[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Royal Favourites of Medieval England is my first work by Taylor and something that I feel compelled to point out is that I absolutely love this writer’s sense of humor. As I started reading, I must admit that I was expecting something a bit drier, but the author manages to work in some amusing observations and subtle sarcasm that gives the text a little bit of extra flavor, which I found to be a nice thing. Taylor’s style is straightforward, and a lot of information is thrown at the reader, but in a very digestible way. Through the period covered, the author provides a biography of each monarch highlighting memorable moments of their reigns followed by shorter biographies of those courtiers to whom they gave their trust and favor. This volume is an excellent overview of English history during the medieval period and offers great, quick insights into each king from William the Conqueror to Richard III. A lot of interesting and figures emerge in the book,.. Read more
NetGalley, Nicholas Artrip

Glyn Evans has authored a remarkable book. In bringing the history of the repeated attacks on the Tirpitz and the human story of one of the men who was involved in one of the attempts, he has created a book that, unlike some that are a combination of stories that detract from each other, this book adds to the interest that remains constant as each chapter follows. The carefully written and very detailed chapters maintain both the story, the pace, and the interest of the reader. The semi personal aspect of the book is merely the coincidence of the surnames of the author and the naval rating, Able Seaman Robert Paul ‘Bob’ Evans, but is a very good hook from which to hang this important story. The degree of study and facts found here is extraordinary and confirms the depth of research that has been undertaken to author this book. The meticulous nature reflects that same diligence that Glyn Evans has shown in his previous books. The notes, references and profusion of historical photographs.. Read more
Dr Robrt M. Bruce-Chwatt, MBBS. (Former P&O ship’s surgeon who served on SS Uganda in the Falklands.)

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars The year is 1217, and Lincoln Castle is being attacked. King John is dead, and his son Henry III is now king, but chaos still reigns. Noblemen are fighting against each other, and amid this conflict is a woman in her sixties. She is used to the instability of England as she is not only the constable of the castle being besieged, but she has earned the right to be named the first female sheriff of England. She was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a widow, and someone the Plantagenets could depend on. The name of this remarkable woman is Nicholaa de la Haye, and her unbelievable story is told in Sharon Bennett Connolly’s latest book, “King John’s Right Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye.” I want to thank Pen and Sword Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book. I remember first hearing the name Nicholaa de la Haye from one of Sharon Bennett Connolly’s other books, “Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century.. Read more
NetGalley, Heidi Malagisi

This is a book well worth reading by anyone interested in 12th century Anglo-Norman history. A little knowledge of the period is required to get the most out of it, but specialist knowledge is not required.
NetGalley, Michael Cayley

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Dr Alexander Clarke