My copy of this is an absolute treasure. I've got the blue cover 1948 edition, which I inherited from my Austrian grandmother. She must have acquired My copy of this is an absolute treasure. I've got the blue cover 1948 edition, which I inherited from my Austrian grandmother. She must have acquired it not long after moving to the UK, or possibly as a wedding present when she married my English grandfather in 1950. It's grease-spotted and has various recipes tucked in, written on the back of envelopes in Granny's distinctive not- quite- copperplate. Whilst the book doesn't explicitly mention rationing, the UK was still on the ration until 1953, so a lot of the recipes are written with limited access to fat, dairy, sugar, and meat in mind. Beware the 'meatless cooking' section! In those days, it did not mean vegetarian! Beef dripping anyone?...more
A fun and definitely creepy little side quest! There is so much to be explored in Ben Aaronovitch's world that I feel he could keep writing forever...A fun and definitely creepy little side quest! There is so much to be explored in Ben Aaronovitch's world that I feel he could keep writing forever... I hope he does!...more
Definitely a guilty pleasure. I love Blott and Lady Maud. Nasty politicians and men who destroy nature for motorways getting their comeuppance is therDefinitely a guilty pleasure. I love Blott and Lady Maud. Nasty politicians and men who destroy nature for motorways getting their comeuppance is therapeutic. Mischief, mayhem, utter madness....more
Insightful, precocious, and fascinating! Baba is an fabulous narrator and versatile model. As Baba steers you skilfully through the tumultuous historyInsightful, precocious, and fascinating! Baba is an fabulous narrator and versatile model. As Baba steers you skilfully through the tumultuous history of feline civilisation, you are often impressed, at times shocked, and at others, sniggering quietly at the human underestimation of cat-kind or even just at a beautifully crafted turn of phrase....more
Ah, I'm so pleased with this ending! I was so worried after the last book that we'd have a rather insipid preachy affair but I stand corrected and thiAh, I'm so pleased with this ending! I was so worried after the last book that we'd have a rather insipid preachy affair but I stand corrected and this is a most satisfying denouement.
I loved the first few books of this series as an eleven-year-old, and I've found them equally engaging at twenty-nine, now I've had the opportunity to devour the whole series. If you love Mediterranean history, intrepid adventures, plenty of mild-to-moderate peril, and gorgeously written character development, I can't recommend this series enough!...more
As the library have definitely lost their copy, I cracked and bought one second hand.
This is definitely one of the more fantastical storylines in thiAs the library have definitely lost their copy, I cracked and bought one second hand.
This is definitely one of the more fantastical storylines in this series, but the madcap adventure was much needed after the heartbreak of the previous installation. These books are beautifully written and as the series progresses, gradually more mature themes are introduced. It astonishes me just how much historical content is crammed in. I've learnt more about the Roman Mediterranean reading these than I did in a term of university lectures......more
This is not quite what I expected (I'm never one to read a review before reading the book). Published in 1994, it's a somewhat tongue-in-cheek space oThis is not quite what I expected (I'm never one to read a review before reading the book). Published in 1994, it's a somewhat tongue-in-cheek space opera with all the trimmings. It's gory, visceral, there's an awful lot of male characters being macho (or even worse 'honourable'), the female characters are decent but sporadic, and the 'big picture' is hugely cliché. However, it is a damn good adventure story. The second half flowed much better than the first and after half a book of introductions, the tangled web of politicking and intrigue started to pay off. I'm curious to read the sequel, but I'd better not leave it too long or I'll forget how it all fits together....more
Interesting discussion of some of the many archaeological approaches to the concept of the 'Celts'.Interesting discussion of some of the many archaeological approaches to the concept of the 'Celts'....more
Finally read this one, signed at Alice's tour last year. Fascinating read, although a little repetitive in places (a result of the science, not the wrFinally read this one, signed at Alice's tour last year. Fascinating read, although a little repetitive in places (a result of the science, not the writing!)....more
I have finished the task I set myself age twelve, when I was gifted The Lord of the Rings in a single volume. The size and shape and weight of a houseI have finished the task I set myself age twelve, when I was gifted The Lord of the Rings in a single volume. The size and shape and weight of a house-brick it may be, but I've finished it, and now I am bereft....more
This is a book will appeal to some and horrify others. I thought it was brilliant, the detail and care and love that has been Fascinating and macabre.
This is a book will appeal to some and horrify others. I thought it was brilliant, the detail and care and love that has been poured into the research is obvious. I'm now planning a stomp around some of London's Victorian cemeteries. It's a shame Crossbones doesn't really get a mention, but to include every site and every story would need several tomes rather than this slim, well paced volume....more
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