The story of the rise and fall of the British East India Company, the first multinational corporation to effectively privatize an entire country - butThe story of the rise and fall of the British East India Company, the first multinational corporation to effectively privatize an entire country - but sadly, not the last. Even colonial Britain was shocked by its excesses. Impeccably researched and eminently readable. ...more
A saga of five families caught up in the events of World War One, that intertwines fictional characters with historical figures. Well researched, greaA saga of five families caught up in the events of World War One, that intertwines fictional characters with historical figures. Well researched, great storytelling....more
This book is about the Vietnam War - yet it isn't. It's about what a good man does in the face of evil - and how we judge any soldier when they go to This book is about the Vietnam War - yet it isn't. It's about what a good man does in the face of evil - and how we judge any soldier when they go to war. Nelson de Mille's first, and his best. Absorbing, brilliant. ...more
Read this while researching my next book, Ends of the Earth. Covers a lot of the early history of central Asia that few people know about and does it Read this while researching my next book, Ends of the Earth. Covers a lot of the early history of central Asia that few people know about and does it in a very readable way. ...more
What I love about Cornwell is the way he mixes action and adventure with spectacular history. This one features the siege of Seringapatam alongside thWhat I love about Cornwell is the way he mixes action and adventure with spectacular history. This one features the siege of Seringapatam alongside the adventures of his eponymous hero. Oh, and a few people getting eaten by tigers. Great reading. ...more
I loved Caravans for its authenticity - Michener travelled the country extensively in the sixties, when it was still possible to do that. The combinatI loved Caravans for its authenticity - Michener travelled the country extensively in the sixties, when it was still possible to do that. The combination of brutality and humour makes it a unique adventure. A great story combined with a breathtaking insight into the culture, history and geography of a forbidding and fascinating country. ...more
One from the archives. I loved the Flashman series back in the day. They were fast paced and laugh-out-loud funny but I also enjoyed the footnotes aboOne from the archives. I loved the Flashman series back in the day. They were fast paced and laugh-out-loud funny but I also enjoyed the footnotes about the historical events he was describing. Outrageous, impossible and a lot of fun. ...more
The dragons are spectacular but it's the people that draw you in. A lesson in how to write brilliant character arcs. The dragons are spectacular but it's the people that draw you in. A lesson in how to write brilliant character arcs. ...more
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