I enjoyed reading this biography overall as it provided a much deeper insight into a photographer whose work I greatly admired.
The author was3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this biography overall as it provided a much deeper insight into a photographer whose work I greatly admired.
The author was able to draw on extensive diaries and letters and interviews to form a very comprehensive picture of this renowned photographer, artist, playwright, clothes designer, set designer and celebrity.
The work provides insights into key relationships as well as what was playing out in Beaton's mind regarding insecurities and disappointments.
My main criticism is that a more careful editing could have achieved a 'less is more' objective - reduced the size of the volume and taken out unnecessary detail. Having said this, the author is commended for their extensive research and identification of many sources.
I finished this work greatly admiring the Beaton's broad impact on the visual arts....more
The book Jewels and Ashes is both a beautiful and sad memoir of the author’s journey to Poland to come to terms with and better understand his parent’The book Jewels and Ashes is both a beautiful and sad memoir of the author’s journey to Poland to come to terms with and better understand his parent’s Jewish heritage. In doing so, Arnold Zable has created an amazing account of his own journey to understand how his parents came to both survive the holocaust by travelling to the New World and deal with resulting emotions of grief, guilt, and hope....more
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
I enjoyed this brief vignette on Charlotte's life which focused largely on her parents and childhood and the relationship with her older sister.I enjoyed this brief vignette on Charlotte's life which focused largely on her parents and childhood and the relationship with her older sister....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
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.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has produced an amazing series of books on the theme I Know This To Be True based on interviews with key worldwide leadeThe Nelson Mandela Foundation has produced an amazing series of books on the theme I Know This To Be True based on interviews with key worldwide leaders.
The volume on Greta Thunberg - which is described as covering truth, courage and saving our planet - was an inspiring read. I ready like the quote of hers 'The one thing we need more than hope is action. Once we start to act, hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope, look for action. Then, and only then, hope will come. Wise words!...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.
Bachar Houli has written a wonderful account of his journey from junior suburban footballer to his place in the successful 2017, 2019 (&2020) RichmondBachar Houli has written a wonderful account of his journey from junior suburban footballer to his place in the successful 2017, 2019 (&2020) Richmond AFL premiership teams. He provides great insight into the many ups and downs on this journey and how important his faith and family and friends have been in these achievements and helping him deal with personal challenges and setbacks.
The book was a great read and has increased my knowledge of the Islamic faith, the way a strong faith can help people in their day to day life and the importance that team and organisational culture can play in fostering personal growth and success. ...more
This was an amazing spy thriller that just happened to be a true story! Ben Macintyre captures perfectly the many complexities and contradictions of (This was an amazing spy thriller that just happened to be a true story! Ben Macintyre captures perfectly the many complexities and contradictions of (double) Agent Zigzag - an entertaining and astonishing book....more
I enjoyed this book as it was a light and accessible way of getting insights into Albert Einstein's life. I do not think this book was intended to proI enjoyed this book as it was a light and accessible way of getting insights into Albert Einstein's life. I do not think this book was intended to provide an authoritative account of Einstein's personal and academic life - it is really just a brief biography that gives a better understanding of his personality and his family life....more
I greatly enjoyed this memoir! I found it to be truly inspiring to read of Michelle Robinson’s journey from the South Side of Chicago to her role and I greatly enjoyed this memoir! I found it to be truly inspiring to read of Michelle Robinson’s journey from the South Side of Chicago to her role and legacy during the Obama Presidency.
“I’m an ordinary person who found herself on an extraordinary journey.”
The book draws on the importance of family, community, positive mentors, education, leadership, endurance, passion, commitment in her journey to date. The book gives great insights into so many things about her early life, her humble family origins, her accomplishments at Princeton University and her career in Law. I also learned about the deep love and gratitude Michelle Obama has for the people in her life who helped her and continue to help her along the way. I was impressed in her account of how she used the platform as First Lady to shine light and advocate for causes she is passionate about. I was also moved by her experiences in providing comfort and compassion to people during times of adversity that really shook the country such as the aftermath of senseless gun violence at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.
“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as a forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.”
This is a positive story told with great candour and I highly recommend it....more
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