Novelist and playwright Frances (Fanny) Burney; 1752-1840; was also a prolific writer of journals and letters; beginning with the diary she started at fifteen and continuing until the end of her eventful life. From her youth in London high society to a period in the court of Queen Charlotte and her years interned in France with her husband Alexandre d'Arblay during the Napoleonic Wars; she captured the changing times around her; creating brilliantly comic and candid portraits of those she encountered - including the 'mad' King George; Samuel Johnson; Sir Joshua Reynolds; David Garrick and a charismatic Napoleon Bonaparte. She also describes; in her most moving piece; undergoing a mastectomy at fifty-nine without anaesthetic. Whether a carefree young girl or a mature woman; Fanny Burney's forthright; intimate and wickedly perceptive voice brings her world powerfully to life.
#123333 in Books Margery Kempe 2000-02-08 1986-02-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.80 x .77 x 5.03l; .59 #File Name: 0140432515336 pagesThe Book of Margery Kempe
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Good Historical Outline for the TimesBy K. HeroldAlthough I lived in Europe for several years; I had not read this book; now I wish I had known about Margery Kempe; and done some research. Dictated by a woman who could not read or write; she was very detailed about her experiences; and I learned quite a bit about the thinking processes; beliefs; and lifestyle of the period. Thoroughly enjoyable; I find it remarkable that it is not on more required reading lists in America. It offers a view not shared by many religious individuals: her crying; wailing; and writhing on the floors of cathedrals and holy places would make her appear unstable; as believed by her peers. However; her conversations with Holy Beings caused beliefs in some. How true to fact is her story? Only the believer; or wannabe believer; can answer that; but the truth is she was a remarkable woman for her time; achieved her goals - if she is believed.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy EmakeneI like this version of her story better than some others I've read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy M. MedberryWhat a fascinating woman!
