The enigma of Admiral Darlan,

Customer Reviews:

Almost Completely Unreadable.......2006-12-30

I bought this book 13 years ago. It's been sitting around ever since. It's not that I wasn't interested in the topic: rather the opposite actually. I just never got around to reading it. I'm almost a collector of obscure and unnoticed events from World War II and from warfare in general. The assassination of Admiral Francois Darlan on Christmas Eve 1942 is one of those events that gets mentioned in history books, but usually without much elaboration beyond that it happened, and that Darlan's death cleared the field for de Gaulle, who wound up leading the Free Frech movement unchallenged. Darlan was Marshal Petain's deputy in the Vichy French government for a while, and then contrived to be in North Africa when the Allies launched Operation Torch and overran the place. He convinced the Allies (notably Eisenhower's protege General Mark Clark, and his diplomatic deputy Robert Murphy) that he was the only person who could provide stability in North Africa, and began ruling the provinces in the name of Marshal Petain, still in metropolitan France, and soon a guest of Hitler. Darlan was a shady character, an admiral who wound up being best known for his political maneuvering, and his flexible ethics--within the same year he met Hitler and pledged support to the Third Reich, and then met Eisenhower and pledged support to the Allied cause--made him a slippery character at best, and one the Allies knew they couldn't trust. His death benefited the Allies in general (though the Americans, according to the author, weren't aware of it at the time) and De Gaulle in particular, leaving him an almost completely clear field in his run for leadership of the Fighting French movement.

This book is an examination of Darlan's killing, and the events that led up to it. While this subject is fascinating to me, the book itself is so poorly written it's almost impenetrable. Verrier supposedly was a journalist at one point, but you have to wonder: if he was a journalist, did he forget how to write? Or perhaps the publication he wrote for preferred the prose in their publication so dense as to defy understanding? I don't know. One way or the other, what we get here is so unreadable I found myself falling asleep, something I virtually never do when reading a book.

This isn't helped any by the author's premise, which is (near as I can tell) that many people benefited from Darlan's passing, but none of them beyond his killer had much to do with his death. There's much discussion of various individuals telling one another that "Darlan must be eliminated" and then the author follows that with a notation that there's no evidence the individual had anything to do with the assassination. Verrier goes into excruciating detail discussing the various machinations that Darlan went through as he attempted to gain control, first of North Africa, and then of metripolitan France once the Allies liberated it. Apparently he sensed that Roosevelt would want someone pliable to run France when the Americans were occupying a large part of the country, and imagined that he might fulfill that role, edging from it into a real leadership position in the country. The author makes it clear that as far as he's concerned, it was very unlikely that such a thing would have happened. He quotes several Fighting French officialas who insisted that if the Americans tried to install some sort of government in France, with Darlan at its head, this would lead to a civil war in France. Apparently no one else at the time thought it a good idea either, other than some of the Americans who almost instinctively disliked de Gaulle at first sight. The author follows the various principles through a series of conspiracies, misunderstandings, arguments, disagreements, negotiations, betrayals, and other interactions that would be bewildering in any case: with Verrier at the helm, the whole things virtually incomprehensible.

I was looking forward to this book, and frankly I was very disappointed with it. The information it provides isn't earth-shattering in any fashion, though some of the details of the various diplomatic maneuvers might be of interest to a specialist. The writing kills any enjoyment anyone might get from the book. I know history isn't written primarily for entertainment, but I'm reminded of Barbara Tuchman's observation that if history is so poorly written that no one reads it, it does no one any good.

One last thing: this book has numerous quotes included in the text in French. It really detracted from my understanding of the book. After finishing the book I found a section at the back headed "Translations". I've never seen this before, didn't know to look for it, and find it awkward. If anyone else reads the book, you should be aware this section is here before you start.

Murderous Conspiracy Revealed !.......2000-10-26

Admiral Jean-Francois Darlan, heir-apparent to Marshal Petain, is revealed in this book to have been a key player in a pivotal episode in World War II. Behind the mystery of Admiral Darlan's presence in Algiers in November 1942 was a conflict between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill on which hung the fate of France.

