Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Product Description
A rollicking, rich portrait of a life. And what a life! By one of today’s greatest living actors.

He was born a Canadian on a Friday the thirteenth in 1929—the year of the Crash. His boyhood was one of privilege: an ancestor was a Governor General; his great-grandfather Sir John Abbott was Canada’s third prime minister and owned railroads. There were steam yachts, mansions, and a life of Victorian gentility and somewhat cluttered splendor.

Plummer tells how “this young bilingual wastrel, incurably romantic, spoiled rotten, tore himself away from the ski slopes to break into the big bad world of theatre, not from the streets up but from an Edwardian living room down,” and writes of his early acting days as an eighteen-year-old playing the lead in Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, directed by the legendary Komisarjevsky of Moscow’s Imperial Theatre.

We see his glorious New York of the fifties, where life began at midnight, with the likes of Arthur Miller, Carson McCullers, Tennessee Williams, and Paddy Chayefsky, and how Plummer’s own Broadway world developed and swept him along through the last Golden Age the American Theatre would ever remember . . . how the sublime Ruth Chatterton (“she might have been created by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sinclair Lewis”) introduced him to the right people in New York . . . how Miss Eva Le Gallienne gave Plummer his Broadway debut at twenty-five in The Starcross Story (“It opened and closed in one night! One solitary night! But what a night!”). He writes about Miss Katherine Cornell (the last stage star to travel by private train), who, with her husband, Guthrie McClintic, added to what experience Plummer had the necessary gloss, spit, and polish to take him to the next level. Guthrie bundled Plummer off to Paris for a production of Medea, opposite Dame Judith Anderson (“a little Tasmanian devil . . . who with one look could turn an audience to stone”).

Plummer writes about the great producers with whom he worked—Kermit Bloomgarden, Robert Whitehead, and Roger Stevens—about Lillian Hellman, Leonard Bernstein, Elia Kazan (“If you weren’t careful, this chameleon of chameleons might change into you, wear your skin, steal your soul”), and the miracle that was the new Stratford Festival in Canada, where Plummer blossomed in the classics under the extraordinary Tyrone Guthrie. He writes about his (too brief) encounters with his favorite geniuses, Orson Welles and Jonathan Miller. He writes about his lifelong friendships with Raymond Massey and the wild Kate Reid, and with that fugitive from the Navy, “that reprobate and staunch drinking buddy, the true reincarnation of Eugene O’Neill, whose blood was mixed with firewater,” Jason Robards, Jr.

Plummer writes about his affairs and his marriages, and about his daughter, Amanda, who “despite her slim looks and tiny bones could raise tempests, guaranteed to loosen the foundation of any theatre in which she chose to rage.”

We see him becoming a leading actor for Peter Hall’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre, with a company of young talented players, each destined for stardom—Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Peter O’Toole, et al., collectively the future of the English stage. The old guard was brilliantly represented by Dames Edith Evans and Peggy Ashcroft and Sir John Gielgud. Plummer, the only fugitive from the New World, played Richard III, Benedick, and Henry II in Becket.

He writes about his film career: The Sound of Music (affectionately dubbed “S&M”) . . . Inside Daisy Clover, which brought him together with the beautiful Natalie Wood . . . John Huston’s The Man Who Would Be King (Plummer was Rudyard Kipling). He tells the story of accepting Sir Laurence Olivier’s... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Adventures in Life, on Stage, in Film
What a fascinating book! More a stream of memories than an actual autobiography, Plummer begins with his unconventional upbringing in Canada, continues with his breakthrough into acting, and then just keeps going, Energizer Bunny style, in an endless string of sometimes humorous, sometimes sad, very often eye-popping adventures. These aren't the tales of his upright life: if the narrative is being straight with the reader, Plummer seemed to spend half of his life inebriated, or at least drinking a lot; he admits frankly that his first two marriages were made on whims and he was an absentee husband and father, and that he was often boastful, crass, rude, profane, or otherwise not the world's best guy.

On the other hand, his stories of acting on stage and in the movies were mesmerizing, especially tales of noted actors like Sir Laurence Olivier, Jason Robards, Raymond Massey, Eva Le Gallienne, James Mason, Mildred Natwick, Rex Harrison, Rachel Roberts, Kate Reid, Katherine Cornell; writers like Lillian Hellman and Neil Simon; producers, directors, "Broadway angels," locations including a miserable, filthy set and lodgings in the Soviet Union, and so many more. Since Hollywood tales are "a dime a dozen," much dirt being dished on the popular magazines of my childhood like "Photoplay," "Screen Stories," "TV-Radio Mirror," etc. which my mother bought and I surreptitiously read, I found Plummer's tale of stage life, foibles and fumbles the most absorbing parts of the volume--I really enjoyed reading about the stagecraft, the different theatre personnel and theatres themselves, and other backstage information and gossip. Heck, he even tells a good dog story about his family pets.

This rambling narrative could have used a good editing, but for myself, I had a great time wandering amongst Plummer's memories. YMMV

in spite of it
thoroughly engaging read from a thoroughly engaging canadian actor;and a very fine one at that. mr. plummer has been truly entertaining worldwide audiences for such a long time now. he is much loved in this country and we are all so proud of him, every time he appears on stage and in the theater. his story is delightfully witty and wise; thoroughly enjoying it.

Twice The Size That It Ought To Be
The author tells us far more than we want to know; particularly of his family history. What is good in this book is about the theatre. What is rather pathetic is the reader's realization - as the story unfolds - that this is an actor's constant pursuit of a life of fun-without-meaning; particularly in drinking and sex. I didn't think I would ever get tired of those subjects but CP has managed to make them joyless in these 600-plus pages. Plummer was a damn good actor but as a writer his book is rather formless, full of travel, name-dropping, scenery, poetry, quotes, etc. Christopher Plummer does not take himself seriously nor does he seem to take life seriously. Evidently he enjoyed himself. But is that what a life is all about? I was disappointed.

In Chris' sake
Well, I want to translate the book into Russian because it's so witty, so colourful, so bright...

Overwhelming
The book this reminds me of the most is the two volume autobiography of British film director Michael Powell, and he and Plummer share some traits.They are both charming and talented individuals who have met some fabulously interesting people.Plummer's book in particular is a real rogue's gallery--does anyone remember that old Readers Digest feature, "The Most Unforgettable Character I Ever Met"?Plummer has met hundreds of them.I think if he had stopped with his first 25, the book might have been digestible, but hundreds of pages later he's still trying to top himself.Funny thing is, his glow really works!In an early chapter he spends pages and pages on the comic genius of his mentor, Edward Everett Horton.Carefully and methodically Plummer dissects and builds up a portrait of greatness so that one is convinced Horton was better than Chaplin or Buster Keaton.After reading this I couldn't wait to get my hands on some Horton pictures.Well, folks, I'm here to tell you, after watching him do a drunk scene in 1946's FAITHFUL IN MY FASHION, he ain't no Chaplin.I like him, but he's not as special as Plummer makes out.

Nor am I willing to believe, for example, that Katherine Cornell was as untalented as Plummer seems to have found her.He presents her as a completely artificial no-talent given a pearl's showcase by the man who made her a star, her husband Guthrie McClintic.Plummer does this emperor's new clothes shock and awe attack on her that seems in thorough bad taste considering all the boost that she and McClintic gave to his own career.

