Remembered: The History of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Julie Summers

Advantages: A good way for kids to learn history
Disadvantages: It's all true

...When as a child someone mentioned to me history, what came to my mind was quite different from what my children would think. Back then i would think of my teacher droning on about different battles and wars while firing an endless amount of names and dates for you to remember, which usually went in one ear and out the other. Although school history classes haven't changed much, My 12 year old son has developed a growing interest in history and that all thanks to the Horrible Histories books. I have spent many a night listening to my son coming out with lost of facts from these books. So i thought it was about time that i seen if they were as good as he said they were. The books are a series of 19 books( not including horrible histories specials and two books in one) designed to teach children from 9 to 14 about history. It tells... Read review

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Advantages: Very interesting and entertaining read.
Disadvantages: Must enjoy reading about the First World War

...Robert Graves published his autobiography, Goodbye To All That, in 1929 when he was 33 years old. It begins with his public school education at Charterhoouse (where he was bullied) and goes on to tell of his Army service in the First World War – Graves enlisted in the British Army and was commissioned to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers within a few days of WWI being declared. The majority of the book is based upon his war experiences, and for those readers who have an avid interest in the First World War, it is a “must read” as Graves tells the story of his experiences with much detail, backed up with entertaining anecdotes. Graves also writes of his relationship with the poet, Siegfried Sassooon, his impression of Wilfred Owen and the breakdown of his first marriage. A very entertaining and informative read.... Read review

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Advantages: One of the best Polish history books around
Disadvantages: Some areas go into less depth than others

...The English language coverage of Polish history is uneven at best. It often carries a Western bias, and can reduce the turbulent history of the country to stereotypes. However, Adam Zamoyski~{!/~}s book The Polish Way in a major exception. The book details the rich cultural heritage and complex politics of Poland over the past thousand years, from its foundation in the 10th century right up until its recent problems, with a great deal in between. Not many people in the West realise that Poland was once a powerful commonwealth covering almost all of Eastern Europe, and the book goes into great depth about the spectacular rise and dramatic fall of the Polish commonwealth. The military aspect of Polish empire building is also very well covered. Possibly the greatest aspect of this book, however, is its coverage of Poland... Read review

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