Pete Brown - read November 2011
One man's search for the meaning of beer.
An entertaining read. Pete's journey round the world visiting places to to drink beer and reasons why those countries have a different attitude to drinking.
Not a let down after reading his "A man walks into a pub".
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Rifles
Mark Urban - Read October 2011
This book is a history of the Rifles regiment. It is mainly about the famous 95th Rifles regiment. I thought it was going to be a story based around the 95th but it was a history of the six years the rifles spent in Spain and Portugal ending with Waterloo. The rifles were a new regiment with a new weapon and tactics.
It was a bit hard going.
This book is a history of the Rifles regiment. It is mainly about the famous 95th Rifles regiment. I thought it was going to be a story based around the 95th but it was a history of the six years the rifles spent in Spain and Portugal ending with Waterloo. The rifles were a new regiment with a new weapon and tactics.
It was a bit hard going.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Grow Your Own
Lawrence D. Hills - Read years ago and for reference
Fruit and Vegetables
Lawerence D. Hills was the "inventor" of organic horticulture. His books are clear and concise as are all his books.
Fruit and Vegetables
Lawerence D. Hills was the "inventor" of organic horticulture. His books are clear and concise as are all his books.
Made in England
Dorothy Hartley - Read October 2011 and for reference
This is a book about country crafts. It is a bit of a radom collection. It is made up extracts of other manuals. It is a useful reference books but not a definative guide to the crafts it covers.
This is a book about country crafts. It is a bit of a radom collection. It is made up extracts of other manuals. It is a useful reference books but not a definative guide to the crafts it covers.
Scull and Bones
John Drake - Read October 2011
This is the last in a trilogy based following on from Danial Defoe's Treasure Island. So, same characters, same buried treasure new story.
This is the last in a trilogy based following on from Danial Defoe's Treasure Island. So, same characters, same buried treasure new story.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Man Walks into a Pub
Pete Brown - Read October 2011
A sociable History of Beer
This is a good read. A history of more than Beer. Pubs, the goverments coffers, social and political impacts of beer. Who knew Beer had such an impact on the world and especially England. Lots of interesting titbits and asides.
I enjoyed his another book "Hops & Glory".
A sociable History of Beer
This is a good read. A history of more than Beer. Pubs, the goverments coffers, social and political impacts of beer. Who knew Beer had such an impact on the world and especially England. Lots of interesting titbits and asides.
I enjoyed his another book "Hops & Glory".
Monday, 26 September 2011
Fencing with the Foil
Roger Crosier - Read July 2011 and for reference
Instruction and Technique
This book was given to me by Gordon Twigger who ran Hinckley Fencing Club from 1960 to 2010. Gordon retired from running the club after his fiftieth anniversary aged 75!
This book used to be the prescribed work for becoming a fencing instructor from 1951.
It is remains a good work on technical aspects of Foil fencing moreover it is a modern take on providing instruction of foil.
Instruction and Technique
This book was given to me by Gordon Twigger who ran Hinckley Fencing Club from 1960 to 2010. Gordon retired from running the club after his fiftieth anniversary aged 75!
This book used to be the prescribed work for becoming a fencing instructor from 1951.
It is remains a good work on technical aspects of Foil fencing moreover it is a modern take on providing instruction of foil.
Sunday, 25 September 2011
The God Beneath the Sea
Leon Garfield & Edward Blishen
A modern telling of the Greek myths of creation.
A modern telling of the Greek myths of creation.
Phil Drabble's Country Scene
Phil Drabble
A collection of his articles that where published in his column in the Birmingham Evening Mail.
Phil owned 90 acres of woodland near Abbots Bromley. In 2011, on a lager outing, went past the house he lived in.
A collection of his articles that where published in his column in the Birmingham Evening Mail.
Phil owned 90 acres of woodland near Abbots Bromley. In 2011, on a lager outing, went past the house he lived in.
Under the Hawthorn
Sybil Marshall
Country lore and country saw
A little book of country lore. Poems, sayings and rhymes.
Country lore and country saw
A little book of country lore. Poems, sayings and rhymes.
The Adventure of the English
Melvyn Bragg - read 2008
The Biography of a Language
This is a brilliant book. It traces the development of the English language since 500Ad to the new millennium and why English is a world language. The reason is not what you might expect.
The Biography of a Language
This is a brilliant book. It traces the development of the English language since 500Ad to the new millennium and why English is a world language. The reason is not what you might expect.
The English
Jeremy Paxman - read 2009
A Portrait of a People
It is an examination of what it is the be English or British and how we came to be what we are.
A Portrait of a People
It is an examination of what it is the be English or British and how we came to be what we are.
