John Van der Kiste Poradie kníh

Recounts the lives of the four women who married into the Victorian royal family: Alexandra of Denmark, Grand Duchess Marie of Russia, Louise of Prussia and Helen of Waldeck-Pyrmont.

This new book portrays the life and character of Good King Billy', one of Britain's most endearing sovereigns and down-to-earth Hanoverians.

This book examines the downfall of James II, how the monarch came to forfeit the goodwill of the nation within three years.

In 1859 the seventeen-year-old Maria Sophia, Duchess in Bavaria, married Francis, Duke of Calabria, heir to the throne of the Two Sicilies. Just over two years later, she and her husband saw their kingdom disappear, overrun by the forces of Garibaldi and absorbed into a newly united Italy.A lively, high-spirited princess, the sixth of ten children of the Duke and Duchess in Bavaria and younger sister of Elizabeth, Empress of Austria, she had hoped for to a bright future when she was betrothed to the Bourbon Crown Prince. He ascended the throne four months after their marriage, but within less than eighteen months, as Garibaldi's troops approached Naples, their capital, they were forced to seek refuge in the fortress at Gaeta. During a three-month siege, the courageous last stand of the Bourbon dynasty gained Queen Maria Sophia, 'the heroine of Gaeta', a reputation that she held the rest of her life, tireless in her efforts to rally the defenders, helping to nurse the wounded, and daring the attackers to do their worst.This biography, the first in English for over a century, recounts the story of her life, from a carefree upbringing in Bavaria to her all-too-brief time as Queen of the Two Sicilies, her exile in Rome, Paris and Germany, her less than satisfactory marriage and their child who only lived three months, a brief extra-marital affair, and the last years to her death in 1925.

By the autumn of 1918 Germany was on the verge of starvation--the result of four years of war and blockade. Sailors led a revolt in Wilhelmshaven on 29 October 1918, followed by the Kiel mutiny in the first days of November cascading eventually to Germany's capitulation and the Kaiser's abdication. The Hohelzollern family's rule had come to an end. Royalty historian John Van der Kiste, the author of the recent best-selling 'Prussian Princesses' here provides a full analysis of the Kaiser's family heritage, his leading part in the Prussian militarism which in recently unified German led to a full national martial tradition simply bursting for a fight. The book also tells of the vital events in later 1918 which led to the partial and then full abdication, and the Kaiser's pitiful escape to the neutral Netherlands, unwilling hosts for a somewhat unwelcome visitor. The Third Reich also comes into play with Hitler's initial ambivalent attitude, and then the full floral tribute after the Kaiser's death. It also covers the anti-Hitler plotters who intended to use a Hohenzollern Prince as a figurehead to provide legitimacy to a post-Hitler Germany.

Between 1914 and 1918, Devonport Dockyard was responsible for much routine repair and maintenance work as well as building new ships and submarines, while the Royal Marines and army battalions were active in various theatres of war overseas, and Mount Batten became one of the major stations of the newly formed Royal Air Force.

A compendium of fascinating information about Cornwall past and present, this book contains a plethora of entertaining facts about the county's famous and occasionally infamous men and women, its towns and countryside, history, natural history, literary, artistic and sporting achievements, agriculture, transport, industry and royal visits.

This chilling follow-up to Somerset Murders brings together more murderous tales that shocked not only the county but made headline news throughout the nation. Covering the length and breadth of Somerset, the featured cases include two female poisoners, Catherine Churchill, who killed her husband in Knowle-St-Giles in 1879 and Sarah Freeman, who claimed several victims in the Bridgwater area from 1843 onwards. A wide variety of means and motive are covered. There is murder committed in the course of robbery, such as the brutal killing of Sarah Wilkins in Nempnett Thrubwell in 1851; murder through jealousy, as in the case of George Bitten, who murdered his wife at Wolverton in 1867 and even altruistic murders, such as that committed by Albion Wadman near Wincanton in 1883. Also included is the strange and intriguing story of Reginald Woolmington, who faced two trials for the murder of his wife at Milborne Port in 1934. Nicola Sly and John Van der Kiste's well-illustrated and enthralling text will appeal to everyone interested in true-crime history and the shadier side of Somerset's past.

A compendium of fascinating information about Devon past and present, this book contains a plethora of entertaining facts about the county's famous and occasionally infamous men and women, its towns and countryside, history, natural history, literary, artistic and sporting achievements, agriculture, transport, industry, and royal visits. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets, and the enduring fascination of the county. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.

A unique and charming look at Dartmoor, through a fascinating collection of beautiful photographs.