Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger is a quick and fascinating read. From his life’s experiences, Schwarzenegger lays out how he was able to achieve soBe Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger is a quick and fascinating read. From his life’s experiences, Schwarzenegger lays out how he was able to achieve so much while coming from humble beginnings.
Schwarzenegger begins with having a clear vision. If you don’t have it, then start with creating little goals and keep completing them; day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year. The process never ends as life is a continuous journey of growth.
In Austria, Schwarzenegger got inspired by then famous bodybuilder and made it his goal to become the best in the field. So he went from vision to action. He felt passionate about bodybuilding. Thus, he felt like it wasn’t a matter of discipline for him to go to the gym as he loved doing it.
It was interesting to read how refreshing walks are and how many famous people used walks to create their time and space and were creative within that time and space.
Dream big. Ignore naysayers. He used any kind of negativity into motivation. No plan Bs as that would be already setting plan A for failure.
“Fulfilling a dream gives you the power to see further and deeper – further out into the world toward what is possible, and deeper into yourself to what you are capable of.”
“I learned that the only limits that truly exist are in our minds.”
The will to work is important part. You have to be diligent and consistent in your work.
After retiring from bodybuilding, he went into acting, then politics, and now philanthropy as you need to continue setting new goals.
His harsh childhood didn’t break his spirit, it rather helped him to find his passion and purpose. He chose the higher road and became his own creator, rather than taking a negative approach and blaming the system. I find his story and his ethics to make something of himself very inspiring.
My favorite chapter-title is “Shut Your Mouth, Open Your Mind.” In this chapter, he talks about the lesson he received from his first mentor who supported him in his dream of bodybuilding, who told him that he “can’t just be hungry for success and money and fame and muscles. We have to be hungry for knowledge as well… the world was the ultimate classroom, and that we need to be like a sponge, soaking up as much of it as we could…always be curious…it was better to ask good questions than to make smart statements.” Listen, learn, and grow.
I set to write a short review, but Schwarzenegger’s life’s journey is truly fascinating, how he propelled himself up, his high ethics, and the phenomenal drive to achieve unimaginable. This non-fiction is filled with his life’s stories which support what he aspired to do and continues to do.
Helena Rubenstein is known as a precursor in beauty products, as well as precursor in collecting primitive art, which at her time is viewed as ugly, aHelena Rubenstein is known as a precursor in beauty products, as well as precursor in collecting primitive art, which at her time is viewed as ugly, and simply primitive. She is a woman way ahead of her time.
In 1896, at 24, Helena Rubenstein leaves Poland for Australia as she wants to be independent. She doesn’t want to marry and be subordinate to a man. After a confrontation with her father and with help of her aunt she boards a ship in Genoa to seek her freedom.
The freedom comes at high price. For almost the first three years, she cries her eyes out as she feels that she put herself in some kind of jungle and misses the civilized world. But she can’t go back and be looked upon as a failure.
There comes a day when she is asked how she keeps her skin so white. She is full of advice, not missing a beat to introduce her mom’s cream. After receiving the formula from her mom, she experiments with mixing the cream to get the right texture.
Her adventure takes her from one place to another in Australia where her path crosses with men who give her tips on marketing.
With a beauty product in her hand and marketing gear in another, she takes off very quickly, not able to sustain the demand at first.
After conquering the cities of Australia, she quickly sets new goals to conquer London, Paris, and New York.
She is larger than life. Despite her petite figure, she enjoys large pieces of jewelry. With each argument with her husband, her collection of jewelry grows rapidly.
She is a phenomenal business woman, but her paternal instincts lag far behind. She isn’t someone who could sit still in one place.
Written like no other biography, with liveliness of flamboyant character of Helena and sense of humor. ...more
Bona Sforza was a fascinating figure, who came from the powerful House of Sforza, ruling the Duchy of Milan. She became the Queen of Poland and Grand Bona Sforza was a fascinating figure, who came from the powerful House of Sforza, ruling the Duchy of Milan. She became the Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania in 1518.
