit, digs deep into the 20th century, and covers what was so good about Saturn V, why the Lunar Rover was such a rip off, and why no-one ever said "there goes a Concorde", and how the world was severely shrunk in such a short period of time. He explains why the Reginald Mitchell's Supermarine Spitfire was such an amazing invention, and tells us, with great style and humour, why some stuff just didn't make it.

All in all, then, James May's 20th Century is a fantastic book, and makes great reading material.
A fabulous read for anyone who likes James May, likes awesome machines, and wants to dig deeper into the Five W's: who, what, where, why and when.

Strongly recommended.


One of the best books Ive read, 26 Jan 2008
James May - is a excellent man , his work inspired my work , because he is him self and write carefree almost Diary like.
James is exstreamly Intellegent , eccentric and British his work is 5 star .

Fascinating and Fun, 04 Oct 2007
What a wonderful book. Full of interesting facts and glorious photographs. Anyone who watched the programmes will be surprised to learn the book is even better, for it is more in depth and covers subjects which weren't really touched upon in the programme. James May has a beautiful way with words and makes the science and invention of the 20th Century both exciting and fascinating.

A great Christmas book - put it on your lists now.

A fascinating read, 16 Sep 2007
James May's 20th Century, published in hardback on the 6th September 2007, accompanies the fabulous TV series broadcasted on Channel 2.

The book of the TV series is ever more fascinating than the TV series itself, mainly because there's more 'pukka-arity' to it - simply meaning there's more information, and wacky facts about the 20th century.

And being James May, he doesn't describe it in any way humble, or without great lumps of humour stirred into the mixture of interest, funniness, and even some facts that you don't need, or want, to know (!)

So, in conclusion of my review for this fantastic novel (and novelist), this book is one that you can't really put down if you can help it. It comprises qualities, and quantities, which other books don't have -

More than deserves 5 Star +




An inspiring read, 06 Aug 2008
This is an inspiring read about two young Stanford Institute of Technology students who took on the world - and won. Through a stunning power of belief, they decided one day to download the whole Internet and to use thousands of computers to store the data and so build the quickest and most reliable search engine of its time. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

One of the chapters is called "A Healthy Disregard for the Impossible" and that just about sums up the attitude and philosophy of the google founders.

This book (both descriptive and analytical) should be read by those at corporate level and also those who are thinking of lighting the creative entrepreneurial spark that awaits inside them.

In fact, I would go as far as to say that this is actually bordering on being a self-help book, such is its power to motivate.

Boring, Boring, Boring!, 19 Apr 2008
Sure this book gives you the facts where the author knows them but with Larry and Sergey well known for not often giving interviews or much away there really isnt much you couldnt find with a bit of good web research. The biggest disappointment is that book is written in such a boring and uninvolving way with zero entertainment value. Has to be one of the worst books I have ever read!

A disregard for the impossible, 28 Oct 2007
Google is the story of the creation of the best internet online search engine with the most powerful software, flashing speed and mountain high storage capacity.
Many analyst doubted for a long time that the company could generate serious revenues, but its business model (advertising directly linked to each individual search) proved to be a heap of goldmines.
The end is not in sight as the company even entered the genetics field. With its enormous storage capacity and its massive computing power for analyzing vast quantities of data, scientists should be able to search and find specific genes and genetic abnormalities that are causing diseases.

The author also comments on the creation of Gmail, privacy issues and the battles with software rivals (e. g., for the hiring of software engineers).
With and inside the internet space, Google together with Amazon changed the world we live in.
A must read.


Story of how two men changed the world., 11 Sep 2007
What a fantastic story, brilliantly told! As I read the book it made me realise how much one website has changed the way we do so many things. It's pretty incredible to realise that the two guys who set it all in motion only met in 1995 and didn't start the company until 1997!! A riveting read.

Google Endless Growth, 28 Jul 2007
This book describes the growth of the Google Empire. It is written in a gripping detective like format that you dont want to put down.

Even though it is written 2 years ago, the book does not have a dated feel.

A great read!

Great Stuff, 17 Jun 2008
I got this wee book and after reading it knocked together a hen house, bought 3 hens and never looked back.
Whilst the book is short it tells you all the basics you need to know about keeping hens.

Not happy, 19 Jun 2007
I'm loathe to criticise any National Trust/Country Living puplication, but I expected so much more from this book. The book does give a good introduction to Hen keeping, but it is very basic, and is a TINY little book, not much bigger than the size of a notebook. The synopsis on Amazon also said there was "stunning photography"...there is not one single photograph in the book, just a few sketches and hand-drawn illustrations(perhaps I have received the wrong book?!?....) Ok...so the title does point you in the direction that it will "inspire" you, and the book does make you want to rush out and buy a chicken asap, but the book is just so small! If you were seriously going to keep chickens for the first time, you would need much more information than this book provides. Ditto for another book in the series "Beekeeping"...also a letdown. Sorry!

Fabulous, 11 Feb 2007
Practical but witty and easy to use, this book gives brilliant advice on keeping chickens. Using first hand experience, it gives the basics for anyone considering keeping a few hens. I've seen the review copy and it is brilliant.

reading a time in history, 27 Feb 2007
BEING A EDGEWORTH BY BIRTH TO BE ABLE TO READ ABOUT A DIRECT GRANDFATHER WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I THINK JENNY DID A GREAT JOB GETTING INTO THE MINDS OF HER LIST OF LUNAR CLUB MEMBERS AND DOING THE STORY FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW,,,

Heavy going, 21 Sep 2005
I can pretty much guarantee that this subject matter will be new to almost any reader. It's interesting to find out what all the characters were all up to and the development of early forms of science, but to be honest I found it heavy going. Unless you're particularly interested in the period or the people then you may find yet another description of a new form of carriage a little galling. Buy it if you're looking at the subject specifically, but not if you're just dipping into it.

Return to "o" Level history, 28 Sep 2003
Having studied the Industrial Revolution atboth O and A level in the 1980's, I have fascinated to read this book about many of the major players in this important part of British History. Jenny Uglow has succeeded to writing a very readable book that brings such characters to life at Boulton,Watt, Wedgewood, Priestly, etc although the polymath Erasmus Darwin emerges as the most impressive. Anyone who studied this era of history at school will find much to enjoy.

