If you sorta like Military History, than you should absolutely buy this book. The book captures the thrill of victory, like never before. If you are like me, and had never heard of Gustavus Adolphus before, than this is an excellent book to read, as a stepping stone to learning more about these men.

An excellent study of exactly why these four generals were so successful on and off of the battlefield. Particularly emphasizes the importance of the cult-of-personality so prevalant in history's greatest generals, while still showing you enough of the army details to let you imagine you're charging across a ditch at Lutzen.

This was a great book for me to read because it influenced me to become the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army,which I am today.I would like to recommennd this book to historians to all people who are interested(especially generals).

This masterpiece, of which I have so far located and read only Commager's fine two-volume "abridgement" (actually, selections from, not summaries of, the original) unquestionably warrants a wide contemporary audience. Churchill's biography of his forebear would fully justify a formidable reputation for its author even if Churchill was "only" a historian. Will some publisher please do the world a service and re-print this work?

Winston Churchill wrote a 5 volume set about the Duke of Marlborough. I am assuming that is what this series is. It was recently reviewed by "Foreign Affairs" as one of the most influential of military history books. Is this actually for sale or is it out of print?

This is a book to enjoy over weeks, getting sucked into a recreation of an entire historical period and living and thinking with Marlborough himself through his own correspondence. The scale is vast - the whole of Europe up to the borders of the emerging power of Russia, as well as early exploits in the Mediterranean and North Africa. Marlborough's lifetime spans enormous change - from the Three Musketeers to an age of all-but modern warfare, diplomacy and party politics that we can easily identify with. The young Marlborough is literally at the side of the historical d'Artagnan as he is killed at the siege of Maastriccht and yet goes on to manage the logistics and strategies of vast campaigns with organisational abilities that would have been equally relevant in the Gulf War. Whether dealing with politics on the home front or warfare overseas, of the Glorious Revolution and conflicting loyalties to the Stuarts, of major campaigns or minor skirmishes, of Machievellian plots or of personal relations, Churchill's touch is perfect, and his prose majestic. John and Sarah Churchill come across over three centuries as living, fallible, admirable and vibrant personalities and at times one is almost embarrassed at the detail their correspondence allows us to share of their intimacy. This is also a book to return to again and again, to dip into favourite passages and to read them aloud in the family circle, savouring the richness of Churchill's prose and the splendour of his subject matter. Though not easy to get hold of, the effort is worth it. My wife sought a copy for months as a present to surprise me - I have never received a better gift. It also prompted a very memorable visit to Blenheim Castle when we were last in Britain - it's not just one of Europe's great wonders, but a must for all Churchill and Marlborough admirers.

John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, found the perfect biographer in his descendent, Sir Winston Churchill. During the 1930's, while out of power and in his usual scramble for cash to support his generous lifestyle, Winston Churchill researched and wrote his great six-volume biography. He was the first biographer to have access to the family archives at Blenheim Palace, and he combined his documentary research with personal visits to the battlefields and sites of the major events of Marlborough's life. Even though it published during the Great Depression, the expensive set, full of colored maps of the battles and sieges, became England's best seller with over 100,000 copies sold. It restored Churchill's finances, at least for a while. Later, less expensive editions were published, and the book remained in print for many years. Prices for the original edition have climbed, but good libraries will still have it shelved. If the original edition can be read, or better still, borrowed, this is the version that will give the greatest enjoyment. Most of the historical figures we call "great" achieved their greatness by doing one great thing that changed the course of their country or the world. John Churchill did two great things. He was the key figure in England's "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 who saw that it happened bloodlessly. And he was the supreme commander of the English army and of the alliance that shattered Louis XIV's dream of dominating Europe. Unlike any previous struggle over the throne, the invaders (William and Mary) arrived in the west, and because of Marlborough's actions, the king fled in the east. The revolution, which settled the religious strife in England and also confirmed parliament's permanent acendancy over the crown, set the course of England for the next century and beyond. As Queen Anne's commanding general, John Churchill achieved one of history's great records as a field commander. He never fought a battle that he did not win, and he never laid siege to a city that he did not conquer. To achieve this, he was his own ambassador, traveling by horse or carriage across all of Europe to confirm alliances and secure troops and supplies. He led his army into battle, often side by side with the Austrian general Eugene, and defeated the French and their allies over and over again. His tactical brilliancies are still models studied in the world's military schools. Churchill brings his ancestor to life. The anecdotes of John Churchill's youth -- leaping from the bed of Barbara Villiers just before the king arrived at his mistress' door, and, later, his wife's letter of how the young officer returned from an absence and "pleasured me twice, with his boots on." After his death, the same Sarah rejected a proposal of marriage in a letter that to this day makes the reader break down with weeping. The maps drawn for Churchill's book are a pleasure. Virtually every battle and seige is laid out clearly, and colored with red in the original edition for quick comprehension. But it is, of course, Churchill's marvelous prose that makes the book so memorable. He tells the story of Marlborough, his wife Sasrah, the Kings and Queens, the generals and the soldiers, and the whole tumultuous, clashing world of Marlborough's times. It is a very great book.