What I was looking for in her biography (besides learning more about her) was the cultural aspect she took from her native land and seeded in Poland. This book doesn’t offer it, and doesn’t even mention it.
The style of writing is very dry. The first 100 pages are concentrated on political situation. It involves everything that is happening around her, but doesn’t bring her character at all. Setting the background is needed, but I wished her character came through early in this biography.
In the next 50 pages, we learn something about her, about her enemies and supporters, and about her relationship with her children. Her only son becomes her enemy, who accuses her of poisoning. Thus, the stigma gets attached to her as someone who liked to poison, but it doesn’t seem as there is prove for it.
In the following pages, again she becomes a background, shortly weaving in her influence and then waning influence on Polish politics. For most part, it feels as the story is about Polish history and at some points she is woven into the history.
The last 50 pages bring her to the center again. Nevertheless, overall, this biography doesn’t fully portray who she truly was and how much she brought to the Polish culture. ...more
This non-fiction book takes a closer look at mother and daughter. Anne Boleyn was a strong woman and a courageous mother, who might have been a great This non-fiction book takes a closer look at mother and daughter. Anne Boleyn was a strong woman and a courageous mother, who might have been a great queen if given a chance. “Her courage as she met her death was widely praised, even by her enemies.” During her brief tenure, less than three years, she sparked a religious and political revolution. And left a profound influence on her daughter, who became the most celebrated monarch.
Elizabeth, less than three, not knowing the fate of her mother, was deposed from succession and proclaimed a bastard. Young though she was, Elizabeth sensed that something was wrong with all the changes around her. Later, witnessing the succession of stepmothers. At ten, her mother’s cousin, Catherine Howard, was the second wife of Henry to be beheaded. Thus, Elizabeth at young age vowed never to marry.
During Mary’s turbulent reign, when Elizabeth was under house arrest, Elizabeth had a chance to connect with men from her mother’s past. It was a time when she started building her allies. At the same time, Mary earned a new name ‘Bloody Mary’ for burning Protestants at the stake.
Elizabeth learned a good lesson from her sister’s bloody reign not to force her subject to conform to the religion of her choice. She created a tightly knit court for most part related by ties of blood, marriage or friendship.
For most of the part, it’s the story of Elizabeth and her rise to power and how she had to be smart in securing her position not to be overthrown. Through her different traits, there are glimpses of Anne’s traits. Anne’s spark to religious reformation aligned with Elizabeth’s. Another trait that they shared was being patrons of learning. Both women refused to subordinate to men.
Elizabeth was a strong willed child and a courageous woman who pushed the boundaries. She wasn’t without flaws. She had some despotic traits. Above all, like her mother, she was hungry for knowledge. She thrived in intellectual atmosphere.
This is a very enlightening and enjoyable read that is not overwhelmed with historical details. It’s fascinating to have a closer look at two captivating women who stood tall in the world ruled by men.
Source: Book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review....more
Chasing Chopin brings a brief overview of Chopin’s life. The main point of this biography is the focus on his time when he wrote the Funeral March. ThChasing Chopin brings a brief overview of Chopin’s life. The main point of this biography is the focus on his time when he wrote the Funeral March. The March, as he called it, wasn’t popular during his lifetime, but became a musical icon after his death.
It is an interesting aspect to concentrate on something that became the most popular piece of his work. He worked on polishing this composition when he was in Majorca with George Sand. However, the book briefly involves their relationship, which doesn’t overwhelm the story.
Nevertheless, the story weaves the personal experience of the author as she was doing her research. It took her to different places related to Chopin’s story. Personally, I don’t like personal experience woven into someone else’s story.
The book mentions briefly the backstory of Astolphe de Custine. I came across his name in other biographies about Chopin, but never knew his story, which is pretty fascinating. Custine was a French aristocrat and writer best known for his travel writing. He travelled across Europe and Russia. In Russia, he studied their system. He wanted “to do something bold and novel.” He returned to France with a new view of the world. After experiencing despotism he witnessed in Russia, he wrote, “If ever your sons should be discontented with France, try my recipe; tell them to go to Russia. It is a journey useful to every foreigner: whoever has well examined that country will be content to live anywhere else.”