And he has a bizarre account of Romy Schneider's last days that just doesn't add up, but on the whole, what a life and what a persuasive, winning style. ... Read more

Product Description
(Free software for Mac and PC allows you to download and read this ebook on your computer/laptop. Links are posted below.)

Every day since humans domesticated dogs, there has been someone standing at the entrance of the cave, teepee, or home yelling, “Has anyone seen my other shoe?”

Chewed Art humorously presents the works of dog artists crafting at the level of van Gogh, Bernini, and da Vinci. Until these works hang side-by-side in museums, we chronicle the breadth of mastery, the compulsion of creativity, and the power of passion. The book's one hundred ninety-three pages include ninety-five full-page photographs by award-winning photographer Christopher Ward. The photos and in-depth hilarious analysis detail the depth of this artistic revolution. Prepare to laugh, learn, and gasp as you immerse yourself in the Deconstructionist Art Movement.

Your dogs await…



--

Kindle download links:

PC:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd?docId=1000426311

Mac:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/kindle/mac/download?forced=1


... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

He's one of the most brilliant photographers....
out there. Really. Absurdly talented. He is also a great composer. Jealous of this guy's talent. Oy.

Heartwarming and Hilarious, Smart and Savvy
Christopher and his four-legged artists have created an oeuvre to stretch us in all directions. We find humor low and high, wit galore, tongue-in-cheek puns and sincerity only human's best friend can deliver. Kids can enjoy looking at the pictures while adults savor the ideas. As a history buff, I relished the commentary like a fresh bone. Such delicious fare. I'm shopping here in July for holiday stockings. I hope that Christopher is already engaged in producing a sequel. CAM ... Read more

Product Description
"Dana is my life force."

--Christopher Reeve

"A terrible thing happened. I wish it hadn't. But would I change who I married? Never."

--Dana Reeve

He was a hero in every sense of the word--the chiseled-from-granite star of four blockbuster Superman films and the romantic classic Somewhere in Time who, after being paralyzed in a freak horseback riding accident, became a symbol of hope for millions. Dana Reeve was no less heroic, standing steadfastly by her husband's side until his surprisingly sudden and unexpected death at age fifty-two. When Dana, a non-smoker, passed away from lung cancer just seventeen months after Chris's death, she left behind their thirteen-year-old son, Will, to be raised by friends and family. Dana was only forty-four years old.

That fate could have dealt such a cruel hand to this golden couple seemed unfathomable. That they could endure it all with grace, courage, and humor defied belief.

Yet for all the millions of words that have been written about their public causes and private struggles following Chris's accident, little is known about the lives they led as passionate young lovers. Now, in the manner of his poignant-yet-stirring bestsellers Jack and Jackie, Jackie After Jack, An Affair to Remember, The Day Diana Died, After Diana, and The Day John Died, No. l New York Times bestselling author Christopher Andersen draws on those who knew them best to examine in touching detail the Reeves' unique partnership and the romance, faith, and fortitude that defined it.

Sometimes heartbreaking, often uplifting, always compelling, Somewhere in Heaven is more than just a portrait of a marriage. It is the profoundly human story of two souls whose brief lives made a difference, a bittersweet saga of tragedy, triumph, and loss, and--above all else--a love story for the ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Chris and Dana Reeve - Super Book!
Excellent transaction. Super fast. Book was in like-new condition. I would order from this person again, without question.

Outstanding True Story
This is a very loving story about two brave and courageous people who inspired the world with the way they lived.

sad story but lots of love
This book leaves the reader with a warm feeling despite the tragedies it is about.Chris and Dana Reeve thrived despite terrible obstacles because they had so much love, both within themselves and from others.I would not say it is a "remarkable" love story because I think most spouses would hang in there and try to help their loved one in such a situation, though few would have anywhere near the financial resources or love and support of so many around the world like the Reeves did. Chris Reeve became a spokesman for the disabled, an icon in their court. The disabled in this country are often viewed in negative ways, people don't understand how much they suffer nor do they see how much they can love and how valuable they are as people, whether they can work and contribute to the GNP or not.Chris and Dana Reeve helped change that, and that is something that needs to change.Everyone has a right to be valued for who they are and what they can give to others.But some things in this book are disconcerting.I would have liked to see more exploration into why Chris Reeve could not accept not being able to walk.One of the things the book fails to tell is that a lot of quadraplegics really were not happy with his refusal to accept it.I think, from what little the book said about such things, that he just had an issue with not being able to fail, and so he was driven.The sad thing is that when he had some feeling come back, he was disappointed because he still couldn't walk.I think the little victories would have meant more if he could have accepted it.The other thing is the enormous cost of all the therapies to prepare him to walk again.His insurance company paid for a lot of it. Is this the best way to spend limited funds when there are people in this country who have no health care at all- pursuing fantasies?The book also fails to mention that his friend Robin Williams also paid for a lot of it for him.A few references were made to Chris saying he had to keep working to pay the bills.This can give the wrong impression - that we should expect quadraplegics to keep working somehow to pay for their own health care.In this way he did a disservice to the disabled population.I also was disappointed that Dana's tragic battle with lung cancer and death was told in comparatively few pages, almost like an afterthought. I also think the book failed to show the dark side more.A brief reference was made to Chris sometimes being "depressed and moody" but the reader for the most part gets to see only the bright side.I would have liked a more well-rounded picture of Dana and Chris.I think they both held a lot in to put on a good show, as one might have expected from actors, because the whole world was watching.In that way, having to tuck in their feelings and carry on, I think they suffered a lot too, but none of that was in the book. Their was a brief reference to Dana saying they both should see therapists. So they must have had a lot going on that they couldn't show the world.It was a disservice to the reader - and to them - not to show the whole picture.I also wonder what happened to the horse, Buck, that stopped short on him?They said he was going to be sold but nothing about whether anyone ever bought him.Maybe the horse was just doing what he had to do in a cosmic sense - set Chris Reeve on the journey that would do the world so much good.After all that is what Superman is all about - selflessly doing good for others.

Somewhere in Heaven -
Somewhere in Heaven: The Remarkable Love Story of Dana and Christopher Reeve

arrived on time in good condition

This was one of the best biographies I ever read...
This is a biography of love.If you are a romantic girl or guy you will appreciate this.Chris Andersen is a really good writer, if not the best there is.He captured very intelligent and true Chris and Dana Reeve love story and struggles with a bad luck horse ride accident.They gone through hell after the accident but they did the best they can.You cannot help admiring them and feeling for them a deep empathy(such a rare feeling these days).I read the book in a heart beat, in a couple of days, because it was very well written, captivating and emotional.Superman is in heaven now.I bet he is in a very good place...even he did not believe in God.. ... Read more

Product Description
"Queued" features 101 movie reviews by film critic Christopher Smith, whose 14 years as a film critic at a major Northeast daily newspaper has produced more than 4,000 movie reviews.Since Smith often is asked by readers, "What should I add to my Netflix queue?," he has begun a series of ebooks called "Queued!"Each volume will act as a guide to cut through the literally hundreds of thousands of movies featured on Netflix, as well as other online DVD rental retailers, such as Blockbuster and Wal-mart.

"Queued!" gives you a solid idea of what movies you absolutely should add to your queue, and what movies you absolutely should leave queueless.

Several major films are reviewed here, but what Smith set out to accomplish is to suggest films you might have heard of only in passing, or perhaps not at all, but which absolutely are worth your time.

