Biography Books > T Biography Books > 5 GBP to 9 GBP

Advantages: Great introduction to Bennett.
Disadvantages: Quite pricey for a short book.

‘Telling Tales’ by Alan Bennett does exactly what it says on the cover… Alan Bennett, one of the country’s best loved wordsmiths, tells ten tales about his childhood in Leeds, a provincial city in the West Riding where life generally tended to avoid. In several of the tales Bennett details the causes of his frustration as a youth – he knew that his family was very ordinary (not working class, but certainly not middle class), yet at the same time ...
...that life for everyone else was much different to hers and that the cocktail party lifestyle she read about in Woman’s Own was the norm and attainable by a move to the hallowed ‘down South’. We learn much about Bennett’s ‘Mam and Dad’ (so good to see the word Mam, I feel I’m one of the few who still uses it). Their real names were Lil and Walt, but as in many households, the birth of the first child sees real names being wrapped in paper and only ... Read review

Advantages: See Op
Disadvantages: See Op

...This is probably one of the reasons - no, let's be honest, this is the reason - I bought Kenneth Williams' diaries. It certainly wasn't out of admiration for the man: I'd always found him annoying. Sure, I liked the 'Carry On' saga, of which Williams was an integral component but I ignored him and just enjoyed the others. That isn't to take anything away from his abilities as a comedy actor, I believe he did have superb timing and equisite delivery, ...
...around the world. It's just that he was always too nasal and vocally grating for me. I know, features of which are loved by others. But I couldn't resist the diaries. Did I feel any different after reading the 40+ years of journals? No, if anything I disliked him even more, but I did feel so very sorry for him. Such a lonely and emotionally barren man. I pitied him. I really did. His upbringing was a typical working class affair, nothing out of the ... Read review

Advantages: Amazingly rich in detail, easily accessible
Disadvantages: Ever so slightly Henry dominated

...has to be one of the best biographies I've ever read on Henry VIII's wives. Antonia Fraser takes them out of their conventional stereotypes and re-creates them for a new generation of readers as individual women in their own right. The language is easily accessible to all who care to pick up the book and read it, and is rich is descriptions of the times in which these women lived. The book explores the women's personalities, as well as their relationship ... Read review

Advantages: Provides insights into his rise to be one of the world's top golfers
Disadvantages: Could have gone into more detail regarding Sandy's fall from the top of world golf

...This book charts the rise to the pinnacle of his career, his victory in the 1988 US Masters, and also provides insights into his family's background in the game, and the less glamourous side of the life of the professional golfer in the late 1970's. What is particularly touching is the description of the very loving relationship with his father, and how he encouraged and guided Sandy to the top of the sport without ever inflicting pressure as some ...
...journeyman professional. It would have added to the book if this period of Sandy's life had been covered in greater detail. In conclusion, an interesting read which leaves you with the impression of Sandy Lyle being a genuinely decent man, who deserved more from the talent he was blessed with. ... Read review

Advantages: Interesting a lot of history
Disadvantages: Long winded and hard to read

I wanted to read the Samual Pepys diaries for a long time, I enjoy history and love to learn about our English past. I borrowed the book the more modern version, but still found it a struggle to read. Its very hard and long winded. I found it a boring book at times but other parts compelling. I have leart a lot about the black death, the great fire and general times around London in the 1600's. Its worth the read if you have the time and patience. ...
...for that period in history. The amazing way in which they coped in London with all that was happening. It was an interesting time for the monarcy as well. I do think much of Samual Pepy's and his treatment of his wife, but he was loyal and tried to understand her. I would recommend a read for those who really want to, its a long struggle to finnish but fullfilling when you have ... Read review