As it turns out, not much has changed with Russia. No wonder Ukrainians fight so passionately for their freedom....more
Chopin is a detailed biography of a man whose life was shaped by wars with his native country being partitioned. In order not to lose the Polish identChopin is a detailed biography of a man whose life was shaped by wars with his native country being partitioned. In order not to lose the Polish identity, some people became very patriotic and that influenced Chopin and what he composed. His music reflects the love for his country, despite spending almost half of his life in France, his father’s country.
The point of this biography is to shed some light on people who influenced Chopin, his friends and teachers. Some of his friends became exiles and many arrived in Paris after the November Uprising. Thus, their paths crossed again. Also, from his early years, he was invited to aristocratic homes to play for the families. Thus, from childhood, he was exposed to nobility, which influenced his character and the audience he was most comfortable with.
It’s amazing to learn what his satirical journal of Szafarnia Courier reveals. At fourteen, while spending summer at the village of Szafarnia, he created and became the editor and sole contributor, using the penname Mr. Pichon, which was an anagram of his last name. He was very creative for his age. It “springs from the same source as his talent for mimicry.” In this satirical journal, he reported his daily observations of the countryside. It was fun to read some of his reporting.
He was very gifted at mimicry. “He had a quick eye for the ridiculous and could adapt his facial expression and distort his body into almost any shape, depending on the character he wished to convey. In his youth his limbs were so flexible that he was able to put his feet around his neck whenever he wished to play the clown. He could move his spectators to laughter one moment and reduce them to tears the next. (…) Had he not been a musician Chopin could easily have become an actor, as George Sand confirmed years later when he used to entertain her guests at Nohant with his impersonations.”
The book discusses his compositions in a manner that is informative, but doesn’t feel tedious.
His last years, also reveal his financial situation, which was deteriorating quickly. His aristocratic friends helped him financially. During his successful years, he developed great taste for finer things, which he was exposed to pretty much his whole life as he was a frequent visitor at aristocratic houses. It seems as he acquired their taste, but wasn’t in the same position to support his extravagant taste.
The biography is interestingly written and has a good flow. It doesn’t feel too descriptive with so many pages. Chopin was a man of many talents with great sense of humor. He was a social person, who lived in very interesting circles. He was surrounded by other artists, and aristocrats. Thus, meeting a bit closer some of those people is a fascinating journey....more
Chopin’s Funeral concentrates mostly on relationship between Chopin and George Sand, and also involves her daughter Solange. As we get to know Sand anChopin’s Funeral concentrates mostly on relationship between Chopin and George Sand, and also involves her daughter Solange. As we get to know Sand and her daughter better, in those moments Chopin is in the background. His childhood story and how it shaped him is very brief.
As the story concentrates in large on the relationship it makes it a slow read, beginning has a good pace as we find out a bit about his childhood. All humans are flawed, including Chopin. He acquired a great taste for high life, with expensive furniture and clothes. However, the way it’s presented, sometimes it feels that it rubs one the wrong way.
It always depends what you look for in a story. If you prefer the whole picture, then this book may not be the right choice. If you prefer certain part like in this case the relationship, then, it might be a book for you. If you’re looking for something that concentrates heavily on his work, then it’s not here....more
This is the first biography I’ve read about Chopin. There are many interesting things about him, some even surprising. Chopin was of weak health and dThis is the first biography I’ve read about Chopin. There are many interesting things about him, some even surprising. Chopin was of weak health and delicate stature. I would have never guessed that despite that whatever he did in his life he did it with gusto, full of energy. He wasn’t someone who wanted to lie in bed unless he wasn’t able to walk. Otherwise, he was a very social person, who enjoyed his evenings out. But those were meaningful evenings. They were filled with music and conversations on different topics involving literature, politics, philosophy, and more.