Book Description

Admiral Jean Francois Darlan's Western legacy is that of an opportunist, a fascist collaborator, or, at worst, a traitor during France's struggle for survival in the early years of World War II. This study, however, based upon new research from French, English, and German archival sources, paints a different picture. With a career beginning during the height of France's imperial power and lasting until the nation's rapid wartime decline, Darlan was a pragmatic statesman, a guardian of naval preparedness, a stout opponent of fascism, an earnest patron of the Anglo-French Alliance, and an advocate of combined naval power in the Mediterranean. He defended French naval and colonial interests against all foreign powers before and during the war, and his success in this area eventually resulted in his assassination. Darlan's career was characterized by his loyal service to his government and nation. One of the first to recognize the German threat, he openly favored naval rearmament in the early 1930s. He was also instrumental in the success of the 1937 Nyon Conference on Mediterranean security, which was the only prewar military effort against fascist aggression. During the occupation, Darlan pursued diplomacy to ease the burdens of the French people. Yet, these very negotiations with the Germans, along with his bitter reaction to Britain's surprise attack against the French fleet at Mers el-Kebir, would result in his reputation as an opportunist and a collaborator with the fascists. This examination of the man whose murder would ease the way for Charles de Gaulle will captivate anyone interested in the political intrigues of World War II.

Customer Reviews:

Highly Inaccurate book.......2004-05-29

I would advise readers not to believe the hype about this book. There are severe factual errors contained in this volume (such as incorrect birth dates for Darlan's parents) and much of the research is based upon the discredited work of Jules Blancqchot of the Ecole du Historisme. The author also overlooks Darlan's blatant racism, including the brutal repression of the Maldives Rebellion.

Rescuing Darlan - Rescatando a Darlan.......2002-09-15

This book is highly recommended to those who want to know more about Darlan than just his murder in Algiers in 1942. His career is well described, specially when trying to pact a joint effort with the British to control the Mediterranean and prevent Mussolini's Italy of becoming a menace, as well as matching Hitler naval rearmament. Melton offers great insight on Darlan's efforts to maintain the French empire together while the Germans occupied most of France. His duel with Laval and his loyalty to Pétain are widely described, as well as his dilemma of trying to get American support without offering the Germans an excuse to occupy all France and collaborate with the Germans without getting France back into the war on the German side. The climax of this book takes place when the American and British forces invade North Africa, when Darlan was forced to make his mind up, choosing the American (not the British, who supported De Gaulle) side instead of following Pétain's orders to defend North Africa. A must read!

Book Description

The same characters from the book "Little Tree", Amanda the Squirrel and Little Tree, reappear in a story for children who are facing death: their own, or that of a loved one. Amanda calls upon the Tree Wizards of the Forest to help Gentle Willow, who is suffering from a mysterious ailment, but the Tree Wizards are unable to help. Amanda struggles with loss, confusion, anger, and finally, hope, as she helps Gentle Willow understand and accept her death. This sensitively written story is brought to life by Chesworth's hauntingly beautiful watercolors.

Customer Reviews:

Great Great Book.......2007-07-25

I love this book. I bought this book for my 3 yr old to help explain death to him after my husband passed away. It was perfect because it explained about being sick and not being able to be fixed sometimes. This was similar to what we were going through with my husband who had cancer. Our son always knew his father has being sick and going to the doctor...so this helped to explain.

Sweet story.......2007-07-10

My daughter enjoyed the story greatly. i wouldn't say it completely gave her an understanding of death but she knows that when you die you don't come back from where ever you went. this help a lot considering my mother just passed 3 months ago and my daughter is still talking about it.

Very Sweet and Kind.......2007-03-08

This was a very sweet story. It would be best used on a child who is able to draw analogies. I am a school counselor who often deals with children in the public school setting who are not able to relate such stories to their lives. However, it is a very good book.

This book is wonderful!.......2007-02-21

My father has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I got this book for my 9 year old daughter. It is her favorite, and I love it too. It is very gentle and calm and sweet. A story about dying and how life goes on. I love it!

