Sarah Churchill: Duchess of Marlborough: The Queen's Favourite

Book Description

A brilliant new biographer presents an unforgettable portrait of Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744), the glamorous and controversial founder of the Spencer-Churchill dynasty that produced both Winston Churchill and Lady Diana Spencer.

Tied to Queen Anne by an intimate friendship, Sarah hoped to wield power equal to that of a government minister. When their relationship soured, she blackmailed Anne with letters revealing their intimacy, and accused her of perverting the course of national affairs by keeping lesbian favourites. Her spectacular arguments with the Queen, with the architects and workmen at Blenheim Palace, and with her own family made Sarah famous for her temper. Attacked for traits that might have been applauded in a man, Sarah was also capable of inspiring intense love and loyalty, deeply committed to her principles and to living what she believed to be a virtuous life.

Sarah was a compulsive and compelling writer, narrating the major events of her day, with herself often at center stage. This biography brings her own voice, passionate and intelligent, back to life, and casts a critical eye over images of the Duchess handed down through art, history, and literature. Here is an unforgettable portrait of a woman who cared intensely about how we would remember her.

Customer Reviews:

She liked her subject.......2005-02-13

A fair bit of the text in this book went towards explaining why Sarah Churchill has been undervalued or unfairly treated in previous biographies. In certain sections this is helpful, in others it is very distracting. In some ways, I wish this biographer could have been a bit more objective about her subject; she made it seem as though Sarah's missteps in politics were completely out of her control, when in fact a healthy dose of tact and respect for other people's feelings (without betraying her own convictions, just with respect for others) might have won her more success in her endeavors. That said, for Sarah Jennings to rise from impoverished gentility to a wealthy and powerful duchess (not to mention founding a well-known and lasting dynasty) is not merely remarkable, but almost incredible.

Overall, the biography was very good, although I wish it would have had a family tree showing how the Marlborough family grew, who all the granchildren were and when they were born (not to mention which of Sarah's daughters were their mothers) and even possibly a chronology, as the scope of Sarah's life and the breadth of her story made it sometimes difficult to put certain events into context.

An objective portrait of a remarkable woman.......2004-03-24

Sarah Churchill, 1st Duchess of Marlborough gained notoriety through three things:

1. She was a lady-in-waiting/best friend to Queen Anne of England. She took this position of power for granted, treating the Queen much like a dumb child. She felt it was her right to instruct the Queen on appropriate political decisions and appointments at court. When Sarah became too pushy and arrogant, the Queen severed the friendship, leading to a very public fall from favour.

2. She was married to the military man John Churchill, who defeated Louis XIV's French army in the early 1700s (A big thing at the time - remember England and France were arch enemies). This victory led Queen Anne to give John and Sarah titles (Duke and Duchess of Marlborough) and a huge government grant to build a massive palace with - Blenheim, which still stands today outside of Oxford UK.

3. Her direct descendents include Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Ophelia Field has written a biography which covers all these events, and also tells us objectively about the woman herself. She does not attempt to paint a rosy picture of Sarah, who could be stubborn and domineering. At the same time, she explains WHY Sarah did certain things (based on letters she wrote to family and friends - many excerpts included), and why her political views were as they were. Crucially, she discusses how Sarah's support of the Whig party, her deep rooted belief in their righteousness, developed into a fanatacism which led to her fall from the Queen's favour and high society. Queen Anne is also brought to life as a woman all her own, though her reign was short.

Book Description

This book presents a complete account of the remarkable life and career of Harriet Smithson Berlioz. Peter Raby's success in this book is to bring fully and sympathetically to life the vulnerable woman and the working actress who is so generally submerged beneath the myth that was created about her. At the same time he provides a continually fascinating commentary on the theatrical and cultural history of her time: on touring troupes in Ireland; on the late Georgian theatre in London; on the different acting styles and traditions in England and France; on the economics of the theatre and the composition of the audiences; on the intellectual background to Shakespeare's belated acceptance in France; on French translations of Shakespeare and contemporary French critical essays and reviews; on the leading figures who frame Harriet's story - actors, painters, writers, and musicians (most notably, of course, Berlioz himself). Holding all together is the complex figure of Harriet - a talented actress, and who for a brief but crucial period in French cultural history became a symbol and an ideal of the new, Romantic spirit.