Mixed into this group of reviews are some less-favorable choices, movies that receive such a massive financial push from the studios, the very idea that they’ve become part of the landscape suggests they might be worth viewing.

And so you rent them.And a sour feeling overcomes you when you realize you’ve been had.While this book focuses mainly on what you should add to your queue, a handful of some well-known yet terrible films have been selected to help save you time and disappointment.

As a bonus, these particular reviews tend to be the most fun to read.

With this first volume of "Queued!," Smith's hope is that you find movies that offer escape, insight and entertainment.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The New Pauline Kael
Edgy and spot-on!An invaluable guide that is also a fun read.Kiss kiss bang bang! ... Read more

Product Description
The second volume of "Queued!" features 101 movie reviews by film critic Christopher Smith, whose 14 years as a film critic at a major Northeast daily newspaper has produced more than 4,000 movie reviews.Since Smith often is asked by readers, "What should I add to my Netflix queue?," he has begun a series of ebooks called "Queued!"Each volume will act as a guide to cut through the literally hundreds of thousands of movies featured on Netflix, as well as other online DVD rental retailers, such as Blockbuster and Wal-mart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Lotta Bang for Minimal Bucks
If you're a NetFlix subscriber, youhave likely already indulged the hit-or-miss syndrome-- checking out assorted instant play offerings on the fly, with disappointment as your only reward. You can substantially increase your odds of satisfaction by grabbing this and the companion volume. More often that not, the author's reviews -- whether old-time tearjerkers or recently released wanna-be-gems -- are right on the money. Heck, it's worth the price of admission just to read his take on Tom Cruise as, ahem, "actor."

Because of these two volumes, hubby and I have enjoyed quite a few "date nights" in front of the NetFlix-enhanced tube. Although we have completely different tastes in movies, there's enough detail herefor all movies covered(withOUT spoilers) to discern which movies we'd both enjoy. Bottom-line: the pricing makes this an absolute steal, especially given the humor throughout which keeps you glued to the page. I just hope the author soon releases Volume III!

[My Amazon Vine Voice membership played no role in this purchase. Read: I dug into my wallet; no freebie.] ... Read more

Product Description
This book details Christopher Parkening's rise to fame as one of the world's preeminent virtuosos of the classical guitar--and everything it cost him to get there. In spite of his enormous success, he discovered that without true meaning and purpose, all his worldly accomplishments were empty and unsatisfying. Grace Like a River is the story of a young man, filled with determination and drive, who was willing to sacrifice everything in order to achieve the highest level of excellence. It is also the story of how God pursued Christopher Parkening in order to give him eternal hope. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Inspiring read and beautiful music to compliment.
I purchased this book for my husband, a guitarist and major fan of Parkening, and he simply could not put it down.The book follows Christopher's upbringing, his dedication to his art, family dynamics, but more than anything his relationship with God.His beautiful music has always been an inspiration to my husband and I and now this books reveals the beauty in his soul.I read the book as well and was just so moved with several passages.It is a great read and not just for those who follow classical music or fly fishing.

A Highly Satisfying Read
Written in a fashion not unlike the music its author makes, I found thisvolume refreshing, well-crafted, and overall a highly satisfying read.A fairly intimate account of the ups and downs of life "on the road", "in the air", "on the stage" and the many places in between...including the surprising "lows points" that ultimately led to the finding of faith and a whole new way of life.With insights into life as a guitarist and classical musician, as well as his many encounters with great musicians and composers, this book should be a delight to anyone interested in classical guitar, Parkening himself, and not the least, the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ...oh, and fly-fishing too.

Good insight into the making of a Classical Guitarist
I have been a fan of Christopher Parkening for sometime.I enjoyed the book and thought it was well written.I especially liked the memories from his early days learning the guitar.His father seemed extreemly demanding of him and it felt to me that Chris actually vented some of this frustration in the book early on.His initial decision to quit the concert stage at 30 and live a life of fly fishing was even more interesting for me.He began to feel incomplete when he experienced all of this new found freedom, then began devoting his music to a higher purpose through his own will.

The book moved rather quickly for me, but I found myself skipping the fly fishing stories a few times.If I were to make a recommendation of new editions, I would minimize those and perhaps put them in as an epilogue or a final chapter on his other hobbies.

Overall a great Read, and I would recommend to anyone who wishes to be inspired.

- David Carlin

Ability to provide a realistic and unembellished,
With forewords by highly regarded evangelical author/pastor John MacArthur and internationally known author/speaker Joni Eareckson Tada, a quality read is an expected "given," and throughout the entirety of this autobiographical sketch of classical guitarist Christopher Parkening, there won't be any disappointments. Parkening characterizes his early childhood years as ones strongly influenced by his demanding father. Given to high, some might say unreasonably steep, expectations, Christopher's childhood was very different from most youngsters. His father, also a gifted musician, saw something rare and wonderful in Christopher at a young age and demanded perfectionism and drill sergeant-like discipline from him. Through hours of daily practice, beginning at 5:00 a.m. Christopher honed his skills, filed his nails just so, and practiced, practiced and practiced some more.

At age 12, Christopher's parents gave him the Segovia Golden Jubilee three-record set as his birthday gift. Not too long after, his entire family attended Andres Segovia's concert where he was also able to meet the master in person. Never having forgotten that moment when Segovia patted Christopher's cheek, he was more inspired than ever to succeed. Under the tutelage of Celedonio and Pepe Romeros, Christopher and his father studied Pepe's every move, "from his hand position to his sitting position to his techniques for increasing speed."

Frustrated that Christopher was unable to advance his speed, father and son realized that Christopher's fingernail shape was arched (not flat), so this innovative team developed finger braces to reshape them. Christopher wore these "braces" nightly for five years; finally he realized they would always return to their natural shape once the braces came off. So Christopher concentrated on learning to file his nails (an hourlong process) to make up for their arched natural form.

Fast forward several years, Christopher has now become a recognized artist and his life has changed dramatically. Still, between practicing, performing and cutting records, he somehow managed to develop another love of his life: fly-fishing. Betwixt and between his ever-increasing travel schedule, Christopher and his dad spent hours laboring over the lakebeds and finding blessed reprieve from the stressful world of concert performances. These true escapades are duly sandwiched between each chapter segmenting Christopher's life; though short and concise, they offer some entertaining "fish tales" and poignant life takes as well.

At the top of his game, Christopher finds himself increasingly dissatisfied with his life. Despite marriage, early "retirement" at age 30, and everything he could want materially, Christopher turns to Christ and makes a personal commitment following some difficult life events. The remainder of the text details how faith in God and living for His glory, not for personal gain or recognition, has altered Christopher's life for the good. Consistently honest and transparent, he challenges others to take stock of their souls and includes a hefty question/answer section at the close of the book.

Readers will enjoy this medium-paced storyline that contains an insider's view on the world of performing artists. Especially inviting is Christopher's ability to provide a realistic and unembellished, yet grateful, picture of a life charmed by success but relinquished to Christ.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe

Inspiring and Insightful
"Grace Like a River" is a fantastic look into the life and thoughts of the world's greatest living classical guitarist.Parkening shares the highs and lows of concert performances, especially the intense pressure and grind of a performing schedule.(I had the honor of meeting him following a concert in the 70's, and he was gracious and friendly even after a long performance.)