Helping children deal with the pain of a terminal illness.......2002-03-04

When I first read "Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying," I thought it was about preparing a child for the death of a terminally ill loved one. After all, the story tells about Amanda, a squirrel, and her friends Little Tree and Gentle Willow. One day Amanda notices that Gentle Willow looks and feels differently. Amanda becomes concerned about her friend and calls in Fixumup and Imageen the tree wizards, who check Gentle Willow and have to admit that while they can make her feel more comfortable and help her feel stronger, they cannot make her all better. The tree wizards comfort Amanda about the impending loss of her friend by explaining about the special gifts called memories.

When I finished reading this book I turned to the introduction and learned "Gentle Willow" was written for children who may not survive their illness as well as for the children who know them. I have to admit, I thought this sensitive book would also help children prepare for the death of a grandparent, or someone of any age. The basic metaphor of the caterpillars turning into butterflies applies any loved one. Dr. Mills developed this book out of an earlier effort, "Little Tree: A Story for Children with Serious Medical Problems," which reflects her specialty in storytelling as a healing process of children and adults. Obviously, this book will touch adults as well as the children for whom it was intended. The watercolor illustrations by Michael Chesworth captures the shifting tones of this tale, especially through the subtle changes on the face of Amanda, as sadness is replaced by hope through the healing power of love.

I wish your children will never have a need for such a book, but if the situation arises, I hope that you find this book.

Average customer rating:

Fabulous Basic Italian Cookbook

An Underrated Classic

We love this book!

Excellent!

365 Easy Italian Recipes. a John Boswell Associates Book (365 Ways Series)
Rick Marzullo O'Connell
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Quick & Easy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Italian | European | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

365 Ways to Cook Chicken (Anniversary Edition)

365 Great Barbecue and Grilling Recipes (365 Ways)

365 Easy One Dish Meals Anniversary Edition

365 Ways to Cook Fish and Shellfish (365 Ways)

365 Snacks, Hors D'Oeuvres, and Appetizers (365 Ways)

ASIN: 0060163100

Book Description

Of all the world's cuisines, Italian is by far the most popular.whether it's the comfort of hearty southern Italian or the more delicatedelights of lighter northern Italian cuisine, the simple truth is allItalian food tastes great. Now, with365 EASY ITALIAN RECIPES,you can serve your family their favorite Italian dishes every day ofthe year.Here in one volume are all the Italian classics, from "Shrimp Scampi,"Linguine with Clam Sauce," and "Veal Piccata" "to kids" favoriten such as "Spaghetti and Meatballs", "Eggplant Parmigiana," and"Chicken Cacciatore." There are even two pasta chapters - one for dried and one for fresh - a whole section on the Italian way with vegetables, and a generous collection of antipasto dishes, which many people consider the best part of the Italian meal. One especially tantalizing chapter teaches you how to turn store-bought bread dough into pizzas, calzones, flavored bread sticks,focaccio, and old-fashioned heroes. Finally, for a real treat, try one of the recommended Italian desserts like "Biscuit Tortoni "Cassata alla Siciliana," or "Italian Cheesecake." Whether cooking for a crowd, your family, or simply indulging yourself, 365 EASY ITALIAN RECIPES will bring a bella vita toyour table.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous Basic Italian Cookbook.......2006-02-21

Nothing too fancy, just reliably delicious Italian-American dishes. My mother (2nd generation I-A) loves this book and bought copies for all her daughters.

Don't let the title fool you - these are some terrific, easy recipes.

An Underrated Classic.......2003-09-05

This was the first cookbook I ever bought, back when I moved into my own apartment about 12 years ago. Many times I relied on the straightforward recipes and advice to easily create wonderful meals. These are the kinds of recipes you can knock off at a moment's notice, invite a few people over for dinner, and listen to them rave about your cooking for YEARS after that.

To keep in mind, they are mostly Italian-American recipes, so they're more hearty immigrant fare than complex northern italian-style (though there is a whole chapter on risotto - which breaks down the process so simply that literally anyone can make homemade risotto). Also no pictures, but every word of the text is helpful.