The French Face of Ophelia From Belleforest to Baudelaire

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The French Face of Ophelia From Belleforest to Baudelaire
James M. Vest
Manufacturer: University Press of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

French | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0819175226

Book Description

A unique and comprehensive examination of the character of Ophelia from its pre-Shakespearean origins in France, in Belleforest's "Histoires tragiques" (1570), through three centuries of metamorphosis in French literature and culture. Attention is focused on the singularly French perception of Ophelia's active, provocative role as presented by Belleforest and Shakespeare, and subsequently by Prevost, Voltaire, Laplace, Ducis, Diderot, Stael, Stendhal, Guizot, Hugo, Sand, Musset, Gautier, Delacroix, Dumas, Baudelaire, and others. This book differs from previous studies in its emphasis on the role of Ophelia as a vital, capable agent in the drama of Hamlet, who captivated the attention and imagination of French authors, translators and critics.

The History of Ophelia (Broadview Editions)

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The History of Ophelia (Broadview Editions)
Sarah Fielding
Manufacturer: Broadview Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1551111209

Book Description

In the mid-eighteenth century, Sarah Fielding (1710-68) was the second most popular English woman novelist, rivalled only by Eliza Haywood. The History of Ophelia, the last of her seven novels, is an often comic epistolary fiction, narrated by the heroine to an unnamed female correspondent in the form of a single protracted letter.

This Broadview edition includes a critical introduction and valuable appendices that contain contemporary reviews of the novel, Richard Corbould's illustrations to the Novelist's Magazine edition, and excerpts from Sarah Fielding's Remarks on Clarissa.

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Mr. And Mrs. of Fryeburg Academy
Steward Lacasce
Manufacturer: Aventine Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1593302657

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On Some of Shakespeare's Female Characters: Ophelia, Portia, Desemona, Juliet, Imogen, Rosalind, Beatrice, Hermione
Helena Saville Martin
Manufacturer: Ams Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | Classics | Contemporary | General | Historical | Humor | Letters & Correspondence | Middle | Old | Poetry | Renaissance | Shakespeare | Short Stories
ASIN: 0404041949

Customer Reviews:

Bolo, the Ultimate Fighting Machine........2002-01-27

Bolos: Book 1, is the first in a series of books based on the fighting machine created by Keith Laumer. The idea was that tanks would develop not only better weapons and stronger hulls, but would also have computers build into them which would allow it to perform certain duties without a crew. By the time Bolo Mark XXX was developed, human strategic thinking was no longer required. Book 1 and the rest of the series are short stories done by some of the best, including David Drake, S.M. Stirling, Mercedes Lackey and more. Bolos may be machines, but the ones in the stories show heart.

BOLO power!.......2001-04-18

I had never read a book that is a collection of works by different authors on the same topic. I was not sure I would like it. As it turned out I liked it very much. I am an avid sci-fi reader and this book really satisfied me and I found myself ordering book 2 before I even finished book one.

If you absolutely insist on full character development this book is not for you. Each of the stories are fairly short and really only tell a comprehensive tale when taken together. I was also longing for much more of the story from the POV of the BOLO than was given.

