Random books from Macbeth's library
The daughter of time by Josephine Tey
The Lost Army by Valerio Massimo Manfredi
The House of Crows (The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan) by Paul Doherty
A Haunt of Murder by Paul Doherty
The grand vizier of the night by Catherine Hermary-Vieille
The edge of light by Joan Wolf
Ramses : The Temple of a Million Years by Christian Jacq
Members with Macbeth's books
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Friends: aluvalibri, Ammianus, cremorn, dkhiggin, gihk, Hoagy27, jmulick, KimB, ladymacbeth1, lanegs1, Lman, mcfitz, scribe77, Stilestrider
Interesting libraries: Ammianus, Ardagor, ariadne02, baileysgran, Belisaurus, Donogh, Littlemissbashful, Trystorp
LibraryThing authors: Helen Hollick (HelenHollick), Janny Wurts (JannyWurts), Sharon Kay Penman (Sharonkay), Jo Walton (bluejo), Lisa See (lisasee), Peter Macinnis (mcmanly), Barry Strauss (publipor)
Member: Macbeth
CollectionsYour library (1,391), Favorites (11), All collections (1,391)
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TagsHistorical Fiction (723), Crime (291), History (288), Military History (180), Rome (150), Dark Ages (138), Medieval England (111), Fiction (101), England (98), China (98) — see all tags
Cloudstag cloud, author cloud
GroupsAmateur Historians, Ancient China, Ancient History, Australian LibraryThingers, Egyptian Fiction Galore, History: On learning from and writing history, Military History, Wargamer
Favorite bookstoresAlexander Fax Booksellers, Asia Bookroom, Beyond Q : Books / Bar Barista, Book Passion (Dickson Shops), Busy Bee Books, Canty's Bookshop, Clousten and Hall Booksellers (Civic), Dymocks (Tuggeranong), Final Chapter, Gaslight Books
Other favoritesThe Lifeline Canberra Bookfair
About meBy day I'm a statistical programmer, and in my spare time I'm an Ancient Wargamer. I live in Canberra with my wife and two young daughters.
In my past I was a serious (but not exceptionally good) volleyball player but put that aside as my family increased in size and age.
About my libraryAs a wargamer I have a vast collection of History, and Historical Fiction. It covers many periods but tends to peter out as the Rennaisainse and therefore Gunpowder start to become more prevalent. I became a great fan of Historical Detective novels after reading 'The Silver Pigs' by Lindsay Davis.
My overall favourites are the Dark Age and Early Medieval period in Britain - specifically Scotland (hence the name) and Tang/Sung Era China. I dabble in many other periods, usually as a particular army takes my fancy for wargaming.
LocationCanberra, ACT, Australia
Favorite authorsNone
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http://www.librarything.com/profile/Macbeth (profile)
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Common KnowledgeSeries (187), Awards (100), Characters (1610), Places (297)
Member sinceNov 29, 2006








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My copy of "Sumption III" just arrived! Perfect timing too! I just finished a book last night and am more than ready to dive into the 100 Years War! I was really amazed to see it is the hardcover! O Joy O Joy! For the price I paid I would have thought it would be a paperback... but hey, I'm not complaining! Even the dust jacket looks and feels luxurious! With the unaccountable exception of several greasy-goopy finger prints which luckily have washed off just fine. Fourteenth Century here I come!
posted by Hoagy27 at 12:48 pm (EST) on Oct 13, 2009
posted by Hoagy27 at 9:18 pm (EST) on Oct 2, 2009
I'm already at the piles stage. Didn't take much for me did it ;-p
By the way thanks also for the tip about "The Wrinkle in Time"
posted by KimB at 2:46 am (EST) on Sep 24, 2009
I'm thinking will I go or won't I.....where do I store them all???!!! ;-)
My TBR pile is getting crazier and crazier.
posted by KimB at 1:46 am (EST) on Sep 24, 2009
so I am a face to face type these days.
my proper, long-term email is rmoriarty@adam.com.au
I will try the DBA calendar email before this post hits some sort of limit...
posted by cremorn at 11:53 pm (EST) on Sep 2, 2009
Happy reading! For me, it sure it will be.
Thanks,
Liliane
posted by Calimera at 8:26 am (EST) on Aug 29, 2009
I'm glad the "Face of Sydney" & its related area Faces are still around. You can see how I can truthfully say that my face is in that image :)
Hope all is fairly well with you & yours,
Mrz
posted by Mezz at 4:29 am (EST) on Jul 22, 2009
Just got your message, pretty funny, because I'm just entering my mini bookfair booty right now!
I didnt find it too bad for a mini bookfair at all :-)
Thanks for thinking of me tho'.
I was thinking of you to and left you a few historical fictions there ;-)
Happy Reading
Cheers
kim
posted by KimB at 12:58 am (EST) on Jun 27, 2009
after that I'll redo Macbeth's army..whew! If you havn't, take a look at Splintered Light, very interesting. Have a great weekend, A!
posted by Ammianus at 7:12 am (EST) on May 15, 2009
Long ago I built a Prefeudal Scots army using mostly Feudal Castings. I'm currently building some new armies & upgrading my old with "the dip method" and Litko bases etc. I'm not happy with my Scots. Most of their competition are OG & Essex alongside which they look like ill-fed teenagers. Maybe Old Glory Saxon fyrd & Viking spearmen? I don't know. I've got figures for skirmishers & mounted elements as well as those wild Galwegians so what I need is thegns & spearmen. I see Essex has army packs but I can't find pictures anywhere of the figures. Your esteemed advice is welcome.
posted by Ammianus at 12:23 pm (EST) on May 9, 2009
I got your campaign write-ups ok, though I haven't had time to go through them in any real detail yet.
