Books
by David Boyle
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Blondel's Song: The Capture, Imprisonment and Ransom of Richard the Lionheart |
This is an historical reconstruction of the real events behind the legends surrounding Richard the Lionheart, his secret return from the Crusades across the Alps in winter, the minstrel Blondel, the troubadours, Robin Hood, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham and the gigantic ransom exacted by the Holy Roman Emperor for the King's freedom which had an enormous effect on the English economy and trade in 12th century England. A fascinating and rewarding read.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 71 Winter 2014) |
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Tickbox |
Ever filled in a Feedback which lets you award stars but not make a comment? In an often amusing but deadly book, the author skewers how organisations destroy complexity via bureaucratic categories and targets which provide useless information while impairing the end product. Want to set targets for NHS waiting lists or response times? Trolleys become beds, definitions change, but nothing actually improves. Call centres are a nightmare. The author sees few easy remedies but you feel better because he’s onto what’s wrong.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 110 Autumn 2023) |
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