Very highly recommended!

We love this book!.......2003-05-05

I originally got this book because I was looking for [an inexpensive] Italian cookbook. I had low expectations, just wanted a couple of quick recipes. Instead, I got one of the best cookbooks I have ever owned. My wife and I love this book and use it all the time. The recipes are usually very easy, and always delicious. We are constantly amazed at how good the food turns out.

Excellent!.......1999-11-10

We cook alot of Italian dishes and this book has not failed us yet. Veal Chops Stuffed with Spinich has become our favorite "company dish". When we aren't sure what we want for dinner or if we feel like trying something new, this is the first book we consult.

Average customer rating:

a little old-fashioned

Very 'eighties'!

Nice Book

Pretty Good Book!

This is a Picture Book, but they are good pictures

388 Great Hairstyles
Margit Rudiger , and Renate von Samson
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Hair | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Complete Book of Hairstyling

Beautiful Braids: The Step-by-Step Guide to Braiding Styles for Every Occasion and All Ages

Hairstyles

SalonOvations' Braids and Updos Made Easy

Hair: Styling Tips and Tricks for Girls (American Girl Library)

ASIN: 0806994010

Book Description

"Those bad hair days may have finally met their match! The variety of hair cuts and styles is mega. The instructions are simple and complete. And there are tons of cool photos....how to create everything from funky flat twists to tousled updos to classic french braids. Useful tidbits tell how to keep hair healthy....explains what hair styles fit different face shapes....a wonderful fashion tool. Try the styles at home or take the book to the salon and let the stylist do all the work."--Detroit News.

Customer Reviews:

a little old-fashioned.......2005-01-06

the possibilities the book provided were nice, but at most i'd say this is a book to use for "inspiration." The styles were all a bit outdated and thereby not so useful, especially for the younger crowd.

Very 'eighties'!.......2003-06-28

This book gives lots of styling ideas but be aware that many of the styles (and photographs)are definitely dated and hark back to the eighties! That said, the best part of this book is that it gives the sense that one hairstyle can still provide many possibilities for having different looks for different occasions.

Nice Book.......2003-05-12

This book is pretty good, but it's not one of those books that have hairstyles like braids and buns. The book starts off with some basic haircuts for all lengths of hair, then it goes on to give many hairstyles that can be acheived with one of the basic cuts. This book includes hairstyles for short, medium, and long hair, and has hairstlyes for all types of hair. This book also features tips about caring for your hair and what to do if you have problems like oily hair or split ends. My only complaint is that the book lacks instruction. There is some instruction, but not much. However, this is a great book, and wonderful for anyone who wants to do something new with their hair.

Pretty Good Book!.......2003-03-30

I generally enjoyed this book, and I do think that it is a good reference for people looking to change the way their hair is styled. However...

Note to Potentially Dissatisfied Customers:

This book is NOT a book that tells you how to braid your hair or put it up. It is a book that gives you ideas on ways to cut your hair or restyle it at the length that it already is. If you are looking to find ways of putting your hair up, I recommend "Hair" by Anne Akers Johnson instead of this book.

This is a Picture Book, but they are good pictures.......2002-09-18

I can understand that people would be upset that this book does not have instructions for the styles. The editorial review does lead people to believe that this book explains things. It really doesn't explain anything. Then again most magazines don't explain styles either. This book is meant for choosing a style. If you are using this book for that purpose then its a great book. This would be a great book for salons to have in their lobby.

Average customer rating:

388 Great Hairstyles
Margit; Samson, Renate Von; Von Samson, Renate Rudiger
Manufacturer: Sterling Pub Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OLF4OW

Book Description

An Inspiring Approach to Reading

From A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to Ramona the Pest to Wringer, here are 100 great books guaranteed to stir the imagination, spark conversation, and lead the way to adventure.

In 100 Books for Girls to Grow On, Shireen Dodson, author of the acclaimed The Mother-Daughter Book Club, offers a selection of both new and classic titles. Each book has been handpicked because it is a joy to read, because it inspires mother-daughter dialogue, and because it encourages creativity beyond the book experience.

