You know it’s going to be a good book when it starts with a brawl. Helen Taylor and Her Fight for the People by Janet Smith resurfaces the story of an important figure in women’s and social movements in England (and Ireland and Scotland) in the late 19th century. Often remembered (if at all!) as Harriet Taylor Mill’s daughter and John Stuart Mill’s stepdaughter (she was also his collaborator), she was in her own right a prominent and accomplished political figure. The causes she advanced included equal pay for women teachers, free education for all, land reform (she advocated nationalizing all land), Irish home rule, and of course, women’s suffrage. A London school board member, her advocacy for education also included an equitable curriculum for girls and, in effect, day care at schools (which she had seen in other countries), so that instead of being made to stay home to take care of their younger siblings, girls could attend school. Taylor was also the first woman to run for.. Read more
NetGalley, E W Parker
You know it’s going to be a good book when it starts with a brawl. Helen Taylor and Her Fight for the People by Janet Smith resurfaces the story of an important figure in women’s and social movements in England (and Ireland and Scotland) in the late 19th century. Often remembered (if at all!) as Harriet Taylor Mill’s daughter and John Stuart Mill’s stepdaughter (she was also his collaborator), she was in her own right a prominent and accomplished political figure. The causes she advanced included equal pay for women teachers, free education for all, land reform (she advocated nationalizing all land), Irish home rule, and of course, women’s suffrage. A London school board member, her advocacy for education also included an equitable curriculum for girls and, in effect, day care at schools (which she had seen in other countries), so that instead of being made to stay home to take care of their younger siblings, girls could attend school. Taylor was also the first woman to run for.. Read more
NetGalley, E W Parker
“...there are real insights on the great turning points of English history… a hugely absorbing book, scholarly, wittily and elegantly written. I learnt a lot."
Allan Mallinson's review in Country Life (28 May 2025 edition)
“...there are real insights on the great turning points of English history… a hugely absorbing book, scholarly, wittily and elegantly written. I learnt a lot."
Allan Mallinson's review in Country Life (28 May 2025 edition)
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
A well-researched in-depth analysis of the various facets related to Anne Boleyn’s life. This narrative addresses the royal biases around Anne and the way media has rewritten pivotal facts. This is a deep dive into the truest accounts to this date that we know of related to Anne. A narrative that demystifies centuries of rumors and a King’s attempt to write Anne out of history. Genuinely interesting read for those interested in the Tudors.
Each essay focuses on a central aspect related to Annes life or the way Anne’s life has been portrayed through various medias. Considerations are made for missing information, cultural context, and the current artifacts that remain from Anne’s reign as Queen. This is a great example of a non-fiction narrative that pulls the passion from their fingertips in riveting essays.
NetGalley, Mariah F.
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
A well-researched in-depth analysis of the various facets related to Anne Boleyn’s life. This narrative addresses the royal biases around Anne and the way media has rewritten pivotal facts. This is a deep dive into the truest accounts to this date that we know of related to Anne. A narrative that demystifies centuries of rumors and a King’s attempt to write Anne out of history. Genuinely interesting read for those interested in the Tudors.
Each essay focuses on a central aspect related to Annes life or the way Anne’s life has been portrayed through various medias. Considerations are made for missing information, cultural context, and the current artifacts that remain from Anne’s reign as Queen. This is a great example of a non-fiction narrative that pulls the passion from their fingertips in riveting essays.
NetGalley, Mariah F.
"Even if your forebears don't fall into this category, the book is worth reading to understand how those who governed the island of Ireland treated the vulnerable, poor and marginalised over several centuries."
Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine - July 2025
"Even if your forebears don't fall into this category, the book is worth reading to understand how those who governed the island of Ireland treated the vulnerable, poor and marginalised over several centuries."
Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine - July 2025
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
Power couples is the Tudor era? Yes please. What a great focus for a book and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Today’s news is all the ‘power couples’ of modern day, but the power couples of Tudor times paved the way for more than just drama and gossip, they could shape history!
The research the author put into this book was plain to see and made reading this book super enjoyable and easily immersible.
I absolutely love reading about this period of history and reading from a new angle and perspective is one I always welcome. And from the fresh vantage point of power relationships, from kings and queens, to advisors and more, I definitely felt I came away all the richer in learning about this. A fantastic read!
NetGalley, Nicola Wilton
[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars
Power couples is the Tudor era? Yes please. What a great focus for a book and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Today’s news is all the ‘power couples’ of modern day, but the power couples of Tudor times paved the way for more than just drama and gossip, they could shape history!
The research the author put into this book was plain to see and made reading this book super enjoyable and easily immersible.
I absolutely love reading about this period of history and reading from a new angle and perspective is one I always welcome. And from the fresh vantage point of power relationships, from kings and queens, to advisors and more, I definitely felt I came away all the richer in learning about this. A fantastic read!
NetGalley, Nicola Wilton
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Midget Ninja and Tactical Laxatives
Which army used camels disguised as war elephants? Which illustrious warlord was killed by a midget ninja hidden in his latrine? How was a Japanese vessel sunk by live cows dropped by the Soviet air force? And just what kind of weapon was the Bohemian Ear Spoon? These are just a few of the important questions of military history answered in this book.… Read more...
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Private Beatson's War
Until recently James Beatson was one of the millions of forgotten soldiers of the Great War. But after 90 years his diary has been rediscovered, perfectly preserved, and his story can now be told. It is a moving, intensely personal and beautifully written narrative by an extraordinary young man who witnessed one of the darkest episodes in European… Read more...
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The Handgun Story
The Handgun Story traces the fascinating history of the 'one hand gun' from its crude fourteenth-century origins to the sophisticated products of today. As technology has progressed, handguns have got smaller and deadlier, to be carried in holsters, pockets and even lady's mufflers. Today they are the weapons of choice for undercover agents and would… Read more...
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The Daily Telegraph - Dictionary of Tommies' Songs and Slang, 1914–1918
During the First World War, British soldiers were renowned for their chirpy songs and plucky sayings. Indeed, nothing would lift the spirits of the often exhausted and weary troops more than a hearty singalong. These cheery, and at times ribald and satiric, songs and sayings have been collected together to give a fascinating insight into the life of… Read more...
This ground breaking series of military DVDs is launched here with the release of Somme, 1st July 1916 - Northern Sector. The DVD covers the events of 1st July in the areas from Gommecourt, Serre, Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval to Ovillers. It contains a visual tour of each of the key areas in the northern sector, together with maps, archive film and contemporary… Read more...
This magnificent book tells the story of the evolution of swords, how they were made, how they were used, and the people that used them. It doesn't claim to give comprehensive coverage but instead takes certain surviving examples as landmarks on a fascinating journey through the history of swords. Each is selected because it can be linked to a specific… Read more...