Cheers
Donogh
posted by Donogh at 5:22 am (EST) on Apr 30, 2009
I'd love to get on your e-mail list for that campaign (and the old stuff as well)
My e-mail address is on my profile.
Cheers
Donogh
posted by Donogh at 4:08 am (EST) on Apr 16, 2009
I just subscribed to a new UK journal, Ancient Warfare. Heard of it? Lovely articles.
posted by jmulick at 2:13 pm (EST) on Apr 9, 2009
So nice to hear from you...
I saw you had that book when I entered it- heh. Well, I got the first one for one dollar at this bookshelf selling used books at work - and then I mooched the second one; so I don't mind if they are not all that good! At least I haven't spent a lot of money on them. I didn't realise it was a series at first so I was pleased to get the second one. I liked Shanghai Girls, which I got free, as an advanced reader from the publisher, (aren't I doing well with her books; I liked that a lot. I got interested in Lisa See with Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, and seeing a review about it from one of my LT friends, and which I haven't read yet, of course. :) But I learnt an awful lot with reading Shanghai Girls too - my Asian history is very bad - and I liked her writing - so I got the others. The blurb looked interesting... oh well. I won't expect too much and may be pleasantly surprised.
How are you all - did you get lots of rain too? I can't believe it is April! It is going to be a wet April I think - it is raining quite heavily again as I write this. At least some of it is over the dams! I have been reading a lot lately, and working, and that is about it! It has been very nice to be able to spend so much time with my nose in a book. I have been reading some good ones too - and I have been trying not to buy so many. The last month I managed to mooch quite a lot too - most of the ones I added were not bought, for once! I haven't been spending as much time on this site in order to read more. LOL!
And I am hoping to get lots of reading in over Easter too - what are you up to?
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 6:36 am (EST) on Apr 1, 2009
Are you a DBA person, or have you caught the Fields of Glory bug?
K
posted by ksmyth at 10:11 am (EST) on Mar 31, 2009
hope you enjoy the Low trilogy as much as I did. Wonder what he'll write next? Congrats to your daughter. Lol, at your DBA remarks, I'm FINALLY forcing myself down to the basement to FINALLY paint my Old Glory/Pass of the North Late Romans. I probably will attend Historicon it's a short drive from Annapolis. I wish you luck at Wollongong, may you roll sixes! (I hate painting, especially horses, but even worse, that first phase where I'm trying to glue the guys to their stands--ugh! I usually glue all my fingertips together!) When I become wealthy I'll never paint another.
Hope you have a nice what's left of the weekend. Time to go do my laundry.
Cheers
A
posted by Ammianus at 7:46 am (EST) on Mar 29, 2009
Congratulation to your daughter on the silver.
You did better than me price wise. I spent just a little bit more than that...
I'm known for under-exaggerating. :-)
posted by KimB at 1:55 am (EST) on Mar 23, 2009
Went to the bookfair today and had a ball!!!!
But that's just me :-)
I didnt have a really good look at the historical fiction but picked up The Coffee Trader amongst other gems I've been after.
Hope you can get there and find some gems for yourself
Cheers :-)
posted by KimB at 3:41 am (EST) on Mar 20, 2009
posted by jmulick at 10:15 am (EST) on Feb 23, 2009
posted by Donogh at 11:21 am (EST) on Feb 10, 2009
I noticed you have been putting up some interesting books lately! I'm jealous!
We had a recent cold spell here in Alabama, but it is warming up nicely now. We never get much snow, so we tend to complain a lot when it gets cold. I actually quite like it, though, because I'm a runner (sort of!), and it's much better to run in cold than in hot. We had -10C temps for a few nights, but now it is back to 15C during the day. We do frequently get temps as high as you are having in July and August, though, with high humidity! Miserable running weather...
posted by dkhiggin at 3:39 pm (EST) on Feb 6, 2009
Had a good game over the weekend myself
http://donoghmccarthy.blogspot.com/2009/...
Cheers
Donogh
posted by Donogh at 9:45 am (EST) on Jan 27, 2009
Have lots of fun too - knock 'em out! Is that too wrong a phrase? :)
~L.
posted by Lman at 6:36 pm (EST) on Jan 24, 2009
Apologies for the belated reply. I've been under the weather. I'm on the rebound with a copy of Sacajawea in my hands. Have you read it? The advertising says it was on the NYT best seller list for 8 months when it first appeared in the late 1970s.
Thanks for all the book recommendations. I've read several of the authors you mention, but not their latest books. Looks like I have some catching up to do.
I hope things ease up for you and yours during 2009. Here's a virtual toast to peace and quiet.
LM
posted by ladymacbeth1 at 3:29 pm (EST) on Jan 10, 2009
Running a game of Peleliu 1944 at the end of the month and then an experimental WWIa aviation game of Zeppelin vs. Fighters in February
My wife and little one will be sent across the Shannon for both weekends!
posted by Donogh at 4:46 am (EST) on Jan 9, 2009
posted by Donogh at 10:39 am (EST) on Jan 6, 2009
posted by Hoagy27 at 5:59 pm (EST) on Jan 3, 2009
posted by ariadne02 at 11:29 pm (EST) on Jan 1, 2009
I have enjoyed all of Dunnett's books for her ability to create atmosphere and make it feel authentic.