I have read many books on the Duke of Marlborough, and this is hands-down the best. Lengthy discussion of logistics, strategy, and tactics are boiled down to a manageable and lay-man-accessible size. Fair and balanced evaluation of costs of battles and judgement on the part of the commanders involved, this book is first-rate!

Kathryn Lasky turns a simple visit to Boston into a magical experience. She brings to life the every-day things that we normally never notice and turns them into something special. I've lived right next to Marlborough Street for years, but have never noticed how "the chimneys have pots that look like funny hats: some like top hats, some like knights' helmets, some like peaked clowns' hats." She turns the weeping willow trees in the Public Garden into the "Place of Green Rain" and calls the three white stone buildings across the street "The Brides". You'll appreciate any historic neighborhood in a new light after reading this delightful book.

The name John Churchill, the First Duke of Marlborough (correctly pronounced: "MO-bra"), may not ring a bell among many of my American friends - except for those interested in history. It is true that he never achieved the worldwide fame enjoyed by his descendant and worshipper, Sir Winston Churchill, who is the author of this book and his unofficially official biographer. Neverthless Marlborough it was who gave the British lion its first roar - while Sir Winston gave it its very last.

It's not difficult to see why Sir Winston admired John. In his own day Marlborough was the greatest Englishman, the best general, and the finest diplomat of Europe. His spectacular victory at Blenheim was one of the world's most significant. He fought many battles; invincible, he won them all. For this he was granted a magnificent home named the Blenheim Palace (for its size to call it anything else would be a misnomer) - in which Sir Winston himself was later born. Like his younger contemporary Frederick the Great (one of my heroes), Marlborough was truly impressive in all aspects of warmaking: strategy, tactics, field command, logistics, diplomacy, personnel, intelligence. Like Frederick he was personally and physically brave (if a little LESS reckless). And like Frederick he had to run a country at the same time. In one way though Marlborough was even greater than Frederick - he never lost a battle.

It is true that without Prince Eugene, Marlborough would not have succeeded the way he did. But his prowess on the battlefield should rank him among the greatest commanders in history.

Striking was Marlborough's dependence on several women in his life, to whom he owed his entire career: his own sister, who got him his first job (as a lowly page to the Prince of Wales); the Duchess of Cleveland, who lavished money on him for his exceptional "services"; Sarah Jennings, his wife, who rose from equally humble background to be politically important; and Queen Anne, who made him Duke and head of the English army. A genius in war, he was also lucky in love. Stunningly handsome, he matched his looks with flawless manners plus sparkling intelligence; not surprisingly his charm was irresistible to women (and, as has been pointed out, men too). Yet he had a happy marriage. (His wife, a tremendous beauty in her own right, lived in constant if unfounded fear of his infidelity. Though the youthful Marlborough had a bastard daughter with Cleveland, he was no Casanova in married life.)

That Marlborough was a genius and his life a phenomenal success story, no one can deny. But in the interests of family loyalty as well as personal devotion Sir Winston was willing to turn a blind eye to some of Marlborough's faults: his insatiable financial greed, his manipulativeness, his tightfistedness with money, his suspect honesty, his all-consuming ambitions, his inability to write in literate English. But as I am a fan of Marlborough's myself, I do not blame Sir Winston. I only wish to add that his one-sided account, though the best, does not provide a complete picture.

It's puzzling to me how with increasing age, fame and fortune Marlborough's thick skin, which had served him well in his youth, got thinner and thinner, until he was almost destroyed by his sensitivity to criticisms. Too bad, because his political enemies were so unworthy compared to him. A ruthless man (though not necessarily a Stalin) would have been aggressive and hounded his enemies to THEIR death, but Marlborough lacked this killer instinct......all the stranger for a soldier! Instead he gave himself a stroke and that was the end of his career.

No admirer of Sir Winston's - I dislike him - I nonetheless recommend this book very highly. It is extremely well-written. Be sure to get both volumes. And pay particular attention to the military campaigns - these are true masterpieces of historical writing. If you must choose, however, get vol.1 - it has the best actions, including the high points of his career: marriage to Sarah, the meteoric rise, the Garter, Blenheim, the Dukedom. The chapter entitled "Avarice and Charm" - two aspects of his personality - is particularly interesting.

Not for nothing did Sir Winston win the Nobel Prize for Literature, and by common consent "Marlborough" was his best work.

One of the few books about Miller, suprisingly,considering the regard that he is still held in by other comedians. This may be due to the fact that his stage act bore little resemblance to the man himself and he didn't give much away about himself while he was alive. This book looks quite closely at the man himself, with all the usual tales of his legendary meaness. A very tough childhood in Brighton, the grimness of street theatre, where he started, and ultimately onto well deserved stardom. Miller was the highest paid performer in the 1930's. For his day he was tremendously rude. Today there is little left of the magic that Miller brought to the variety halls. Vocal Recordings can't do justice to his type of comedy. If you are interested in Max Miller this book is a must.