Keeping the faith with unit honor and history........1999-01-23

"Bolos Book 1: Honor of the Regiment" (ISBN 0-671-72184-4) is a collection of stories written by several of today's best science fiction-fantasy authors and edited by Bill Fawcett, continues the history of the Bolo, huge, self-directing and self-aware combat vehicles, first penned by Keith Laumer. Honor of the Regiment is a title, I feel, was developed from Keith Laumer's story "Field Test," which tells the story of the first Bolo, named Denny, to use the full capabilities of self-directing and self-aware computer circuitry. Denny's unknown capabilities and the fear by his creators of not being able to control this powerful war machine also prevent him from being deployed to fight off an invasion of his creators country. When Denny was deployed there appeared to be no chance of stopping the enemy advance, even with his added firepower and other capabilities. Denny does the unexpected, instead of doing a fighting retreat against a superior force he charges towards the enemy's lines. This charge eventually breaks the enemy's invasion and forces them to retreat, but the victory came with a price. Denny, in human terms, was going to die from the many wounds he had taken in his charge, and there was no way to save him. Just before Denny dies, his Commander asks "Why he had continued his charge, when he knew he would be destroyed?" Denny's last words were "For the HONOR OF THE REGIMENT." Each of the stories in "Bolos Book 1: Honor of the Regiment" continues the story line penned by Keith Laumer. Further, after serving my country during a twenty-year naval career I can relate to the ideal of self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds and to maintain the history and traditions of my unit and branch of service. I highly recommend the book to all science fiction readers.

One of the best Sci-Fi reads ever........1998-01-14

One of the few books that I have read were I found myself cheering out loud for victories, and tearing up over the loss of friends. Truly a well written work. Causes empathy for our mechanized warriors. All of this series are must reads.

for the honor of the regiment.......1997-12-09

now that I have finished the book and have to catch up on all the things I put of for fear of tearing my eyes away from the paper (things like food, sleep, s-x) I feel that I should tell you one simple thing. READ BOLO BOOKS they are plain awsome they are stand alone but each builds on the whole univese so you do not have to read them in any order. And when you are driving to work imagining that you are a hellbore blasting, infinite repeating, morter spewing incarnat of destruction, just remember that you are supposed to protect all those buggers who cut you off. (the life of a bolo aint easy)

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The ninth Doctor....well, he was for a little while!

The Scream of the Shalka (Doctor Who)
Paul Cornell
Manufacturer: BBC Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
Doctor Who | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Doctor Who: The Indestructible Man (Doctor Who (BBC Paperback))

Doctor Who: Synthespians (Doctor Who (BBC Paperback))

Doctor Who: The Eleventh Tiger (Doctor Who (BBC Paperback))

Doctor Who: Match Of The Day (Doctor Who (BBC Paperback))

Doctor Who: Atom Bomb Blues (Doctor Who)

ASIN: 0563486198

Book Description

When the Doctor lands his TARDIS in the Lancaster town of Kennet, in the present day, he finds that something is terribly wrong. The people are scared. They don't like going out onto the streets at night, they don't like making too much noise, and they certainly don't like strangers asking too many questions. What alien force has invaded the town? Why is it watching barmaid Alison Cheney? And what plans does it have for the future of the planet Earth? While starting with a small community under threat, this old-fashioned, very traditional but very up to date Doctor Who adventure takes in the entire world, from New Zealand to India, Siberia to the USA, and cosmic expanses beyond.

Customer Reviews:

The ninth Doctor....well, he was for a little while!.......2004-03-25

This book is the novelisation of the animated story that was shown at the official BBC Doctor Who website (BBCi). It's written by the author of the webcast, Paul Cornell who is still one of the most popular writers of original Doctor Who fiction.

The story features the ninth Doctor (voiced by Richard E.Grant in the webcast) attempting to rid an English town of alien invaders. Typical Doctor Who story, but Cornell comes up with a few new angles to hold the interest. For example, there's the surprise appearance of another Doctor Who character but all is not as it seems.

There's a behind-the-scenes section after the story which explains how Paul became involved with this venture. It's entertaining in its own right and is essential reading for Doctor Who fans.

This may be the only appearance of the BBCi ninth Doctor in print (with the exception of an online short story at BBCi) now that the new television series starring Christopher Ecclestone as the Doctor is on the way. BBCi announced that there won't be any more webcasts for the forseeable future. Don't feel sorry for Paul Cornell though...he's signed on as a writer for the new tv series, a job that he's dreamed of having for years.