"O" Level history made human, 28 Sep 2003
Having enjoyed studying the Industrial Revolution at both "o" and "A" level during the 1980's, it was a pleasure to read the human story behind the great names such as Wedgewood, Boulton, Priestly and Watt. Erasmus Darwin emerges as a great polymath and the unlikely hero of the enthralling book by popular historian Jenny Uglow. It would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this hero as it does more than many more celebrated authors / television presenter's books to explain why this period was so important to the development of Britain. The characters are very much real people and the reader becomes involved in their struggles to overcome corruption and personal trageties. Anyone who studied the same course as myself during the 1980's will want to read this. Recommended unreservedly.

lunatics they were not?, 16 Sep 2002
A truly fascinating book, describing the 'club' formed by five amatuer experimenters from the Midlands in the 1760's. But not any experimenters: James Watt; Josiah Wedgewood; Joseph Priestley; Matthew Boulton; Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin. Each of these men is famous and all have had biographies written, but this book about the Lunar Society of Birmingham shows their passions and interests vividly. What a fascinating illustration of early modern history and the power of young and optimistic men to create ideas that actually did change the world around them.

The book has much detailed research presented with transparent enthusiasm for the subject. If you bear with the detail, the underlying story is a gem. Oh, and now I know what a 'lunatic' really is!

A great read - James May at his best, 16 Sep 2008
James May's 20th Century really is a fantastic book, and I couldn't think of a better book to read.
It's simply staggering for anyone who likes awe-inspiring machines, like the Saturn V rocket, the Spitfire, or even Concorde.

James May, with his usual wit, digs deep into the 20th century, and covers what was so good about Saturn V, why the Lunar Rover was such a rip off, and why no-one ever said "there goes a Concorde", and how the world was severely shrunk in such a short period of time. He explains why the Reginald Mitchell's Supermarine Spitfire was such an amazing invention, and tells us, with great style and humour, why some stuff just didn't make it.

All in all, then, James May's 20th Century is a fantastic book, and makes great reading material.
A fabulous read for anyone who likes James May, likes awesome machines, and wants to dig deeper into the Five W's: who, what, where, why and when.

Strongly recommended.


One of the best books Ive read, 26 Jan 2008
James May - is a excellent man , his work inspired my work , because he is him self and write carefree almost Diary like.
James is exstreamly Intellegent , eccentric and British his work is 5 star .

Fascinating and Fun, 04 Oct 2007
What a wonderful book. Full of interesting facts and glorious photographs. Anyone who watched the programmes will be surprised to learn the book is even better, for it is more in depth and covers subjects which weren't really touched upon in the programme. James May has a beautiful way with words and makes the science and invention of the 20th Century both exciting and fascinating.

A great Christmas book - put it on your lists now.

A fascinating read, 16 Sep 2007
James May's 20th Century, published in hardback on the 6th September 2007, accompanies the fabulous TV series broadcasted on Channel 2.

The book of the TV series is ever more fascinating than the TV series itself, mainly because there's more 'pukka-arity' to it - simply meaning there's more information, and wacky facts about the 20th century.

And being James May, he doesn't describe it in any way humble, or without great lumps of humour stirred into the mixture of interest, funniness, and even some facts that you don't need, or want, to know (!)

So, in conclusion of my review for this fantastic novel (and novelist), this book is one that you can't really put down if you can help it. It comprises qualities, and quantities, which other books don't have -

More than deserves 5 Star +




An inspiring read, 06 Aug 2008
This is an inspiring read about two young Stanford Institute of Technology students who took on the world - and won. Through a stunning power of belief, they decided one day to download the whole Internet and to use thousands of computers to store the data and so build the quickest and most reliable search engine of its time. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

One of the chapters is called "A Healthy Disregard for the Impossible" and that just about sums up the attitude and philosophy of the google founders.

This book (both descriptive and analytical) should be read by those at corporate level and also those who are thinking of lighting the creative entrepreneurial spark that awaits inside them.

In fact, I would go as far as to say that this is actually bordering on being a self-help book, such is its power to motivate.

Boring, Boring, Boring!, 19 Apr 2008
Sure this book gives you the facts where the author knows them but with Larry and Sergey well known for not often giving interviews or much away there really isnt much you couldnt find with a bit of good web research. The biggest disappointment is that book is written in such a boring and uninvolving way with zero entertainment value. Has to be one of the worst books I have ever read!

A disregard for the impossible, 28 Oct 2007
Google is the story of the creation of the best internet online search engine with the most powerful software, flashing speed and mountain high storage capacity.
Many analyst doubted for a long time that the company could generate serious revenues, but its business model (advertising directly linked to each individual search) proved to be a heap of goldmines.
The end is not in sight as the company even entered the genetics field. With its enormous storage capacity and its massive computing power for analyzing vast quantities of data, scientists should be able to search and find specific genes and genetic abnormalities that are causing diseases.

The author also comments on the creation of Gmail, privacy issues and the battles with software rivals (e. g., for the hiring of software engineers).
With and inside the internet space, Google together with Amazon changed the world we live in.
A must read.


Story of how two men changed the world., 11 Sep 2007
What a fantastic story, brilliantly told! As I read the book it made me realise how much one website has changed the way we do so many things. It's pretty incredible to realise that the two guys who set it all in motion only met in 1995 and didn't start the company until 1997!! A riveting read.

Google Endless Growth, 28 Jul 2007
This book describes the growth of the Google Empire. It is written in a gripping detective like format that you dont want to put down.

Even though it is written 2 years ago, the book does not have a dated feel.

A great read!

A great introduction to the genius of Tesla, 26 Aug 2002
This is a well written biography of Tesla which gives a factual account of his unbelievable career. It shows that he was an engineer; his inventions worked because he did the theory to ensure they did. He was way ahead of his contemporaries, including Marconi and Edison, and this books should be in every degree course.