The book moves from his early career to his "retirement", and then to his calling to again perform and share his great faith with the world.In this he has branched out from "just" a guitarist to a versatile performer.Anyone who hears his incredible work with Kathleen Battle on "Pleasures of Their Company" will know what I mean, especially their rendition of six traditional spirituals.

Interestingly, Parkening also describes his love for fishing (he's a world-class, tournament-winning fisherman), and relates the life lessons learned from this easy-to-do, hard-to-master sport.

This book is a great read.Get it. ... Read more

Product Description
A hit man who can't remember his phony name screws up. His victim lives long enough to describe him.

Ex-cop turned attorney Neville Hartley agrees to help Nicky Findlay’s father resolve a debt to a shady lender. Findlay saved Neville’s brother’s life. It’s Neville’s turn. With assistance from a popular newspaper columnist, Neville figures out the shady lender caught the father in a mortgage scam. The old man is about to lose his house. Worse, the shady lender gets wise to Neville and puts Neville's life in danger.

Then the forgetful hit man comes after Neville, too.

In an attempt to redeem a shattered life, beautiful Arizona Douglas, an aging, down and out exec, and former shady lender employee, assists Neville. With her help, Neville uses his unerring (sometimes) sixth sense about people and discovers the shady lender is backed by a Wall Street darling who's either an investor with 'vision', or the SEC hasn't caught up with him yet.

To help the old man, and smoke out the killer, Neville and Arizona come up with a scam shadier than the lender’s darkest imagination. Only this time, the bad guy is the mark. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"Must-read" crime thriller
Thrilling story with intricate plot makes this a must-read novel for crime fans.Enjoy!! ... Read more

Product Description
Edward II is a Renaissance or Early Modern period play written by Christopher Marlowe. It is one of the earliest English history plays. The full title of the first publication is The Troublesome Reign and Lamentable Death of Edward the Second, King of England, with the Tragical Fall of Proud Mortimer. Marlowe found most of his material for this play in the third volume of Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles (1587). He stayed close to the account, but he embellished history with the character of Lightborn (or Lucifer) as Edward's assassin. The play was first acted in 1592 or 1593 by Pembroke's Men.

Christopher "Kit" Marlowe (baptised 26 February 1564 – 30 May 1593) was an English dramatist, poet and translator of the Elizabethan era. The foremost Elizabethan tragedian next to William Shakespeare, he is known for his blank verse, his overreaching protagonists, and his own mysterious and untimely death. Along with The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, The Massacre at Paris is considered his most dangerous play, as agitators in London seized on its theme to advocate the murders of refugees from the low countries and, indeed, it warns Elizabeth I of this possibility in its last scene. Marlowe's plays were enormously successful, thanks in part, no doubt, to the imposing stage presence of Edward Alleyn. He was unusually tall for the time, and the haughty roles of Tamburlaine, Faustus, and Barabas were probably written especially for him. Marlowe's plays were the foundation of the repertoire of Alleyn's company, the Admiral's Men, throughout the 1590s. - Wikipedia ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A very interesting read
Christopher "Kit" Marlowe (1564¯1593) has faded into the background over the centuries, little remembered by the common man, unlike his contemporary William Shakespeare. But, in his own time, Marlowe was known as one of the greatest of playwrights.

This play tells the story of King Edward II, who ruled England from 1307 to 1327. Edward shocked medieval England with his openly bi-sexual relationship with Piers Gaveston, and his barons rose up against him in a series of wars, finally culminating in Edward's death. (Rumor having it that he was horribly murdered by having a red-hot iron thrust up through his rectum!)

Now, this play is not entirely historically accurate. The theatre of the day did not specialize in accurate historical portrayal, but strove to entertain. However, that said, this play does do an excellent job of telling the story of Edward and his reign, in an entertaining and informative manner in a mere 25 scenes.

Overall, I found this to be a very interesting read, and I couldn't help but wonder why I have not heard of it being played today. It is still very entertaining, and you would think that modern play producers would want to put it on. This is an interesting play, one that I do not hesitate to recommend.

(By the way, just in case you didn't realize, this Edward was the effeminate son of Edward I, Longshanks, in Mel Gibson's movie Braveheart. That portrayal of Edward was well done by actor Peter Hanly, but was even less accurate than this play. I suspect that the character Phillip was based on Piers Gaveston. Longshanks did indeed hate Gaveston, but certainly never threw him out of a window!)

A History Play that Rivals Shakespeare's History Plays!!!
+++++

(Note that this review is for Dover Classics "Edward II" published by Theatre Communications Group in 1999.)

This play in five acts or twenty-five scenes, written by Christopher Marlowe (1564 to 1593, born the same year as Shakespeare) is a history play that chronicles the reign of Edward the Second.The actual name that Marlowe gave his play was "The troublesome reign and lamentable death of Edward, the second King of England, with the tragical fall of Mortimer."(Mortimer is Edward's nemesis in the play.)

The precise date of this play is not accurately known, but it is generally thought to have been written circa 1590.

Marlowe condenses, omits, elaborates, and rearranges actual historical events in order to gain dramatic effectiveness, and to bring out Edward's character and the results of his weakness.So the action in the play covers a historical period of just over twenty years (near the end of the fourteenth century) even though such a period of time is not suggested by the play itself.

Marlowe effectively succeeds in giving a true, as well as a powerful picture of the character and fate of Edward the Second.This play masterfully shows the delineation of character, the construction of plot, and the freedom and variety of the mostly blank verse.

Readers of Shakespeare's plays (especially "Henry the Eighth" and "Richard the Second") should find it quite easy to read this relatively succinct play.Even those not familiar with Shakespeare's plays or even Elizabethan drama should have little difficulty with this play.Footnotes are minimal.

Unfortunately, this play has been labeled a "Gay Play."This is not quite accurate.Edward was bisexual because he had a queen who he had a son with (the future Edward the Third) and, as well, had a male partner (named Piers Gaveston).Gaveston too was bisexual since he was not only attracted to Edward but also to Edward's niece!Edward's queen is heterosexual because she is later attracted to Mortimer after Edward starts ignoring her.

Sexual orientation is actually a small part of this play. The play is about a king who loses control of his kingdom.Edward's brother says this early on to Edward: "My Lord, I see your love to Gaveston / Will be the ruin of the realm and you."

Finally, the last scene of the play is truly magnificent as Edward's son, now King, gets revenge for his father's murder.

In conclusion, this is a great play that can be enjoyed by those who are heterosexual (like myself), bisexual, or homosexual.Also, in my opinion, this history play closely rivals Shakespeare's history plays.

(this book first published 1999; play written circa 1590; 95 pages)

+++++

The troublesome reign and Lamentable death of Edward
The edition of Edward II I read was the New Mermaid Series one, which had a very good and informative introduction, and has the spelling modernized. The spelling modernization extends to place names as well as general terms.I am not sure how I feel about spelling modernization, as it is nice to seehow the work was originally spelled, but it made the work very easy toread. The play itself is amazing, very engaging even though it is ahistory, and is mostly based on things that actually happened. The languageis not as flowery as Shakespeare, but is lovely nonetheless.Some of thecharacters of the play are very fickle, and seem to suddenly change as youread the text of the play. (Queen Isabella goes from devoted andself-sacrificing wife to cunning adulteress.) It makes more sense on stage,and after seeing this play, it was easier to see how good it is.