This is a spellbinding work of historical fiction. A continuation of the Start saga, Jean Plaidy weaves an absorbing account of the reign of Queen Anne. Rich with historical detail, it captures the imagination of the reader until the very last page is turned.

When King William died, his sister-in-law, Anne, became Queen of England. Anne, however, was easily manipulated by her childhood friend, Sarah Churchill, now the Duchess of Marlborough. Power hungry, Sarah had her own agenda, and she manipulated the Queen to her own advantage. Viewed as the power behind the throne, Sarah was courted by many who sought her favor or intercession with the Queen.

Sarah, however, was brash, insensitive to others, and overly confident, faults that were to cloud her judgment. She also forgot her position and presumed too much when speaking to the Queen. It was as if the roles were reversed. When she ensconced her poor relation, Abigail Hill, in a position in the Queen's household, Sarah never suspected that quiet, shy Abigail could destroy all for which Sarah had connived.

This is a wholly absorbing and enjoyable work of fiction, replete with plots, intrigues, and political machinations.

Anyone looking for statistics on how single-sex education helps girls should look elsewhere. This book, however, does provide a very accurate representation on what it is like for the parents, teachers, and students of all-girls schools. From the illustrous Marlborough in Los Angeles to the struggling Young Women's Leadership School in Harlem, readers get an idea of what it is like to be a hardworking young woman on either side of the poverty line. As a graduate of single sex education myself, I can relate to these stories. But I'm a little mystified in why this book's subtitle reads "Single-Sex Education and Why It Matters" because the author doesn't really tell you straight out why it does matter, just gives you stories of girls and hopes you can figure it out yourself.

One thing that is blatantly missing from this book is how boys also would benefit from single-sex education. A lot of research focuses on how girls are getting the short-end of the stick when it comes to public education, but there is certainly a case to be made for boys when you consider that boys tend to be more aggressive and violent in general (at-risk kids) and could stand to be taught to slow down, think critically, and learn how to settle arguments in a non-violent manner. If New York city doesn't have an all-boys public school by now, they should really think about getting the funds to create one.

THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE GOING THROUGH THE COLLEGE PROCESS. I am a parent of a senior in high school and I have never gone through the college admissions process as a parent. There are so many tales from the classes before that trickle down through the years, that the process seems daunting before it even begins. Reading Karen's book made me think all along the way that what I was feeling was NORMAL. It was totally comforting to know that I was not the only one feeling anxious about not knowing which school my daughter might attend next year. Karen made me think I had a support group right here in this book. By reading it I saw a variety of people with a variety of responses to their outcomes. It really made me take a deep breath at the end of the book and realize that it will all work out in some way. I expect that I will keep referring back to this book all year for those times that I need to feel connected to those families who went through this process.

This is one of a series of books culled from the personal diaries of the Cremornites, a group of Victorian hedonists. It immediately follows on from 'Cremorne Gardens', although as I have not read all of the books in this series, I do not know whether they all form a complete set or not.

Unlike other erotic fiction, there is no real plot or story-line, these books being essentially a series of sexual encounters between the members of this group, sometimes involving outside parties. Also, being based on diary entries; while there may be some embellishments, we have to assume that these encounters are accounts of actual events that took place.

I find these books interesting because they lift the lid (skirts?) on some of what went on in an age of supposed prudery. Victoria is always associated with chaste, moralistic times yet one of the most famous Cremornites was the then Prince of Wales, later Edward VII.

Being excerpts from peoples intimate diaries, they will undoubtedly appeal to the readers voyeurisitic tendencies (we all have them) and to those who like erotica without necessarily being burdened with too much of a story line in between.

I have given this book 3 out of 5 as this type of book is very difficult to grade, because there are several authors involved and the original text was presumably never meant for publication.

Along with Cremorne Gardens, this volume is consistently a delightful example of Victorian eroticism without the darker side. All the sex is willing and enthusiastic, and the characters enjoy their activities in a lighthearted way. If you want a serious plot, or BDSM, go elsewhere. If you like to be titillated by good writing and humor, this is erotic fiction for you. Highly recommended for couples.

A classic in Victorian Literature the books title comes from the name of a park Cremorne Gardens in Chelsea England at the turn of the century. As such the park was full of Bohemians and lust seekers that the even had a magazine that is now extremely rare 'The Cremorne' ....

Like all good things that must come to an end the town council closed the park and the Cremornites had to go underground ....

Underground they hid and this book details the exploits of the Cremornites. Page for page it has more sex and fun than ANY other book that I have ever read ... How the author managed to maintain my interest is incredible .... And of course thats the fun in eroticism isn't it .... So of the 237 pages in the book I would say that 220 are pure, well you know what ..... Fabulous ....