Sure you want this book!, 22 Jul 2002
If you like biographies about great persons, this book has its natural place side by side with "Genius" (James Gleich about Richard Feynman).
And when you have read it, you'll become amazed why Tesla isn't as famous as Einstein (or Feynman).
Unlike many books about Tesla, this is about facts - and what facts! There are no place to myths about Tesla, the facts are enough - and this is the book where you'll find them.
A reliable and well written book about a true wizard of science - a wizard that made life easier to billions - and "how" and "why" he did it.

The Best Tesla Biography to Date, 12 May 2002
A factual, academic Tesla biography, without any of the usual sensationalism of his being sent from other planets!

Extremely well written, the book reads like a novel and also acts as an excellent reference work.

The Margaret Cheney and Robert Lomas books make a good introduction to a man who was a rather complex subject, but this book really does add so many layers to his character that to any serious student of Tesla or his work this should be an essential part of their library.

Fabulous book on the genious of N. Tesla, a MUST READ, 04 Feb 1999
I read the 1998 softcover edition and LOVED IT! I first saw the name "TESLA" as a "brand" name on the television sets in eastern Europe. My curiosity up, I searched Amazon.com and found this book. I became a TESLA fan immediately! TESLA had the greatest inventive genius of the 20th century, and most of his key patents were filed in the 1890's !! HE WAS SO FAR AHEAD OF HIS TIME that some of his work is still labeled "TOP SECRET" by the U.S. government today. This book is a lesson in history, conspiracy, industrial espionage, science, corporate power and the sheer awesome genius of TESLA, whose name SHOULD be taught to every school child....before that of EDISON !!!

The best Tesla Biography to date, 21 Dec 1998
This book is without a shadow of doubt the BEST book on Tesla ever written. If you're looking for non-technical Tesla information, this is the book to buy!

Great Stuff, 17 Jun 2008
I got this wee book and after reading it knocked together a hen house, bought 3 hens and never looked back.
Whilst the book is short it tells you all the basics you need to know about keeping hens.

Not happy, 19 Jun 2007
I'm loathe to criticise any National Trust/Country Living puplication, but I expected so much more from this book. The book does give a good introduction to Hen keeping, but it is very basic, and is a TINY little book, not much bigger than the size of a notebook. The synopsis on Amazon also said there was "stunning photography"...there is not one single photograph in the book, just a few sketches and hand-drawn illustrations(perhaps I have received the wrong book?!?....) Ok...so the title does point you in the direction that it will "inspire" you, and the book does make you want to rush out and buy a chicken asap, but the book is just so small! If you were seriously going to keep chickens for the first time, you would need much more information than this book provides. Ditto for another book in the series "Beekeeping"...also a letdown. Sorry!

Fabulous, 11 Feb 2007
Practical but witty and easy to use, this book gives brilliant advice on keeping chickens. Using first hand experience, it gives the basics for anyone considering keeping a few hens. I've seen the review copy and it is brilliant.

reading a time in history, 27 Feb 2007
BEING A EDGEWORTH BY BIRTH TO BE ABLE TO READ ABOUT A DIRECT GRANDFATHER WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I THINK JENNY DID A GREAT JOB GETTING INTO THE MINDS OF HER LIST OF LUNAR CLUB MEMBERS AND DOING THE STORY FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW,,,

Heavy going, 21 Sep 2005
I can pretty much guarantee that this subject matter will be new to almost any reader. It's interesting to find out what all the characters were all up to and the development of early forms of science, but to be honest I found it heavy going. Unless you're particularly interested in the period or the people then you may find yet another description of a new form of carriage a little galling. Buy it if you're looking at the subject specifically, but not if you're just dipping into it.

Return to "o" Level history, 28 Sep 2003
Having studied the Industrial Revolution atboth O and A level in the 1980's, I have fascinated to read this book about many of the major players in this important part of British History. Jenny Uglow has succeeded to writing a very readable book that brings such characters to life at Boulton,Watt, Wedgewood, Priestly, etc although the polymath Erasmus Darwin emerges as the most impressive. Anyone who studied this era of history at school will find much to enjoy.

"O" Level history made human, 28 Sep 2003
Having enjoyed studying the Industrial Revolution at both "o" and "A" level during the 1980's, it was a pleasure to read the human story behind the great names such as Wedgewood, Boulton, Priestly and Watt. Erasmus Darwin emerges as a great polymath and the unlikely hero of the enthralling book by popular historian Jenny Uglow. It would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this hero as it does more than many more celebrated authors / television presenter's books to explain why this period was so important to the development of Britain. The characters are very much real people and the reader becomes involved in their struggles to overcome corruption and personal trageties. Anyone who studied the same course as myself during the 1980's will want to read this. Recommended unreservedly.

lunatics they were not?, 16 Sep 2002
A truly fascinating book, describing the 'club' formed by five amatuer experimenters from the Midlands in the 1760's. But not any experimenters: James Watt; Josiah Wedgewood; Joseph Priestley; Matthew Boulton; Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin. Each of these men is famous and all have had biographies written, but this book about the Lunar Society of Birmingham shows their passions and interests vividly. What a fascinating illustration of early modern history and the power of young and optimistic men to create ideas that actually did change the world around them.

The book has much detailed research presented with transparent enthusiasm for the subject. If you bear with the detail, the underlying story is a gem. Oh, and now I know what a 'lunatic' really is!

A great read - James May at his best, 16 Sep 2008
James May's 20th Century really is a fantastic book, and I couldn't think of a better book to read.
It's simply staggering for anyone who likes awe-inspiring machines, like the Saturn V rocket, the Spitfire, or even Concorde.

James May, with his usual wit, digs deep into the 20th century, and covers what was so good about Saturn V, why the Lunar Rover was such a rip off, and why no-one ever said "there goes a Concorde", and how the world was severely shrunk in such a short period of time. He explains why the Reginald Mitchell's Supermarine Spitfire was such an amazing invention, and tells us, with great style and humour, why some stuff just didn't make it.

All in all, then, James May's 20th Century is a fantastic book, and makes great reading material.
A fabulous read for anyone who likes James May, likes awesome machines, and wants to dig deeper into the Five W's: who, what, where, why and when.

Strongly recommended.