This most enjoyable biography is written with details, but not overwhelming the beautiful flow of Chopin’s story. This book is a very pleasant journey in which we get to know a man who was allowed to develop his own style in his early age, and followed his natural instinct. To the end, he stayed true to his own style. The style of delicate key touching, and not pounding. Even when he tried to disguise himself with a different name, once he started playing, people knew right away what his real name was. It is a remarkable story of an extraordinary man who was forced into exile, but continued to introduce his genius to the world. Truly impressive and inspiring story. ...more
Paderewski was one of the best Polish pianists, but his compositions didn’t last as long as Chopin’s did. During his time, he was many things: the arcPaderewski was one of the best Polish pianists, but his compositions didn’t last as long as Chopin’s did. During his time, he was many things: the archetype of the pianist, the epitome of the flamboyant Pole, and a Mosaic leader of his people. He was also the celebrity of the best kind, but in reality the public knew very little about him.
In this biography, the author Adam Zamoyski, delves into research what was held back and why? It turns into something of the detective story as Paderewski “was secretive and confided in very few people; they have confided in nobody.”
The author’s quest turns rewarding and reveals an intimate image of a man with his emotions and problems who was a natural born pianist, and who later used his talent in convincing people on the political platform. It was his childhood dream to help his country, which at the time was partitioned under three neighboring countries. After achieving musical success and having voice to spread his message, he began his patriotic outlook.
His musical career prepared him well for the role of moral leader and advocate of a community. His determination had been tried by the struggle to become a virtuoso. His ability to charm and persuade were invaluable to his political influence.
When within a year, the Russian Empire had dissolved, the Habsburg Empire collapsed, followed by the German. All three partitioning powers had ceased to exist. This was the perfect time for Poland to re-establish its independence.
When Pilsudski announced the re-establishment of the Polish Republic in November 1918, the Allies didn’t trust him. Thus, they turned to Paderewski whom they trusted, and who later in his speech said that he didn’t want to be part of any political party as he didn’t like the division. His goal was to have a strong united country. With the help of Paderewski, the new Polish government was recognized by the Allies beginning of 1919. Paderewski was appointed as the Prime Minister January-December 1919. He resigned after some criticism but this wasn’t the end of his political career.
He returned to music, and became an outstanding philanthropist, organizing events wherever there was need.
This biography delves into a fascinating figure that deserves to be remembered. The author did excellent research but I felt there were moments when the biography felt quite dry, listing the events, which on the other hand is understandable due to limited sources....more
Copernicus’ Secret brings a brief biography of Copernicus, a man who revolutionized astronomy. He wasn’t the first one to observe that the Earth movesCopernicus’ Secret brings a brief biography of Copernicus, a man who revolutionized astronomy. He wasn’t the first one to observe that the Earth moves, but he was the first one to support the heliocentric theory with mathematical calculations.
He lived during a time, when it was a heresy to claim such thing that the Earth moves, when it was believed that the God created the Earth which was still at the center of the universe. Some claim that he was reluctant to publish his work as he was afraid of being prosecuted by Church. But others point that it was more of him being afraid of being ridiculed by some scholars who were staunched supporters of geocentric theory. Among them Martin Luther.
As Copernicus lived during the Renaissance, his story is flavored briefly with the time period of the great artists, voyages and discoveries. As well as the ruthless Teutonic Knights, who occupied the northern territory of Poland and caused many revolts. And there was also Martin Luther and the Reformation.
There are a few pages dedicated to other scholars, who took integral part in bringing the famous manuscript to publication. And it was also very interesting to read about those scholars.
It is a fascinating and quick read, which has a feel of a novel. No dry moments here....more
The book starts with introduction of three men. Thomas Jefferson doesn’t need an introduction.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko came from lower nobility class of PoThe book starts with introduction of three men. Thomas Jefferson doesn’t need an introduction.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko came from lower nobility class of Poland. He fought for independence on both continents, first for America, then Poland. During the American Revolution, he was praised for his skills as a military engineer.