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous photographs!

I love this cookbook!

Anyone can be a queen

Very impressive

Terrific and easy recipes presented with great illustrations

Mary Engelbreit's Queen of the Kitchen Cookbook
Mary Engelbreit
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Mary Engelbreit'S Dining Out Cookbook

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Mary Engelbreit Let'S Party Cookbook

Mary Engelbreit'S Cookies

ASIN: 0836267613

Book Description

This is the first big book in the new Queen of the Kitchen cookbook series. In Mary Engelbreit's uniquely fun style, it shows every cook at every level how to create the ultimate in comfortable entertaining. It is a first-rate reference source whose recipes are accompanied by full-color photographs and Mary's illustrations throughout. The recipes are simple, yet sophisticated. Chapters include appetizers, soups, main courses, vegetables and side dishes, and desserts. There are additional recipes for marinades and salad dressings, sidebars with tips on such things as buying and cooking a turkey, and party menus for such special events as Thanksgiving dinner, a Fourth of July picnic, and a Superbowl Sunday party.

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous photographs!.......2007-02-03

I have been a huge fan of Mary Engelbreit's since the very first time I ever found one of her greeting cards in a shop. I own MANY of her books, subscribe to her magazine, have a calendar hanging in a prominent location every year...I could go on and on. But I think the main reason I love this cookbook so much is due largely to prop stylist Barbara Fritz and photographer Alison Miksch. I simply cannot get enough of the beautiful photos of the foods in the book! They are pictured and served up on fabulous vintage and antique dishes, linens and kitchenware. If you collect and/or love vintage things, you will love the pictures, too. Of course - the illustrations by Mary that decorate the entire book add her signature lovely touch - sort of like the icing on the cake - you know?! I must admit, I haven't even tried any of the recipes -I bought it because it's a Mary Engelbreit book, and because of the photos accompanying the recipes- and I love it for the same reasons!

I love this cookbook!.......2004-01-10

This was my first Mary Engelbreit cookbook, and my favorite. It has beautiful pictures to inspire you to make the delicious dishes.

It has everything from appetizers and soups to main courses and desserts. There is also a variety of complexity from easy dishes to gourmet.

You won't be disappointed with this cookbook!!

Anyone can be a queen.......2002-12-03

If you don't cook much, but want recipes that will impress, this is a great book. I have had this book for a couple years now and several of the recipes have become my favorites. And yet, they are surprisingly simple. I have given "cooking classes" with them for a friend who claims to be useless in the kitchen. She was able to go home to cook for her family to rave reviews.

Very impressive.......1999-01-06

I was very surprised and pleased with this "cook book". Once you get passed looking at all the wonderful design work, and those of you who are ME fans know what I am talking about, this cook book really delivers! Really basic, easily made, yet delicious.

Terrific and easy recipes presented with great illustrations.......1999-01-04

Mary Engelbreit's new cookbook is full of great recipes that are accompanied by detailed photographs and whimsical illustrations by Mary. She admits that she is not a big cook but she can spot a good recipe when she sees one. There's a good variety of recipes which are also grouped together for different occasions. This is very helpful in planning a party and you want everything to go well together. We already made the "Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole" and it was yummy! I'd highly recommend this cookbook for the good food to be enjoyed and for the great illustrations and comments by Mary!

Average customer rating:

A Great Reference Book

Your Yard Sale Companion

A great addition to my collection!