One of the best books Ive read, 26 Jan 2008
James May - is a excellent man , his work inspired my work , because he is him self and write carefree almost Diary like.
James is exstreamly Intellegent , eccentric and British his work is 5 star .

Fascinating and Fun, 04 Oct 2007
What a wonderful book. Full of interesting facts and glorious photographs. Anyone who watched the programmes will be surprised to learn the book is even better, for it is more in depth and covers subjects which weren't really touched upon in the programme. James May has a beautiful way with words and makes the science and invention of the 20th Century both exciting and fascinating.

A great Christmas book - put it on your lists now.

A fascinating read, 16 Sep 2007
James May's 20th Century, published in hardback on the 6th September 2007, accompanies the fabulous TV series broadcasted on Channel 2.

The book of the TV series is ever more fascinating than the TV series itself, mainly because there's more 'pukka-arity' to it - simply meaning there's more information, and wacky facts about the 20th century.

And being James May, he doesn't describe it in any way humble, or without great lumps of humour stirred into the mixture of interest, funniness, and even some facts that you don't need, or want, to know (!)

So, in conclusion of my review for this fantastic novel (and novelist), this book is one that you can't really put down if you can help it. It comprises qualities, and quantities, which other books don't have -

More than deserves 5 Star +




An inspiring read, 06 Aug 2008
This is an inspiring read about two young Stanford Institute of Technology students who took on the world - and won. Through a stunning power of belief, they decided one day to download the whole Internet and to use thousands of computers to store the data and so build the quickest and most reliable search engine of its time. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

One of the chapters is called "A Healthy Disregard for the Impossible" and that just about sums up the attitude and philosophy of the google founders.

This book (both descriptive and analytical) should be read by those at corporate level and also those who are thinking of lighting the creative entrepreneurial spark that awaits inside them.

In fact, I would go as far as to say that this is actually bordering on being a self-help book, such is its power to motivate.

Boring, Boring, Boring!, 19 Apr 2008
Sure this book gives you the facts where the author knows them but with Larry and Sergey well known for not often giving interviews or much away there really isnt much you couldnt find with a bit of good web research. The biggest disappointment is that book is written in such a boring and uninvolving way with zero entertainment value. Has to be one of the worst books I have ever read!

A disregard for the impossible, 28 Oct 2007
Google is the story of the creation of the best internet online search engine with the most powerful software, flashing speed and mountain high storage capacity.
Many analyst doubted for a long time that the company could generate serious revenues, but its business model (advertising directly linked to each individual search) proved to be a heap of goldmines.
The end is not in sight as the company even entered the genetics field. With its enormous storage capacity and its massive computing power for analyzing vast quantities of data, scientists should be able to search and find specific genes and genetic abnormalities that are causing diseases.

The author also comments on the creation of Gmail, privacy issues and the battles with software rivals (e. g., for the hiring of software engineers).
With and inside the internet space, Google together with Amazon changed the world we live in.
A must read.


Story of how two men changed the world., 11 Sep 2007
What a fantastic story, brilliantly told! As I read the book it made me realise how much one website has changed the way we do so many things. It's pretty incredible to realise that the two guys who set it all in motion only met in 1995 and didn't start the company until 1997!! A riveting read.

Google Endless Growth, 28 Jul 2007
This book describes the growth of the Google Empire. It is written in a gripping detective like format that you dont want to put down.

Even though it is written 2 years ago, the book does not have a dated feel.

A great read!

A great introduction to the genius of Tesla, 26 Aug 2002
This is a well written biography of Tesla which gives a factual account of his unbelievable career. It shows that he was an engineer; his inventions worked because he did the theory to ensure they did. He was way ahead of his contemporaries, including Marconi and Edison, and this books should be in every degree course.

Sure you want this book!, 22 Jul 2002
If you like biographies about great persons, this book has its natural place side by side with "Genius" (James Gleich about Richard Feynman).
And when you have read it, you'll become amazed why Tesla isn't as famous as Einstein (or Feynman).
Unlike many books about Tesla, this is about facts - and what facts! There are no place to myths about Tesla, the facts are enough - and this is the book where you'll find them.
A reliable and well written book about a true wizard of science - a wizard that made life easier to billions - and "how" and "why" he did it.

The Best Tesla Biography to Date, 12 May 2002
A factual, academic Tesla biography, without any of the usual sensationalism of his being sent from other planets!

Extremely well written, the book reads like a novel and also acts as an excellent reference work.

The Margaret Cheney and Robert Lomas books make a good introduction to a man who was a rather complex subject, but this book really does add so many layers to his character that to any serious student of Tesla or his work this should be an essential part of their library.

Fabulous book on the genious of N. Tesla, a MUST READ, 04 Feb 1999
I read the 1998 softcover edition and LOVED IT! I first saw the name "TESLA" as a "brand" name on the television sets in eastern Europe. My curiosity up, I searched Amazon.com and found this book. I became a TESLA fan immediately! TESLA had the greatest inventive genius of the 20th century, and most of his key patents were filed in the 1890's !! HE WAS SO FAR AHEAD OF HIS TIME that some of his work is still labeled "TOP SECRET" by the U.S. government today. This book is a lesson in history, conspiracy, industrial espionage, science, corporate power and the sheer awesome genius of TESLA, whose name SHOULD be taught to every school child....before that of EDISON !!!

The best Tesla Biography to date, 21 Dec 1998
This book is without a shadow of doubt the BEST book on Tesla ever written. If you're looking for non-technical Tesla information, this is the book to buy!

A masterpiece of a book, 27 Jul 2006
It was the da Vinci code that got me interested in Leonardos work. This book is superb, the pictures are of an excellent quality, the literature is very interesting and the book is a cute little size (can easily fit in your bag). It is a bargain price and a great book to have in anyones collection! Highly recommended to any da Vinci code lovers!! The picture of the Last super spreads over 9 pages and the explanations are riveting!

great book. so interesting! , 24 May 2006
well i got this book due to the Da Vinci Code - the Last Super (i wanted a real look at it) but the book is so much more! if you love art you will love this book, it full of interesting facts - its also a neat little size.

