Just got my fourth Alison Weir book from the library today - Mary Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley (just finished the life of Elizabeth 1 - love that woman!) Thank you again for bringing it up! I think this is some of the best history writing I've ever read - her non-fiction reads like fiction - LOVE!
Yeah, she's totally awesome. I love good history writers. I'm a bit of a history buff* and I adore period pieces (I'm using the term very generically hear), so when I feel they come together in a way that's entertaining and intelligent, I try to read everything I can by that author.
I just bought the John Adams book and I'm dying to see the mini-series, although I'm at a loss how without buying it (it's a no-go at both the library and the local video store).
I also just checked out Rivals in the Room (I think it's called that) about Abraham Lincoln. It's supposed to be the best, most recent book about him so it should be good - I hope.
When I read Weir's books I'm constantly running to wikipedia to check out the timeline of events, maps, and royal lineage. I think that's an indication of a great book. Anything that makes me interested in other topics, especially enough so to look them up, gets total praise from me.
*When I say history buff I mean strictly from an enjoyment pov. Even though I was a history major, my knowledge on the subject is severely limited. I know like 2 things and that's it.