Pocket Guide to Depression Glass & More Identification (Pocket Guide to Depression Glass & More)
Gene Florence
Manufacturer: Collector books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Glass & Glassware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Reference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Glass & Glassware | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Warman's Depression Glass Field Guide: Values And Identification (Warman's Field Guides)

Florence's Glassware Pattern Identification Guide: Easy Identification for Glassware from the 1920s Through the 1960s

Kitchen Glassware of the Depression Years: Identification & Values (Kitchen Glassware of the Depression Years)

ASIN: 1574320815

Book Description

This popular guide has been completely revised with over 4,000 values updated and hundreds of listings added to reflect the ever-changing market. Over 60 percent of the photos have been re-shot to improve the quality and add the many new finds. There is even a section on re-issues and the numerous fakes flooding the market. It's the perfect book to take with you on your searches through shops and flea markets.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Reference Book.......2000-12-16

This book is the perfect size to carry with you whenever you are snooping around antique or junk stores. It shows pictures of the glassware along with the prices on the same page - very helpful! An excellent addition to any library.

Your Yard Sale Companion.......2000-06-22

This little book is small enough to tote and complete enough to be useful when you are out looking for finds! Color photographs are of high quality. It does contain some price reference material and basics on pattern manufacturer, color and years produced. It does not contain anything else regarding the history of each pattern.

There is a section on pattern reproductions in the back which contains useful alerts. The collector will want other of Gene Florence's more exhaustive references but this is the one you will use most frequently.

A great addition to my collection!.......1999-10-25

This book sure has helped me! The patterns are listed alphabetically and each page is a new pattern with a color photo on top showing several of the pieces. The page tells you what colors each pattern came in, which once helped me identify a reproduction. There is also a listing of the pieces made and what their current values are. There is a section in the back (22 pages) that discusses how to identify reproduction pieces of certain patterns. The only thing that would help me more in this book is if they had included some kind of cross-reference so that you could quickly find your pattern based on its characteristics. As it is now, you either have to know its name or just thumb through the whole book. Well worth the money even to a beginner like me.

Depression Glass & More: 1920S-1960s Identification and Values (Pocket Guide to Depression Glass & More)

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A MUST HAVE FOR DEPRESSION GLASS COLLECTORS
Great informative guide!
Excellant
Great sourcebook

Depression Glass & More: 1920S-1960s Identification and Values (Pocket Guide to Depression Glass & More)
Gene Florence
Manufacturer: Collector books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Glass & Glassware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Glass & Glassware | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1574322028

Book Description

This popular guide has been completely revised. Many of the photos have been reshot to improve the quality and add new finds. These colour photos show great detail, and the listings of the patterns and their available pieces make identification simple.

Customer Reviews:

A MUST HAVE FOR DEPRESSION GLASS COLLECTORS.......2006-02-23

I recently started collecting depression glass. At the time, I realized how much I didn't know! This book has been my constant companion. The material is clearly presented. The photography is fantastic. The price guide along with the description of each piece of EVERY collection is invaluable. I have become a better educated consumer and glass collector since I keep this within reach. Highly recommend!!

Great informative guide!.......2002-04-05

This is a wonderful guide to depression glass.Each page is devoted to one pattern and lists the different colors,pieces in the collection and the estimated values.It is a small,pocket book size but has 190 pages!So there is A LOT of information packed in this smaller package!!!A wealth of info and beautiful color photographs.Also,there is a section at the back about reproductions on certain patterns.VERY in depth!A must for collectors!

Excellant.......2000-12-02

The pictures are outstanding. This is an easy to use reference guide with over 150 patterns, all alphabetized for quick and easy referance.

Great sourcebook.......2000-08-02

Excellent...great photos and complete listings of pieces in many patterns. Also light and easy to carry...I take it to auctions with me...very helpful. I would recommend it to anyone interested in depression glass.

Customer Reviews:

Great resource for learning this technique........1997-07-16

Bargello is one of the older forms of needlepoint, but it's wonderful look is stil fresh. While Bargello is easy to learn and fun to do, there aren't many books out there to give the stitcher patterns and ideas for doing this. Traditional Bargello is a fantastic resource for stitchers just learning Bargello as well as for old hands to the technique

Traditional Bargello: Stitches, Techniques, and Dozens of Pattern and Project Ideas

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Traditional Bargello: Stitches, Techniques, and Dozens of Pattern and Project Ideas
Dorothy Phelan
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTF638

Amazon.com

One of the best methods of gaining decorating inspiration is by visiting other people's homes, a task author Suzanne Trocme expertly carries out by assembling the work of the world's greatest 20th-century interior designers, including such important figures as Jean Michel Frank, Albert Hadley, Nina Campbell, and Mario Buatta, in Influential Interiors.

