Andrew Norman Knihy

Andrew Norman se pokouší ve své knize nabídnout klíč k záhadám, jež vzrušují čtenáře knih slavné Agathy Christie neméně než detektivní příběhy Hercula Poirota a slečny Marplové: snaží se totiž nalézt odpovědi na nikdy neobjasněné události a sporné otázky Agathina pestrého života. Mezi ně patří především její zmizení v roce 1926, kdy byla spisovatelka jedenáct dní nezvěstná. Jak známo, byla ve své době například obviněna, že chce tímto „trikem“ zvýšit prodejnost svých knih. Jiní jí vyčetli, že své záhadné zmizení zinscenovala proto, aby se k ní vrátil její manžel Archie. Norman však nabízí vysvětlení, jež vychází z poznatků moderní medicíny. I v dalších kapitolách se netají svým přístupem lékaře a psychologa. Zejména se tak snaží rozluštit i další okolnosti spisovatelčina života a pohnutky jejího jednání, jež jsou až dosud zahaleny v mlze dartmoorských blat. Kdo byl onen záhadný střelec, jehož přízrak jí celý život naháněl hrůzu? Jakou roli sehráli v jejím životě oba rodiče a manžel Archie? Co ji motivovalo k napsání obrovského množství knih, jichž se prodalo přes dvě miliardy výtisků?

First-hand information provided by Lise's nephew Philip Meitner and Philip's wife Anne.

Exploring the complexities of Lawrence of Arabia's life, this biography delves into his controversial sexual orientation, suggesting he may have suffered from sexual aversion disorder. It also presents compelling evidence regarding his fatal motorcycle crash, challenging the widely accepted narrative with new topographical comparisons. The book examines his troubled relationship with his mother, his role in the Arab Revolt, and friendships with notable figures such as E. M. Forster and George Bernard Shaw, highlighting his admiration for Thomas Hardy and his connection with Lady Astor.

Exploring the lesser-known aspects of Jane Austen's life, this account reveals previously unpublished illustrations and identifies a mystery lover she met in Devon. It proposes a rift between Austen and her sister, Cassandra, over a young clergyman, and offers new insights into her final illness, suggesting she suffered from both Addison's Disease and tuberculosis. With endorsements from Austen's descendants, this biography is essential for fans eager to deepen their understanding of the beloved author and her intriguing personal history.

Who was the mystery lover that Jane Austen wrote to, and why was it necessary for her sister to destroy those letters?

Not far from Dorsetshire's county town of Dorchester - in the hamlet of Higher Bockhampton - stands a thatched cottage situated on the edge of a wild heath. Here, in the year 1840, Thomas Hardy was born. During his childhood and youth, Hardy immersed himself in the beautiful and evocative countryside which surrounded him. He learned the violin, his family being musicians and members of the nearby Stinsford church 'quire'. Even as a youth there were indications that Hardy had a gift for writing. Furthermore, the home and environment which Hardy enjoyed for much of the first thirty-four years of his life, including its folk and folklore, provided a backdrop and inspiration for many of the famous novels for which he is known today. Doyen of Dorset historians, Andrew Norman, looks in detail at the home and environment which inspired Hardy to become the towering giant of English letters. Along the way he uncovers fascinating new information about the young Thomas Hardy, including the revelation of the identity of at least one of Hardy's illegitimate children.

The book, originally published in Huddersfield in 2001, explores themes of identity and belonging through a compelling narrative. It delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of societal expectations on individual choices. The characters are richly developed, each facing personal struggles that resonate with universal experiences. The author's evocative prose captures the essence of their journeys, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the connections that shape them.

The narrative delves into the betrayal of a nation's hopes as Mugabe, rather than fulfilling the promise of a better future for Zimbabwe, prioritizes personal wealth and power. His regime is marked by severe human rights abuses, including murder, torture, and the oppression of dissenters, painting a grim picture of a leader who has turned against his own people. The book explores the stark contrast between the anticipated liberation and the harsh reality under his rule.