Böcker av Nicholas Hammond

This volume is the first book-length study devoted to gossip in early modern France. Whereas many works that focus on other countries and periods have concentrated on the relationship between gossip and women, none has explored the crucial link between gossip and same-sex desire. Using material that has never been published before and touching on different social spheres, from valets to the immediate circle of Louis XIV, the author reveals a world radically different from the traditional image of France under the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. An in-depth analysis of the theory and practice of gossip is followed by an examination of songs, poems, memoirs, letters and anecdotes from the time, bringing the milieu of what was known as 'the Italian vice' vividly to life. The book concludes by bringing these insights on gossip to a refreshing new reading of one of the period's groundbreaking novels, Marie-Madeleine de Lafayette's La Princesse de Cleves.

In what respects was Alexander ''Great''? It is an exciting task forthe historian to answer that question, and in this fascinating study Nicholas Hammondundertakes it with enthusiasm. His thorough acquaintance with theancient sources enables him to judge whether the many recordedincidents of Alexander''s brilliant life are drawn from reliablecontemporaries or fictional writers.As a commander of men ofmany races, Alexander was and is incomparable. As a statesman heenvisaged, and to some extent created, an ecumenical kingdom which roseabove race and nation and which enjoyed peace and prosperity, extendingfrom his birthplace in Macedonia to the borders of Kashmir. Hisintellect and charismatic personality so fascinated those he conqueredthat they served in his army and administration and adopted him as thehero of their quasi-mythical romances. We have much to learn today fromthis genius of a man who died having achieved so much at the age ofthirty-two.