Marlowe outdoes himself!
Marlowe's final play is also his masterpiece. To be sure, the dramatic events in this play really did happen, but Marlowe shows himself at hisbest when he paints the picture. At first, Marlowe masterfully allows us todetest Edward for undoing all the fine work of his father EdwardLongshanks. We also are able to feel sorry for Mortimer and Isabella. (theeventual villains). Isabella feels neglected and Mortimer can not stand tosee the fine work of Edward Longshanks undone.Later, we come to have somerespect for Edward II when he shows himself to have some of his father'sfine qualities and he crushes the first rebellion against him with courageand intelligence. When the second uprising successful, we no longer arelead into any feelings of admiration for Mortimer and Isabella. Once theyhave power they are more vile and disgusting than Edward II ever was. ByAct 5.1, Marlowe gives Edward II moving soliloquies and does not allow ournew won pity to slack for a moment. The final scene of this play whenEdward II's 17 year old son Edward III flips the tables,crushes hiscorrupt mother, has Mortimer put to death, and offers prayers to hismurdered father is a scene that is almost unsurpassed in literature. To besure, this did actually happen, but Marlowe not only tells us whathappened, but colors it with his superb mastery of the language.

Shakespeare? Who? Marlowe was far better!
Edward the second, or to give it its full title, 'The troublesome reign and Lamentable death of Edward, the second king of England, with the tragical fall of proud Mortimer', is famous for being an Elizabethan 'Gayplay', but this is only one of the subjects contained within the play.Politics, cruelty and the Feudal System are all important themes in this,one of the great masterstrokes of Elizabethan literature. The play itselfis a history play, set in the 14th century featuring Edward and hispreviously basished lover, Gaveston, who returns after the death ofEdward's father. This return enrages the barons, who were sworn to Edward'sfather that Gaveston would never return. This is the catalyst for a plotthat races around like a cheetah on speed, culminating in one of the mostexcruciating deaths ever portrayed on stage. "Shakespeare? Who?Marlowe was far better!" ... Read more

Product Description
At Berkshire Hathaway, we like companies that are easy to understand.Doris Christopher’s “keep it simple” approach has a lot to teach anyone who is reaching for the American Dream.Frankly, if I can’t understand a company’s business, I figure their customers must have a pretty hard time figuring it out, too.

I would challenge anyone on Wall Street to take $3,000 and do what Doris Christopher has done: build a business from scratch into a world-class organization.But follow the simple steps in this book, and it just might happen.Come see me in Omaha when you’ve put together your own recipe for success; we pay cash and Bershire’s check will clear.In the meantime, read this book.Then, read it again.

-- Warren Buffet from the foreword to The Pampered Chef

The Pampered Chef is Doris Christopher’s extraordinary account of how she turned an innovative concept and $3,000 investment into a business with annual sales approaching the billion-dollar mark. It is packed with real-life lessons and inspiring insights for small-business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

In 1980 Doris Christopher, a former home economist and teacher, was itching to get back into the workforce after an eight-year hiatus as a stay-at-home mom. Drawing on her personal and professional expertise, and determined to make cooking easier and more convenient for families, she started selling high-quality kitchen tools through cooking demonstrations to groups of women in their homes. Today, the company she started in her basement, The Pampered Chef, is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary and has grown into a corporation with tens of thousands of independent kitchen consultants. Now owned by Berkshire Hathaway, The Pampered Chef’s Kitchen Consultants present more than a million Kitchen Shows a year, attended by more than 12 million people.

THE PAMPERED CHEF is the story of the vision, energy, hard work, and chutzpah that drove Christopher and her company to the height of success. She describes her early days as a “one-woman show,” chronicles the company’s gradual expansion, its challenges and growing popularity, and the process, offers invaluable advice and sound strategies on how to found and grow a business, including:

Hard learned lessons for start-up entrepreneurs
How to create a business concept and set your priorities
Knowing when to expand and when to slow growth so that demand doesn’t overwhelm your operations or supplies
How to counter the naysayers and deal with adversity

Today, as at the company’s founding, achieving a better balance between work and family remains central to The Pampered Chef’s mission. THE PAMPERED CHEF brings Christopher’s recipe for success to women, and men, everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

Great Book!!
This book was informative and encouraging and I recommend it to anyone interested in the Pampered Chef opportunity.

nice service
I ordered this brand new book and was very pleased with the ease of transaction and speed of shipment.

Love the company, love the book
The Pampered Chef: The Story of One of America's Most Beloved Companies

Whether you enjoy using Pampered Chef products as a consumer or if Pampered Chef is your business, you will love learning more about Doris Christopher and the company she built. The story is inspiring and informative for anyone seeking to start their own small business.

Too expensive for such poor quality
I purchased the sandwich spreader and metal spatula.I paid twice what I would have paid anywhere else.They turned out to be junk.Both plastic handles separated from the metal parts within 9 months of the purchase.

I want to sell Pampered Chef
I absolutely loved this book.Doris Christopher's ideas and humble beginnings are absolutely inspiring!She has built an amazing company and shares it for everyone to realize their own potential.Her basic no nonsense attitude towards life and her company are shared in this incredible story.I do not sell Pamperd Chef, but if I was not trying to build another direct sales business I know I would after reading this book! ... Read more

Product Description
At Berkshire Hathaway, we like companies that are easy to understand.Doris Christopher’s “keep it simple” approach has a lot to teach anyone who is reaching for the American Dream.Frankly, if I can’t understand a company’s business, I figure their customers must have a pretty hard time figuring it out, too.

I would challenge anyone on Wall Street to take $3,000 and do what Doris Christopher has done: build a business from scratch into a world-class organization.But follow the simple steps in this book, and it just might happen.Come see me in Omaha when you’ve put together your own recipe for success; we pay cash and Bershire’s check will clear.In the meantime, read this book.Then, read it again.

-- Warren Buffet from the foreword to The Pampered Chef

The Pampered Chef is Doris Christopher’s extraordinary account of how she turned an innovative concept and $3,000 investment into a business with annual sales approaching the billion-dollar mark. It is packed with real-life lessons and inspiring insights for small-business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

In 1980 Doris Christopher, a former home economist and teacher, was itching to get back into the workforce after an eight-year hiatus as a stay-at-home mom. Drawing on her personal and professional expertise, and determined to make cooking easier and more convenient for families, she started selling high-quality kitchen tools through cooking demonstrations to groups of women in their homes. Today, the company she started in her basement, The Pampered Chef, is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary and has grown into a corporation with tens of thousands of independent kitchen consultants. Now owned by Berkshire Hathaway, The Pampered Chef’s Kitchen Consultants present more than a million Kitchen Shows a year, attended by more than 12 million people.

THE PAMPERED CHEF is the story of the vision, energy, hard work, and chutzpah that drove Christopher and her company to the height of success. She describes her early days as a “one-woman show,” chronicles the company’s gradual expansion, its challenges and growing popularity, and the process, offers invaluable advice and sound strategies on how to found and grow a business, including:

Hard learned lessons for start-up entrepreneurs
How to create a business concept and set your priorities
Knowing when to expand and when to slow growth so that demand doesn’t overwhelm your operations or supplies
How to counter the naysayers and deal with adversity

Today, as at the company’s founding, achieving a better balance between work and family remains central to The Pampered Chef’s mission. THE PAMPERED CHEF brings Christopher’s recipe for success to women, and men, everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

Great Book!!
This book was informative and encouraging and I recommend it to anyone interested in the Pampered Chef opportunity.

nice service
I ordered this brand new book and was very pleased with the ease of transaction and speed of shipment.

