US/UK Release Date: September 30, 2010
SYNOPSIS: This book covers both the royal families that existed in pre-Conquest Wales and the predominantly English royal families that have ruled over Wales since medieval times. The changing relationships between the rulers and the ruled in Wales are examined, over a period from the early Middle Ages to the present day. The aim is to tell the story of how Wales has figured in the development of the British royal family and its traditions. The author's previous books covered individual members of the royal families; although this book will inevitably cover individuals in the telling of the story, to some extent, the book will concentrate less on the personalities and more on the surrounding tradition and pageantry (e.g., investiture ceremonies), and there is ample scope for covering new ground. An index and select bibliography will be provided, as well as illustrations, the latter largely of monuments and locations in Wales associated with the book's theme.
US Release Date: July 6, 2010
UK Release Date: August 5, 2010
SYNOPSIS: For nine hundred years the British aristocracy has considered itself ideally qualified to rule others, make laws and guide the fortunes of the nation. Tracing the history of this remarkable supremacy, ARISTOCRATS is a story of wars, intrigue, chicanery and extremes of both selflessness and greed. James also illuminates how the aristocracy's infatuation with classical art has forged our heritage, how its love of sport has shaped our pastimes and values - and how its scandals have entertained the public. Impeccably researched, balanced and brilliantly entertaining, ARISTOCRATS is an enthralling history of power, influence and an extraordinary knack for survival.
Release Date: June 1, 2010
SYNOPSIS: In this book, acclaimed biographer Raymond Lamont-Brown casts light on a previously overlooked aspect of the monarchy. From the instigation of the royal doctor in medieval times, to the present day, the tales of secrets, murder, medical incompetence, and revolutionary operations revealed in this book make compelling reading. This is a fascinating look at the relationship between monarchs and their doctors and reveals the complex and influential position that they held. Included here are Sir William Gull, court physician to Queen Victoria, who was a suspect in the Jack the Ripper case; and Sir Frederick Treves, who not only was court physician to the four succeeding monarchs, but was also the man who helped to rescue the Elephant Man, Joseph Merrick, from a fairground freak show.
UK Release Date: January 1, 2010
US Release Date: March 1, 2010
SYNOPSIS: Jane Whorwood was one of Charles I’s closest confidantes. The wife of an Oxfordshire squire, when the court moved to Oxford in 1642, at the start of the Civil War, she helped the royalist cause by spying for the king, and smuggling gold (perhaps as much as 1,000 kg) to help pay for his army. When Charles was held captive by the Parliamentarians, from 1646 to 1649, she organiszed money, correspondence, several escape attempts, astrological advice and a ship for him. New evidence even suggests that they may have had a brief affair. After his execution in 1649, Jane’s marriage collapsed in the one of the most public and acrimonious cases of the seventeenth century. John Fox describes the life of this fascinating woman, and the important role she played in the English Civil War.
: A Novel of Monet, by the lovely Stephanie Cowell has had a facelift! Here is the new cover:
