Watson's Apology: A Novel

Book Description

After nearly thirty years of marriage, a Victorian clergyman, John Selby Watson, bludgeons his wife to death one Sunday afternoon after church. In this compelling tale by award-winning novelist Beryl Bainbridge, the seemingly ordinary history of their marriage unfolds until it climaxes in a sudden brutal act and a headline-grabbing trial. As true to the documented facts of this actual case as to the workings of her singular imagination, Bainbridge artfully reveals what history withholds: the motives, feelings, and insanity that drive the Watsons to their domestic tragedy.

Customer Reviews:

Victoriana.......2002-04-14

Stockwell- October 12,1871 - Classics scholar John Selby Watson, 67, bludgeons to death wife of thirty years---

These are the bare bones of a factual crime that Ms. Bainbridge weaves her tale around. The story begins with Watson and Anne Armstrong's courtship in December 1844 and takes us through their outwardly quiet, but inwardly evolving marriage for the next 27 years. I am convinced this murder could only have taken place in the peculiarly repressive Victorian era. Ms. Bainbridge does a masterful job of placing us in that period; from the household to the clothes they wore to the transportation of the times.

Mr. and Mrs. Watson were a match made in hell, both to be pitied. John was an inward-looking, introspective, self-sufficient, gentle (yes, gentle!) person. Anne was intelligent, needy, histrionic, and highly intuitive. She literally and calculatedly drove him mad because of her disappointed expectations.

The last third of the book was devoted to actual trial excerpts. I could have used less of these, as many were repetitious. However, I found it interesting that the defense was clearly angling toward a temporary insanity plea. Edward Stanton, later Lincoln's Secretary of War, defending Congressman Dan Sickles, later Union General, in a scandalous trial, first successfully used this defense in the United States in 1859. Sickles shot and killed the son of Francis Scott Key on the steps of the White House for Keys' improper attentions to Sickles' wife. Sickles was acquitted. From the transcripts of Watson's trial, you can tell this was a new and extraordinary defense in England twelve years later.

Ms. Bainbridge is the type of writer you would like to corner and ask, "What made you think this, write in this particular way, and where in the world do your ideas come from?" She is, as always, fascinating.

A Very Different Watson.......2001-06-01

Ms. Bainbridge has taken well-known bits of History and placed her mark on them. When she has done this the degree of familiarity you may have had with the event is forever altered. Previously I have enjoyed her version of events that were famous and or notorious, however this time her subject is one that was completely unknown. Further it was not even a remarkable story albeit a true one until Ms. Bainbridge decided to complete all that might have happened which was a larger piece of the known story. History recorded only the results and consequences never the cause.

This is not the Watson of literary fame that spent his time sleuthing with the great Sherlock Holmes. This man is as ordinary as the afore mentioned were extraordinary, and he only rose to average when at his best. The story is based on a true crime of the late 19th Century and one that is committed in this country on a daily basis. This part is important for the Author takes an event that is anything but momentous and makes it an excellent read. Further she ventures into social and moral commentary that is valid and argued to this day.

The Reverend Watson commits a hideous crime, not even he contests this fact. What no one can account for is why the act took place and his state of mind when committing it. The writer supplies a multiple decade history of what might have happened inclusive of the briefest of alleged dialogue.

The triumph here is a novel that utilizes a host of documents and court transcripts together with letters to a variety of newspapers. But they are only a part, almost addenda to what Ms. Bainbridge adds. It is as though she was given only an answer and wrote a thesis on the question.

This is another wonderful work by a writer who is consistently excellent.

They drove each other NUTS!.......2001-05-09

This book is a real gem. The pleasure of reading it works in several ways. First, the Victorian period is evoked with stifling and dingy clarity; second, the character flaws and clashes between both Watson and his wife are drawn naturally and unsparingly; and finally, because the murder and its consequences are tightly and thrillingly narrated. It's such a page-turner that I can't understand why it hasn't been a hit on any continent (I found it at a used book seller's in London).

They drove each other NUTS!.......2001-05-09

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Lush and vivid.

Not Free SF Reader

Ran out of steam

Stands up well over time.

Lord Valentine's Castle
Lord Valentine's Castle (Majipoor Cycle)
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Silverberg, Robert | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Majipoor Chronicles: Majipoor Chronicles (Majipoor Cycle)

Valentine Pontifex (Majipoor Cycle)

Sorcerers of Majipoor (Prestimion Trilogy (Paperback))

Mountains of Majipoor, The

Lord Prestimion (Prestimion Trilogy)

ASIN: 0061054879

Book Description

The national bestselling saga from the stunning imagination of Robert Silverberg continues in the first new hardcover Majipoor novel in nearly a decade. As a prequel to Silverberg's earlier Majipoor novels. Sorcerers of Majipoor provides a deep, dark vision for the background of the conflict inLord Valentine's Castle and Valentine Pontifex.