Did you ever read Joseph Kessel's The Horsemen - it takes place in Afghanistan, and mingles some very old values in juxtaposition, where modern values are sort of seen through the wrong end of a telescope, as less important - and the story is superb in a raw cut sort of way.
Recently I have enjoyed Goring's Scotland, An Autobiography, which has pastiches of writings from history by people who were contemporaries, not all of them historical figures. My favorite histories (nonfiction) from Scotland were John Prebble's, who did a book on the Massacre at Glencoe and Culloden - with the same solid research and insights that Dee did, with Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
My husband is a Cornwell fan, and also, Patrick O'Brien, so I've heard a lot of those on tape, as we drive long distance. I loved O'Brien's characters, but as a person who's done extensive sailing, I felt his research in the nautical bits - something of the live action feel was just missing, even if the details were in place.
As an oddity - did you ever read Killer, by David Drake and John Wagner? It's quite a wierd little take - about a truly vicious alien set loose on Earth in Roman times, that tangles with the beast catchers who trap stuff for the arena - and the havoc it starts to cause in Rome when the murders begin...sort of detective fantasy with a SF twist, well done, thrilling, and I have heard - the original inspiration for the movie Predator. David Drake also did a really truly ironically funny Arthurian, in which Merlin and Arthur are both mad, Launcelot is a drill sergeant bully, and two guys with tough fists from Ireland get "drafted" and the "legend" is seen through their somewhat rough and tough, cynical eyes - I enjoyed the bizarre, nontraditional take. I can dig up the title if you like.
Happy 2009!
posted by JannyWurts at 12:26 pm (EST) on Jan 1, 2009
Too funny - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!, I feel I can write this as we have reached it now!
And even funnier: I have to ask which far-away beach will they be banished to; please make sure they have enough sunscreen and water to last!! LOL! That is a great way to spend our patriotic (unless you are indigenous) day - especially as it conveniently falls on a Monday for a legitimate long weekend - huh?! Good luck, just in case I don't get back to you in time...
I have, of course, been noticing all your additions - you are on my list to show on my home page, of course, and I often smile to myself at your titles. One day I am going to fall off my chair in shock - and then maybe not! :)
One of my resolutions (I only make resolutions about books and reading BTW) is to read the two books from you this year - then I will feel much better; though it is nice to have them waiting too... if that makes any sense!
So, to another lovely book (and war-gaming) year!
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 11:30 pm (EST) on Dec 31, 2008
It has snowed here today, and it is now windy and bitterly cold. I guess it is quite different from there ;-)
I hope the new year will bring you whatever you wish for plus tons of books.
Happy reading.
Paola :-))
posted by aluvalibri at 7:41 pm (EST) on Dec 31, 2008
posted by baileysgran at 3:25 pm (EST) on Dec 31, 2008
Noting your enjoyment of historical fiction, and Scotland in particular, are you familiar with Dorothy Dunnet's title, King Hearafter?
posted by JannyWurts at 11:04 am (EST) on Dec 31, 2008
posted by scribe77 at 10:22 am (EST) on Dec 31, 2008
A third volume of Sumption's history would, indeed, be eagerly awaited! Meanwhile, we gave Xmas a pass this year due to the economic climate. Also because we were snowed in for about a week with one of the most unusual snow storms in Seattle History! Luckily I had the larder stocked so we kept the home fires burning, the cats warm, and the pages of the books turning.
Happy New Year!
Hoagy
posted by Hoagy27 at 9:02 am (EST) on Dec 31, 2008
I'm so looking forward to both "The Snow Empress" by Rowland and "Under Vesuvius" by Roberts, but I must catch up on the latter series, as I'm slightly behind on that -- only up to SPQR VIII at this point. The earlier books were not easy to find in order and I prefer paperbacks, so I had to compromise somewhat with bargains and hardcovers there. But I was fortunate with Christmas gifts and will be able to shop more now!
Good reading,
Janice
posted by mcfitz at 7:53 am (EST) on Dec 31, 2008
A Happy New Year to you to.
Here's to many great reads in 2009!
:-)
posted by KimB at 7:17 am (EST) on Dec 31, 2008
Sending Alison, and you, and the girls lots of cheer this festive season. Hope the gaming, and the reading are going well! And I hope the weather isn't too bad too!
And I hope Santa brought you lots of goodies too - I know he brought the girls HEAPS!!!!! I wanted to send you a cute eCard and then I realised...no email. SO this will have to do!
Take care - and Happy New Year too.
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 11:36 pm (EST) on Dec 24, 2008
posted by alexdaw at 5:27 pm (EST) on Dec 22, 2008
Greetz
Neurasthenio
posted by Neurasthenio at 4:21 am (EST) on Nov 26, 2008
How very remiss of me to take so long to reply - or send you a hello! I am not sure exactly where the time goes - never enough for reading is for sure.
So, a belated 'well-done' at the tournament! I think you were being quite modest. I laughed at the torch thought - not good when we know our opponents personally.
Like you I manage to keep up with adding and reviewing on here, and I have also managed to snag some great books on Bookmooch; and, believe it or not, I have been trying to prioritise my time for reading! LOL! I see you have had a little run of adding just lately - maybe the books from ABE. I found two books by a German author, which are hard to find, even new, here, on a site which links to other book sellers - and found one in Sydney, and one in UK. The one in Sydney cost me more to get!! The exchange rate has stopped me going mad now - a good thing, but I am glad I bought the ones I did when I did.
Otherwise I have been quite busy at work, and have had extra seminars and course to go to, and now I been co-opted to give the students, at one university, tutorials for their course. Which have all eaten into my reading time as they are have been out of hours!! How rude!