Many of the men and women included here are key figures in creating our predominant decorating trends, and they offer a wide range of styles that are grouped by chapter in the book: classic styles adapted for the 20th century; sleek contemporary interiors; organic styles using natural fibers, colors, and shapes; and elegant, refined looks, among others. Author Trocme covers how each of the designers got started in the field, their sources of inspiration, and the signature methods of decorating that mark each as an innovator in interior design. Besides profiling each designer, Trocme describes the underlying history that has helped shape new styles of interior decorating in this century. Large color photographs of each designer's work--often of his or her own home--give the reader a clear idea of why these individuals have had such a powerful influence. Some of the designers covered are no longer alive, but their work lives on in the fabric lines and design firms still in business today, which Trocme includes in a directory at the back of the book.

If you're trying to pinpoint a decorating style that's most appealing to you, a walk through Influential Interiors can help you define and create that style. Along the way, you'll learn how some of the world's most renowned interior designers are inspired to seek out and shape their individual looks.--Kris Law

Book Description

The first book that reveals the history and development of 20th-century interior design through the key designers and decorators who have shaped--and continue to shape today's tastes.

The art of interior design as we know it today emerged in the early 1900s. And Influential Interiors chronicles the most significant people, styles, and moments of the past century, showing how these factors have shaped--and continue to shape--current tastes.

International in scope, it celebrates not only the great designers from earlier days, such as Elsie de Wolfe, Jean Michel Frank, John Fowler, and Sister Parish, but also the present-day legends, including Jacques Garcia, Philippe Starck, Albert Hadley, Nina Campbell, Andrée Putman, Peter Marino, Alberto Pinto, and Mario Buatta. In their own words and in the words of their close associates, the text profiles 24 of these key designers, defining their individual decorating styles and discussing their sources of inspiration, whether it be another decorator or a favorite color, shape, or piece of furniture.

Chapters in Influential Interiors include "Classic," which examines how traditional styles have been reworked for the 20th century, as in Nancy Lancaster's updated English Country House look; "Elegant," which features the sophisticated, muted palettes of designers such as Albert Hadley and Yves Gastou; and "Organic," which continues the theme of natural inspiration that began with the Art Noveau and Arts and Crafts movements, showcasing fabrics and furniture in smooth, organic shapes from designers such as Philippe Starck and Charles Eames. Other styles examined in-depth are "Eclectic," "Opulent," and "Contemporary."

Lavishly illustrated and written in an authoritative and absorbing tone, Influential Interiors is both an indispensible design resource and an inspiration for the home.

Customer Reviews:

not very impressed.......2004-08-11

There were a lot of insights about specific designers, but not many graphics on more traditional styles - I'm not sure exactly what to make of the "elegant section" at all. I was fairly disappointed with the lack of information on how a non-professional could help immerse the professional techniques into their own style, or rather, into a contemporary lifestyle.

Great ideas for interesting interiors.......2002-05-24

Love the variety of upscale interiors selected for this one. Photography is quite good.

I didn't know how much I didn't know about interior design.......1999-11-04

For so many years there have been books published detailing the lives and achievements of certain influential designers, architects, the most important figures. Never before have we heard the entire story of who was influenced by who, how it came about, who was trained by who. Finally Suzanne Trocme has grouped all this information together to give a succint and illuminating text to accompany photographs of some of the world's most copied rooms. An education.

