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stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
3.0
Some interesting tidbits about a sampling of obscure historical figures. This book has given me some kitschy anecdotes for cocktail parties! However, probably because of the nature of the book (small chapters), it was hard to stay engaged and it took me several interrupted weeks to finish. A great book for waiting in the doctor's office or carpool line- easy to pick up, easy to put down. And hey, I even learned a thing or two and have a new appreciation for the fleeting nature of fame.
mbenzz's review against another edition
4.0
After reading 'A Treasury of Royal Scandals' and being somewhat disappointed with it, I'm pleased to say I enjoyed this Farquhar book much more! Most of these people I'd never heard of. Some I had seen little snippets of on the History Channel (such as Mary Surratt and Anne Bonny), but never knew they're full claim to fame, so to speak.
I really enjoy Mr. Farquhar's style of writing, and he tells each story as if he were sitting in front of you telling it. I also liked this about 'Royal Scandals', my issue with that book was mainly about content.
Some of the chapters (each one about a different person) were very short. I'm assuming this is because, while the person may have done something big, there is very little information available about their life. Other's were much longer (like the story of William J. Burns - America's Sherlock), his life seems to have been very well documented. Some people I was completely uninterested in and would get annoyed at how long their stories were (Richard Mentor Johnson comes to mind), while others I hated to see end (Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, Gaston B. means).
Overall, if you're interested in reading this, I say go for it. It's a great collection of people plucked from American historical obscurity, and through Mr. Farquhar, have voices one again (though some of them may not deserve to due to their truly evil deeds). I look forward to 'A Treasury of American Scandals', the last of this threesome I have left to read.
I really enjoy Mr. Farquhar's style of writing, and he tells each story as if he were sitting in front of you telling it. I also liked this about 'Royal Scandals', my issue with that book was mainly about content.
Some of the chapters (each one about a different person) were very short. I'm assuming this is because, while the person may have done something big, there is very little information available about their life. Other's were much longer (like the story of William J. Burns - America's Sherlock), his life seems to have been very well documented. Some people I was completely uninterested in and would get annoyed at how long their stories were (Richard Mentor Johnson comes to mind), while others I hated to see end (Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, Gaston B. means).
Overall, if you're interested in reading this, I say go for it. It's a great collection of people plucked from American historical obscurity, and through Mr. Farquhar, have voices one again (though some of them may not deserve to due to their truly evil deeds). I look forward to 'A Treasury of American Scandals', the last of this threesome I have left to read.
mhelton0611's review against another edition
2.0
I love Farquhar's other books, so I had high hopes for this one. Other than one or two stories, it was just missing his trademark dry wit and humor.
pelachick's review against another edition
3.0
Little known historical figures. Some stories were interesting and some bored me.
courtofsmutandstuff's review against another edition
3.0
The beginning selections were hit or miss, many of them were forgettable, but I would highly recommend reading the chapters towards the middle and end, especially William Burns and Gaston Means, those were the longest chapters but also the most interesting. I'm a fan of Farquhar but this wasn't my favorite book of his.
evamadera1's review
3.0
I enjoyed this book despite the lackluster, frankly horrible, narrator. I liked the standalone stories and even knew the story of one of the characters, Clement Valandigham. That being said, there's nothing about this book that makes it anywhere near a "must read." It's more of a take it or leave it sort of book.
If you have the time, it's a decent book.
If you have the time, it's a decent book.
ashesmann's review
2.0
Some of the stories were pretty interesting. However...I felt like the banal details were hounded and the interesting parts were skimmed over. I was glad to see Mary Jemison included but it could have been batter. Pages devoted to where the statues of other people are located but no mention of the giant state park on the site where she lived. Or the fact her cabin still stands with a giant statue in front of it. I mean they mention the river but can't throw it Letchworth park? Maybe if I didn't live right next to said park I wouldn't have read the rest of the book with irritation haha.
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