Love the company, love the book
The Pampered Chef: The Story of One of America's Most Beloved Companies

Whether you enjoy using Pampered Chef products as a consumer or if Pampered Chef is your business, you will love learning more about Doris Christopher and the company she built. The story is inspiring and informative for anyone seeking to start their own small business.

Too expensive for such poor quality
I purchased the sandwich spreader and metal spatula.I paid twice what I would have paid anywhere else.They turned out to be junk.Both plastic handles separated from the metal parts within 9 months of the purchase.

I want to sell Pampered Chef
I absolutely loved this book.Doris Christopher's ideas and humble beginnings are absolutely inspiring!She has built an amazing company and shares it for everyone to realize their own potential.Her basic no nonsense attitude towards life and her company are shared in this incredible story.I do not sell Pamperd Chef, but if I was not trying to build another direct sales business I know I would after reading this book! ... Read more

Product Description
"Months and Seasons" is the follow-up story collection to Christopher Meeks's award-winning "The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea." With a combination of main characters from young to old and with drama and humor, the tales pursue such people as a supermodel who awakens after open-heart surgery, a famous playwright who faces a firestorm consuming the landscape, a reluctant man who attends a Halloween party as Dracula, and a New Yorker who thinks she's a chicken. "Christopher Meeks's quirky stories are lyrical and wonderfully human. Enjoy," says Sandra Tsing Loh, author of "A Year in Van Nuys." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A showcase for the author's marvelous short stories
NOTE: I orginally posted this review as a guest reviewer on Red Adept's Kindle Book Review Blog on November 2, 2009. I used the same 0-5 star review format that Red Adept uses.

"Months and Seasons," by Christopher Meeks, is a short story collection with eleven stories, including a chapter from the author's novel "The Brightest Moon of the Century." Having enjoyed the author's first short story collection, "The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea," I was looking forward to reading "Months and Seasons." Three of these stories were previously published as Amazon Shorts.

Overall: 5 Stars

Plot/Storyline: 4 1/2 Stars

As with "The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea," most stories involved relationships between people. Several stories were about how people dealt with life-changing or unexpected events, such as the death of a loved one, serious illness, or natural disaster.

One of my favorite stories, "The Farms at 93rd and Broadway," was about an empty-nest married couple's attempt to liven up their predictable lives by the impromptu act of going uptown to a show. I won't give away the outcome, but think of the old vaudeville joke that begins with "Doctor, my wife thinks she's a chicken..."

"A Whisker" showed how useful a cat can be around the house, especially in helping its owner to regain a lost love.

"Dracula Slinks into the Night" was a marvelous story, but if for no other reason, it was worth reading to learn how sperm is extracted from a dead man. No, I'm not telling, but you wouldn't believe me if I did!

Perhaps the best story was "Breaking Water." What happens to a top supermodel when a serious medical condition threatens her career? This is the longest story in the collection, and it's the most complete story in terms of character development and plot. This story was substantial enough that it could have been expanded to a novella.

The title story, "Months and Seasons," depicted a cast party after a movie has completed shooting. Why does the set electrician only date girls who are named for months or seasons, and will sparks fly when he finally meets the right girl?

As a bonus, the last story, "The Hand," is actually the first chapter of the author's novel "The Brightest Moon of the Century." It works well as a standalone story, and it served to pique my interest in reading more about Edward, the story's protagonist.

Character Development: 5 Stars

Characters were developed to an extent commensurate with a short story. The author did a fine job of giving the reader enough background information to understand the motivations and feelings of the principal characters.

Writing Style: 5 Stars

The author displayed considerable writing skills in his use of the language, the realistic dialogue, and keeping the reader's interest. Situations and settings were described succinctly and clearly with no wasted words.

Most stories are narrated from the third person point of view, but the author showed equal skill at using first person in three of the stories.

Editing/Formatting: 5 Stars

The formatting was nearly perfect in my Kindle version, and a linked table of contents was a very nice touch. The book had clearly been professionally edited, and I found no grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors.
________________________

I have to say that my interest in short stories leans more toward plot-driven stories and those with a lot of action. Generally, I'm not overly fond of modern short stories that emphasize character development or begin in the middle of a story. However, I've enjoyed both of the author's short story collections very much.

The Infinite inside the Finite
While reading Months and Seasons, I recalled Socrates' dictum "The unexamined life is not worth living," for the characters inhabiting Christopher Meek's short stories are either experiential zombies, on whom everything is lost, or in serious need of a wake-up call. Fortunately, for them, and for us as readers, they get it. The twelve stories hover around that mysterious black hole in our lives: the "what" everyone else but you knows, but won't tell you; and which you must discover in time, or die deprived of a secret whose revelation could, both in the present and retroactively, give meaning to your life. Meeks' tales are polished keys crafted to unlock nothing; rather, to reflect the already-open treasure surrounding us. Even if the "I"'s within these stories suffer blindness of insight, what meets the reader's eye is endless, the surface bottomless, and the stories taut as piano wire in an assassin's hands. Whether describing the epiphany of a man who must dress as Dracula to discover his own blood line or a woman experiencing the art of creation in the creation of Art,Meeks' words evince one magic show after another. Step inside the tent of his cover, and awe.

A beautifully composed collection of stories
This moving collection of short stories covers a full range of life experiences. Short stories excel at conveying one particular emotion each and Christopher Meeks delivers a variety of them here. Each short story feels rounded on its own as a complete vignette and all together, they make this collection shine with humanity and intelligence.

Many of the stories deal with couples, in all sorts of situations. There is a story about a couple going to a hypnotists' show - the wife wants to let go and have fun, but her husband holds her back from immersing herself in the experience. Another couple with a reluctant husband attends a Halloween party together; he learns to have some fun. My favorite story, however, was that of an old man, a writer, whose house burns down. I thought it perfectly summed up how we all cope with disaster; our lives fall apart but we must put up a show for the rest of the world and pretend that we will be just fine.

As I was reading, I'd be excited for the next story when I felt the one I was currently reading begin to wrap up. I never wanted to put the book down between stories because I just wanted to read more of them. I've got his first collection sitting in my Amazon cart for when I make an over $25 purchase because I really, really want more of his writing. I was thrilled to see the bonus track from his next book and I can guarantee I'll be buying that one as soon as it's released.

I would definitely recommend this one, whether you're like me and want to read all the stories through at once, or whether you'd like to read just one story between errands on a busy day. This collection is beautifully composed and certainly worth your time.

Short Story Collection Exploring Many Aspects of Life
Months and Seasons is a collection of short stories. In it we meet a variety of people in different stages of life, dealing with different conflicts and life altering events. They all search for happiness for themselves and their loved ones.

Some of my favorite stories include Dracula Slinks Into The Night about a man attending a Halloween party (I really identified with this guy!), The Farms at 93rd and Broadway about a husband and wife attending a hypnotist show, The Sun Is a Billiard Ball, two stories that eventually weave into one, The Old Topanga Incident where a whole man's life burns to the ground, Months and Seasons about one man's perception of what he wants, and Breaking Water about a woman reinventing her life.