Agrippa Hull was a freeborn black in Massachusetts. He claimed to be a son of a prince from Africa, there is no proof of that. In 1778, when New England allowed blacks to join local militias or Continental Army units, he did it at eighteen. His fellow soldiers quickly started calling him Grippy. He was assigned as an orderly to Colonel John Paterson.
It was at Fort Ticonderoga that Grippy met Kosciuszko for the first time, when he was serving dinner to Colonel Paterson and his guests. Grippy soon learned about Pole’s views of race and human equality and that he came from a nation that was struggling for democracy, too. They had a lot in common. Both men shared the same traits of modesty, loyalty and frugality. Seeing a close bond between two men, Colonel Paterson let Grippy be Kosciuszko’s orderly. There is a funny story that happened at West Point, when Grippy personified Kosciuszko.
During his second trip to the US, Kosciuszko received the money due him for his service during the American Revolution. Before returning to Europe, he asked Jefferson to be his will executor. Upon Kosciuszko’s death, the money was supposed to be used to buy Jefferson’s slaves or others and provide them with education in some trade. Jefferson agreed, but when Kosciuszko died Jefferson was in financial dire. He sought a fault in Kosciuszko’s will in order not to execute it.
After five years in Paris as minister, the exposure among abolitionist friends of the Enlightenment seemed to have little impact on Thomas Jefferson. After a slave uprising in Saint Domingue in 1791, he showed no sympathy. His loyalty was to the colonial sugar and coffee planters.
This book, in the first part is more concentrated on the friendship between Grippy and Kosciuszko. Later, it focuses on the friendship between Kosciuszko and Jefferson. And Jefferson’s take on slavery.
If you’re not familiar with Grippy and Kosciuszko, this book offers enough detail about them, but is not overwhelming in its scope.
It is written clearly, with details, but without tedious details, making it a quick and fascinating read....more
Tadeusz Kosciuszko (1746-1817) was born in Brest region, which then was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, now it’s part of Belarus. His pareTadeusz Kosciuszko (1746-1817) was born in Brest region, which then was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, now it’s part of Belarus. His parents were landowners with a mid-size estate.
The father taught his children to be respectful toward all people, no matter what social class they represented. They believed that all people were entitled to hope and happiness. He treated the peasants fairly and rewarded them fairly for their work. He taught all those values to all his children, and Tadeusz took his father’s teachings to heart.
Tadeusz was eighteen, when he received scholarship to attend the Royal Knight School led by Prince Adam Casimir Czartoryski in Warsaw. The Prince also became Tadeusz’ mentor.
He continued his studies in Paris, where he gained valuable knowledge, which helped him to better understand economics and military matters.
At the same time, the colonists in America were fighting against England, fighting for their independence. He decided to enlist and help the American colonists.
The range of defenses that he set up at Bemis Heights, located at Hudson River south of Saratoga led to a successful Battle of Saratoga.
The next successful fortification, he set up was at West Point, where he suggested to create an American military academy resembling the ones in Europe. And that’s what Thomas Jefferson did in 1802.
His success didn’t extend to Poland, which went through three partitions done by the powerful neighbors: Prussia, Austria, and Russia. In 1795, Poland was wiped off the map for 123 years, which pained Kosciuszko greatly. He took part in many uprisings, fighting for independence of his country to the end of his life.
Tadeusz was a very humble human being. He was way ahead of his time, advocating for Polish serfs in hope the rest of the Europe would follow, and for the American slaves. He was a hero of both worlds, advocating on both continents for equality for all. He stressed importance of not only freeing slaves and serfs, but also providing education in training, giving people skills so they could support themselves.
When the news of his death spread throughout Europe, funeral masses were held in many churches of different faiths.
The story reflects the most humble character. With heartfelt writing, the author sheds light on American and Polish hero, who is well known to Poles. A hero, who to the last days of his life encouraged young cadets to gain valuable knowledge and always serve their country and defend it....more
This biography of Leonardo da Vinci offers a fresh look at the artist and scientist, who was distinguished by his curiosity, something we all can deveThis biography of Leonardo da Vinci offers a fresh look at the artist and scientist, who was distinguished by his curiosity, something we all can develop.