Amazon.com

Nicholas Gage's meticulously documented and consistently absorbing account chronicles the stormy love affair between Maria Callas (1923-77) and Aristotle Onassis (1906-75). Gage sees the soprano who reinvented the art of opera and the tycoon who transformed the shipping industry as kindred spirits, drawn into romance by a deep connection to their Greek origins and a shared sense that, despite all they had achieved, something was missing. They found that absent element in a once-in-a-lifetime passion, which Onassis betrayed by marrying Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968. Gage appears to share the view of the tycoon's Greek coterie, who viewed this marriage as an act of hubris that inevitably led to financial and personal reversals which embittered Onassis in his final years. But he doesn't blame the tycoon for Callas's decline, pointing out that by the time they met, she was already experiencing severe vocal problems and was eager for respite from her taxing performance commitments. In any case, her career and his business dealings take a back seat here to Gage's evocative portrait of his subjects' outsized personalities and the jet-set society in the gaudy postwar years. Some of the new information is revelatory, particularly Gage's persuasive contention that Callas bore Onassis a son who died hours after his birth in 1960. At other times his investigative-journalist approach seems too weighty for this highly personal story of love, rage, and big, big egos. Fortunately, these lapses don't seriously mar a text distinguished by smooth prose, the seamless interweaving of several narrative strands, and a warm sympathy for its genuinely tragic protagonists. --Wendy Smith

Book Description

The love affair of Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis scandalized and fascinated the world from the moment it began in 1959 during a cruise on the fabled yacht Christina. In the decades since, dozens of books have been written about the incandescent diva who transformed opera and the Promethean tycoon who revolutionized international shipping, but none has focused on the tempestuous relationship between them, which is widely thought to have collapsed following Onassis' celebrated marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968.

Now, Nicholas Gage, author of the acclaimed international best-seller Eleni and a former investigative reporter for the New York Times, gives us the first and only full account of this fateful romance, presenting startling new information he has uncovered. Gage was able to persuade the couple's associates, relatives, and close friends--some of whom had never spoken before--to share their most intimate recollections. He also gained access to some of Callas' most private papers, which provide an utterly new view of her personal life. His narrative shows us that the Callas and Onassis relationship, far from being a passing dalliance, was in fact the deepest and longest-lasting emotional commitment either of them ever knew.

Gage meticulously reconstructs the events leading to the affair, from Callas and Onassis' first meeting at a masked ball in Venice in 1957 to the tycoon's pursuit of her throughout Europe, culminating in the 1959 cruise. It was during this three-week summer holiday, hosted by Onassis and his wife, Tina, that Aristotle and Maria's daily encounters ignited passions before the alarmed eyes of the crew and other illustrious guests, including Sir Winston and Lady Churchill. We follow the couple through the ensuing press hysteria and the rancor of their shattered marriages; the days of bliss and battles on the island hideaway of Skorpios; the agonizing deterioration of Callas' voice; and the strange covert courtship Onassis conducted prior to his marriage to the widow of the American president, a surprise that stunned the world once again and nearly destroyed Callas.

Within days of his marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy, Onassis was back at Maria's door. Although they were never to marry, the relationship between the tycoon and the diva, Gage reveals, would continue and deepen, through tragedies and trials, until the end of their lives.

Penetrating the mass of published misinformation concerning his subjects, Nicholas Gage gives us the most reliable account ever of these legendary figures, a brilliant dual biography of two icons of the golden age of glamour. Greek Fire is an operatic spectacle of desire and loss, certain to transform our understanding of some of the most compelling personalities ever to capture our imagination.

Customer Reviews:

Hearts On Fire........2006-11-26

I started reading this story fews days ago and I just couldn't put it down.A good book,good photos inserted and it's the full saga ever told about the Onassis's dynasty,though many events aren't evidently true.