This weekend has been very warm - not a good thought for the coming summer; I think it may be a hot one.
I am still looking for the Jean Plaidy books for you - so let me know if you manage to snag any. I am disappointed with my continued lack of success - are they all out of print? And I keep looking at the books you gave me and smiling - that was such a nice gesture and I wish I had thought to do the same. I have one of them in mind to READ soon!
There is a book The Dragon Waiting: A Masque of History by John M. Ford that has popped into my member recommendations, and you have it - is it good? It looks interesting - as if I need another book!!!
Take care, and I promise to keep in touch more timely!
L.
posted by Lman at 2:31 am (EST) on Sep 14, 2008
posted by lanegs1 at 2:32 pm (EST) on Aug 18, 2008
I just received an ARC of Sharon Kay Penman's Devil's Blood. I started it yesterday and so far, so good!
LM
posted by ladymacbeth1 at 9:59 am (EST) on Aug 10, 2008
How are you all surviving winter? It has been a tad cold in the morning, up your way lately, I noticed on our news! Brrr! Guess you are used to it!
How did Ashleigh and you go with your war games? I hope neither of you wiped out each other - hehe. It would have been a hoot though.
Well, I bit the bullet and ordered a copy of The Egyptian from TBD - it had been unavailable through them; and I have to say, fairly difficult to come by anywhere else too; so when it appeared again I felt compelled (driven; forced against my will, even) to get it. I am looking forward to reading that one - I have heard it is good.
You didn't like Bulldancers all that much did you? I read it so long ago, and it was one of the first books of that subject I had ever read - and I loved it! But I can't even remember when that was - years and years. Honestly, I can't even remember the story all that much, I just remember being bewitched with those ancient days. I wonder what I would think if I read it now?! It connected us anyway...
Hope you are all well, and happily reading. How did Prince Caspian turn out? And the movie - did you go see that?
Take care,
Lyn
posted by Lman at 3:01 am (EST) on Jul 21, 2008
I really enjoy perusing your library!
LM
posted by ladymacbeth1 at 9:43 pm (EST) on Jul 2, 2008
Good to hear from you. I hope your trip went smoothly.
Thanks for your thoughts on Under the Hog. I've got a few library books out I'm trying to finish, but I'll pick up this one soon.
I read, or tried to read, some of the books my LT friends are suggesting. I remember The Golden Warrior as rather dry reading. I much prefer Harold the King by Helen Hollick. I'm not able to see your rating for it, assuming you've read it, because LT is blitzing out on me.
Oh, well.
Welcome back!
LM
posted by ladymacbeth1 at 2:54 pm (EST) on Jun 24, 2008
Thanks for an enjoyable evening and chat! I hope you didn't fall asleep in your course the next day. I had to go to Basement Books today and get the Elizabeth Peter's books (YAY!) plus a few others. At least it is far enough away for it not to become too regular on my schedule. Great place though. and they have very few fantasy or science fiction in paperback, so that removes a great temptation. All the Manga look fabulous - I am so glad I don't collect them too.
You should be safely home now, hope all your girls liked their presents.
Enjoy your weekend,
L.
posted by Lman at 8:43 am (EST) on Jun 20, 2008
I enjoyed Sharon Kay Penman's The Sunne in Splendour, although her characterizations are romanticized. The Seventh Son was a more objective portrayal.
Have you read Paul Murray Kendall's Richard the Third? I really enjoyed this biography. Kendall leans more toward the Ricardian viewpoint than Weir, but he cites his sources. I'm old-school enough to prefer that. :)
LM
posted by ladymacbeth1 at 8:43 pm (EST) on Jun 16, 2008
I have a question for you. I see Under the Hog in your library, but it's not rated. Since you rate most of your books, does this mean you haven't read it yet?
I recently came upon a copy at a decent price. I had been searching for more than a year. I was just wondering what you thought of it. I haven't read it yet, but I plan to get to it soon.
LM
posted by ladymacbeth1 at 4:36 pm (EST) on Jun 16, 2008
Good point. I read a review that said much the same thing. Maybe it was yours! :)
Thanks for the NF referrals as well. I'll keep my eye out for them. I go to lots of book sales. I think fully half the fun of reading is in the hunt.
LM
posted by ladymacbeth1 at 10:09 am (EST) on Jun 14, 2008
I've got Dunnett's Macbeth on my TBR list for the summer.
posted by ladymacbeth1 at 8:18 am (EST) on Jun 12, 2008
You have a very interesting collection! To answer your question about the book, Lady Macbeth, I thought it was really well done. Far and above the historical research I would expect from a romance author. I think Susan Fraser King now falls firmly into the historical fiction category. LOL!
It provides a different perspective of story of Macbeth - Lady Macbeth's POV. Similar to the Ricardians' Richard III, LM was nothing like the character portrayed by Shakespeare. I think SFK makes a good case for the woman she might have been through the available evidence. I'd like to think that Macbeth and his lady had a love match. That's the author's take, and I like the story.
I have a whole shelf of Richard III materials that I haven't loaded into LT yet. I also have about 4 bookcases of books that haven't made it on yet. So give me time ...
Have a great day!
Ladymacbeth1
posted by ladymacbeth1 at 1:03 pm (EST) on Jun 10, 2008
Just thought you might want to check out Highlander99 here on LibThing -- a very interesting guy with one heck of a catalog and some writing under his belt that looks awesome, too. I wish I could visit his library over the border in person, but I'd need a few weeks to peruse...
Keep looking for those P.F. Chisholm books, they are something you would really enjoy. I am encouraged by your enthusiasm for adding your list to the site. I should really do more with mine but so much else comes along!