Included are brief plot summaries for each book, as well as thought-provoking discussion questions, inspired field trip ideas, fun crafts and activities, and biographies of the authors.

Let books become a springboard for encouraging your daughter's imagination. Ideas inside include:

Design and draw colorful dresses like Wanda Petronski, heroine of Eleanore Estes' The Hundred Dresses.
Take your cue from Harriet the Spy and create your own stories from overheard snippets of conversation.
While reading Caddie Woodlawn, pull out a map and trace Caddie's mother's journey from Boston to the Wisconsin frontier.

You don't need to form a book club to use and enjoy 100 Books for Girls to Grow On. Shireen Dodson offers stimulating ideas that will spark your daughter's creativity and nurture a love for books.

Customer Reviews:

Great Resource and Springboard.......2004-09-07

We started a mother-daughter book club last year with 7 4th grade families. We used this book for creative ideas for book meetings, as a springboard for discussion, and as a reference for choosing our books. The moms and the daughters enjoy club every month. The girls especially like having the power to pick what their mother (and other mothers) will be reading too! This book was really helpful and continues to be. The book list has a variety of books for ages 3rd grade through high school. A great resource.

Sometimes girls need encouragement to read!.......2001-11-04

Because of the success of the mother-daughter book club, author Shireen Dodson was prompted to write a book titled "The Mother-Daughter Book Club." But here, she compiled a great number of suggested readings for young girls. And, included are questions to provide discussion, analyze characters motives, actions, etc.

The author feels that good discussion questions broaden reading experience. She believes these discussions with your daughter give her an outlet to listen to mother's opinions, morals and values. This way mother isn't preaching and lecturing rather just discussing things. It keeps lines of communication open tremendously! This approach to your children is valuable!

She also provides an average reading time and the pages. She says the books range for girls ages 9 to 13, some for younger and some for older than 13 years old.

Included is a small blurb about the authors, some author's titles listed a few times. Themes are listed for each book, whether it is cultural, race, freedom, choice, sacrifice, friendship, relationships, identity, self esteem, family, responsibility, etc. After each blurb are suggested activities pertaining to specific books.

And, the author, Dodson, suggests other books that girls might like. For each book listed, she recommends books of similar likeness. The other suggested readings are not necessarily included in her 100 list, which is great because these titles are also referenced in the index. That's what makes this segment wonderful, more books are suggested

This is a wonderful reference as motivation to read!....MzRizz

helpful aid in mother-daughter discussion group.......1999-02-16

We started our mother-daughter book discussion group 1 year ago and have found this recent publication to be extremely helpful. We pass the book amoung the members to aid in the next month's selection. The discussion questions are great and the activities help us get a start.

Wow! A highly recommended parenting and reading tool........1998-07-31

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this great book. My eight year old daughter and I read Caddie Woodlawn together. We then used Shireen Dodson's very thoughtful discussion questions. The result was a highly satisfying coversation between my daughter and me, and a more memorable reading experience than either of us had imagined possible. This book will inspire mothers and daughters to read books and talk about them, and in the process learn more about themselves and each other. 100 Books for Girls to Grow On is an inspired idea, lovingly executed, and sure to be a hit with mothers and daughters everywhere.

Average customer rating:

100 Books for Girls to Grow on
Shireen Dodson
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OF5GEQ

Book Description

This major structural engineering manual covers overall detail design of structural timber and includes extensive tables and coefficients for speedy reference. The current edition takes account of revisions to BS 5268: Part 2 and outlines the new Eurocode on timber. It is available for the first time in paperback.

