A Book of Secrets: Illegitimate Daughters, Absent Fathers by Michael Holroyd.
This book was one of the Time Magazine Top 10 Nonfiction Books of 2011 and a Publisher's Weekly's Best Nonfiction Title for 2011. I'm not sure why. The book was interesting but it didn't have the spark to light my biblio-fire. Here's what the publisher says:
A Book of Secrets is a treasure trove of hidden lives, uncelebrated achievements, and family mysteries. With grace and tender imagination, Holroyd brings a company of unknown women into the light. From Alice Keppel, the mistress of both the second Lord Grimthorpe and the Prince of Wales; to Eve Fairfax, a muse of Auguste Rodin; to the novelist Violet Trefusis, the lover of Vita Sackville-West—these women are always on the periphery of the respectable world.
2011 No 188
Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order and Lessons for Global Power by Niall Ferguson. I thought it was brilliant. Here's what Library Journal had to say:
First published in England last year (with the shorter subtitle How Britain Made the Modern World), this is intended as a cautionary tale for the United States. In this sweeping narrative, British historian Ferguson (economic history, NYU; The Pity of War) eloquently addresses the origin, scope, and nature of the British Empire. He confronts the negative aspects of the empire-suppression of native populations, involvement in the slave trade-but also examines the idealistic mission of the British and offers valuable insight into the expansion of the empire in India and Africa. Ferguson effectively weaves economic analysis into his history, presents fresh observations on the American War of Independence, and charts the empire's decline. He gives the British high marks for spreading the concept of "liberal capitalism" and democracy throughout the world while acknowledging its failure "to live up to its own ideal of individual liberty."
2011 No 189
The House of Windsor by Antonia Fraser and Andrew Roberts. From the publisher:
The House of Windsor has undergone profound changes since its inception in 1917. Their tenure has seen two world wars, an abdication, and undreamed-of social change, but still the monarchy prevails. Andrew Roberts traces their history to the tragic death of the Princess of Wales and its aftermath.
2011 No 190
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