Later,
mcfitz
posted by mcfitz at 11:42 am (EST) on May 25, 2008
How are the new bookshelves? Wow!! How many books did that hold? I am so jealous!! I got all these new shelves about a year ago, filled them almost immediately and now I am up to doubling books onto them. I have to stop buying books; bit like stopping breathing!
:)
L.
posted by Lman at 2:50 am (EST) on Apr 24, 2008
How gorgeous - we girls are just too cute for you boys, aren't we?
Don't worry about the 'silences' - I haven't seemed to have had much time lately either. It is nice to catch up on books when one can, without troubling reading time either. I hope your mum-in-law is better.
Quick update on the Plaidy books - they are on a list at one of my stores and they promised to check out their warehouse but, knowing them, it will take a while. I am so disappointed I haven't found any. I had no idea how many books she wrote!! But they did say they had seen a couple on your list so I am keeping hopeful.
I have been keeping away from this site more, and hence have been reading more! I am reading a really delightful book now and then I am trying my first Ishiguro. I am considering reading some more Laura Joh Rowland too. Or start on the I.J. Parker ones - I am missing some ancient Japanese flavour!
I have had the lucky opportunity of a four-day weekend this weekend so, as it is still raining (we are officially in a record period of number of continuous days of rain in 80 years!!) I am going to read and read, watch some AFL (go Swannies!) and read. Bliss!.
Enjoy yours too,
Lyn
posted by Lman at 2:46 am (EST) on Apr 24, 2008
I'll try that ABC site again re. HMAS Sydney
Thanks
Donogh
posted by Donogh at 4:35 am (EST) on Apr 21, 2008
Unfortunately the link to that HMAS Sydney documentary (you left on Ammianus' page) won't work for me (outside Australia)
Cheers
Donogh
posted by Donogh at 9:06 am (EST) on Apr 18, 2008
posted by Ammianus at 7:01 am (EST) on Apr 16, 2008
Haven't found any Plaidy books yet :( I am doing the rounds of my stores this week so I will check them out; I will ask if they come in much and may put them on a waiting list. Such fun - I love searching for books for others as much as for me. Trouble is, I look in different sections of the store and find all these interesting books I would never have noticed before - and have to get them too! Even more fun!
It is getting cold now; not as cold in the morning as Canberra though. Brrr!
Lyn
posted by Lman at 7:13 am (EST) on Apr 7, 2008
I see yall've put a judge on the case of the HMS Sydney. Interesting! Cheers, A
posted by Ammianus at 5:26 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2008
If you don't look you won't find - or some such profoundly appalling cliché :)
I am watching out for The Hell Screen too; I check The Book Depository avidly each time I visit, even though I know it is not coming out for a few months (sad - huh). I got my last two I.J. Parker books from there at a very reasonable price. Hope the exchange rate sticks too. I'm still confused about the order in which to read them though - have you read them yet? They are a definite for me for this year!!! And it is nearly April!
I'll let you know immediately if I find one of these books - more excuses to go looking in book shops; as if we need one??!! I am not sure if I will find any, so don't be disappointed...
L.
posted by Lman at 1:38 am (EST) on Mar 26, 2008
L.
posted by Lman at 11:20 pm (EST) on Mar 21, 2008
Happy Easter!!
How was the book fair? I was jealous when I read that - and how wonderful getting hold of the Children's Encyclopaedia too. I love finding books from my childhood as it makes me realise that my joy now is a direct result of that. And now your daughters will have it too! I have a Treasury of Children's Poetry which takes me back and revives my dwindling memory of the classics...and my Winnie the Pooh books. I'm a 'Pooh" child!!!
As to all things 'Samurai' - I'm fast becoming a fan!! I check out your library quite a bit to get some ideas on those.
Was the finding of the HMAS Sydney significant to you war-gamers? I'm glad that it was found - especially for the relatives of the men on board. And to add to the knowledge of WWII.
Enjoy the weekend,
Lyn.
posted by Lman at 11:13 pm (EST) on Mar 21, 2008
posted by Ammianus at 3:32 pm (EST) on Mar 20, 2008
I note you do not have the P.F. Chisholm series about Sir Robert Carey during the border wars, starting with "A Famine of Horses." You would enjoy them very much, I believe. On our latest trip to Scotland in December, I visited the Armstrong museum in Langholm and was able to relate a lot of what I'd read about the Reivers to the items there. Excellent place.
Thank you for sharing your library,
mcfitz
posted by mcfitz at 12:34 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2008
Thanks for the tip on the bookfair, I thought it was next weekend for some reason!
I went today and was a bit disappointed on the historical fiction front.
Did you get all the good ones yesterday?! Just stirrrrring.
I did pick up a few...my husband briefly put the full green bags on the back of the wheelchair, almosted tipped over backwards, i could picture myself stranded like a turtle on its back :-)
Just exhausted myself with the LT entering.
Enjoy it on Sunday if you go....
Cheers
kim
posted by KimB at 4:21 am (EST) on Mar 8, 2008
This winter have been fairly "warm", 3-8C usually, it dipped below zero tonight.
No snow to speak of this year, but lots and lots of rain.
Yes I agree that the Persians for various reasons was unable to develop heavy infantry that could slug it out with the hoplites, but they should be able to do something about it.
Ie light infantry with heavy javelins, throwing sledges, spikes thrown on the ground in front of the phalanx, anything to break up their formation.
They usually outnumbered the opposition but repeatedly failed to make an impact when faced with heavy infantry.I just find it a bit strange.