My Life on a Hillside Allotment
Terry Walton - read 2008
My Life on a Hillside Allotment
Terry Walton is the chap that does, what has become called "The Radio 2 Allotment". Terry was approached to do a piece on allotments. In no time he was doing a regular slot. The book tells of Terry's life. Another one of this planets dynamos.
Growing up in post-war Wales he was exposed to the industrialisation of farming, insecticides, biocides and fertilizers. He came to the "organic" table early and was able to use radio 2 to champion organic growing.
Some interesting points on how allotments work both from the gardening side and the operation of the society.
My Life on a Hillside Allotment
Terry Walton is the chap that does, what has become called "The Radio 2 Allotment". Terry was approached to do a piece on allotments. In no time he was doing a regular slot. The book tells of Terry's life. Another one of this planets dynamos.
Growing up in post-war Wales he was exposed to the industrialisation of farming, insecticides, biocides and fertilizers. He came to the "organic" table early and was able to use radio 2 to champion organic growing.
Some interesting points on how allotments work both from the gardening side and the operation of the society.
The Agecroft Story
W.A.Locan - presented to me in 1984
The First Hundred years of the History of Agecroft Rowing Club - 1861 to 1960
I was presented this book by the Club captain upon completing my first year as Men's Captain. The office of Men's captain had been not been necessary for many decades. With the resurgence of interest in the club generated by Kevin Maynard the offices of Men's Captain was restored and Ladies Captains office invented.
I might have not been a very good captain but I opened the way for others to come forward and in that sense I was happy with my tenure. I am immensely pleased to have my name recorded on the roll of officers of the club. I am part of history. Agecroft is the last Rowing club on the River Irwell in Manchester.
The book, as the title suggests, chronicles the first 100 years of the club. Agecroft was founded by Ishmael Lithgoe in 1861 at Littleton Road, Salford 7, "as place place to keep his boat and where he and his friends could row and enjoy themselves". As the preface records " These men [of Agecroft] of Victorian and Edwardian times may not have made a starting impact on the rowing world. But they certainly knew how to get something out of life and [had] a nice taste in claret".
The First Hundred years of the History of Agecroft Rowing Club - 1861 to 1960
I was presented this book by the Club captain upon completing my first year as Men's Captain. The office of Men's captain had been not been necessary for many decades. With the resurgence of interest in the club generated by Kevin Maynard the offices of Men's Captain was restored and Ladies Captains office invented.
I might have not been a very good captain but I opened the way for others to come forward and in that sense I was happy with my tenure. I am immensely pleased to have my name recorded on the roll of officers of the club. I am part of history. Agecroft is the last Rowing club on the River Irwell in Manchester.
The book, as the title suggests, chronicles the first 100 years of the club. Agecroft was founded by Ishmael Lithgoe in 1861 at Littleton Road, Salford 7, "as place place to keep his boat and where he and his friends could row and enjoy themselves". As the preface records " These men [of Agecroft] of Victorian and Edwardian times may not have made a starting impact on the rowing world. But they certainly knew how to get something out of life and [had] a nice taste in claret".
A Manual of Beekeeping
C. de Ribeaucourt - read 2003 and for ideas
A Manual of Rational Beekeeping
This book was first published in 1877. It is mainly to do with the beekeeping in Switzerland. It was translated by Arthur F.G Leveson Gower, a fellow member of the BBKA. At this time beekeeping was having "modern" industrial principles applied to the subject of Bee keeping. No longer was the use of skeps and the inability to manage Bees for Honey production to be allowed to continue. In 1876 the book laments the previous three years as poor years for bees suggesting a re-think in the ways Bees are managed for a crop. The "rational" approach is a hive of wood into which the Bee master can access the brood to mange his Bees. This pretty much is the mechanism of removable frames seen in modern hives, albeit with differing sizes.
Switzerland has special climatic conditions that do not prevail in the British Isles however there are parallels and lessons. We might have to consider them as the climate changes in the UK.
I found it interesting as a bee keeper. The language was interesting too.
A Manual of Rational Beekeeping
This book was first published in 1877. It is mainly to do with the beekeeping in Switzerland. It was translated by Arthur F.G Leveson Gower, a fellow member of the BBKA. At this time beekeeping was having "modern" industrial principles applied to the subject of Bee keeping. No longer was the use of skeps and the inability to manage Bees for Honey production to be allowed to continue. In 1876 the book laments the previous three years as poor years for bees suggesting a re-think in the ways Bees are managed for a crop. The "rational" approach is a hive of wood into which the Bee master can access the brood to mange his Bees. This pretty much is the mechanism of removable frames seen in modern hives, albeit with differing sizes.
