Books
by Robert Lacey
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Ford: The Man and the Machine |
Confronted as we are daily by the political situation in the American States, the déjà-vu one experiences when reading this makes the blood run cold. Lacey's superb, detailed survey - from the very beginning of the 'grass roots' through to the present day - brings home why this state of affairs has changed so little. Due to fresh information and sensitive insights into Ford, his family, colleagues and social circle, together with the history of the automobile this book has something for everyone and one would wish it twice its length.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 103 Winter 2022) |
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Royal: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
Among the many publications on the British Royal Family this "Jubilee edition" is a welcome surprise. Sympathetic but objective, it reads so fluidly that I found it 'unputdownable' and, although revised almost twenty years ago, in no way out of date. Basically a history of the peculiarly British Institution in which the Monarchy is primarily a servant of the people - as embodied by Queen Elizabeth - it makes clear this is why, despite all the setbacks, in the final analysis it continues to enjoy such enduring support.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 103 Winter 2022) |
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Sotheby's: Bidding for Class |
Who doesn't know the name Sotheby's? It stands for distinction and class and Robert Lacey offers us a rich and absorbing history, both social and economic, together with analysis, comments and criticisms, but always fair and in his inimitable style. The great, the good and above all, the wealthy pass through its pages, and when finished, one wants more, failing that, well worth a second read.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 103 Winter 2022) |
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The Kingdom: Arabia and the House of Sa'ud |
This vivid history of Saudi Arabia and its rapid development from the Middle Ages to Post-modernism because of a geographical and geological quirk of fate, comes over with even more conviction because the author immersed himself in Arabic and things Arabian for four years while writing it. Never avoiding fair criticism, he nevertheless with great respect and empathy lays bare the many conflicting elements - religious, economic, political - to give a much deeper understanding of the country whose unending supply of oil has become so important to universal welfare.
(Kathie Somerwil Ayrton - bwl 103 Winter 2022) |
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