richard ii chronicles the events that began the so-called war of the roses, the 14th century civil war between two branches of the royal family. it focuses on the usurpation of the crown by henry bolingbroke (later henry iv). in snatching the crown from his cousin richard, henry 'leapt over' the legitimate heir, his teenage nephew. thence began the internicine feud. historically, the play is pretty accurate. richard is portrayed as a feckless, flamboyant man who believed he had a divine right to rule and forgot that his earthly powers rested on the support of his followers, who he abused and neglected. the play does focus on richard's personality, and he gets a lot of nice lines, but it also focuses on the plotting and scheming that makes this period such an intersting one. richard ii is the first part of shakspeare's history tetralogy that continues in henry the iv, parts 1 and 2, and concludes in henry v. all are well worth reading.

Richard II, the weak and unwise King of England, is trapped amongst a group of flattering sycophants. He unwisely meditates in a fight between Mowbray and Henry Bolingbroke. He exiles Mowbray for life and Bolingbroke for ten, later reduced on behalf of John of Gaunt to six years. John of Gaunt dies and Richard II confiscates his lands and titles for the sake of putting down Owen Glendower (Historically Owain Glyn Dwr)'s invasion of england. Meanwhile, Bolingbroke brings troops against Richard, assisted by Northumberland. To find out the ending, you should read it yourself. This was the first complete play I read by Shakespeare. The Folger Guides are so helpful!

If someone wanted to read one book to find out about the Richard III controversy, this is the one that I would recommend, although I think that it is valuable for anyone interested in the topic. In addition to a history of the man and the times, it also brings "richardology" up to date with discussions of romance novels and the Richard III society. If that's not enough, it's gorgeously and generously illustrated.

I have some disagreements with the author, but he is relatively fair-minded and even-handed. Pollard hews to the traditionalist view, i.e. that Richard III was a usurper and murdered his nephews, but unlike so many authors (on either side) he is not consumed with a desperation to prove his case that leads him into nonsensical arguments. He even punctures a few of the sillier traditionalist arguments. He goes into some detail about some of the fine points of the arguments, e.g., the symbolism of the hog, that will be valuable even to people who are already knowledgeable. Pollard also has a dry sense of humor that enlivens the writing.

Pollard gives an excellent discussion and history of his subject, thorough and clearly written. Much of the material can be found in any book on the subject, but some of it cannot, particularly his discussion of a popular play of the Babes in the Wood and its influence on Shakespeare's version of Richard. Pollard believes Richard murdered his nephews, although he softens it by saying it's OK because everybody did it--well, lots of people anyway. He makes a strong case, perhaps the strongest of anyone who argues that Richard was guilty, but is not biased against Richard. His discussion of the bones found in the the Tower during the reign of Charles II would have been more valuable, however, had Pollard researched forensic pathology even a tiny bit; he reports what this scientist says and what that scientist says, throwing anatomical terms around and then in parenthese saying "whatever that is." (A glance at Gray's Anatomy could have told you, Pollard.) Pollard is simply parroting, with only a hazy idea of what he is saying, which pretty much destroys the worth of any conclusions he draws. But the bones are ultimately not conclusive, even assuming that they are the bones of the Princes, and the rest of the book is of solid worth. Every library should own a copy; individuals may well hesitate at the stiff price, cause by the fact that the book is printed on glossy paper and stuffed with colour pictures. Go for the paperback if you must, but the content makes this book in some form essential for those interested in Richard.

I consider Richard Kennedy one of the best short story writers - bar none. Oliver Hyde's Dishrag concert is the consumate tale of the separation that can come from loss of contact with others. Come again in Spring a clever tale of outtalking death. Crazy in Love is about the joy in finding someone to share your life. Mouse God- well I love to imagine the cat dressed in his mouse fur coat. Best of all is The Porcelain Man- about finding love in people not in fantasy. When my brother was blind and ill- I would read him these stories and they never failed to touch him- make him laugh (from picturing Ben Grizzard flying through the air) and help him accept the inevitable. It seems to me that Kennedy is really in touch with the joys and pains of being human and it comes through in these perfect tales.

This audiotape of Richard Kennedy's wonderful stories is magnificent. The storyteller reads them with flair, and is very true to the author's intentions. The tape is engaging, fun, and the storytelling quality of the author is at its best when listened to as stories. Kennedy is one of our best authors for children. Of course, I know of many adults who enjoy them even more! I like to compare Richard Kennedy with Hans Christian Andersen. Kennedy's stories have a fairy tale quality to them, and the personae's voices are strong, clear, and personable. This is excellent stuff! One should both read and listen to these stories!

King Charles II, never short of female admirers during his lifetime, certainly has found another fan in Antonia Fraser. The man who fathered fourteen illegitimate children, yet failed to sire an heir to his throne, was tall, charming, and in his own strange way, handsome - although, as Fraser tells us, his olive complexion and Medici looks were not considered to be conventionally good looking. Despite contemporary denials, he was also a convinced Catholic - even though he only formally confessed on his deathbed. Fraser takes us through the many wild turns of Charles' life - early years as the established heir apparent in the court of Charles I, teen years as a minor player in the English Civil War, hero of the siege of Worcester, months as fugitive from the Cromwellians following his father's beheading (and Britain's most wanted man), early adulthood in exile in France and Flanders, glorious Restoration in 1660 and subsequently King of a mini-golden era. While this is by no means an uncritical biography, Fraser argues persuasively that Charles was the master politician of his generation, and she seduces us into cheering on Charles' various attempts, late in his reign, to govern without Parliament. Fraser doesn't assume prior knowledge of English history, so is a great starting point for a first-time encounter with the English Restoration period, yet Fraser's erudition provides enough satisfaction too for seasoned history lovers.

