Biography Books > A Biography Books > 20 GBP to 24 GBP

Advantages: Comprehensive and thought-provoking
Disadvantages: Sometimes a bit dull.

Hadrian can be said to have been one of the greatest Emperors Rome ever had - a lover of art and Greek culture, an architect, and a well travelled man who enjoyed speaking to even the lowliest of his citizens. This book explores his life, from birth until death. What it reveals is a man that is cultured, intelligent, fair and kind, but also a man that is capable of great harshness and cruelty. Little is known of Hadrian's early years, and so understandably ...
...is brought out through a fascinating use of archaeology - some of it fairly obscure, which helps us to shed light on Hadrian's life. The author makes frequent use of speculation when it comes to precice dates and places, but never uses his speculation as solid fact. However, his educated guesses are precicely that - educated, and Birley is clearly writing on a subject opon which he is an authority. The book generally reads very well, but is sometimes ... Read review

Advantages: Entertaining, authorised biography, informative
Disadvantages: Lacking some warmth

...have been a fan of Hattie Jacques for as long as I can remember. I loved the Carry On films since I was a young child and I also watched her in Sykes on TV and live on the stage twice in Lincoln and Blackpool. So when I heard that there was a biography out on her, I bought it as soon as I could. Hattie by Andy Merriman is an authorized biography too, so this isn't some gossipy, muck-raking kind of life story. It has been written by Andy Merriman ...
...and private life, but reading Hattie really brought out her personality and character. She comes across as warm, funny, generous, loving, caring and willing to help as many people as she could - whether by fund-raising for charity or offering a bed, a meal or a friendly ear for any friend who needed one. Her career is also detailed from her early days to her work with the Player's Theatre to her more famous roles on radio, TV and the stage. Along ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to read and follow
Disadvantages: Controversial at times with strong opinions

This is the story of one of Britains most controvercial and opinionated Shock Jock Radio presenters. It takes you along the road of his life in Radio, including Top Shop Radio, for the Top Shop clothes store, Local Radio in Newcastle, Radio Aire in Leeds, where he took his show to Television, to his last show on Talk Sport Radio. It also talks about his diagnosis with Cancer and the setting up of his cancer charity. This book does not dissapoint. ...
...his opinions on a variety of subjects as well as charting his life and career. It also has a wonderful tribute to his personal friend, Bernard Manning, who passed just before the book was published. Witty, controversial and entertaining, this is a must read for all who have listened to the James Whale Radio Show. The book is written by James himself and charts his life at various stages as well as sharing his experiences and opinions. ... Read review

Advantages: Such a moving true story, and a happy ending
Disadvantages: upsetting

...story definitely not recommended for a light , relaxing holiday read. The book is deeply emotional and a completely compelling story. The daily emtions of this poor child are written down it this touching record of David's life. It shows just how hard abused children would find a struggles of daily life, it is a complete eye opener to the harsh reality that is child abuse. Althought i have rated this book excellent i found it difficult to read ...
...for me!) this just shows how gripping the story is. This is a must read for anyone working with children, because it makes you so aware of the nescessity of being on the look out for the tell tale signs of the horror and evil that is child abuse. ... Read review

Advantages: Great read, informative and humorous
Disadvantages: None

Anything goes. And in the case of John Barrowman, this is certainly the truth. From being relatively unknown just a few short years ago, John has quickly risen to being a popular celebrity, being on many prime time television shows, such as Doctor Who, Torchwood, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I'd Do Anything. I first noticed John when I caught an episode of Torchwood. I was never a fan of Doctor Who so I didn't expect ...
...starting in 1989 up to early 2008, followed by a thorough index of the book. Love him or loathe him, Anything Goes is an excellent book by a multi talented all round entertainer. John Barrowman: Anything Goes By Carole E Barrowman Hardback ISBN: 978-1-84317-289-5 256 Pages ... Read review