Dennison, Matthew

Dennison writes a concise summary of Potter's inspirations and legacy; fans already familiar with her life and works may want a more comprehensive retelling.

Libraries that serve patrons with both literary interests and Anglophile tendencies (including fans of Downton Abbey) will find that this repast satisfies both appetites.

Rapidly paced and full of trashy details and anachronistic judgments, this is not responsible history, but it may be popular with the History Channel crowd. Serious students should look elsewhere.

Dense with research, this book is at times difficult to wade through, yet the richness of detail gives readers a solid foothold for understanding the complex traditions, customs, and politics of the era. Perhaps not accessible to casual readers, but academics and aficionados of Roman history, social history, women's history, or biography will enjoy the wealth of information.