Kings of the Hellenes: The Greek Kings 1863-1974 - John van der Kiste

Devon Murders - John Van Der Kiste

In his publishing career, John Van der Kiste has written more than twenty biographies of various royal families, both British and European. Whilst this may not spare him from dealings with the common murderer, it is unusual that such people should be the focus of his endeavours. Usually, you’d have to worry about the kind of person who spends their time delving into a bunch of murders, especially when they’re on your own doorstep. That’s not the case here, as I do know the author and can vouch for him being a decent bloke. Although I may not be able to claim the same of the person who chooses to read the book. John takes us on a tour of the ages and a tour of the ...

The Man on the Moor - John Van Der Kiste

Before I get going, I should really insert a disclaimer. I know the author. Indeed, so may you, as he?s written here in the past under the name JohnDMR. This is going to affect my review in a single way. It means I?ll refer to the author by his first name, rather than his surname, as is more usual for me. It?s not going to affect the honesty of my opinion in any way, though. For one thing, I know John would be more upset by that than by any honest criticism. There?s a school of thought that suggests to potential writers of fiction ?write what you know?. Not having any talents in that direction, I have no ...

Childhood at Court 1819-191 - John Van der Kiste

gardening in their individual plots by the Swiss Cottage, or cooking in their scaled down kitchen. It is all very expertly and colourfully brought to life. John Van der Kiste has a talent for getting right into a subject so that you can really imagine that you are there observing all these goings on. It makes the read so much more enjoyable and the book hard to put down! The book necessarily touches on the politics of the time, which sharply brings the whole thing into focus. It does not go into enormous depth, but there is plenty of information to give a complete picture of events at the time. The lives of Queen Victoria’s children are followed as they grew ...