Ardagor
posted by Ardagor at 9:36 am (EST) on Mar 3, 2008
I see your catalogue is increasing nicely - how many Samurai books have you got - hey? :)
We now share one more book as I finally got Bridge of Birds today. I am so excited as I didn't think it was ever going to come. That may be the first and last order from Betterworld for me! I stuck my nose in the first few pages - always a fatal flaw in my character - and was intrigued so much I had to force myself to stop as I want to finish the book I am reading and I have very little to go. As it is 1440 pages long I think you may understand where I am coming from here...
BTW, have you been watching Underbelly? I am not a big fan of Channel 9 shows but this is intriguing, especially as it is still playing out in the courts; not so much ancient history, but very much local history, yes? (Sigh, there is always a smart Alec around)
I hope you are well and all your girls, happy Autumn - bloody hell! Already!
L.
posted by Lman at 4:32 am (EST) on Feb 29, 2008
I like Shadows in the Desert. Very interesting and literally packed with information. Take some time to digest it all.
Strange how similar in some cases the situation for the mongols and ancient persia (ca 500 BC) was. Both relied heavily on very good organization and massed archery, winning countless victories. And both fell apart when their tactic did not work anymore.
I wonder why the Persians did not develop some way to handle the Greek heavy infantry. They must have realised their favorite tactic or showering the enemy with arrows simply did not work against the bronze armor and solid shields of the hoplites.
Yours Ardagor
posted by Ardagor at 3:26 pm (EST) on Feb 27, 2008
posted by KimB at 8:56 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2008
Yes, I was fast getting them on. I just placed most of my Medieval books since I am still thinking over becoming life member. I would hate to do all that work and the program cease to exist. Is there some way to download ones' collection to save it? The fact that I had already begun listing my books with Mirocsoft Works made it was easy to transfer into librarything.
I see you are a wargamer. I have been wargaming for some time myself. I enjoy a few periods including Medieval, WWII, and Napoleonics. I would be interested in some ancient games. What rules do you find best?
Take care David...you have a very impressive collection and I envy you.
Cheers
Gary
posted by gihk at 7:38 am (EST) on Feb 19, 2008
I do not think it was lack of horses that defeated the mongols at Ayn Jalut, their small steppe ponies could only keep up in combat about 8-10 minutes and not carry a fully armored warrior.So they had to remount in battle, every warrior was supposed to have 5 horses. They plundered grain from local farmers when not enough fodder was available, this worked for a season or two at least.
So they rained arrows upon the enemy and fell back when necessary to resupply and remount, then close for the kill when the enemy was a mess. This worked wonders against all other enemies. The mamelukes was different, they was excellent bowmen themselves and heavy cavalrymen. They could inflict more damage on the mongols from range then they got in return and was completely superior in close combat. That is the impression that I got anyway.
posted by Ardagor at 12:52 pm (EST) on Feb 13, 2008
I'll be sure to check out your catalogue for those historical novels.
posted by scribe77 at 9:59 am (EST) on Feb 7, 2008
Thought I would wait a little to update you about Betterworld - have to say I am not sure if I would recommend them as much as "The Book Depository" as I am still waiting for my book to arrive. :( But the exchange rate is so good at the moment that it is hard NOT to buy from overseas!
I am like you though, I had three great used book stores which kept coming up with my 'genre' books, with a condition like new, and half the price. So I rarely bought from anywhere else. But then my favourite closed and everyone else, in all likelihood, found the other two - so it was harder to find books I wanted. And then I found all these on-line sites which gave me books at similar prices, but brand new. I highly recommend "The Book Depository" as they have the British versions and FREE shipping. So, if the pound is on a good exchange they are fabulous. I have found a few of my most wanted there too, though not always. The URL is www.bookdepository.co.uk. And I belonged to TSP until Doubleday snaffled them, and then I hated it and left!! I still buy a lot from my 2 used shops.
I am glad you didn't get the Massey books as I am not sure they are all that good. I am getting the first one soon but I have a few others (like a 1000) that I want to read first!!
Are you getting drowned up your way? It is raining and raining and raining here... talk about extremes. I hope it is falling over the rivers and catchments areas too.
I looked up Maureen Ash - by the sounds of your note it seems like her books are good. It is a quandary we face: once liking an author who writes copiously, it is then hard on the pocket book; no? Not a bad quandary really...
Take care, stay dry,
L.
posted by Lman at 6:08 am (EST) on Feb 4, 2008
posted by Ammianus at 8:03 am (EST) on Jan 29, 2008
A little late, 4 months or so...
I bought Knights of Islam because i have been interested in the Mamelukes for a long time due to their strange political organization and solid military, in terms of training, equipment and organization.
Yours Ardagor
posted by Ardagor at 5:33 am (EST) on Jan 27, 2008
How are you? Me? I'm so happy; I just ordered a copy of "Bridge of Birds" (thanks to this site, the talk threads and one of your friends, aluvalibri) for a quite reasonable price. I wanted my own copy and now I can look out for the other two. I think the second is harder to find but then I was having trouble finding the first. BTW I got it off this site BetterWorld.com which has gasp second-hand books too! The exchange rate against the USD is good at the moment so that helps and you can get a feed to check if a book you want has come in. Brilliant. You probably already know about this site but I was very pleased to find it.
Then I can chat about one of your favourite books with you, err..once I have read it. I think it may rise to the top of my TBR list.
Between that and the Book Depository and my used book shops I'm not going to be able to stop buying books, am I. *head droops in despair*
*heart and soul is very happy*
Hope you are well and it is not too hot. Huh - summer sure has arrived!