Switzerland has special climatic conditions that do not prevail in the British Isles however there are parallels and lessons. We might have to consider them as the climate changes in the UK.
I found it interesting as a bee keeper. The language was interesting too.
Guide to Bees and Honey
Ted Hooper - read over and over again and for reference.
A Guide to Bees and Honey
This book is required reading for the BBKA [British Bee Keepers Association]. However I bought it many years ago in a second hand shop. It is my first port of call on this Bees.
A Guide to Bees and Honey
This book is required reading for the BBKA [British Bee Keepers Association]. However I bought it many years ago in a second hand shop. It is my first port of call on this Bees.
Billy Ruffian
David Cordingly - read 2004
The Bellerphon and downfall of Napoleon
The Bellerphon was a ship of the line in British navy. She affectionately known as the Billy Ruffian. This a historical novel with the Billy Ruffian at it's centre.
A good read but no in the same league as O'Brian.
The Bellerphon and downfall of Napoleon
The Bellerphon was a ship of the line in British navy. She affectionately known as the Billy Ruffian. This a historical novel with the Billy Ruffian at it's centre.
A good read but no in the same league as O'Brian.
Foil Fencing
Prof. John "Jes" Smith - Read and for reference since 2005
The techniques and tactics of modern Foil fencing
It is a book about fence with a Foil. Jes is one of foremost authorities on Foil.
The techniques and tactics of modern Foil fencing
It is a book about fence with a Foil. Jes is one of foremost authorities on Foil.
Alloted Time
Robin Shelton - read 2005
Twelve months, Two blokes, One shed and No idea.
Another Steve suggestion. So good I bought the book. Alloted time is about two bloke with "issues" that get an allotment as therpy. I have an allotment as does Steve so it was read a couple of levels. Sheds, digging and growing veg keeps you sane! Robin found out.
Easy read but you want to give them a slap.
Twelve months, Two blokes, One shed and No idea.
Another Steve suggestion. So good I bought the book. Alloted time is about two bloke with "issues" that get an allotment as therpy. I have an allotment as does Steve so it was read a couple of levels. Sheds, digging and growing veg keeps you sane! Robin found out.
Easy read but you want to give them a slap.
The Aubrey-Maturin series
Patrick O'Brian - Read and reread over many years
Based mainly of the first book in the series but with elements pick from throughout the series a major film called "Master and Commander" starring Russell Crow was made. The books are very well researched from book a naval and historic perspective. Patrick knows his stuff. The stories are a good read too.
If you only read a couple of the books read:
Master and Commander and Desolation Island. The first shows what he knows about ship of the line and how a ship works alongside a good story. The second had me on the edge of my seat during the chase. I will say no more about the chase except it has to be read.
The middle to end series of books require prior knowledge of the series but are fair read on their own.
The full series list is below. I have read the whole series several times and I am not a reader. I was given a hard back version of the final book for Christmas one year but it was not that good. So have not reread that one.
Based mainly of the first book in the series but with elements pick from throughout the series a major film called "Master and Commander" starring Russell Crow was made. The books are very well researched from book a naval and historic perspective. Patrick knows his stuff. The stories are a good read too.
If you only read a couple of the books read:
Master and Commander and Desolation Island. The first shows what he knows about ship of the line and how a ship works alongside a good story. The second had me on the edge of my seat during the chase. I will say no more about the chase except it has to be read.
The middle to end series of books require prior knowledge of the series but are fair read on their own.
The full series list is below. I have read the whole series several times and I am not a reader. I was given a hard back version of the final book for Christmas one year but it was not that good. So have not reread that one.
- Master and Commander (1970)
- Post Captain (1972)
- HMS Surprise (1973)
- The Mauritius Command (1977)
- Desolation Island (1978)
- The Fortune of War (1979)
- The Surgeon's Mate (1980)
- The Ionian Mission (1981)
- Treason's Harbour (1983)
- The Far Side of the World (1984)
- The Reverse of the Medal (1986)
- The Letter of Marque (1988)
- The Thirteen Gun Salute (1989)
- The Nutmeg of Consolation (1991)
- Clarissa Oakes (1992) - (The Truelove in the USA)
- The Wine-Dark Sea (1993)
- The Commodore (1995)
- The Yellow Admiral (1996)
- The Hundred Days (1998)
- Blue at the Mizzen (1999)
- The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey (2004) - (21 in the USA)
Hops and Glory
Pete Brown - read June 2011
One man's search for the beer that built the British Empire
The thoroughly entertaining read. As with all the best things it starts with an idea in a pub after a few beers have been sunk with mates. Part travelogue, part history of beer and part history of the British in India.
Pete is a writer on beer. HERE is a link to his blog.