Through passionate curiosity, careful observation and an imagination, we can all benefit, and that’s what propelled Leonardo to all his discoveries, not an academic knowledge, which he didn’t have.
The first sentence of the first chapter had my attention right away. “Leonardo da Vinci had the good luck to be born out of wedlock.” Otherwise, the expectation for him would have been to become a notary.
Leonardo was known for many projects and “he envisioned what innovators would invent centuries later.” My favorite of his projects has always been an ideal city. When Europe was ravaged by plaques, he recognized that it was due to poor sanitation. So he designed a city with two floors, with lower one hidden for canals, commerce, sanitation, and sewage.
He was known for unfinished commissions, but as this biography points, he was continuously refining his paintings as he was gaining knowledge in anatomy. He “enjoyed the challenge of conception more than the chore of completion.”
He always had a pen and paper with him to write down his observations in order not to miss anything.
His mind was always as important to him as his body. He kept his mind busy and his body in good shape. He was a vegetarian most of his life, driven by his love for animals.
This biography emphasizes Leonardo’s curiosity, which is beautifully explored, from bird-watching to observations of shape transformation in motion, and how that related to his work. A spellbinding story of one of the most extraordinary human beings, who is no longer seen as one who was known for unfinished projects, but rather as a self-taught man who cared about the process more than just finishing an assignment.
“Be curious, relentlessly curious.”
“Being relentlessly and randomly curious about everything around us is something that each of us can push ourselves to do, every working hour, just as he did.”...more
Rumi (1207-1273), a Persian poet and Sufi mystic, was clever and sensitive. He grew up in a supportive environment, which most likely helped his sensiRumi (1207-1273), a Persian poet and Sufi mystic, was clever and sensitive. He grew up in a supportive environment, which most likely helped his sensitivity. “The warmth emanated from a family life that he experienced as positive and loving.”
“Fittingly, he came of age on the edge of several cultures, several languages, and many living faiths.”
Rumi’s father was the most important influence on him during the first part of his life: emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.
In 1212, his family traveled to Samarkand, modern day Uzbekistan, the most fabled capital of Central Asia. Located at the crossing of several important trade routes, as well as at the crossing of poets, where innovative poems were first composed. One of the most influential poets was Rudaki. He was one of the first to write poetry in Modern Persian. His work had tremendous influence on Rumi.
In Samarkand, he attended the maktabs (elementary school), where he studied subjects related to knowledge needed for better understanding Quran. He enjoyed stories of prophets, which later influenced his work.
As it was required for every Muslim to undertake a pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime, Rumi’s family set on a journey with no certain plan of return.
In 1216, they arrived in Nishapuri, a city also known for poets. The most famous Attar, whose work also had a great influence on Rumi.
Baghdad famed for 11th century scholar Mohammad al-Ghazali. But Rumi’s passion was more with al-Ghazali outrageous brother, poet Ahmad. Ahmad was a Sufi, espousing mystical love in aphorisms in his well-known book, Flashes.
Baghdad was a birthplace of Sufism – “emphasizing a more intimate relation with God and the possibility of inner union, or reunion, with the devine.”
In 1217, as Tatar invasion was looming over Central Asia, they moved to Anatolia, modern day Turkey, in Asia Minor. From now on they lived in cities greatly outnumbered by Christians.
In Malatya, southeast Anatolia, he had met “Spanish-born Arab mystic Ibn Arabi, the grandest and most sublime thinker of the era (…) the greatest living master of Sufi theology.”
From the age of 10 until his death, Rumi lived under the most brutish militarist state of Tatar Mongols in Central Asia, at some point stretching from Korea to Hungary in Europe.
After his advanced education, in his mid-thirties Rumi ascended to the leadership in his community; flourishing in Konya for his eloquent preaching.