Great Stuff, 17 Jun 2008
I got this wee book and after reading it knocked together a hen house, bought 3 hens and never looked back.
Whilst the book is short it tells you all the basics you need to know about keeping hens.

Not happy, 19 Jun 2007
I'm loathe to criticise any National Trust/Country Living puplication, but I expected so much more from this book. The book does give a good introduction to Hen keeping, but it is very basic, and is a TINY little book, not much bigger than the size of a notebook. The synopsis on Amazon also said there was "stunning photography"...there is not one single photograph in the book, just a few sketches and hand-drawn illustrations(perhaps I have received the wrong book?!?....) Ok...so the title does point you in the direction that it will "inspire" you, and the book does make you want to rush out and buy a chicken asap, but the book is just so small! If you were seriously going to keep chickens for the first time, you would need much more information than this book provides. Ditto for another book in the series "Beekeeping"...also a letdown. Sorry!

Fabulous, 11 Feb 2007
Practical but witty and easy to use, this book gives brilliant advice on keeping chickens. Using first hand experience, it gives the basics for anyone considering keeping a few hens. I've seen the review copy and it is brilliant.

reading a time in history, 27 Feb 2007
BEING A EDGEWORTH BY BIRTH TO BE ABLE TO READ ABOUT A DIRECT GRANDFATHER WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I THINK JENNY DID A GREAT JOB GETTING INTO THE MINDS OF HER LIST OF LUNAR CLUB MEMBERS AND DOING THE STORY FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW,,,

Heavy going, 21 Sep 2005
I can pretty much guarantee that this subject matter will be new to almost any reader. It's interesting to find out what all the characters were all up to and the development of early forms of science, but to be honest I found it heavy going. Unless you're particularly interested in the period or the people then you may find yet another description of a new form of carriage a little galling. Buy it if you're looking at the subject specifically, but not if you're just dipping into it.

Return to "o" Level history, 28 Sep 2003
Having studied the Industrial Revolution atboth O and A level in the 1980's, I have fascinated to read this book about many of the major players in this important part of British History. Jenny Uglow has succeeded to writing a very readable book that brings such characters to life at Boulton,Watt, Wedgewood, Priestly, etc although the polymath Erasmus Darwin emerges as the most impressive. Anyone who studied this era of history at school will find much to enjoy.

"O" Level history made human, 28 Sep 2003
Having enjoyed studying the Industrial Revolution at both "o" and "A" level during the 1980's, it was a pleasure to read the human story behind the great names such as Wedgewood, Boulton, Priestly and Watt. Erasmus Darwin emerges as a great polymath and the unlikely hero of the enthralling book by popular historian Jenny Uglow. It would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this hero as it does more than many more celebrated authors / television presenter's books to explain why this period was so important to the development of Britain. The characters are very much real people and the reader becomes involved in their struggles to overcome corruption and personal trageties. Anyone who studied the same course as myself during the 1980's will want to read this. Recommended unreservedly.

lunatics they were not?, 16 Sep 2002
A truly fascinating book, describing the 'club' formed by five amatuer experimenters from the Midlands in the 1760's. But not any experimenters: James Watt; Josiah Wedgewood; Joseph Priestley; Matthew Boulton; Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin. Each of these men is famous and all have had biographies written, but this book about the Lunar Society of Birmingham shows their passions and interests vividly. What a fascinating illustration of early modern history and the power of young and optimistic men to create ideas that actually did change the world around them.

The book has much detailed research presented with transparent enthusiasm for the subject. If you bear with the detail, the underlying story is a gem. Oh, and now I know what a 'lunatic' really is!

A great read - James May at his best, 16 Sep 2008
James May's 20th Century really is a fantastic book, and I couldn't think of a better book to read.
It's simply staggering for anyone who likes awe-inspiring machines, like the Saturn V rocket, the Spitfire, or even Concorde.

James May, with his usual wit, digs deep into the 20th century, and covers what was so good about Saturn V, why the Lunar Rover was such a rip off, and why no-one ever said "there goes a Concorde", and how the world was severely shrunk in such a short period of time. He explains why the Reginald Mitchell's Supermarine Spitfire was such an amazing invention, and tells us, with great style and humour, why some stuff just didn't make it.

All in all, then, James May's 20th Century is a fantastic book, and makes great reading material.
A fabulous read for anyone who likes James May, likes awesome machines, and wants to dig deeper into the Five W's: who, what, where, why and when.

Strongly recommended.


One of the best books Ive read, 26 Jan 2008
James May - is a excellent man , his work inspired my work , because he is him self and write carefree almost Diary like.
James is exstreamly Intellegent , eccentric and British his work is 5 star .

Fascinating and Fun, 04 Oct 2007
What a wonderful book. Full of interesting facts and glorious photographs. Anyone who watched the programmes will be surprised to learn the book is even better, for it is more in depth and covers subjects which weren't really touched upon in the programme. James May has a beautiful way with words and makes the science and invention of the 20th Century both exciting and fascinating.

A great Christmas book - put it on your lists now.

A fascinating read, 16 Sep 2007
James May's 20th Century, published in hardback on the 6th September 2007, accompanies the fabulous TV series broadcasted on Channel 2.

The book of the TV series is ever more fascinating than the TV series itself, mainly because there's more 'pukka-arity' to it - simply meaning there's more information, and wacky facts about the 20th century.

And being James May, he doesn't describe it in any way humble, or without great lumps of humour stirred into the mixture of interest, funniness, and even some facts that you don't need, or want, to know (!)

So, in conclusion of my review for this fantastic novel (and novelist), this book is one that you can't really put down if you can help it. It comprises qualities, and quantities, which other books don't have -

More than deserves 5 Star +




An inspiring read, 06 Aug 2008
This is an inspiring read about two young Stanford Institute of Technology students who took on the world - and won. Through a stunning power of belief, they decided one day to download the whole Internet and to use thousands of computers to store the data and so build the quickest and most reliable search engine of its time. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

One of the chapters is called "A Healthy Disregard for the Impossible" and that just about sums up the attitude and philosophy of the google founders.

This book (both descriptive and analytical) should be read by those at corporate level and also those who are thinking of lighting the creative entrepreneurial spark that awaits inside them.