L.
posted by Lman at 9:10 pm (EST) on Jan 12, 2008
You wanted to know what prompted me to add you as a friend? Well, we have similar interests. We both like the same history, and I noticed you have several books on King Arthur in your library. Arthurian legends are a big interest of mine. I'm actually writing a fiction book based on the legends.
posted by scribe77 at 9:34 am (EST) on Jan 9, 2008
Enjoy your the rest of your weekend. It is raining here - there goes the cricket.
posted by Lman at 2:37 am (EST) on Jan 5, 2008
Hope you had a very merry chrissy and all the best for the new year.
Hope you find many wonderful books to read.
:-)
posted by KimB at 6:09 pm (EST) on Jan 4, 2008
posted by Mezz at 8:27 am (EST) on Jan 3, 2008
Santa was good to you too. I love finding a bargain, with rewards or whatever, in this country-of-over-priced-books. I had to look up those books - totally ignorant about this genre - but I am learning fast, thanks to you! I see some very interesting books here in your catalogue.
I was considering reading the Kylie Chan trilogy soon - they look interesting and she is Australian also. Have you read any of those? I have started collecting Sujata Massey books now. Have you heard of her? I seem to be mad for books about medieval Japan???!!! What is that I wonder? I was recommended those because of a Laura Joh Rowland query. The Viking Empires sounds fascinating though. Maybe you can write some reviews; we have so much spare time in our lives, NOT - as neither of those have one.
BTW - I laughed more at the beer joke as I hadn't heard that one before. Very clever. Probably true. Ooops! Oh, and I'm not sure why you keep buying Christian Jacq books either - but I do things like that all the time!
:)
posted by Lman at 5:08 am (EST) on Jan 3, 2008
posted by Ammianus at 8:49 pm (EST) on Jan 2, 2008
Bloody hell! I've got a huge list from you now! :) I really want the Hughart books, they sound so interesting. I find it interesting also that, even if I have absolutely no knowledge of the subject, how a well researched book comes across so much better; subconsciously we must realise the underlying truth??? I like seeing a bibliography to validate the story - but then I'm a bit weird that way! And I find fantasy has to be the same to have a plausible concept.
I enjoyed Shinju very much - clever writing too, in painting a picture of the society through all the inhabitants of the book, and in stunning detail. I couldn't tell you if it is a true picture but it was fascinating. I am looking forward to the rest of this series, if I can find some time to read!
Bendigo boy huh? Or is that the in-laws? Nice place - don't know it well but all the people I have met from around there are very nice. Can you tell me the Queensland joke too please?
Forget Santa - I bought myself some books for Xmas!! Such a good excuse!
I hope you get lots too - wherever they come from. After all these years getting a book as a gift has never failed to excite me. Whatever, I hope you have a lovely holiday time. Please stay safe on those roads, and as I'm sure you have been a good boy (giving me all those wonderful suggestions), Santa should have lots of nice presents with your name on them.
Merry Christmas and may 2008 find you and your family happy, healthy and yur shelves full of books!
~Lyn
posted by Lman at 5:26 am (EST) on Dec 18, 2007
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas too - thanks for the good wishes!
all best, Sarah
posted by ariadne02 at 9:25 pm (EST) on Dec 17, 2007
thanks for the wishes!
The very best to you and your loved ones for a wonderful holiday season and a new year full of happiness, health, and prosperity.
Paola :-))
posted by aluvalibri at 9:31 pm (EST) on Dec 16, 2007
Luckily I live in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney and we missed out on all the hail this time - last time Sydney had a comparable storm (1999) we did cop it. I got a brand new car body out of that!
I don't know Barry Hughart, but I'm checking him out now!! Is he one of your favourites or is 'Bridge of Birds' the only one of his to read? I have a coupon from Borders - a good one - so I am looking for that this weekend. One of my other friends on LT loves Terry Dowling too - hmmm - I am seriously being pushed in that direction now.
I have read a few of Christian Jacq but not his latest - are they good too? I am reading 'Shinju' and it is brilliant. My aim is to finish it this weekend while watching the cricket - BLISS!!! And then I can start the next one.
I have read the first three of The Otori and I am looking forward to the last two. I enjoyed them very much but I do like stories with ancient cultures or similar plot basis, especially when they are well researched and thus very believable. I loved Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher series because she researched Australia in the 1930s and I learnt so much about our country, which interested me as much as the story!! I'm sadly lacking in historical knowledge due to an emphasis on Geography NOT History in my schooling. That is regretful now.
Enjoy your weekend - hopefully you are not working.
Lyn
posted by Lman at 6:24 am (EST) on Dec 14, 2007
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_O'Bedlam
posted by Hoagy27 at 9:32 am (EST) on Dec 9, 2007
LOL!! I thought you would think I am mad and never want any contact again!!! And now you want to befriend this mad woman!! Hmmm. Seriously that was lovely.
I want to read the Hugh Cook books again and finish the series since you have refreshed my memory. I just loved the convolution (?) of those stories. And you haven't read our shared book! Isn't it wonderful having all these books still to read - and now I want to read books I have already read. But I have decided on Shinju next. I will now be checking out your library for books similar to Bull Dancers - I wish I had studied Ancient History at school and then gone on to mythology and Greek and Roman interesting stuff (technical term there)as I find it intriguing.
Did you like Lian Hearn's books? I did!
Bye for now - look forward to more chats...
