Review: Empires of the Silk Road: A History of Central Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the Present

Empires of the Silk Road: A History of Central Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the Present by Christopher I. Beckwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the most in depth books regarding the various nomadic tribes within the Silk Roads. It weaves a very complex story of warfare and trade. This is coloured even more confusing by various different sources used over the centuries being convoluted and confused for various reasons. The only issue I have with this book is the use of Wade-Giles system to write Chinese words - but also making anyone who didn't study linguistics very confused with the explanations which seem to only make sense to very narrow specialists and rarely did it mean anything more than 'it sounds like x now, it probably sounded like y back then and because of z reason.

Other than this mild criticism it's a very valuable book, especially since it's such a good price. Just a caution that you'll be reading footnotes for 40% of the time you are reading this book.

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Review: Empires of the Silk Road: A History of Central Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the Present

Empires of the Silk Road: A History of Central Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the Present by Christopher I. Beckwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Fatal Rivalry: Flodden, 1513: Henry VIII and James IV and the Decisive Battle for Renaissance Britain

Fatal Rivalry: Flodden, 1513: Henry VIII and James IV and the Decisive Battle for Renaissance Britain by George Goodwin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is not often that genuinely worthwhile and unique spins are given on Henry VIII. Thousands of books have been written about him and books are still churned out about him. The story of James IV is much lesser known. I really appreciated the way it delved into lesser known Scottish details which are usually left out and instead focused on the shenanigans. Definitely recommend this book.

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Review: Mary Queen of Scots’ Downfall: The Life and Murder of Henry, Lord Darnley

Mary Queen of Scots’ Downfall: The Life and Murder of Henry, Lord Darnley by Robert Stedall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mr Stedall clearly knows the topic very well. Excellent book and keeps to the topic with detail, a good timeline and common sense prevails. Sometimes it can be a bit confusing with so many different people that it is easy to lose track if you aren't paying close attention - so definitely sit somewhere quiet if you want to stay on track. I wish the physical copies of your other two books about MQS were available still though!

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Review: Crown of Thistles: The Fatal Inheritance of Mary Queen of Scots

Crown of Thistles: The Fatal Inheritance of Mary Queen of Scots by Linda Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. I enjoyed the unique approach. There is a lot of information here which is rare and hard to find anywhere else.

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Review: Margaret of York: Duchess of Burgundy 1446-1503

Margaret of York: Duchess of Burgundy 1446-1503 by Christine Weightman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Weightman’s book is still the go to on Margaret after all these years. The level of detail of the court and the life without undue speculation is astonishing. Highly recommended

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Review: The Lost Tudor Princess: A Life of Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox

The Lost Tudor Princess: A Life of Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox by Alison Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of Weir's best books. Margaret Douglas had one of the most fascinating lives full of intrigue, failed romances, imprisonment, favour and fall. I highly recommend this book.

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