Thanks to Steve for suggesting the book. Steve, a chap equally as keen on beer as Pete.
One man's search for the beer that built the British Empire
The thoroughly entertaining read. As with all the best things it starts with an idea in a pub after a few beers have been sunk with mates. Part travelogue, part history of beer and part history of the British in India.
Pete is a writer on beer. HERE is a link to his blog.
Thanks to Steve for suggesting the book. Steve, a chap equally as keen on beer as Pete.
It is not what you think.
Chris Evans - Read September 2011
It is not what you think.
What I took from this is Chris's energy. Not surprisingly he comes across as enthusiastic. He likes what he does and likes entertaining people espeically via the medium of Radio.
He spent a lot of time in Manchester at more or less the same time as me. People and places mentioned resonated with me.
It is not what you think.
What I took from this is Chris's energy. Not surprisingly he comes across as enthusiastic. He likes what he does and likes entertaining people espeically via the medium of Radio.
He spent a lot of time in Manchester at more or less the same time as me. People and places mentioned resonated with me.
Beyond Band of Brothers
Major Dick Winters - Read September 2011
Commander, Easy Company
Major Dick Winters is the central character in the HBO mini-series "Band of Brother. Band of Brothers was written as a novel by Steve Ambrose based on the exploits of Easy Company of 506 Paratroop Infantry Regiment. HBO bought the film rights. Spielberg and Hanks created the mini-series in 12 parts. This book is Dick Winter's story of of Easy company. Part autobiography, part regimental history, part treatise on leadership. Having already seem the mini-series parts of the story were familiar as were the characters.
My view is that Dick Winters is an extraordinary person. Belief, dedication, leadership, analysis, aggressive and yet spiritual. A complicated mix of traits yet the right man in the right place doing the right job. I have a lot of admiration for soldiery in time of war, especially what was achieved in WW2.
Winters has some good lessons to pass on about leadership. There is quite a bit of self analysis in the book which I did not like but it did not detract from the bigger story. A story of a special man.
Commander, Easy Company
Major Dick Winters is the central character in the HBO mini-series "Band of Brother. Band of Brothers was written as a novel by Steve Ambrose based on the exploits of Easy Company of 506 Paratroop Infantry Regiment. HBO bought the film rights. Spielberg and Hanks created the mini-series in 12 parts. This book is Dick Winter's story of of Easy company. Part autobiography, part regimental history, part treatise on leadership. Having already seem the mini-series parts of the story were familiar as were the characters.
My view is that Dick Winters is an extraordinary person. Belief, dedication, leadership, analysis, aggressive and yet spiritual. A complicated mix of traits yet the right man in the right place doing the right job. I have a lot of admiration for soldiery in time of war, especially what was achieved in WW2.
Winters has some good lessons to pass on about leadership. There is quite a bit of self analysis in the book which I did not like but it did not detract from the bigger story. A story of a special man.
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Clear Waters Rising
Nicolas Crane - Read August 2011
A Mountain Walk Across Europe
Nick did this walk in 1992/3. He started this 10,000 kilometer walk at Cape Finisterre on the Atlantic coast of Spain and walked, in one continuous trek, to Istambul on the border of Asia. It took him eighteen months. All the more mad because he had just got married shortly before embarking on the walk. This journey was done before he did the "coast" series. We find out about the umbrella. He had an unusual up-bringing.
I enjoyed it. I have no urge to go to the Balkans.
A Mountain Walk Across Europe
Nick did this walk in 1992/3. He started this 10,000 kilometer walk at Cape Finisterre on the Atlantic coast of Spain and walked, in one continuous trek, to Istambul on the border of Asia. It took him eighteen months. All the more mad because he had just got married shortly before embarking on the walk. This journey was done before he did the "coast" series. We find out about the umbrella. He had an unusual up-bringing.
I enjoyed it. I have no urge to go to the Balkans.
First Pass Under Heaven
Nathan Hoturoa Gray - Read September 2011
One man's 4,000 kilometer trek along the Great Wall of China.
Having just finished Nicolas Crane's book on walking from Finisterre to Istambul the difference in their mental approach to the trek is interesting. Even before finishing the book I am glad I did not walk with Nath. Nath started the trek with four mates and finished by himself...enough said about him and his "mates". He did the walk in a series of stages and often broke the journey.
One man's 4,000 kilometer trek along the Great Wall of China.
Having just finished Nicolas Crane's book on walking from Finisterre to Istambul the difference in their mental approach to the trek is interesting. Even before finishing the book I am glad I did not walk with Nath. Nath started the trek with four mates and finished by himself...enough said about him and his "mates". He did the walk in a series of stages and often broke the journey.
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