A GOOD BOOK.......2006-07-28

I bought this book at a Supermarket Charity book sale, and I liked it. It told of the relationship between Ari and Maria as well as Jackie. I couldn't put it down, and it is a great summertime reading book.

false claims.......2006-01-02

This is a trashy book and the reader can only feel disgust at the indignities heaped upon this great artist. There are numerous inconsistencies and fabrications which defy reason and are not consistent with known facts, as follows:

If Maria Callas had been pregnant the world would have known about it because her condition would have become increasingly visible with each passing month. Gage states on pg 201 that after december 1959 "she would not appear in public for the next several months," ie. until March 1960 when according to him, she gave birth to a son.

This is a ludicrous claim as there are many photographs taken in February 1960 of Maria Callas in public, where she is as slim as ever and wearing dresses tightly fitted at the waist. One example is with Antonio Ghiringhelli at the première of Fellini's La dolce vita on 5 February 1960, in the Teatro Capitol in Milan and in the 2nd week of February in Paris she was photographed with famous coiffeur Alexandre and her agent Michel Glotz at the Théâtre des Champs Elysée, among others. The photographs prove that it is not possible by any stretch of the imagination to claim that in February 1960 Callas was 7 months pregnant.

According to Gage, on pg. 204 Maria said in an interview with France-soir on 13th Feb 1960 "«I don't want to sing anymore. I want to live, just like a normal woman, with children, a home, a dog..." If Callas no longer wanted to sing, what about her famous performances later in the same year, of Norma at the Epidaurus theatre in Greece, negotiations for which began in Jan/Feb 1960? It should be noted that Maria officially denied that this supposed interview with France-soir ever took place! Her denial was reported in the Greek press on 19th Feb 1960.

Another ridiculous claim in the book is that Maria Callas wanted to deliver the child early, at 8 months, and that "the clinic was not equipped to deal with the crisis", etc.
In the 60's cesarians would only be performed if severe medical abnormaliies were detected. In Italy (largely catholic) physicians were forbidden from assisting patients in either the prevention or termination of pregnancy. At that time over 50% of babies born before 37 weeks died, and physicians were well aware of the dangers to both mother and baby. No physician would have allowed themselves to be pressured into taking such a risk, especially with somebody of the stature of Maria Callas.

Finally, the 'documentary evidence'for the birth and death of the supposed baby son are not evidence at all. Nowhere does it state the names of the baby's parents or the date and time of death which would be the case in official records. The issue date on these 'documents' is 23/10/1998 and 22/10/1998 (can be seen near bottom left in the poor reproducions) these documents were therefore not found in Maria Callas' private papers at the time of her death, as Gage states on pg 207. There is no concrete evidence linking these papers to Maria Callas at all.

It also seems too convenient that Maria's maid Bruna Lupoli who has always refused to speak to anyone about Callas, waited 40 years before revealing to Gage (a complete stranger, whom she has never met!!) this sensational secret of a baby son. This is surely stretching credibility.

The reason why this book seems believable and has perhaps fooled so many people is that Nicholas Gage is a skilled journalist and therefore able to successfully fabricate a story and make it sound credible, no matter how false or ridulous the individual 'facts'.

I would advise anybody who appreciates the great art of Maria Callas not to touch this book, as it is demeaning to her as an artist and a woman.

The story of this supposed baby born to Maria Callas is a complete fabrication and should be refuted wherever possible for the sake of historical truth.

Excellent book!.......2005-10-28

I read this when it first came out in paperback and cannot recommend it enough. This book sizzles! Anything and everything you have ever wanted to know about Callas and Onassis. This is a book that is difficult to put down. I read this in one sitting.

Could Not Put it Down Kind of Book!.......2005-09-30

I loved this book. I am the type of person who cannot seem to finish a book unless it totally captures my interest but this book from the beginning to end poured information about both Callas and Onassis that were so interesting. Although I felt the detailed day-to-day schedule on the voyage of Christina when Callas was on it was a bit boring due to too much details but it was still facinating. Mr. Gage, just seems really committed to relating facts, which is above all most important when writing biographies. Thank you for the wonderful book, Mr. Gage. Bravo! on a wonderful job.

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