In fact, I would go as far as to say that this is actually bordering on being a self-help book, such is its power to motivate.

Boring, Boring, Boring!, 19 Apr 2008
Sure this book gives you the facts where the author knows them but with Larry and Sergey well known for not often giving interviews or much away there really isnt much you couldnt find with a bit of good web research. The biggest disappointment is that book is written in such a boring and uninvolving way with zero entertainment value. Has to be one of the worst books I have ever read!

A disregard for the impossible, 28 Oct 2007
Google is the story of the creation of the best internet online search engine with the most powerful software, flashing speed and mountain high storage capacity.
Many analyst doubted for a long time that the company could generate serious revenues, but its business model (advertising directly linked to each individual search) proved to be a heap of goldmines.
The end is not in sight as the company even entered the genetics field. With its enormous storage capacity and its massive computing power for analyzing vast quantities of data, scientists should be able to search and find specific genes and genetic abnormalities that are causing diseases.

The author also comments on the creation of Gmail, privacy issues and the battles with software rivals (e. g., for the hiring of software engineers).
With and inside the internet space, Google together with Amazon changed the world we live in.
A must read.


Story of how two men changed the world., 11 Sep 2007
What a fantastic story, brilliantly told! As I read the book it made me realise how much one website has changed the way we do so many things. It's pretty incredible to realise that the two guys who set it all in motion only met in 1995 and didn't start the company until 1997!! A riveting read.

Google Endless Growth, 28 Jul 2007
This book describes the growth of the Google Empire. It is written in a gripping detective like format that you dont want to put down.

Even though it is written 2 years ago, the book does not have a dated feel.

A great read!

A great introduction to the genius of Tesla, 26 Aug 2002
This is a well written biography of Tesla which gives a factual account of his unbelievable career. It shows that he was an engineer; his inventions worked because he did the theory to ensure they did. He was way ahead of his contemporaries, including Marconi and Edison, and this books should be in every degree course.

Sure you want this book!, 22 Jul 2002
If you like biographies about great persons, this book has its natural place side by side with "Genius" (James Gleich about Richard Feynman).
And when you have read it, you'll become amazed why Tesla isn't as famous as Einstein (or Feynman).
Unlike many books about Tesla, this is about facts - and what facts! There are no place to myths about Tesla, the facts are enough - and this is the book where you'll find them.
A reliable and well written book about a true wizard of science - a wizard that made life easier to billions - and "how" and "why" he did it.

The Best Tesla Biography to Date, 12 May 2002
A factual, academic Tesla biography, without any of the usual sensationalism of his being sent from other planets!

Extremely well written, the book reads like a novel and also acts as an excellent reference work.

The Margaret Cheney and Robert Lomas books make a good introduction to a man who was a rather complex subject, but this book really does add so many layers to his character that to any serious student of Tesla or his work this should be an essential part of their library.

Fabulous book on the genious of N. Tesla, a MUST READ, 04 Feb 1999
I read the 1998 softcover edition and LOVED IT! I first saw the name "TESLA" as a "brand" name on the television sets in eastern Europe. My curiosity up, I searched Amazon.com and found this book. I became a TESLA fan immediately! TESLA had the greatest inventive genius of the 20th century, and most of his key patents were filed in the 1890's !! HE WAS SO FAR AHEAD OF HIS TIME that some of his work is still labeled "TOP SECRET" by the U.S. government today. This book is a lesson in history, conspiracy, industrial espionage, science, corporate power and the sheer awesome genius of TESLA, whose name SHOULD be taught to every school child....before that of EDISON !!!

The best Tesla Biography to date, 21 Dec 1998
This book is without a shadow of doubt the BEST book on Tesla ever written. If you're looking for non-technical Tesla information, this is the book to buy!

A masterpiece of a book, 27 Jul 2006
It was the da Vinci code that got me interested in Leonardos work. This book is superb, the pictures are of an excellent quality, the literature is very interesting and the book is a cute little size (can easily fit in your bag). It is a bargain price and a great book to have in anyones collection! Highly recommended to any da Vinci code lovers!! The picture of the Last super spreads over 9 pages and the explanations are riveting!

great book. so interesting! , 24 May 2006
well i got this book due to the Da Vinci Code - the Last Super (i wanted a real look at it) but the book is so much more! if you love art you will love this book, it full of interesting facts - its also a neat little size.


A great introduction to bee keeping, 09 Aug 2008
I bought this book as I inherited a hive and wanted to keep the tradition alive. It was a great place to start, giving not only sound, practical advice but also an interesting overview of the history of bee keeping. It linked in with the bee keeping associations around the country and the recipes at the back were not only lovely but gave me some great ideas for when my harvest is ready! A great book with lovely photographs and excellent advice for first time bee keepers.

Great Stuff, 17 Jun 2008
I got this wee book and after reading it knocked together a hen house, bought 3 hens and never looked back.
Whilst the book is short it tells you all the basics you need to know about keeping hens.

Not happy, 19 Jun 2007
I'm loathe to criticise any National Trust/Country Living puplication, but I expected so much more from this book. The book does give a good introduction to Hen keeping, but it is very basic, and is a TINY little book, not much bigger than the size of a notebook. The synopsis on Amazon also said there was "stunning photography"...there is not one single photograph in the book, just a few sketches and hand-drawn illustrations(perhaps I have received the wrong book?!?....) Ok...so the title does point you in the direction that it will "inspire" you, and the book does make you want to rush out and buy a chicken asap, but the book is just so small! If you were seriously going to keep chickens for the first time, you would need much more information than this book provides. Ditto for another book in the series "Beekeeping"...also a letdown. Sorry!

Fabulous, 11 Feb 2007
Practical but witty and easy to use, this book gives brilliant advice on keeping chickens. Using first hand experience, it gives the basics for anyone considering keeping a few hens. I've seen the review copy and it is brilliant.

reading a time in history, 27 Feb 2007
BEING A EDGEWORTH BY BIRTH TO BE ABLE TO READ ABOUT A DIRECT GRANDFATHER WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I THINK JENNY DID A GREAT JOB GETTING INTO THE MINDS OF HER LIST OF LUNAR CLUB MEMBERS AND DOING THE STORY FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW,,,

Heavy going, 21 Sep 2005
I can pretty much guarantee that this subject matter will be new to almost any reader. It's interesting to find out what all the characters were all up to and the development of early forms of science, but to be honest I found it heavy going. Unless you're particularly interested in the period or the people then you may find yet another description of a new form of carriage a little galling. Buy it if you're looking at the subject specifically, but not if you're just dipping into it.