In 1244, Rumi had met the powerful wandering dervish named Shams of Tabriz, who became the most influential person in his life. Rumi’s transformation began from scholar to artist.
He completed his 1st book around 1262, revealing his “powers as a poet of richly animated spirituality.”
In Book III, he identified himself as preacher of love. He also embraced death as he moved “closer to the horizon of his own life.”
In the autumn of 1274, he fell seriously ill and in December died.
This book is a very exhaustive source. It depends what you’re looking for. I was expecting this book being concentrated on a spiritual journey of Rumi rather than just spilling out every detail of his life....more
I’ve never read a biography about Catherine of Braganza, therefore I don’t know how much material is out there about her. But this biography seems as I’ve never read a biography about Catherine of Braganza, therefore I don’t know how much material is out there about her. But this biography seems as a light read, rather than a detailed historical account of her life. At some points, Charles’s mistresses take the center stage of this story. Catherine’s interests are not well-developed. It is more of a mention than an action.
The story starts in 1662 with Portuguese princess awaiting her passage to England to be weeded to Charles II, England’s restoration king.
While she awaits her passage, Charles is entertained by his mistress Barbara Palmer. Once the rocky passage is made to Portsmouth, Catherine is not being welcomed by Charles, instead she awaits him. His delayed meeting is due to his mistress.
It doesn’t take long for both of them to be raging in regards to the mistress. “For Catherine, the first flush of marriage was over. It was plain that Charles preferred his mistress to her and all she could do was act with dignity…”
“Life for Catherine did not always miserably revolve around the king and his mistresses. She began to take an active interest in the country’s affairs…” – this is just a mention.
She also takes mutual interest in the king’s scientific pastimes, looking at the stars painted by the physicist and philosopher Sir Isaac Newton. – This is just a mention.
In March 1665, Charles declares war on Netherlands. At the same time, the plague strikes London. “The disease was spread by the fleas of infected black rats…arriving…on ships from Amsterdam.” Catherine is pregnant, but not for long. She miscarries; followed by many other miscarriages.
The following year, the great fire of London destroys over 10,000 houses and major structures.
In June 1670, Charles signs treaty with France and secretly converts to Catholicism.
In 1678 infamous Popish Plot – a supposed plot by Catholics to kill the king only increases anti-Catholic sentiment in England, which later turns out to be completely fictitious. Now the London fire is blamed on Catholics.
“Catherine had been married to the English king for nearly twenty-three years. She had suffered his mistresses, been unable to have his children, was implicated in plots and accused of trying to kill him but she had never wavered in her affection for him and he had always been protective of her.”
After the death of her husband, she begs her brother to let her come back to her beloved Portugal. After many pleas, she sails to her homeland in 1692.
She dies at the age of 67 at her Bemposta Palace.
What is a mention in this biography should be actually a center stage. I mention only the first mistress of Charles’s, but this story is intertwined with many of them, taking unnecessary center stage at some points.
The first part of the biography might be difficult to follow if you’re not familiar with Copernicus’ life. It felt like there was a lot of jumping, anThe first part of the biography might be difficult to follow if you’re not familiar with Copernicus’ life. It felt like there was a lot of jumping, and my first thought was if I weren’t familiar with his biography, I’d probably had a hard time following it.
The second part is composed of two Acts of play. It is an imagined dialogue among few people, mainly Copernicus, Rheticus (thanks to him Copernicus’ full manuscript was published), Giese (his best friend), bishop, and Anna (housekeeper, there was supposedly something between her and Copernicus). I’m not sure if this is something that distinguishes this author, if she does it in all her books, but that’s not something that resonates with me in a non-fiction book.
The third part returns to Copernicus’ biography and has a much smoother flow and is easier to follow.
If you’re familiar with Copernicus’ life, I think you can still find some information in this book that was not mentioned in other books about him.
If you’re not familiar, then I’d recommend starting with Copernicus’ Secret by Jack Repcheck, and afterwards reaching for this book....more
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