To begin with, I should say that I am a nonprofessional stage actor, and I've just finished appearing in an 8-performance run of this play Off-Broadway in Manhattan. Mr. Holt, the translator, was in attendance throughout, this having been the play's American premiere.

The story is a speculation on the life of Diego Velazquez, a major figure in art history. Buero Vallejo's plot makes use of what little is known about the man to suggest the possible repercussions of his unorthodox work for King Philip IV's court. Petty individuals conspire to condemn a man whose vision and unwillingness to compromise are interpreted as disloyalty to the Crown. There are similarities to "A Man for All Seasons" and "Beckett" in the ensuing conflict between loyalty and integrity.

The second time I read through the play, its emotional climax (in which the painter Velazquez eloquently defends himself to the Inquisition) brought me to tears. During our production's rehearsals, I was fortunate enough to be asked to fill in for absent actors, so although my actual role was a supporting character (a beggar who is telling this story to the audience), I had the pleasure of reading the lead (Velazquez) as well.

The story is not a happy one; the titular painting (an informal portrait of one of the king's daughters and her servants) is described as "a calm painting; but with all of Spain's sadness within it." Velazquez himself describes his people as "sad hypocrites." The author, who wrote this play in 1960, had a few things to say about social injustice, and his nontraditional use of one of Spain's major historical personalities was not universally well-received at the time.

The translation is somewhat formal; there are remnants of what I imagine are formalities from the original Spanish. I didn't consider this a problem; the story takes place in the 17th century, and there should be differences from modern colloquial speech. Unfortunately, the plot somewhat soft-pedals the Spanish Inquisition itself; there is perhaps not enough reference made to the frightening excesses that were committed in the name of religion. One wonders if Spaniards have as much trouble dealing with the Inquisition as elder Germans have had acknowledging the Holocaust.

I would recommend this play to anyone who is looking for a story that is more than just light entertainment, and who doesn't mind reading a playscript as opposed to prose. It was certainly a joy to perform.

A fascinating look at the early years of education for British women. Letters and reminiscences recall the life of a Cambridge student: the prejudices and the pleasure. Be persuaded! ]

Es la continuación de la apasionante vida de Lucrecia Borgia, una historia que comienza en la novela "La Madona de la Siete Colinas" de la misma autora. Mucho se ha escrito y dicho sobre Lucrecia Borgia. Se le ha acusado de los más espantosos crímenes y de mantener relaciones incestuosas con su hermano y padre, el Papa Alejandro VI. En esta novela, la autora nos presenta a una Lucrecia Borgia diferente, a una mujer llena de sentimientos y pasiones, que fue víctima de una época histórica donde el poder y la riqueza eran capaces de corromper hasta el mismo Papa. Si Usted es un asiduo lector de la Novela Histórica, este libro no debe faltar en su biblioteca.

This is the author's second book in The Norman Trilogy. It is an intriguing and well written work of historical fiction and a wonderful follow-up to the first book in the trilogy, "The Bastard King".

In this second book, the author continues the story of the legacy of William the Conqueror, known as the bastard king. His son, William Rufus, followed him as King of England and his other son, Robert, as Duke of Normandy. The youngest son, Henry, in keeping with the fate of most youngest sons, was left landless and all but penniless. A handsome and shrewd individual with a lawyerlike mind, the Normans called him "Henri Beauclerc".

When William Rufus found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, his reign was effectively ended. A twist of fate, however, found Henry in the right place at the right time. Having always coveted the throne of England, Henry lost no time in asserting his claim before his older brother, Robert, the Duke of Normandy, could assert his own, more rightful, claim. Thus, began the reign of Henry I of England.

Henry married Princess Edith of Scotland whom he renamed Matilda, so that the Normans might forget her Saxon origins. When his brother, Robert, finally asserted his claim to the throne of England, Henry defeated him and took over the Duchy of Normandy. King Henry and Queen Matilda would go on to have two children, William and Matilda, who would bring much joy and much sadness.

The author, also known to millions of devoted readers as Victoria Holt, masterfully tells the story of Henry, the man who would be king. She recounts his life and loves, painting a portrait of a lusty, ambitious, and ruthless man who would brook no opposition. He would leave England a better place for his reign. It is a spellbinding tale, woven with sufficient historical detail so as to make it enjoyable for all those who love historical fiction.

Those of us who are Lucia fans (of the origianl E.F. Benson six books) can never get enough of her upper middle class, early 20th century English scheming. The original novels are some of the funniest ever written--perhaps more-so because we cannot help but see a little bit of ourselves and our friends through our laughter.

Holt's Lucia Triumphant is not a send up, but one of two lovingly crafted continuations of the series. In the originals nothing ever happens of much import except in that it sets up comedic bits that one can read and read over again a laugh everytime. In Holt's novels, the situations are just a little more ridiculous, and the characters drawn with just a little more characature. That is my only complaint, this is not quite up to E.F. Benson's writing in the--one might say--subtlety of the broadness. Otherwise, this is a fine comedic novel, indeed. If you are a Luciafile, or you like Evelyn Waugh and that ilk, you will enjoy this book immensely.

It is an enjoyable homage to Benson's characters well worth your time.

Este libro es la primera parte de la historia de la vida Lucrecia Borgia, que continúa con "Luz sobre Lucrecia" de la misma autora. Lucrecia Borgia fue una mujer que vivió en la Italia Renacentista de los siglos XV y XVI. Hija natural del papá Alejandro VI, esta mujer sería tristemente recordada como envenenadora, asesina, y por mantener una supuesta relación incestuosa con su padre y hermanos. Es un relato interesante sobre la vida licenciosa de los Papas, en una época en donde el poder y la riqueza corrompían a cualquier persona.

Holt's Magna Carta is an interesting study of the politics behind the formation of Magna Carta. The author's exploration of the political and legal crises in medieval times conveys how this charta was a result of war and injustice. The author connects many legal principles, such as individual rights, of the modern era and roots them in their medieval past. This book is detailed and long, but worthwhile to students of legal, medieval, or English history.

I know a school book with the same name by Harcourt Brace & Company, it is a very interesting and amaizing to teach the subject. But I can't know if this book, is the same, because you don't show the author information. Is a big error ! when people need to buy an specific requirement from the school. The 4 stars rate is for the book I need.

I think this is the first in the Cornwall saga, and while it's good, it's not as good as all the rest. Keep reading! The Pool of St. Branok, the Changeling, the Black Swan, etc. Enjoy!

Those of you who cannot understand chemistry either because the teacher does not know how to teach or you really do not want to listen...THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. The book is a nice manual for those who cannot comprehend chemistry. It will be like your virtual teacher in print. My only complain about this book is that it is too long. But at least it is comprehensive. And what I like most in this book is it is divided into many sections which made it easier to digest.