Treachery and wizardry run rampant under the reign of the mighty Pontifex, as both the rightful and the unworthy heirs to the throne anxiously await his demise. Korsibar, son of the current Coronal, plots with his twin sister and ambitious companions to seize the power of the Coronal when his father ascends to the throne of the Pontifex.

But the burdens of the crown and scepter exact a higher price than Korsibar is prepared to pay. His rival fights to take his appointed place as keeper of his beloved Majipoor... and to restore order to the utter chaos that has befallen their world.

"Silverberg has created a big planet, chock-a-block with life and potential...." -- The Washington Post

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"Silverberg has created a big planet, chock-a-block with life and potential...." -- The Washington Post

Customer Reviews:

Lush and vivid........2007-09-17

I can still remember my 15th summer. Coming home and sitting on my front stoop and cracking open Lord's Valentine Castle. I had picked it at random out of the rack. The cover had caught my eye and I had bought it on impulse. I was spellbound. It was my first exposure to any of silverberg's writing and was overcome by the vivid and lushness of it. The shear sensuality was almost overwhelming. I just read it again almost 30 yrs later and to my surprise it held up wonderfully.
think of that!Gideon's Fall: When You Dont Have a Prayer, Only a Miracle Will Do

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

On the planet Majipoor several races coexist with humans. The plot has to do with political manipulation and skullduggery, and alien plots. The main character is an amnesiac man named Valentine, who joins a troupe of wandering jugglers and learns their trade.

He realises something is wrong with the government, and the mythological ruling figure, and sets out to do something about it.

Ran out of steam.......2006-09-19

Very good book that seemed to run out of steam the last hundred pages. Unique and imaginative ideas, but enough already with Lord Valentine winning all the time. Where did the conflict go? Silverberg is a great sci fi author, among the best, but this epic work just lost me at the end.

Stands up well over time........2006-09-07

I have been in a phase lately of re-reading science fiction and fantasy favorites from when I was a teenager. What I have generally found is that I still enjoy them, but that nostalgia provides most of the pleasure. Lord Valentine's Castle is the rare example that I suspect I would enjoy as much if I were reading it for the first time today.

The adventures of Valentine, the juggling apprentice with disturbing holes in his memory, are well conceived and written. Majipoor is a fascinating world-- heir to complex issues of right and wrong and full of a variety of races. Not only is there enough material to keep this book interesting, but there enough unexplained details to keep the world worth exploring for the next book (and the book after that).

One of the things that has really disturbed me in reading science fiction and fantasy from this period has been the female characters. It is very difficult for me to believe that I digested them so easily as a young teenager. I am very happy that Silverberg is an exception in this regard. The women are more than able to take care of themselves and are strong vibrant characters in their own right.

Highly recommended for science fiction readers of any generation.

Lord Valentine's Castle.......2006-06-09

Unlike any other books, Lord Valentine's Castle is one of the greatest SciFi books out there thanks to the vivd language used within the book and the way that this book was written. This story takes place in an exotic world of Majipoor where everything is fantasy. Robert Silverberg brought together both humans and animals into one book.

Valentine(who happends to be a Lord) has had his body replaced by the ShapeShifters of Majipoor. Find out his adventure as he struggles to find his lost memories and regain his powers. Learn about his other companions who are helping him on his journey and find out the secrets that lies in Majipoor. This book takes people into a whole new world with the description of Majipoor and the journey Valentine goes through. Reading this book captures your imagination and takes you above and beyond the eyes of a human to see a lords' kingdom and all the race of humans and life forms that live in the book of Lord Valentine's Castle.

Lord Valentines Castle Collector's Edition

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Lord Valentines Castle Collector's Edition
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: Easton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000M9IB00

Product Description

Masterpieces of Fantasy bound in geniune leather

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LORD VALENTINE'S CASTLE

Manufacturer: Harper & Row Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GP6M8S

0330264621 Lord Valentine's Castle Silverberg Robert

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0330264621 Lord Valentine's Castle Silverberg Robert

Manufacturer: Pan Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0330700715

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Lord Valentine's Castle
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: Harper and Row
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JVFYVU

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Lord Valentine's Castle
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JVTV32

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LORD VALENTINE'S CASTLE
Robert [Dust Wrapper illustration by Ron Walotsky, author photo by Jay Kay Klein] Silverberg
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OE5U6G

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Lord Valentine's Castle
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: Harper Prism
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K2LCF0

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Lord Valentine's Castle
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: Book Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VQAOK4

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Lord Valentine's Castle
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: New York: Bantam Books, 1981
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NX2HYQ