Lyn
posted by Lman at 4:31 am (EST) on Dec 7, 2007
And I have just realised why your name was familiar - I loved The Bull Dancers of Knossos - I love those sort of books. Alas it is still just you and me...
posted by Lman at 4:37 am (EST) on Dec 6, 2007
I read the Hugh Cook books a long time ago - found them very interesting and altogether totally different to anything else I had read then (or since for that matter). I am still not sure I understood them and I'm not sure if I finished them - I think I got the last two a while later. They are on my 'to-be-read-again-one-day' list definitely as I may enjoy them more in my dotage and I would like to finish the series(??).
NO ONE I knew ever liked them or understood them. What about you?
L.
posted by Lman at 4:13 am (EST) on Dec 6, 2007
Your suggestion is quite eerie as I have been contemplating what to read next. I was given the Rowland books by a friend in the States (DerBuecherwurm on LT)- ALL TEN!! We have a book "club" and read books together (send each other books we can't find in our respective countries) and she has read the first three, so I was wanting to catch up so we could read the rest together.
Now, with your encouragement, I have decided it will be 'Shinju' next, and probably a few more after!
I see you have only recently joined this illustrious site: so welcome! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do - I will let you know what I think (I am writing a review for each book I read now too). It is lovely to find fellow Australians here too!
Any other suggestions are very welcome...
Lyn
posted by Lman at 4:05 am (EST) on Dec 6, 2007
posted by Ammianus at 6:48 am (EST) on Nov 19, 2007
Thank you! I took a look at the titles we have in common, and there are some semi-obscure ones in there - the two by Alan Savage, some of the PC Dohertys, and a couple novels about Japanese history. Judging by your ratings, I think it's fair to say you've read more of your library than I have of mine!
Sarah
posted by ariadne02 at 9:17 pm (EST) on Oct 19, 2007
Altho' I read The Guns of August many years ago, the book that spurred my interest in looking through Barbara Tuchman's other work was The March of Folly. Very highly recommended. It's a shame she's not around to bring some of her insight into more recent history.
I have wondered if I should try to have a special tag for library books I've read but don't own. For example, I've read the first 3 or 4 of Colleen McCullough's Roman books, which I see you have some of. (My Amazon wish list is here, and I worry it's deceptive to see them in the listing.)
posted by Mezz at 11:47 am (EST) on Sep 19, 2007
I see you've recently added Black Lotus (A Sano Ichiro Mystery) Laura Joh Rowland. I've never heard of Rowland or the series but I see you've marked it 5 stars and selected Googled reviews seem to like it. Do you think it's something I could recommend to my mother-in-law who is an avid reader of mysteries? I, on the other hand am not a huge fan of the mystery genre... I like mysteries fine but I don't chew up one after another like she does. I'm sure she's never read any of these (she keeps a list so she doesn't read the same book twice). What would you suggest I tell her about this that might peak her interest?
Regards,
hoagy27
posted by Hoagy27 at 9:15 pm (EST) on Jul 31, 2007
So that's what Sumption’s been up to. When I read his books I had a hard time believing that the guy who wrote such good history could do anything other than study history all the time! Guess I forgot about John Buchan.
All this socializing is new to me. Librarything is the only "social website" I do and that only because it is such a great way to catalogue my library. I’ll get used to this “friends” concept.
BTW: I liked your “Queensland” joke so well I’ve told it several times. Come to think of it, I better ask you what it is about “Queensland” that makes is a foreign country from the rest of Australia.
Hoagy
posted by Hoagy27 at 11:23 am (EST) on Jul 28, 2007
posted by gradvmedusa at 3:40 am (EST) on Jul 26, 2007
I got hooked on Barbara Tuchman’s writing with The Guns of August. I devoured her next two books as soon as I could get my hands on them and when she published A Distant Mirror in 1978 I was overjoyed! The combination of Tuchman’s lucid prose and the history of the 14th century was right up my alley!
I enjoyed the narrative nature of Norwich’s Byzantium books. Since I had been reading several books written by historians who eschew the narrative approach his trilogy was like a blast from the past. I was thrilled when an aunt (who writes historical fiction) told me that Norwich had written a history of the Normans in Sicily. I could hardly rest until I tracked down a copy.
But, as they say, you can’t win ‘em all… I really hated Rathbone's The Last English King. I simply cannot abide the jokey, elbow-jabbing, anachronisms that proliferate in his work. I wanted to enjoy it but I just couldn’t finish it. The final straw was the appearance of the Bob Dylan cipher-character. Groan!
While we were in Scotland, we visited friends who live in the Outer Hebrides. The people and geography of the islands were wonderful! I highly recommend including them on any itinerary… but then there is so much see and do!
So Border Reivers in your family history ‘eh? …and Kerrs to boot! I see you and I share Frazer’s Steel Bonnets. I made sure I read it before we went to Scotland.
Regards,
Hoagy27
posted by Hoagy27 at 11:33 pm (EST) on Jul 19, 2007
I really enjoyed reading the first two volumes of Sumption's 100 Years War history and was very please when I saw the Wikipedia article about Sumption that mentioned the third volume.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Su...
I see you have The Normans in Sicily by John Julius Norwich, I’d be interested to know what you think about it. I’d also like to know what you thought about The Last English King by Julian Rathbone.
So have you visited Scotland? My wife and I visited a few years back and loved it. It is where much of my ancestry comes from.
Hoagy27
posted by Hoagy27 at 11:16 pm (EST) on Jul 18, 2007
posted by Robertgreaves at 8:37 am (EST) on Mar 25, 2007
posted by Shrike58 at 7:41 pm (EST) on Mar 15, 2007
posted by gradvmedusa at 6:37 pm (EST) on Feb 19, 2007