I really liked the variety in the stories. Some were humorous where as others were more serious. With some short story collections it ultimately feels like the same story repeated over and over again slightly different each time, this is definitely not the case here. This collection provides peeks into many different lives in way different ways all by the same author!

On a side note, I really enjoy when an author includes a peek at their next book. At the end of this book we get a peek into The Brightest Moon of the Century with the story The Hand. I really like his idea of a collection of stories of one man's life throughout his life, covering 30 years. Meeks compares it to The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing, another book I need to read. I really liked The Hand and look forward to reading the whole collection.

No Filler Here
I find short stories to be like snapshots, quick peeks into worlds and situations I would otherwise never have experienced. The best of them have an easy rhythm that lends itself to an almost effortless reading experience and allows me to lose myself in the stories for the whole time it takes me to read their fifteen or twenty pages. But all too often these days, short story collections are similar to the CDs being produced by the major record labels: great title track, one or two other catchy tunes, plus a whole lot of filler material needed to bring the whole thing to the required twelve tracks. I am pleased to report that if Months and Seasons, the new collection from Christopher Meeks, was a music album, many of its twelve pieces would be destined for the charts - no filler here.

As suggested by the book's title, the stories offer short looks into the lives of characters that are experiencing the various seasons of a lifetime. There are stories about children, about young singles and couples, about couples closer to middle age, and about men even closer to the ends of their lives. But whatever their age, all of these characters are coping as best they can with the problems and situations that life is throwing at them at that moment. Some of their conflicts are of the life-changing variety and others are of the everyday type similar to what most readers will have experienced for themselves at some point in their own lives. The particular beauty of this story collection is how Meeks is able to make his reader care as much about the little girl trying to get over her fear of water as for the aged writer who is about to lose a lifetime's accumulation of memories to an out-of-control brush fire.

I find it difficult to choose a favorite Months and Seasons story from those that strike me as being exceptionally memorable. If pressed to choose just one, I would likely end up with "The Wind Just Right," the story of a little girl who is lulled into losing her fear of water, and actually learns to swim, in the hands of a young teacher who herself learns that she is exactly the teacher this little girl needs, someone the little girl will probably remember for the rest of her life. The way that both girls gain self-confidence and the ability to trust their instincts makes this a beautiful story.

In "The Sun Is a Billiard Ball," one of the longer stories in the book, a couple fearing they have been exposed to AIDS and a man exhibiting symptoms of a deadly cancer find their lives intersecting in a way that could have not been foreseen by any of them even a split second before it happened. The courage, love and humor of this story make it one destined to be remembered. But, because I don't want to mislead anyone, I should note that Meeks handles humor and absurd situations as well as he handles serious topics. In fact, he opens the book with the humorous "Dracula Sinks into the Night," about what starts out as the costume party from hell for one man but turns into an unexpected blessing for him and his wife.

There is even a "bonus track" at the end of the collection, a preview of the book that Mr. Meeks is working on now, The Brightest Moon of the Century, a novel that will, in short story form, cover thirty years in the life of its central character, Edward. "The Hand," which closes Months and Seasons, is actually the first chapter of that new book, a chapter in which young Edward and his father are both forced to do a bit of growing up. I can't decide whether to call "The Hand" a trailer or a teaser but its inclusion in this collection was a brilliant idea because it has left me so intrigued to learn the rest of Edward's story that I will jump at the chance to read The Brightest Moon of the Century when it is available. Trailer, teaser and very fine short story all rolled into one, it worked well. ... Read more

Product Description
A powerful, evocative novel of international betrayal. In the Pacific Rim, the memories of World War II are awakened when the Ministry of Education announces revisions to Japanese history books for the schools ... one man's consciousness is haunted by what is removed from the past ... the war crimes he witnessed ... the secret alliance of medical/business interest in America and Japan ... and wedged between the past and present is one man, stranded in no-man's land ... between what he knew and what he could tell..

Enemies of Memory – which received international critical acclaim – has been revised. The revised edition will be published by Heaven Lake Press under the title Tokyo Joe. Look for Tokyo Joe to be released on 31st July 2003. ... Read more

Product Description
The Jew of Malta is a play by Christopher Marlowe, probably written in 1589 or 1590.

[Source: Wikipedia.org] ... Read more

Product Description
Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair is a popular classic work written by William Morris. This kindle digital edition of Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair has been professionally designed and maintains the quality of the original classic publication. Child Christopher and Goldilind the Fair is highly recommended for those who enjoy the writings of William Morris and also those discovering the works of William Morris for the first time. ... Read more

Product Description
The True Story of Christopher Columbus, Admiral ... Read more

Product Description
This story is one of sixteen short stories from "Chairs".

The voices are those of Bangkok based freelance journalists and their invited guests. Each Saturday morning, over coffee, the members of Chairs gather to share the latest gossip, scandals, myths, dangers, exploits, and loves that bind together their small community. Sam Kohl is a narrator of the main stories, and Sam reveals, with perfect timing and ingenious twists, the clash of cultures as expats meet Thais, Chinese, Karen, and Burmese. Chairs is a search for redemption with stops at the Oriental Hotel, Pattaya, the Thermae, and the jungles of Burma. Along this journey you enter a vividly created world populated by adventurers, body snatchers, executioners, dreamers, collectors, diplomats, mistresses, ghosts, and war veterans. ... Read more

Product Description
In this first full-length biography of Christopher Newport (1561-1617), Nichols portrays, in carefully researched detail, the adventurous life on the high seas of the courageous sea captain who founded the Jamestown Colony in Virginia. As a young man, Newport sailed with Sir Francis Drake in the daring attack on the Spanish fleet at Cadiz and participated in England s defeat of the Spanish Armada. During the war with Spain, Newport seized fortunes of Spanish and Portuguese treasure in fierce sea battles in the West Indies as a privateer for Queen Elizabeth I.

He led more attacks on Spanish shipping and settlements than any other English privateer. After leading his men aboard an enemy ship off the coast of Cuba, his right arm was cut off, and Newport was referred to thereafter as, Christopher Newport of the one hand. Admiral of Virginia, Newport led the fleet of colonists who established the first permanent English settlement in the New World. He chose the site for Jamestown, led the initial exploration for King James, and negotiated peacefully with Chief Powhatan's Indian tribes. Newport repeatedly rescued the colonists from famine with four resupply voyages. When the Sea Venture was shipwrecked on Bermuda during a hurricane, Newport organized 150 colonists to build two new vessels for their deliverance to Jamestown.

In his later career, Newport led three long trading voyages to the Far East for the East India Company. He brought the first English ambassadors to Persia and India. His many voyages laid the foundations for the evolution of the British Empire. Captain Christopher Newport was an outstanding navigator, stern but compassionate sea captain, and legendary leader of men.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An excellent introduction to an amazing man
Before reading this fascinating account by Bryant Nichols, I had no idea who Christopher Newport was. This man was an amazing adventurer who was a pioneer in global trade and was also a legendary privateer who didn't mind crossing swords with enemies of England when asked to by the crown.Nichols' book is well documented, easy to read and full of really interesting facts. For example, Newport and his crew didn't starve when shipwrecked in Bermuda, because a hundred years earlier the Spanish, following their own code of the sea, threw pigs overboard off the shores of Bermuda to be an emergency food supply for future shipwrecked mariners! I never heard that in history class.Perhaps the greatest insight of the book, into the soul of this legendary sea captain, was found in the transcription of Newport's last will and testament, where the reader learns how Newport could and did look death squarely in the eye without fear.Great research, great adventure, great book.I can't wait for the movie!

