European Royalty discussion

Has anyone read Alexander II by Edvard Radzinsky? I just picked the book up the other day and I was curious if anyone had any thoughts on it.

I haven't; sounds interesting. Has a good average rating here, though.

I just ordered Juana the Mad by Bethany Aram and am wondering if anyone has read it and to get some feedback. Thanks.

Grisel wrote: "I just ordered Juana the Mad by Bethany Aram and am wondering if anyone has read it and to get some feedback. Thanks."

Juana the Mad: Sovereignty and Dynasty in Renaissance Europe?

Looks like a very academic, scholarly piece - a bit pricey unless you have a very strong interest in the subject. But the author has written an article on the same topic in The Sixteenth Century Journal, Vol. 29, No. 2 (Summer, 1998): http://www.jstor.org/stable/2544520 - which is less expensive. Actually, you can read it for free if you register at JSTOR.

You guys probably do know this-- but did you know that Mario Puzo (yeah, the guy who wrote the godfather, THAT Mario Puzo) wrote a novel about the Borgias? The Family . I had no idea!

Jennifer wrote: "You guys probably do know this-- but did you know that Mario Puzo (yeah, the guy who wrote the godfather, THAT Mario Puzo) wrote a novel about the Borgias? The Family ..."

I am going to have to read that book now!

I read this book and enjoyed it very much. Recommend.

" The Creation of Anne Boleyn" by Susan Bordo? This books examines the myths and lies surrounding her life.

Since I am going thru Downton Abbey withdrawal I just picked up a copy of
"Lady Almina and the real Downton Abbey-the Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle". It is written by the current Countess Carnarvon. I watched a program on Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) and it costs 1 million dollars a year to run/ maintain the property. Yikes.

I saw that program on Highclere - found it fascinating.

Has anyone read forever amber? Just wanting to know others opinions about the book.

The book is an interesting observation of the real mistress of Highcourt. It is well worth reading, if you like historical memories.

Should read Highclere

Ariana (sorry, would reply directed to your post but my phone doesn't seem to have that option) - Forever Amber is good (but long). We read it as a group read a couple years ago.

directed should be directly - can't seem to edit from my phone either, lol

Thanks for the feed back. I read it with my friend and we did not enjoy it as much as I thought we would.

Mary,
I too am suffering from Downton Abbey withdrawal. I greatly enjoyed Lady Almina. I have also been through both Downton Abbey companion books. I have been wanting to read about Conseula Vanderbilt. Any other recommendations, either fiction or non-fiction? It will still be a long wait for season 4.

I am curious if anyone has read the new Steve Berry book, "The King's Deception" and your opinion of it..

Cindy wrote: "I am curious if anyone has read the new Steve Berry book, "The King's Deception" and your opinion of it.."

No, I imagine it won't have much historical integrity but might be entertaining thriller. I do enjoy these Da-Vinci Code style band wagoners sometimes but they are total fluff.

Cindy wrote: "I am curious if anyone has read the new Steve Berry book, "The King's Deception" and your opinion of it.."

Just started reading it last night. So far not even that good as a Cotton Malone thriller, let alone any historical accuracy. Basic premise of book seems a little sketchy.