Design of Structural Elements: Concrete, Steelwork, Masonry and Timber Design to British Standard

Average customer rating:

Design of Structural Elements: Concrete, Steelwork, Masonry and Timber Design to British Standard
C. Arya
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Architectural Standards | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0415268443

Book Description

The second edition of this popular textbook provides, in a single volume, an introduction to the design of structural elements in concrete, steel, timber and masonry.
Part One explains the principles and philosophy of design, basic techniques, and structural concepts. Designing in accordance with British Standard codes of practice follows in Part Two, with numerous diagrams and worked examples. In Part Three the Eurocodes are introduced, and their main differences to British codes are explained. Comprehensively revised and updated to comply with the latest British Standards and Eurocodes, the second edition also features a new section on the use and design of Composite materials.
With an accompanying solutions manual available online, Design of Structural Elements is the ideal course text for students of civil and structural engineering.

Final Report on the Fourth Census of Production (1930). Part IV. The Timber Trades. The Clay, Building Materials and Building Trades. Miscellaneous Trades. Mines and Quarries. Public Utility Services and Government Departments.

Average customer rating:

Final Report on the Fourth Census of Production (1930). Part IV. The Timber Trades. The Clay, Building Materials and Building Trades. Miscellaneous Trades. Mines and Quarries. Public Utility Services and Government Departments.
Great Britain. Board of Trade.
Manufacturer: London: HMSO,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ITZPJE

Manual on the Use of Timber in Coastal and River Engineering

Average customer rating:

Manual on the Use of Timber in Coastal and River Engineering
Matt Crossman , and Jonathan Simm
Manufacturer: Thomas Telford, Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0727732838

Book Description

This informative manual has been designed to provide guidance on the principal issues surrounding the use of timber in coastal and river engineering. For centuries timber has traditionally been used for the construction of a wide range of coastal and river structures including: groynes, jetties, lock gates, navigation aids and riverbank protection. It is an attractive choice of construction material because it is renewable, is easy to use, repair and recycle, has a high strength/weight ratio and is visually appealing. Many timbers used in coastal and river engineering are also highly durable, resisting abrasion and tolerating impacts well. If timber is to be used, its potential drawbacks must also be addressed. These include variability in its properties, limited availability of large, strong and durable species in Europe and the limited renewability of many of the durable tropical hardwood species. Despite these limitations, when recycled or obtained from sustainably managed forests, timber has the potential to be an environmentally responsible choice of material.

Average customer rating:

Timber and Brick Building in Kent
Kenneth Gravett
Manufacturer: Kent Archaeological Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

Timber Building in Britain
R.W. Brunskill
Manufacturer: Gollancz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

Timber!

Timber Castles
Robert Higham , and Philip Barker
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Reissue of a book first published by Batsford in 1992 and long out of print, this is the standard work on the subject. With a new Foreword by Robert Higham, and with improved quality of reproduction of some of the illustrations. Some of the greatest medieval castles survive only as earthworks and in pictures and written accounts because they were made of timber. Robert Higham and Philip Barker, have brought together evidence of all kinds to produce the first comprehensive survey of this neglected and little-known type of fortification. From the authors' 1992 Preface: "The purpose of this book is to restore timber castles to their rightful place in the history of fortification; to show that they were not temporary versions of stone castles, but were formidable strongholds which dominated their surrounding landscapes, sometimes for centuries." Illustrated throughout, numerous photos

Customer Reviews:

Timber!.......2004-06-18

When the Normans conquered England in 1066, they were presented with a problem -- how does one take control of such a vast and unruly land? It has been generally understood that the Normans built series of castles all across the land for local control; the remains of such castles, if not still in use as residences, are archaeological sites and tourist destinations around the country. The Normans took over the existing feudal system, installing their own overlords, but then the lords had to be secure against their local types.

Stone-built castles can take generations to complete, and the new local barons didn't have that kind of time. Thus, the new lords turned to easier building materials -- England was covered with oak trees; the timber castle was devised. Because timber castles don't have the staying power of stone-built castles; indeed, many would end up being replaced by stone castles, this stage in the evolution of castle building is little known and understood.

One of the most interesting and well-developed archaeological sites of a timber castle is Hen Domen, by Philip Barker in a search for something different. The mound was relatively undisturbed, and Barker saw it as a likely place for medieval ceramics. What he found was completely different, and rather unexpected.