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Review

War From the Hanger Deck

Great read about a hero who isn't a twenty-something genius

Basically a good story that needs polish

Outstanding

The Rising (The Flight Engineer, Book 1)
James Doohan , and S.M. Stirling
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Stirling, S.M. | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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The Privateer (The Flight Engineer, Book 2)

1634: The Bavarian Crisis (The Ring of Fire)

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Fearless (The Lost Fleet, Book 2)

Dauntless (The Lost Fleet, Book 1)

ASIN: 067131954X
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Customer Reviews:

Review.......2004-03-31

First of all something to congratulate the author with is it has nicely escaped the Star Trek genre. It is not just another romp through the galaxy USS Enterprise story, not that there is anything wrong with those.
This book drops the reader into the life of ex-pilot turned Flight Engineer Peter Raeder as he leaves his flying days behind him and ventures onto the deck of a spick and span state of the art spaceship. However all is not well, a lot happens in this story with several plot lines and sub plots. From intergalactic wars right down to the quirkiness of Raeders subordinates it feels like a real, plausible environment.
Of course no SF story is complete without science, luckily this book does not drown us in techno babble. The science is believable and doesn't distract the reader from the story.
Another thing that I enjoyed about this book is it is not a perfect place. Even on the "good guys" side not everything is well. Space Command has its fair share of incompetence and blundering bureaucracy, which gives rough edges to the futuristic world. It is good to see some things never change.
The camaraderie and relationships, and especially Raeders own thoughts about the people he knows give an interesting insight in his world. A well-rounded novel, however one complaint that the demise of Larkin at the end of the novel is somewhat of an anti-climax, but it is hardly a major spoiler.

War From the Hanger Deck.......2003-07-25

Rising is the first novel in the Flight Engineer series. Commander Peter Raeder was an ace fighter pilot, but lost his right hand in a Mollie ambush. Now he is a young flight engineer assigned to the Fast Carrier Invincible.

The Mission of Life Lived in Ecclesia sect, the Mollies, have rebelled against the Commonwealth. Since this religious group is rather abrasive and intolerant, none would deny them autonomy if antihydrogen was available anywhere else. If the Mollies become independent, however, the Commonwealth will suffer a tremendous economic setback. Moreover, the Mollies have allied with the Fibians, alien sentients, which has generated xenophobic fears in the Commonwealth population. War soon followed.

In this novel, Raeder has been released from therapy and received his orders. After a shuttle ride to Lunabase, he boards the freighter Africa for transport to Ontario Base. Enroute, Africa's convoy is attacked by raiders and Raeder thwarts the assault by crossing over to a raider ship in his spacesuit and breaking its sensors with a hammer. In his spare time, he wins most of the crew's available money playing Dynamics.

On the Invincible, Raeder is responsible for keeping 36 Speed fighters and seven stealth fighters operating. He controls everything on the hanger deck except operations. His second-in-command is Lieutenant Cynthia Robbins, an excellent technician but short on people skills. As he learns during his interview with the Captain, Raeder also has the unofficial responsibility for discovering the saboteur who killed his predecessor.

Raeder is an innovative, experienced and pragmatic officer. His methods are often outside the box, but produce good results. In other words, he is the kind of engineer, and officer, that combat commanders love to have in their units, but that desk jockeys despise and fear.

This novel draws upon Doohan's experience as a engineer, artillery commander, and flying officer in the Canadian Army during World War II. It may even have been influenced by his years playing Scotty, chief engineer on the Enterprise under Captain Kirk.

Recommended for Stirling and "Scotty" fans and anyone else who enjoys tales of mavericks thumbing their noses at authority while getting the job done.

Great read about a hero who isn't a twenty-something genius.......2002-06-29

Being an adult sci fi reader I've had my fill of reading about central characters who are young guys or gals. This one is about a guy in at least his fifties as the hero of the story. That is what appealed to me so much here. The story is told from the viewpoint about a guy who isn't super human. That makes it all the more interesting.

Basically a good story that needs polish.......2000-09-19

The Rising has a fairly well executed plot, with twists and turns that keep you guessing how things will work out. The protagonist, Peter Raeder is a likable sort, as are his shipmates (if not likeable, believeable). However, if you've never read S.M. Stirling's work before, don't judge him by this novel. Read his Island in the Sea of Time or Domination of the Draka, to get a handle on what he can do with a story.

There were several things about the book that I found to be amateurish. The story is set on a military space ship, but the dialog and references show a lack of knowledge of military jargon, particularly the way people address each other. Since Stirling has written accurately about military situations in his other books, I have to say the book wasn't well edited. James Doohan should also have some understanding of military conduct from his role on the original Star Trek. There were also a few places were it was difficult to follow the characters.