Return to "o" Level history, 28 Sep 2003
Having studied the Industrial Revolution atboth O and A level in the 1980's, I have fascinated to read this book about many of the major players in this important part of British History. Jenny Uglow has succeeded to writing a very readable book that brings such characters to life at Boulton,Watt, Wedgewood, Priestly, etc although the polymath Erasmus Darwin emerges as the most impressive. Anyone who studied this era of history at school will find much to enjoy.

"O" Level history made human, 28 Sep 2003
Having enjoyed studying the Industrial Revolution at both "o" and "A" level during the 1980's, it was a pleasure to read the human story behind the great names such as Wedgewood, Boulton, Priestly and Watt. Erasmus Darwin emerges as a great polymath and the unlikely hero of the enthralling book by popular historian Jenny Uglow. It would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this hero as it does more than many more celebrated authors / television presenter's books to explain why this period was so important to the development of Britain. The characters are very much real people and the reader becomes involved in their struggles to overcome corruption and personal trageties. Anyone who studied the same course as myself during the 1980's will want to read this. Recommended unreservedly.

lunatics they were not?, 16 Sep 2002
A truly fascinating book, describing the 'club' formed by five amatuer experimenters from the Midlands in the 1760's. But not any experimenters: James Watt; Josiah Wedgewood; Joseph Priestley; Matthew Boulton; Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles Darwin. Each of these men is famous and all have had biographies written, but this book about the Lunar Society of Birmingham shows their passions and interests vividly. What a fascinating illustration of early modern history and the power of young and optimistic men to create ideas that actually did change the world around them.

The book has much detailed research presented with transparent enthusiasm for the subject. If you bear with the detail, the underlying story is a gem. Oh, and now I know what a 'lunatic' really is!

A great read - James May at his best, 16 Sep 2008
James May's 20th Century really is a fantastic book, and I couldn't think of a better book to read.
It's simply staggering for anyone who likes awe-inspiring machines, like the Saturn V rocket, the Spitfire, or even Concorde.

James May, with his usual wit, digs deep into the 20th century, and covers what was so good about Saturn V, why the Lunar Rover was such a rip off, and why no-one ever said "there goes a Concorde", and how the world was severely shrunk in such a short period of time. He explains why the Reginald Mitchell's Supermarine Spitfire was such an amazing invention, and tells us, with great style and humour, why some stuff just didn't make it.

All in all, then, James May's 20th Century is a fantastic book, and makes great reading material.
A fabulous read for anyone who likes James May, likes awesome machines, and wants to dig deeper into the Five W's: who, what, where, why and when.

Strongly recommended.


One of the best books Ive read, 26 Jan 2008
James May - is a excellent man , his work inspired my work , because he is him self and write carefree almost Diary like.
James is exstreamly Intellegent , eccentric and British his work is 5 star .

Fascinating and Fun, 04 Oct 2007
What a wonderful book. Full of interesting facts and glorious photographs. Anyone who watched the programmes will be surprised to learn the book is even better, for it is more in depth and covers subjects which weren't really touched upon in the programme. James May has a beautiful way with words and makes the science and invention of the 20th Century both exciting and fascinating.

A great Christmas book - put it on your lists now.

A fascinating read, 16 Sep 2007
James May's 20th Century, published in hardback on the 6th September 2007, accompanies the fabulous TV series broadcasted on Channel 2.

The book of the TV series is ever more fascinating than the TV series itself, mainly because there's more 'pukka-arity' to it - simply meaning there's more information, and wacky facts about the 20th century.

And being James May, he doesn't describe it in any way humble, or without great lumps of humour stirred into the mixture of interest, funniness, and even some facts that you don't need, or want, to know (!)

So, in conclusion of my review for this fantastic novel (and novelist), this book is one that you can't really put down if you can help it. It comprises qualities, and quantities, which other books don't have -

More than deserves 5 Star +




An inspiring read, 06 Aug 2008
This is an inspiring read about two young Stanford Institute of Technology students who took on the world - and won. Through a stunning power of belief, they decided one day to download the whole Internet and to use thousands of computers to store the data and so build the quickest and most reliable search engine of its time. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

One of the chapters is called "A Healthy Disregard for the Impossible" and that just about sums up the attitude and philosophy of the google founders.

This book (both descriptive and analytical) should be read by those at corporate level and also those who are thinking of lighting the creative entrepreneurial spark that awaits inside them.

In fact, I would go as far as to say that this is actually bordering on being a self-help book, such is its power to motivate.

Boring, Boring, Boring!, 19 Apr 2008
Sure this book gives you the facts where the author knows them but with Larry and Sergey well known for not often giving interviews or much away there really isnt much you couldnt find with a bit of good web research. The biggest disappointment is that book is written in such a boring and uninvolving way with zero entertainment value. Has to be one of the worst books I have ever read!

A disregard for the impossible, 28 Oct 2007
Google is the story of the creation of the best internet online search engine with the most powerful software, flashing speed and mountain high storage capacity.
Many analyst doubted for a long time that the company could generate serious revenues, but its business model (advertising directly linked to each individual search) proved to be a heap of goldmines.
The end is not in sight as the company even entered the genetics field. With its enormous storage capacity and its massive computing power for analyzing vast quantities of data, scientists should be able to search and find specific genes and genetic abnormalities that are causing diseases.

The author also comments on the creation of Gmail, privacy issues and the battles with software rivals (e. g., for the hiring of software engineers).
With and inside the internet space, Google together with Amazon changed the world we live in.
A must read.


Story of how two men changed the world., 11 Sep 2007
What a fantastic story, brilliantly told! As I read the book it made me realise how much one website has changed the way we do so many things. It's pretty incredible to realise that the two guys who set it all in motion only met in 1995 and didn't start the company until 1997!! A riveting read.

