Life Below Stairs, Allison Maloney (A Review)

The award winning ITV television mini-series Downton Abbey, piqued my interest about the  social history of the Edwardian Period.  I have only watched the first series (on youtube) simply because I am not fond of soap operas, and I must say that Downton Abbey is a posh soap opera.  Rather than watch the whole series I decided to read books on social history of the era, which is so much more profitable and enjoyable.

Continue reading “Life Below Stairs, Allison Maloney (A Review)”

The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes (Book Review)

The author Jessica Fellowes, niece of the creator and writer of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, was not only privy to the inside scoop of the production of the series but she is also an author and journalist and well qualified to write the book. Equally important is the photographer Nick Briggs, who captured awe inspiring images of the production that would transport Downton fans back into memorable scenes. Creator Julian Fellowes rightfully opens the book with a brief introduction, offering us insights. Continue reading “The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes (Book Review)”

The Strangest Family by Janice Hadlow (Book Review)

I love history. I like stories and I am interested in people, and the two seem to perfectly come together when reading history. Although I’ve read a lot of books about the Tudor, Stuart and Victorian era, the Georgian period hasn’t really caught my attention until recently. The play/movie ‘The Madness of King George’ has sparked my interest in the 18th century social history — the story of the people of Jane Austen’s novels, who watched as revolutions raged on the continent and who lived through enormous political, industrial, economic and social change. Continue reading “The Strangest Family by Janice Hadlow (Book Review)”

“POP: The Genius of Andy Warhol” by Tony Scherman and David Dalton (Book Review)

I read a lot of biographies but this is the first biography of an artist I’ve read. I guess books like this have a very specialised audience, and only those concerned more with the production of art rather than with the more private and sensational aspects of the artist’s life. Continue reading ““POP: The Genius of Andy Warhol” by Tony Scherman and David Dalton (Book Review)”

“Too Close to the Sun: Growing Up in the Shadow of my Grandparents” by Curtis Roosevelt (Book Review)

I have visited the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Museum back in 2003 and I’ve watched Curtis Roosevelt on many documentaries about FDR and I was always interested to know more about his perspective on his grandfather. It is very fascinating to learn in this book some new information about the president from an intimate source. Continue reading ““Too Close to the Sun: Growing Up in the Shadow of my Grandparents” by Curtis Roosevelt (Book Review)”

“Cracked: Why Psychiatry is Doing More Harm Than Good” by James Davies (Book Review)

My involvement with the community outreach at my local church enables me to deal with people who suffer from depression and other psychological ailments so I have a strong personal interest in the field and have learned a lot from this book. Continue reading ““Cracked: Why Psychiatry is Doing More Harm Than Good” by James Davies (Book Review)”

Love for Biography and Memoir Books

“The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it.” – James Bryce

I find that one of the best ways to learn about humanity, history and the world in general is through reading biographies and memoirs. Opening the pages of a biography book is learning about the details of a person’s entire life from birth to death and the major events that transpired and the obstacles that the person has to overcome in his or her lifetime. Continue reading “Love for Biography and Memoir Books”