Alden Hatch (1898–1975)

The history of, and life in one of the most successful circuses in North America is an interesting and unusual topic, and not many could tell about everyday circus life with the authority of Henry Ringling North. However, the book is a little dry in places, and I found myself putting it down and coming back to it later several times. All in all, though, it was worth the read.

A hagiography undertaken before the subject is dead, let alone canonized. But it is interesting to think of someone that remote as a real person, which is why I read any kind of biography.

Clearly written for an American audience the book is of considerable historical value as it is the first such biography published by a Fianna Fáil TD. Any serious student of Fianna Fáil history should obtain a copy of the book as Briscoe's experience is indicative of most of the founder's of Fianna Fáil: politicians by accident. Given his experience of the Civil War Briscoe is not enamoured to the anti-Fianna Fáil opposition in the Dáil. Many readers will find his connections with the show more Irgun, Menachem Begin and the foundation of Israel quite entertaining as well as his efforts to persuade the Jewish Rabbis in Poland to persuade their people to leave for Palestine and thus avoid the likely Nazi invasion. show less

A Man Called John describes Roncalli's peasant background, the years of obscure diplomatic toil on behalf of the Holy See, and his return to Italy as Cardinal Patriarch of Venice—all culminating in his unlikely election as Pope John XXIII in October 1958. The last third of the book is devoted to a detailed description of the Pope's efforts at engaging with all of humanity—Catholic and Protestant, Christian and Non-Christian alike. Early on, the Pope was determined to convene an show more Ecumenical Council of the Church: show less