Royal Charles is a delight to read and Fraser makes reading history enjoyable.

I checked out this book from the library about 5 years ago for my (then) 3 year old daughter. We loved it! We've never forgotten about the story, although we couldn't remember the title. I was so delighted to find it again just now! It was so imaginatively written; I would take the words of the song written in the book and make up my own tune. It's really an interactive story a mom can have alot of fun telling.

My two-year-old daughter loves this book, which we read together with much dramatic flair. The problem of King Gordo is familiar to her -- how to take a nap when everyone else is making too much noise? Of course, King Gordo has much more control than a child. He gets to banish the noise-maker to the "Cold and Snowy Land". We make all of the noisy sound effects together (trumpets blare, flags flap, Gerald hiccups, the King snores, Phoebe sings). My daughter walks around our house now saying "this castle is TOO NOISY!" The illustrations by James Stevenson are very amusing. I think it would be enjoyable for a wide age range.

This magnificent compilation is th result of hard work and vision. Congratulations on your efforts Ms. Diba. You have brought the best of Persian artistry of this period to the rest of humanity.

This book is the best about the Iranian Qajar history I've ever seen. The unknown paintings, genealogical tables, beautiful design: all this makes it very important in understanding the great culture not only of Qajar but also of Zand, Afsharid and Safavid epochs. I wish there were more such books in the great world of not only iranian but of whole world's royalty.

Much is known and published about the Incas of Peru, but, in comparison, little is known about the great Kingdom of the Moches. In the Northwest aired coastal plains of Peru flourished the Moche kingdom between the first and eighth century A.D.

This highly stratified culture, constructed and maintained a vast irrigation canal system, pyramids, places and temples. The Royal Tombs of Sipan was written to serve as a museum catalogue of the finds. The discovery, excavation, and current

interpretation of the three royal tombs recovered from Sipan happened between 1987 and 1990.

This book is wonderful. The beautiful color plates that chronologically lay out this amazing discovery makes the archeological dig at Sipan come alive. Highly recommended for those students of Archeology and those who are interested in the diverse Peruvian Culture.

As an ancient history enthusiast, I found this book to be a fabulous discovery on my part. The oversized format and pull-out recreations are pure joys to the reader. The excellent text, penned by the excavating archaeologist and by the leading authority on Moche iconography, is illustrated with wonderfully detailed photos as well as line drawings of scenes imprinted upon the artifacts themselves. I recommend this volume to anyone interested in pre-Inca history and art, as well as to anyone fascinated by the mystery revolving around the discovery of ancient treasures.

This study Bible is one of the best. The New American Standard Version made things so much clearer than the King James Version I had been using. The study notes were very helpful. I still love the poetic language of the KJV, but this has become the Bible I use.

like i said, i really like it....

This is a great book full of magic mystery and exsitment.

We love reading all the Jewel Princess books as a family. My girls have begun acting out the stories. (My son likes them too) All the Jewel Princess books have good strong girl characters. The stories have fine messages. I highly recommend this book to all parents.S

Illustrated with engravings of Viking artifacts.

Silent and thoughtful should a warrior be, and bold on the battlefield; cheerful and content should every man be, until he meets his death.

This verse, and the others in this book, come from the Hávámál, a compilation of Old Norse poems that offers the reader a variety of practical advice, rules of conduct, and words of wisdom. Said to be given by Odin, Father of the Norse Gods, they represent a clear picture of the heroic ethics, home life and warrior code of the Viking Period (c790 AD-c1070 AD).

Seek swiftness from a ship, protection from a shield, cuts from a sword kisses from a maiden.

Although the words Hávámál are attributed to Odin, there is no mention of life after death, of religious belief, or of faith in gods. The advice is very practical and applies to the everyday life of the "average" Viking.

With half a loaf and a cup of ale, I have found many a friend.

Friendship is another important aspect of the Hávámál. A man often placed his life in the hands of his comrades, and he needed to be certain of their loyalty. Therefore, gold was not given to the son to inherit, but spent freely by friends. The penalty for betrayal was death, and vengeance was the noble course of action. Wisdom is worth more than gold or an unknown path.

Ultimately, these proverbs paint a picture of the ideal Viking: he must be open, friendly and generous; he must be wise - but not too wise - he must keep his wits about him and be ready for a fight; he must hold honor high and be loyal to his friends and kin. In short, he must be the perfect hero.

Selma Lagerlöf's stories of Scandinavian royalty in Queens at Kungahälla retain some of the Viking flavor of Icelandic bard Snorri Sturlason's Heimskringla (1230), which provided the historical basis for them. In "Astrid" and "Sigrid Storräde," a princess and a queen from the still-pagan land of Sweden join with kings from a Christianized Norway at Kungahälla-a site on the coast of western Sweden where the countries negotiated peace, often through marriage. The women are strong-willed, but the men are strong of faith; the drama Lagerlöf imagines between them reveals her romantic fascination with this conflict. "The Silver Mine" is a later work, and centers on the extravagant 18th-century King Gustav III. On a visit to a small town, this king learns how the parish has come to value peace of mind over material wealth.

In 1909, Lagerlöf became the first woman-and the first Swede-to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, and several years later became the first woman inducted into the Swedish Academy. She is an exemplar of humanism, a champion of the world's unfortunates, as well as a captivating storyteller. Unfortunately, with her works out of print for over half a century, her eloquent writing has gone unnoticed by recent generations. Penfield Press is releasing four reprints of her work, including Invisible Links (short stories), Memories of Mårbacka, Scandinavian Kings and Queens, and Girl from the Marsh Croft and other stories.