Andrew Norman Books

First-hand information provided by Lise's nephew Philip Meitner and Philip's wife Anne.

In many of his poems, the great Dorset poet and novelist Thomas Hardy referred to a certain romantic courtship, a marriage which became progressively more problematical, and finally to a bereavement in which a man loses his wife. So, who was Hardy writing about? The clue is to be found in his early poems, where the names of several locations in North Cornwall are mentioned, this being the very same place which featured in Hardy's courtship of Emma Gifford, who was to become his first wife. The poems raise certain questions. Given that Hardy and Emma gradually drifted apart so that in the end they lived mainly separate lives, albeit under the same roof, why was he so grief-stricken when she died, bearing in mind that their marriage was so unsatisfactory? How did Hardy cope as he passed through the various stages of grief, which he articulated so poignantly and expressively in his poems? These stages are recognized today, thanks to the work of Swiss-US psychiatrist, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and US expert on grieving and loss, David Kessler. Finally, how did Hardy survive and come out the other side, and can his experience be a guide to others who find themselves alone and bereft after losing their partner?

Thomas Hardy's traditional Christmas. Although Hardy had difficulty in embracing the Christian faith, he adored it's joyous traditions, reliving them vicariously in Under the Greenwood Tree, and so may we!

Exploring the life of a prominent American playwright, this biography delves into Arthur Miller's influential works, personal struggles, and the societal issues he confronted through his art. It highlights his relationships, including his marriage to Marilyn Monroe, and examines the themes of morality, identity, and the American Dream that permeate his plays. Through detailed accounts of his career and the historical context of his time, the narrative reveals Miller's lasting impact on American theater and culture.

Written by a medical doctor, this book sheds light on the mind of one of the most reviled figures of the twentieth century, Adolf Hitler, who, today, would have been treated for schizophrenia.

Focusing on the tragic sinking of the HMS Hood, this book delves into the critical events that preceded the disaster on May 24, 1941, and examines its profound impact on the British Royal Navy. Dr. Andrew Norman provides a detailed analysis of the circumstances surrounding the battlecruiser's demise and reflects on the lasting legacy it created within naval history.

In the early 1960s a new 'Star' appeared on the pop music scene and burned brightly in the firmament. This was the enchantingly beautiful, French singer- songwriter ('chanteuse'), Francoise Madeleine Hardy.

Is it possible to discover the real Peter Sellers? The answer is yes, but the private life of the person revealed is in sharp contrast to the comedic characters that he portrayed on the screen.

In this fascinating study of the life of the creator of one of the greatest detectives of all time, Dr Andrew Norman traces the origin of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's strange beliefs.

When Agatha Christie, the so-called “Queen of Crime”, disappeared from her home in Sunningdale in Berkshire for eleven days on 3 December 1927, the whole nation held its breath. The following day, when her car was found abandoned fourteen miles away, a nationwide search was instigated.From a painstaking reconstruction of Agatha’s movements and behavior during those eleven days, Dr Andrew Norman is able to shed new light on what, in many ways, has remained a baffling mystery. Only now, fifty years after Agatha’s death, is it possible to explain fully, in the light of scientific knowledge, her behaviour during that troubled time.By deciphering clues from her celebrated works, Agatha Christie: The Finished Portrait sheds light on what is perhaps the greatest mystery of all to be associated with Britain’s best-loved crime writer, namely that of the person herself.