This biography of Churchill should be the first biography of the great British leader that anyone attempts. It is a concise yet elegant sketch of thosThis biography of Churchill should be the first biography of the great British leader that anyone attempts. It is a concise yet elegant sketch of those key stages in Churchill's life that enable the reader to get a true sense of who he was and what made him not just a great leader but one of the most well known and well liked people of the 20th Century.
The author (who died a few years back) was a well known historian and provides a useful epilogue and further reading chapters at the end of the work. Excellent book!...more
A wonderful resource that provides an overview of 100 of the world's most important philosophers.A wonderful resource that provides an overview of 100 of the world's most important philosophers....more
This book by Eddie Jaku (born Abraham Jakubowiez in Germany in 1920) is an inspiring and profoundly moving book! The book outlines Eddie's life througThis book by Eddie Jaku (born Abraham Jakubowiez in Germany in 1920) is an inspiring and profoundly moving book! The book outlines Eddie's life through the emergence of Fascism in Germany in the 1930s leading to his horrific imprisonment in Buchenwald and Auschwitz and death march during WWII. Eddie writes about the positive experiences he had amidst such adversity that were critical to him surviving. Because he survived, Eddie made a vow to smile every day and used the experience to foster a happier life in Australia.
Some quotes stand out:
"There are many things more precious than money" "You can find kindness everywhere, even from strangers" "There are always miracles in the world, even when it seems dark" "We are all part of a larger society, and our work is our contribution to a free and safe life for all"
A truly remarkable story and one that will inspire all readers!...more
I have just finished reading the version of this book that is complete with numerous photographs and sketches of her life and work. This was an enjoyaI have just finished reading the version of this book that is complete with numerous photographs and sketches of her life and work. This was an enjoyable read - I would rate this book at 4.5 stars.
This biography provides a well researched insight into the enigmatic life of Gabrielle Chanel. It deals sensitively with the various accounts of Chanel's life, including the differing versions she provided. It sheds light on the difficulties in her early years, and her numerous relationships.
The book provides a valuable account of an icon in fashion and design in the 20th Century. I was amazed at the thinking behind some of her fashion campaigns.
Michael Smith has created a wonderful tribute in his book on the amazing work of Frank Foley. Frank operated as an important spy for Britain during WoMichael Smith has created a wonderful tribute in his book on the amazing work of Frank Foley. Frank operated as an important spy for Britain during World War II, and whose efforts while placed in the British Passport Office in Berlin not only served Britain’s wartime interests, but saved many thousands of Jews who needed a safe passage out of Nazi occupied Europe.
Frank Foley’s story was not widely known as he was a MI6 Officer and much of his work during the war was kept secret during the early cold war days immediately after World War II. Michael Smith’s biography paints Frank Foley as a decent, compassionate man who was willing take personal risks in order to protect life. He was based in Berlin during a perilous time and bore witness to the increasing horrors of the Nazi regime and the many Germans who backed it and enabled it. Frank’s clear thinking, humanity and tenacity saved the lives of thousands of European Jews. ...more
Kristin Otto has written a wonderful history of the Yarra River and its tributaries - providing useful insights into the geomorphology and hydrology oKristin Otto has written a wonderful history of the Yarra River and its tributaries - providing useful insights into the geomorphology and hydrology of the river, its importance to traditional owners and inhabitants alike and its central place in Melbourne's social history. A charming, meandering story....more
A wonderful compact book. This book is full of beautiful sketches and images and tells the story of the amazing inventor and aviator, Alberto Santos-DA wonderful compact book. This book is full of beautiful sketches and images and tells the story of the amazing inventor and aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont....more
I recently read this wonderful history of Arabs and Arab lands. The book is in amazing detail, is extremely well referenced and has provided me with tI recently read this wonderful history of Arabs and Arab lands. The book is in amazing detail, is extremely well referenced and has provided me with the most complete understanding of events and influences affecting contemporary political and social themes in the Middle East.
The book deals with the history of the Arab lands, including the early differences across the Arab settlements, the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire, the rise and fall of the numerous colonial influences and incursions and the post-colonial history. The history reflects on the influence that both the Cold War and oil have played in the modern history. The version I read was the 2011 Penguin version and deals with contemporary events impacting Arab peoples up until that time....more
The Biography of Anne Frank provides a wonderful insight into the very short life of this amazing child author. Written with access to family sources The Biography of Anne Frank provides a wonderful insight into the very short life of this amazing child author. Written with access to family sources and letters, this book paints a powerful portrait of Anne Frank and provides some of the missing pieces from the time the family is betrayed from their hiding place when Anne’s diary comes to an abrupt close.
This book increases my admiration for Anne Frank, Otto Frank and his family and friends as well as their Dutch friends and colleagues that risked all to hide the family.
This book is a stunning volume with Eli Reed documenting black life in America. There are many amazing images including first hand accounts of the CroThis book is a stunning volume with Eli Reed documenting black life in America. There are many amazing images including first hand accounts of the Crown Heights Riot, the Million Man March and conflict in Beirut. It is not surprising that Eli Reed became an acclaimed Magnum photographer - and this book sets out in powerful black and white images his amazing skill at capturing important events in late 20th Century America....more
I have been wanting to read a biography/memoir on Don Bradman for some time and I am fortunate to have selected this as the first. Roland Perry's memoI have been wanting to read a biography/memoir on Don Bradman for some time and I am fortunate to have selected this as the first. Roland Perry's memoir on Don Bradman gives great insights into the personality and thinking behind of one of the cricketing greats achieved through a series of interviews with the famous man.
This book has had a profound impact on me and my respect and admiration for this cricket legend. Additionally, this is the first book I have read by this author but I am sure to look for others.
I greatly enjoyed this vignette on Melbourne, written as a year the author experiences in the life of this city. Melbourne is a city that I too have cI greatly enjoyed this vignette on Melbourne, written as a year the author experiences in the life of this city. Melbourne is a city that I too have called home for most of my life.
Although these series on Australian cities are not meant to be comprehensive histories, Sophie Cunningham is able to weave so much into this book on Melbourne that really does capture much of the social history of this place.
I especially liked the way that Sophie's career in publishing provides even greater insights into a city that has a rich literary history.
It was also refreshing to read a biography of Melbourne that properly represents the rich indigenous history of the Kulin nation. This book documents the tragic and rapid dispossession of these peoples by early european settlements that made little attempt at understanding their spiritual connection to the land and the harmony in which they were able to live in this often dry and harsh climate. That the book was written a short time after tragic fire and drought conditions greatly impacted Melbourne draws even more attention to these lessons.
Is this a parochial view? Of course it is. That is the point of this series on Australian cities written by the people who live and love these places and want to share their insights and experiences!...more
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