Review: The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and Her Greatest Rival

The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and Her Greatest Rival by Kate Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Williams has a strong grasp of the topics at hand. Both women were very strong and difficult personalities. The title of the book is very provocative but accurate. This book may not be for those who are overly critical of the Queen of Scots. I believe this is a fair assessment of the life and death of Mary. It is not a lengthy book and I would still recommend the biographies by Antonia Fraser and John Guy as the go to on Mary's life.

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Review: The Prince

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

'Machiavellian' is one of those words you hear about in conversation occasionally and may never have really understood beyond the negative connotation. However, if you finally read this book you will wonder why it took you such a long time to read such a monumental piece of literature. This is essential reading for those interested in not just history, politics or leading a country - but for everyone. This book makes you question what you believe is right and wrong - and you might just start finding yourself realising how truly terrifying that is. I couldn't put this book down when I got it - I ended up missing my train station because it was that good I didn't even notice where I was. Machiavelli tells you how a Prince gets the result that is desired without letting the conundrum of hurting others affect achieving that end.

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Review: Joan of Kent: The First Princess of Wales

Joan of Kent: The First Princess of Wales by Penny Lawne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book caught me by surprise. Rarely do medieval woman ever have a personality that we can see through the centuries. Using the information available Lawne develops the image of Joan as a strong woman who knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to assert it. Joan was of strong royal blood and despite her first marriage and questionable marriage status she married the Black Prince and they were invested in Acquitaine as Prince and Princess. It proved difficult for the couple to rule in mainland Europe due to poor support from the French and the English. Their son eventually came to the throne of England as Richard II. Highly recommended.

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Review: Queens of the Conquest: England’s Medieval Queens

Queens of the Conquest: England’s Medieval Queens by Alison Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Weir is described as a popular historian by some of her snobby critics. What she excels at as bringing to the attention of general readers topics which are generally not really accessible to them. Queens of the Conquest is a quality addition to Weir's vast collection of books and one wonders how she has the time to do what she does. Lesser known Queens like Adeliza of Louvain are discussed. My favourite being the topic of Empress Maud who realistically was the first Queen Regnant of England but wasn't crowned. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

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Review: Peter the Great: His Life and World

Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert K. Massie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book caught me by surprise. Massey gives you a detailed image of Moscow and the personality of a strong king. I highly recommend this book.

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