Mad Dogs And Englishmen by Ranulph Fiennes

Mad Dogs And Englishmen by Ranulph Fiennes – An Expedition Round My Family. I saw a review for this book on Goodreads, written by Angela from www.gardenteacakesandme.co.uk and I wanted to read it. It’s not a book I would have picked from the library/book shop because of its name. It doesn’t sound like a history book. Also, I didn’t know anything about Sir Ranulph Twistelton-Wykham-Fiennes.

This book is about tracing his family through history, starting from his ancestor, a Count who very nearly persuaded William the Conqueror to retreat at Hastings. Many members of his family were at the centre of politics of their day. It was fascinating to read about them, from a poacher to England’s greatest female traveller of the 17th century, cousins that eloped, to crusaders and the Fiennes’ behind Cromwell.

It’s such an amazing way to see how the history unfolds within a family and how their actions affected the history in return. I loved the book and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a different way to look at history.

I’d like to read other books by Ranulph Fiennes because I liked the way he writes too. Also, I plan to visit Broughton Castle, currently home to the 21st Lord and Lady Saye & Sele, whose family name is Fiennes. The castle was in the ownership of the same family since 1447.

Mad Dogs And Englishmen by Ranulph Fiennes

Details about the picture: –
My rating: 5/5 Stars.
Would I recommend it: Yes
Published by: Hodder & Stoughton
Year it was published: 2009
Format: Hardcover
Genre(s): Non-fiction. History
Pages: 386

About the author: Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet, OBE, better known as Ranulph (Ran) Fiennes, is a British adventurer and holder of several endurance records.
He was the first man to reach both poles by surface travel and the first to cross the Antarctic Continent unsupported. Fiennes has led over 30 expeditions including the first polar circumnavigation of the Earth. In 1993 Her Majesty the Queen awarded Fiennes the Order of the British Empire (OBE) because, on the way to breaking records, he has raised over 10 million for charity.

Fiennes has written books about his army service and his expeditions as well as a book defending Robert Falcon Scott from modern revisionists. In May 2009, aged 65, he climbed to the summit of Mount Everest. According to the Guinness Book of World Records he is the world’s greatest living adventurer.
Website & Social Media Links: www.ranulphfiennes.co.uk; www.broughtoncastle.com