Absolutely fantastic book to delve into, whether it's your first foray into cosplay or your an old hat at it. Loved the images & descriptions used. Would make a fab gift for the geek in your life.
NetGalley, Stacey Hammond

The Remarkable Story of Fred Spiksley is the biography of one of the greatest footballers of the late nineteenth century. The book chronicles his early life in Lincolnshire, to his attempts to make it as a professional footballer in the days where it was virtually impossible for a working class man to do so. The book is mainly focused on Spiksley's playing career, but does go into his experiences in coaching, and his later life. There is a fascinating chapter regarding his experience of the First World War. I enjoyed this biography. I'm born and bred in Lincolnshire, so straight away it was nice to see lots of references to places and football clubs I'm very familiar with. Additionally, Sheffield Wednesday is a family team, so it was really interesting to read about the infancy of the club. It is great how Metcalf talks about the wider picture of the fledgling game whilst discussing Spiksley personally. I was fascinated by the history of the creation of the football league and surprised.. Read more
NetGalley, James Doyle

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars An absolutely fascinating insight into the Wentworth-Fitzwilliams. Well researched and put together, detailing the rise and fall of the family, along with the rise, fall and rise again of one of the most beautiful country houses in the world!
NetGalley, Jody Walker

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars This book is hilarious and horrifying. Did you know that women were banned in France from wearing trousers? If they wanted to wear “male” clothing they had to apply to the police and pay for a permit. The ban was overturned in… 2013! The whole book is full of maddening little anecdotes about the way society treated (and still treats) women who deviate from societal expectations. At times, all you can do is to laugh to stop yourself crying. The book sometimes feels like a catalogue of Fragile Masculinity – as men of the age rage against women encroaching into “their” territory”. The fear that a woman might to as good a job as a man – as an employee or as a lover – is seen as an existential threat which must be crushed... The book mostly draws from English-language reports, so is firmly tied to the Anglosphere – with occasional forays into France, Germany, and China. It is meticulously referenced, and contains some images of news cuttings.. Read more
NetGalley, Terence Eden

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars This book is breathtaking in its information. The photographs are a lovely addition and allowed me to re-live my travels to the area. Those passionate about George Eliot absolutely must read this book and for those who wish to learn more about her and the era in general definitely ought to as well.
NetGalley, Brenda Carleton