Google Endless Growth, 28 Jul 2007
This book describes the growth of the Google Empire. It is written in a gripping detective like format that you dont want to put down.

Even though it is written 2 years ago, the book does not have a dated feel.

A great read!

A great introduction to the genius of Tesla, 26 Aug 2002
This is a well written biography of Tesla which gives a factual account of his unbelievable career. It shows that he was an engineer; his inventions worked because he did the theory to ensure they did. He was way ahead of his contemporaries, including Marconi and Edison, and this books should be in every degree course.

Sure you want this book!, 22 Jul 2002
If you like biographies about great persons, this book has its natural place side by side with "Genius" (James Gleich about Richard Feynman).
And when you have read it, you'll become amazed why Tesla isn't as famous as Einstein (or Feynman).
Unlike many books about Tesla, this is about facts - and what facts! There are no place to myths about Tesla, the facts are enough - and this is the book where you'll find them.
A reliable and well written book about a true wizard of science - a wizard that made life easier to billions - and "how" and "why" he did it.

The Best Tesla Biography to Date, 12 May 2002
A factual, academic Tesla biography, without any of the usual sensationalism of his being sent from other planets!

Extremely well written, the book reads like a novel and also acts as an excellent reference work.

The Margaret Cheney and Robert Lomas books make a good introduction to a man who was a rather complex subject, but this book really does add so many layers to his character that to any serious student of Tesla or his work this should be an essential part of their library.

Fabulous book on the genious of N. Tesla, a MUST READ, 04 Feb 1999
I read the 1998 softcover edition and LOVED IT! I first saw the name "TESLA" as a "brand" name on the television sets in eastern Europe. My curiosity up, I searched Amazon.com and found this book. I became a TESLA fan immediately! TESLA had the greatest inventive genius of the 20th century, and most of his key patents were filed in the 1890's !! HE WAS SO FAR AHEAD OF HIS TIME that some of his work is still labeled "TOP SECRET" by the U.S. government today. This book is a lesson in history, conspiracy, industrial espionage, science, corporate power and the sheer awesome genius of TESLA, whose name SHOULD be taught to every school child....before that of EDISON !!!

The best Tesla Biography to date, 21 Dec 1998
This book is without a shadow of doubt the BEST book on Tesla ever written. If you're looking for non-technical Tesla information, this is the book to buy!

A masterpiece of a book, 27 Jul 2006
It was the da Vinci code that got me interested in Leonardos work. This book is superb, the pictures are of an excellent quality, the literature is very interesting and the book is a cute little size (can easily fit in your bag). It is a bargain price and a great book to have in anyones collection! Highly recommended to any da Vinci code lovers!! The picture of the Last super spreads over 9 pages and the explanations are riveting!

great book. so interesting! , 24 May 2006
well i got this book due to the Da Vinci Code - the Last Super (i wanted a real look at it) but the book is so much more! if you love art you will love this book, it full of interesting facts - its also a neat little size.


A great introduction to bee keeping, 09 Aug 2008
I bought this book as I inherited a hive and wanted to keep the tradition alive. It was a great place to start, giving not only sound, practical advice but also an interesting overview of the history of bee keeping. It linked in with the bee keeping associations around the country and the recipes at the back were not only lovely but gave me some great ideas for when my harvest is ready! A great book with lovely photographs and excellent advice for first time bee keepers.

Excellent and accessible overview of the history of NACA and NASA, 15 Aug 2006
Michael Gorn has produced an attractive, readable, and accessible history of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration which is current up to the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Like many previous NASA general histories, Gorn discusses NASA's roots in the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Unlike most of those other histories, Gorn actually devotes a considerable amount of his book to NACA, discussing how the US Federal Government first got involved in aerospace research as well as the personalities such as Hugh Dryden who started out in NACA but came to have huge influence in NASA.

Gorn then discusses the dawn of the space age and the Cold War realities that drove America to form NASA and push for manned space exploration. Gorn details all the major manned programs, but except for Apollo 11, he provides only brief details on most missions.

Likewise, Gorn also discusses NASA's unmanned programs, but again, only in brief detail. Gorn does not discuss too much of the bureaucracy of NASA or its Administrators except in relation to the projects of their time.

Though there are more comprehensive histories of the American civil space program, most are more technical and dense for the average reader. They also do not have the wealth of interesting photographs that this book does. On this basis, I definitely recommend this book to those with even a passing interest in the space program.

C. Husing
USAF HQ Space and Missile Systems Center History Office 1997-1998

A Welcome History of NASA, 21 Mar 2006
Michael Gorn offers the educated reader and specialist alike an engaging historical account of NASA and the space age. NASA: The Complete Illustrated History is written a lively way, never avoiding complex technical themes, but unfailingly making these same themes highly accessible to the lay person. The reader learns that NASA became an extraordinary bureaucratic entity--to be remembered as the highly motivated federal agency that fulfilled John F. Kennedy's epic promise to land men on the Moon and assure their safe return before the decade of the 1960s ended. Richly illustrated, the book is a welcome addition to the historical literature on space exploration. Gorn paints the history of NASA on a broad canvas, introducing the reader to the pivotal pre-Sputnik incarnation of the organization, when NASA was known as NACA and played a creative role on the cutting edge of aviation design. Gorn's vivid narrative tells this story as a prelude to the dramatic era of space exploration in the turbulent decade of the 1960s. This comprehensive approach gives the book unique character, allowing the reader to comprehend the entire sweep of aerospace history. No less important, Gorn is attentive to the role of key personalities, some known and others lesser known to the general public. One of the most impressive dimensions of this beautifully designed book is the masterful way it matches images to the story line of the text. The most stunnning illustrations are the color images showcasing the Apollo and Shuttle flights: the reader acquires a keen appreciation for the technical sophistication of rocketry and the sheer size/drama of space flight. I enthusiastically endorse this book as a meaningful way to gain an appreciation of the origins, development, and impact of NASA on the twentieth century.

Von Hardesty
National Air and Space Museum
Washington, D.C.