At Last!
A fascinating and belated book! Christopher Newport is much better known in his home country of England than in the nation he helped found 400 years ago. An outstanding and successful privateer in Queen Elizabeth's navy in spite of being one-armed, he led the colonists who settled Jamestown in 1607. Yet even here, in the city named for him, he is a virtual unknown. Unknown that is when compared to John Smith, who of course wrote the books and preferred himself to any other potential hero.As a previous reviewer noted, Bryant Nichols has meticulously researched his subject, and has at last lit Christopher Newport with the spotlight he so richly deserves.

Nichols perfectly captures Newport's life
A. Bryant Nichols accurately and descriptively captures the life of Captain Christopher Newport.While reading through history is not generally the easiest of tasks, Nichols' brilliantly written biography walks you through the exciting live of Captain Newport as if it were a novel!As a follower of Captain Newport history I can legitimately say that this book is historically accurate and beautifully written.For anyone who wants to learn the real story of the beginning of America this book is for you!The book not only contains the written adventures of Captain Newport but also contains beautiful artwork and maps that were meticulously supplied by Nichols.This is hands down the best source of information on Captain Newport and coincidently a terrific read.I am impressed. ... Read more

Product Description
Marlowe's seven plays dramatise the fatal lure of potent forces, whether religious, occult or erotic.In the victories of Tamburlaine, Faustus's encounters with the demonic, the irreverence of Barabas in THE JEW OF MALTA, and the humiliation of Edward II in his fall from power and influence, Marlowe explores the shifting balance between power and helplessness, the sacred and its desecration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Excellent
I just had a brief comment. I don't consider myself an expert on Elizabethan era literature, but I've read a fair amount of Shakespeare and a number of the other authors of the period, and I have to say I was quite impressed with Marlowe. He certainly deserves to be better appreciated than he is. One of the lines from Edward II has stuck with me. I think I have it more or less correct, which was: "...and as for the multitude, they are like sparks--caught up in the embers of their poverty." You have to like an author who can write like that, but unfortunately he's been so overshadowed by the great Will that he doesn't get as much attention as he should. Anyway, by way of doing what I can, however, modest, to increase Marlowe's popularity, I'd like to say he's a damn good playwright, and that I have no qualms about throwing my own not inconsiderable bulk behind his reputation.

Not quite Shakespeare, but good--great Compliation
The Complete Plays includes all of Marlowe's plays (well, obviously.)As a bonus it includes the rather fragmentory Massacre at Paris (which many critics theorize is a corupt, unfinished, or damaged text) in a scene division only format and both editions of Doctor Faustus.

Marlowe's plays, while not on the same level as Shakespeare's best, are far and away superior to any other Renaisance era dramatist (See also, Thomas Kyd, Ben Johnson, or Richard Wharfinger--if you can find him hehe.)

The best thing about Marlowe's plays is the level of respect for the audience.Judgement of the characters is (for the most part) left to the reader.Tamburlaine can be viewed as hero and/or villian.

And, it being Renaisance drama, there are some spectacular death scenes--Edward II's anal cruxifiction, Brabas's boiling alive, Faustus's dismemberment, and the Admiral's hanging/shooting to name a few.

One complaint, and this is really more of a preference, but the textual notes are in endnote format, rather than footnote format, and they're not numbered notes--all of which makes finding latin translations a little more time consuming.
But, for fans of the genre, this is the way to go.

Not quite Shakespeare, but good--great Compliation
The Complete Plays includes all of Marlowe's plays (well, obviously.)As a bonus it includes the rather fragmentory Massacre at Paris (which many critics theorize is a corupt, unfinished, or damaged text) in a scene division only format and both editions of Doctor Faustus.

Marlowe's plays, while not on the same level as Shakespeare's best, are far and away superior to any other Renaisance era dramatist (See also, Thomas Kyd, Ben Johnson, or Richard Wharfinger--if you can find him hehe.)

The best thing about Marlowe's plays is the level of respect for the audience.Judgement of the characters is (for the most part) left to the reader.Tamburlaine can be viewed as hero and/or villian.

And, it being Renaisance drama, there are some spectacular death scenes--Edward II's anal cruxifiction, Brabas's boiling alive, Faustus's dismemberment, and the Admiral's hanging/shooting to name a few.

One complaint, and this is really more of a preference, but the textual notes are in endnote format, rather than footnote format, and they're not numbered notes--all of which makes finding latin translations a little more time consuming.
But, for fans of the genre, this is the way to go.

Good accessible edition
This is a generally good and easily available, inexpensive edition of Marlowe's plays. My only reservation about it is Steane's edition of Dr. Faustus. He makes the worst of both major texts, taking the general outline from the 1616 text but throwing in a lot of corrupt scraps from the 1604 edition for the clown scenes. I would advise anyone who wants to read Dr. Faustus to look elsewhere. I'm convinced that the 1604 version is on the whole a corrupt and truncated version of the play, but if you prefer it you might look into the Folger Library edition. If on the other hand you would rather read the play more or less as I think Marlowe wrote it, try the Signet edition edited by Sylvan Barnet.

The other plays present no major textual problems (except for The Massacre at Paris, which is pretty hopeless) and this is a fine place to meet them.

NON-ACADEMIC'S TAKE ON MARLOWE
This book is a treat.Very reasonably priced, and it's all there.The plays sweep you along (I always envision darkening Puccini-like chords in the background) images and crackling dialogue abounds.My problem is: 1) I have never seen the plays produced.This is *such* a handicap.I actually yawned through Shakepeare's "Tempest" until I saw a fine production.Now it is hands-down my favorite play and 2)I have to get in the swing of reading Elizabethan English for every reading.Therefore, I do not recommend reading in short snippets if you are also dialect challenged.

Do keep in mind Marlowe (as Shakespeare) was trying to make a living, not write for the ages.He's trying to entice you to buy a ticket and be charmed.He succeeds admirably. There is something for everyone: action, derring do, comedy, and sharp insights.

Marlowe is your mysterious, wild, sometimes trecherous friend; brilliant, but can you trust him?Probably not.If he was a vintage southern American, he might say "I didn't take you to raise."Would he lie to you? mislead you? Of course. But in everything I have read of Marlowe's I hear his voice; he is *there.*With Shakespeare, I do not have that certainty.

Recommend reading "The Reckoning" by Charles Nicholl for an excellent biography on Marlowe. It reads like an excellent mystery, which he was. ... Read more

Product Description
Christopher Columbus - The Man Who Discovered America is the biography of Christopher Columbus, a navigator, colonizer, and explorer who was instrumental in Spanish colonization of the Americas. Though not the first to reach the America's from Europe, Columbus' voyages led to general European awareness of the hemisphere and the successful establishment of European cultures in the New World. It is generally believed that he was born in Genoa, although other theories exist. The name Christopher Columbus is the Anglicization of the Latin Christophorus Columbus. Columbus' voyages across the Atlantic Ocean began a European effort at exploration and colonization of the Western Hemisphere. While history places great significance on his first voyage of 1492, he did not actually reach the American mainland until his third voyage in 1498. The anniversary of the 1492 voyage (vd. Columbus Day) is observed throughout the Americas and in Spain. Christopher Columbus - The Man Who Discovered America is highly recommended for ... Read more