Biography Books > J Biography Books > D

Advantages: Alternative perspective, easy to understand, good arguements and conclusions on some points
Disadvantages: Stereotyping, doesn't fully argue some points

Anne Boleyn is one of the most-maligned women in history, her reputation as a ‘witch’ and a ‘whore’ still prevalent over 470 years after her death. Even now, rumours created by her enemies to slander her are still averred as truth – as recently as around 13 years ago, I was taught in primary school that Anne Boleyn had a sixth finger on one hand, despite there being no evidence of this other than hearsay and much evidence to the contrary, such as ...
...that the popular impression of Anne Boleyn is mostly fabrication and plain lies. In her attempt to portray Anne Boleyn as someone other than the whore who bewitched Henry VIII, Joanna Denny veers off wildly in the other direction: she presents Anne Boleyn as the perfect evangelist, a portrait that seems as unrealistic and stereotypical as the one described above. Whilst there’s no doubt that Anne Boleyn was devoted to the protestant cause, being ... Read review

Advantages: A superb account of a personal discovery
Disadvantages: Only available in harback

This is the first of a number of book reviews that will be as a result of my visit to the Hey Festival 2004. Some months ago, I pre-booked tickets for a number of talks at the annual Hay Literary Festival. Serious doubts were raised whether I would be able to attend due to my limited mobility following the operation I had had on my ankle two weeks earlier. I was, needless to say, distraught. The Hay Festival is one of the highlights of my year. ...
...I managed to go for a weekend. In appreciation of their help, I dedicate this review to my husband and the festival organisers. As you will know from my review on the family history magazine, I am addicted to family history research. One of the main attractions of the Festival for me was a talk by Josceline Dimbleby on her latest book, “A Profound Secret”. The book is an account of her discovery of a rich and emotive part of her family history and ... Read review

Advantages: Well written, seemingly true account of the "Peter Problem"
Disadvantages: Not as close to the bone as some people might expect

...her proud husband's decision that Pete is no longer allowed to come home and possibly even ending their marriage. she tells her readers of the shame on the family, the indignities she has suffered and the continual media attention. Jackie has her faith in God which has seen her through her worst times and although she talks about it frequently throughout her book, for someone who doesnt really have a religion I understood where she was coming from ...
...I have definately learned alot more about Pete Doherty - the stuff you dont read/see in the media and Jackie set straight alot of the things we have all heard/seen which simply aren't true. . Excellent must read, especially is drug addiction has ever creeped into your life. ... Read review

Advantages: A good read. Is about Judi Dench
Disadvantages: Can't think of any

...and was bought this book Scenes from my life Judi Dench. This was edited and introuced by John Miller. When i looked in waterstones to see whose biographies they had Judi Dench had this and one other biography (which i would like that one aswell) but i was bought this one and is still a good read. Scenes from my life was purchasd from Waterstones at £12.99 and can be bought from other book shops too. This book is full of pictures of Judi Denchs ...
...shows Judi Dench has been in and have an insight into her life as one of my favourite actresses. Scenes from my life is full of photographs and there is sentences to describe what the photo is. Priced at £12.99 Scenes from my life Judi Dench is probably reasonably priced. ... Read review

Advantages: Good insight to every day life of the Royals
Disadvantages: Dimbleby's forelock tugging is annoying

...in my local library where the head librarian is a cross between a dragon and a witch. I apologise therefore if this seems to be a rather outdated review as I am aware this book was in fact written some considerable time ago and was widely advertised at the time. How did I find it......dreadful is the answer. I was never anti-royalty, but find myself becoming increasingly more so, especially as Prince William continues to hunt poor defenceless animals ...
...Anyway back to the book on Charles. What a mistake it was for him to allow this to be written. He comes across as wimpish, self pitying, selfish and totally uncaring of the opinions of others, including his own mother and father.Rather than gaining sympathy for Charles by detailing his supposedly frank and truthful memories, Jonathan Dimbleby's book would alienate even the most ardent royalist. Charles was apparently unhappy at school, well weren't ... Read review