[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars This book get a solid 5 star stars from me. If you like reading about the history of this time , you will enjoy reading the guts ( pun intended ) of the backstory to the ones you probably have already heard about . Well researched via a plethora of well known Tudor loving authors , Hillary Mantel , Philippa Gregory etc. A great read.
NetGalley, Angela Thompson

Featured in 'Nemesis of the Normans'
BBC History

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars A well researched and fascinating read!
NetGalley, Michelle Coates

Originally written and published in 1610 by Ridolfo Caro Ferro, a new edition with an introduction and glossary came out in 2004. This later version forms the basis of this edition and has a new introduction and a revised glossary. Also the language has been modernised in this new edition to make it more accessible. Ridolfo Caro Ferro’s book is considered to be the definitive work on the Italian rapier. The language is very evocative of the time it was written, but is concise and much more modern and vivid than you’d expect. Ridolfo sets out a statement of intent early on in the text - “There is nothing in the world that Nature…regards with greater foresight and more diligence than the preservation of self.” The aim of fencing, he writes, is the “defence of oneself” and that defence is its main aim. He begins with the basics and describes the various different parts of the rapier’s blade, the necessary positions of parts of the body and the finer points of striking. One.. Read more
NetGalley, Wyn Lewis

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars I learned a lot and was fascinated by the history of this family and how they came into power. It's a well researched and well written book, informative and interesting. Highly recommended.
NetGalley, Anna Maria Giacomasso