However, on the whole the story is a good one. The motivations of the characters are natural and well thought out, and the plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. However, the book could have used a bit more editing before it was published.

Outstanding.......2000-05-23

This an outstanding debut for Mr. Doohan. I liked the story, and the sarcastic humor of the protagonist made me laugh out loud a few times. It was also quite interesting to read a military science fiction story told from the perspective of someone in a non-combat role.

The Flight Engineer in Three Volumes: The Rising; The Privateer; The Independent Command

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The Flight Engineer in Three Volumes: The Rising; The Privateer; The Independent Command
James & Stirling, S.M. Doohan
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000TZJY4E

H Aerospace Control Design: A Vstol Flight Application (Advances in Industrial Control)

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H Aerospace Control Design: A Vstol Flight Application (Advances in Industrial Control)
R. A. Hyde
Manufacturer: Springer-Verlag Telos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Sober view of a contentious issue

Women in the Church: Reclaiming the Ideal
Carroll Osburn
Manufacturer: Abilene Christian Univ Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

New Testament | Criticism & Interpretation | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0891120211

Book Description

One of today's most respected New Testament scholars tackles one of the modern church's most sensitive issues. A thorough and objective study of the textual evidence for God's view of gender differences and their implications for the Kingdom, this book is perfect for individual or class study.

Customer Reviews:

Sober view of a contentious issue.......2006-12-13

Carroll Osburn provides a thorough examination of Scripture in regards to the issue of women's role within the church, or more precisely the church's view on women. He engages with the leading proponents on each side of the current debate between egalitarians and complementarians. While Osburn does not hide his egalitarian viewpoint this does not seem to bias his approach to the difficult texts within the Bible. He concludes in certain places that the texts used by egalitarians simply do not support their conclusions.

The greatest strength of the book is its sober approach to a topic that has become and is becoming more emotive. Osburn concludes that the Bible does not support either side to the extent that each side claims. However, this does not mean that Osburn thinks that the Bible has nothing to say on the issue. He concludes that the Bible supports more of an egalitarian viewpoint that is consistent with the cultural practices of any given society.

In the end this book does not provide concrete answers in a formulaic way to such a difficult issue. However, it does provide a framework that allows individuals and communities to come to an understanding of the issue and to apply it to their given situation.

This book will not appeal to those looking for a list of the roles women can and cannot do. I doubt that was ever the intention of Osburn. However, this book will appeal to those who are within the faith seeking understanding.

Book Description

Sure, you can tell red wine from white wine, but where do you go from there? You know how complex the intricacies of wine stewardship can be: How do you make sense of the label and learn to identify a good wine by the way it looks or smells? The Everything(r) Wine Book is your one-stop shop for conquering the world of wine-one grape at a time! In this completely updated second edition, you'll learn to:

Talk the wine talk like a sommelier

Understand and deconstruct wine labels, region by region

Master tasting techniques that refine your palate

Choose the perfect bottle for every occasion

Build and stock your own wine cellar

Tour the best wineries like a pro
Complete with a pronunciation guide and glossary of terms, The Everything(r) Wine Book the perfect vino companion for anyone-whether you're picking up a bottle for the first time or are a seasoned glass-tipper interested in learning more!

Book Description

Learn to create a beautiful collection of flower embroideries and many other favorites.

Flowers for Embroidery is an inspiring yet practical book for embroiderers of all skill levels. Using detailed color photographs of the different stages to give full and clear explanations, Richard Box reveals the techniques he uses to create gis glorious collection of flower embroideries.

Book Description

Who doesn't love the great outdoors? Nature's bounty entices, enthralls, calms, and soothes us and the best part is, anyone can enjoy it.

Outdoor Decorating is the one-stop resource for planning, designing, decorating, and accessorizing outdoor spaces and so much more. It shows how to apply the principles of interior decorating to terraces, patios, porches, decks, sunrooms and other spaces. In addition, it shows how to bring the elements of nature in, through over 40 beautiful handmade gifts- from lamp shades to mirrors to bath teas and pillows- using natural materials and themes.

Whether the area in question is a small urban container garden or a lush country garde, this comprehensive guide shows how everyone can use nature to beautify his or her home inside and out.

Book Description

The story of an ordinary man, who had a rather extraordinary life. Sid pulls no punches, he tells it like it happened - the good and the bad. As they say, "He let's it all hang out!" In addition to the story of his unusual adult life, the story also includes interesting anecdotes of his grandparents, all of whom immigrated to the United States, and adapted to a new land; and of one of their sons - Sid's father - who dragged his family all over the country, as he tried to make his fortune. He was an avid photographer, and the book is profusely illustrated with over 300 photographs.

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