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mbenzz's review against another edition
3.0
I was really looking forward to reading this, but while doing so, I felt a bit let down. I can't exactly pinpoint why, but it may be just the overall feeling of disgust I had while reading many of these stories (especially the section about Ancient Rome and the Popes). I knew going into this just what to expect. A kind of 'Star Magazine' of royal scandals and that's exactly what I got.
I know a decent amount on the subject of royal history, and many of the stories I read here, I've come across in other novels. However, to just read chapter after chapter of the disgusting and unforgivable things these people did to one another (like their subjects, or members of their own families) really left a bad taste in my mouth. I found myself, not so much dreading picking this up, but certainly not excited about it.
It's strange, because the author delivers exactly what he promises, and he executes it in a very clean and easy-to-follow manner, so in that sense, the book is very good. I guess my issue with it is how I felt while reading it. It's like, you think you really want to know something, only to find out about it and wish you were still ignorant to what you now know. I recommend it if you're already interested in reading it, but this isn't a book I'd tell my friends about.
I know a decent amount on the subject of royal history, and many of the stories I read here, I've come across in other novels. However, to just read chapter after chapter of the disgusting and unforgivable things these people did to one another (like their subjects, or members of their own families) really left a bad taste in my mouth. I found myself, not so much dreading picking this up, but certainly not excited about it.
It's strange, because the author delivers exactly what he promises, and he executes it in a very clean and easy-to-follow manner, so in that sense, the book is very good. I guess my issue with it is how I felt while reading it. It's like, you think you really want to know something, only to find out about it and wish you were still ignorant to what you now know. I recommend it if you're already interested in reading it, but this isn't a book I'd tell my friends about.
jkkb332's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
2.5
This book covers a LOT of ground, but super high-level. I found myself wondering what details were being left out. One chapter in particular was all of 4 sentences. It's sufficient as a brief overview of a lot of different monarchs, emperors, and popes, but additional reads are needed to really gain an understanding of their stories.
tara_pikachu's review against another edition
4.0
I wish the author didn't jump from one monarch to another across centuries or otherwise....I mean, order never hurt anybody! What a strange way to put together a book. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed all the 'scandals'.
its_me_roxy's review against another edition
4.0
Funny short stories of scandal in the royal histories! fun read.
treehugginpam's review against another edition
4.0
Awesome!! Loved this one. The short stories make it a good bathroom or bus book, and I guarantee you'll be amazed at the things people actually did back in the day. Particularly the popes. Wow.
hbbanana's review against another edition
2.0
Farquhar likes to play fast and loose with his historical accuracy.
smashton12's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it's silly at times and definitely glosses over a lot of history, but it's a fun read and gives interesting anecdotes. For those reviewers who complained about all the sex and violence, I'm not sure what they expected about a book whos stories took place during a time when beheadings and syphilis were facts of every day life. Enjoy this book for what it is - salacious tales of long dead royals.
misswitch's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic book. Fascinating subject matter that's written in a format that's engaging and easy to read.
wildbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
This book reads like a medieval tabloid. It would be a great place to dip your toes into nonfiction or if you're looking for a nonfiction read that moves quickly and has a chatty, informal style.