Hen Domen was an ancient castle of motte and bailey design. The motte is a hill or a mound with a gulley cut into the ground surrounding it -- later castles would keep this design, and fill the gulley with water; hence, the moat. A wooden structure would sit atop the mound, usually the private residence and other essential buildings. Sometimes, as at Hen Domen, there is a wall around the motte, and a second major wall around the larger motte and bailey area. The bailey is an enclosed area around the motte, with other castle buildings -- storage, chapel, military fortifications, stables, etc. The castle would be a bustling a growing place. Servants, military guards, clergy, and the noble family would all live together in the castle.

Hen Domen was likely built in 1070, shortly after the Norman conquest. Archaeological evidence shows that Hen Domen was continued in use until at least the 1300s. There was a Welsh attack on Hen Domen in the 1090s, chronicled both in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles as well as in archaeological evidence. Many timber castles were built near the Welsh border -- thus they suffered attacks regularly for hundreds of years. Builders of timber castles worked to devise better and better defenses -- eventually, stone was used over timber, but innovations in between included earthen-filled timber walls, painting and plastering, fire-resistant materials, and even camoflague -- timber castles were sometimes disguised by plastering to look like stone.

Castles were not merely for defense. They also served to project the image of wealth and power of the lord, not only to the local population, but also toward each other -- a sort of lordly keeping-up-with-the-Joneses. Timber castles grew in size and complexity,

The site of Stafford, excavated archaeologically fairly recently, still has the earthen works of motte and bailey -- in fact, the evidence shows it had three baileys: three rings of baileys, which included in hierarchical rings the entire village of Stafford, keeping in sections the upper, middle and lower classes. Stafford shows one of the problems of timber castles -- unlike stone, timber wears away over time much more quickly, so apart from foundations and minute evidences, there is little left of the timber castle. Indeed, there is a manor house from the eighteenth/nineteenth century on top of the motte today.

Authors Robert Higam and Philip Barker look at timber castles in many parts of the country, as well as the lifestyle of people inside (life was not necessarily nasty, brutish and short; indeed, it could be rather pleasant, even if it required fairly hardy people). Despite the fact that many castle designs were eventually replaced by stone designs (and eventually brick designs), timber castles had a formidible place in their own right as a valued fortification for hundreds of years.

This is a fascinating glimpse at a lesser-known piece of history.

Average customer rating:
Copy of a letter to Beilby Thompson, Esq., M.P. on the Navy estimates: Shewing the expense of building and repairing His Majesty's Navy from 1800 to 1820 ... extracts of evidence on the timber duties
Mercator
Manufacturer: J. Weale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Ships | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Boat Building | Ships | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008C6XGU

Average customer rating:
Copy of a letter to Beilby Thompson, Esq., M.P., on the Navy estimates: Shewing the expense of building and repairing His Majesty's navy from the year ... process for prevention of dry rot in timber
Mercator
Manufacturer: Printed by J. and C. Adlard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Ships | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Boat Building | Ships | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008C6XFQ

Average customer rating:
The economics of timber preservation in house-building (Timberlab papers)
C. H Tack
Manufacturer: Forest Products Research Laboratory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Wood Science | Forestry | Agricultural Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007JB3QO

Book Description

A magnificent collection of letters, poems, sermons, public addresses, blessings, prayers, rituals, diary excerpts, minutes of organizational meetings, and spiritual autobiographies written by Jewish women from 1560 to the present. Contributors include Rebecca Gratz, Emma Lazarus, Marcia Falk, Blu Greenberg, E. M. Broner, Judith Plaskow, and many others.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2005-11-12

A great anthology of sermons, prayers, stories, personal testimonies to delve in and return to.

FOUR CENTURIES OF JEWISH WOMEN'S SPIRITUALITY: A SOURCEBOOK

Average customer rating:

FOUR CENTURIES OF JEWISH WOMEN'S SPIRITUALITY: A SOURCEBOOK

Manufacturer: BEACON PRESS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000X1R4YQ

Average customer rating:

Four Centuries of Jewish Women's Spirituality: A Sourcebook

Manufacturer: Beacon Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GRRBYA

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books