Biography: arts and entertainment Books

Book SynopsisA biography of the influential jazz pianist, Bill Evans. Peter Pettinger, himself a concert pianist, describes Evans's life, his personal tragedies and commercial successes, his music making, his technique and compositional methods, his approach to ensemble playing, and his legacy.Trade Review"Pettinger understands what sets the pianist apart, and explains with a minimum of technical language and just enough musical transcriptions to get his key points across. . . This is an ideal companion for those who want to 'understand' Evans in the most important way, through listening."—Bob Blumenthal, Boston Globe"Peter Pettinger writes frankly in his fine new biography of what was no secret to Evans's appalled colleagues: The most influential jazz pianist of the past half-century was addicted to drugs—first heroin, then cocaine—for much of his adult life."—Terry Teachout, New York Times Book Review"[A] fine new biography . . . packed with . . . shrewd critical commentary."—Terry Teachout, New York Times Book Review"Peter Pettinger sets out to catalog and explain Evans’ wide-ranging genius. . . . The making of every important Evans recording is discussed, and as he follows the extreme ups and downs of a career vexed by heroin addiction and other problems, Pettinger shows how the personal helped shape the artistic sensibility of this jazz innovator."—Tom Moon, Philadelphia Inquirer"Pettinger . . . has thoroughly researched Evans’s life, reading the available literature and tracking down the pianist’s associates for commentary, and he has listened assiduously to the Evans catalog, which is no small feat given its enormousness."—Adam Bresnick, Wall Street Journal"Pettinger provides a portrait of Evans that will serve as a foundation for further investigation of this quiet jazz giant. Recommended for jazz fans and music buffs."—Library Journal"Pettinger is eminently qualified to assay Evan’s evolution as a pianist, and students of Evan’s music will no doubt enjoy the author’s references to Evan’s scores and academic excursions."—Publishers Weekly"A fine new biography. . . . Pettinger, a concert pianist, is brilliant in describing, with a technical precision which is nonetheless accessible to the non-musician, what Evans was up to. Its a good read."—S.D. Feeney, Face Magazine"Pettinger's book is a reliable guide, but its chief asset is the late author's insight and enthusiasm for a unique performer."—Brian Priestly, Piano"One of the great perfectionists of jazz has been given a biography worthy of gifts."—Michael Kerrigan, The ScotsmanSelected as a 1998 Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times Book ReviewWinner of the 1999 ASCAP–Deems Taylor Award in the Pop Books Category"Peter Pettinger’s book on pianist Bill Evans is one of the best jazz biographies I have ever read. It is beautifully and lovingly written, meticulously researched, and filled with deep insight into Evans’s personality and musicmaking."—Barry Kernfeld, author of What to Listen for in Jazz"This book is likely to become a classic. There is nothing quite like it in the history of jazz. A concert pianist looks at the work of a jazz pianist whom many authorities consider one of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century. Pettinger hears all sorts of subtleties as only a fellow pianist can. He is also a felicitous and interesting writer. This is a brilliant piece of extended analysis."—Gene Lees

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Book SynopsisThe definitive account of Whitney Houston's astonishing life, ground-breaking career and tragic death complete with never-before-seen photographs from the only one who truly knows the story behind the headlines: her mother, Cissy Houston.Cissy has said little publicly about Whitney's heart-breaking death. Now, for the first time, she opens up and shares the unbelievable story of her daughter's life, as well as her own, and addresses Whitney's brightest and darkest moments.A legendary Grammy Award-winning gospel singer in her own right, Cissy Houston shows how the lessons from her own musical journey helped to shape Whitney's career from teaching Whitney to use her voice, to keeping her level-headed throughout her meteoric rise to fame.With candour and respect, she sets the record straight about Whitney, exploring both her turbulent marriage and her misunderstood struggles with drug abuse. Cissy goes behind the tabloid headlines to show fans around the world the true, human side of a strong, successful yet flawed musical icon who died much too young.Includes a Foreword by Dionne Warwick.Trade Review‘Essential reading for anyone who wants the inside angle on one of the greatest musical careers of the 20th Century.’ Daily Mail

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Book Synopsis''Tiepolo: the last breath of happiness in Europe''The eighteenth-century Venetian painter Giambattista Tiepolo spent his life creating frescoes that are among the glories of Western art, yet he remains shrouded in mystery. Who was he? And what was the significance of the dark, bizarre etchings depicting sacrifice and magic, which he created alongside his heavenly works? Roberto Calasso explores Tiepolo as the last artist of the ancien régime and at the same time the first example of the painter of modern life evoked by Baudelaire. He was the incarnation of that peculiar Italian virtue sprezzatura: the art of not seeming artful.Translated by Alastair McEwen''A brilliant, eccentric, provocative . . . and thoroughly splendid celebration of a great painter'' John Banville, The New Republic''Calasso is a myth-maker ... a book that treats paintings as a kind of sorcery'' Peter Conrad, ObserverTrade ReviewCalasso has written a brilliant, eccentric, provocative, annoying, and thoroughly splendid celebration of a great painter. * The New Republic *As one has come to expect of this polyglot and polymathic author, the range of references that inform his viewings is broad, deep and effortless * The Art Newspaper *The next best thing to visiting Europe and seeing the painter's work . . . Calasso is one of the most demanding and intoxicating critics writing today. * Los Angeles Times *

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Book SynopsisFind out all you need to know about how John, Paul, George, and Ringo became the most influential band of all time. This book charts the Fab Four''s musical evolution through the sixties and includes a fascinating biography of each member of the band and an introduction to the members'' early years as Rock and Roll loving school kids. There is also information about the different members of The Beatles before settling on the Fab Four, the Fifth Beatle, Beatlemania, their films, The Beatles'' White Album, the band''s split and their lives after The Beatles, including the murder of John Lennon and the untimely death of George Harrison. Enjoy the immeasurable legacy of the Beatles as it lives on in their music and books.

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Book SynopsisA new edition of Adam Zamoyski's definitive biography of Chopin, first published in 1979 and unavailable in English for many years.Few composers elicit such strong emotions as Chopin. Few have been more revered and cherished. And few have had so much sentimental nonsense written about them.Published to coincide with the bicentenary of Chopin''s birth, Adam Zamoyski''s compelling new biography cuts through the mass of anecdote and myth that has sprung up around the composer''s life and the ebullient and striking personalities of Romantic Paris among whom he lived, including Liszt, Berlioz, Victor Hugo and George Sand, in search of the real Chopin.Zamoyski brings to the subject an unrivalled knowledge of the historical, social and cultural background of the composer''s native Poland as well as of the France in which he spent most of his creative life. He has scoured the archives of Warsaw, Krakow, Paris and London in his quest for the truth, and has based his account exclusively on primaTrade Review'A close, intimate and thoroughly absorbing portrait … Zamoyski has written a thoughtful, lively and moving account of an extraordinary and exceptional man.' Mail on Sunday 'Those seeking to revisit the genius of the man who Camille Saint-Saens described as "the sweet evening star that shone for only a moment" could do no better than to have this book at their side.' Daily Telegraph 'A fine study of the composer's life and career … Zamoyski's highly readable account brings non-technical insights into the music itself and he is superb at conveying what is known as Chopin's own playing.' Sunday Telegraph 'As ever, the historian writes with absolute assurance about the politics and culture of his ancestral homeland … Zamoyski recounts the private life, and public events, with ringing authority.' Independent 'Zamoyski is terrific at probing the subtle contradictions of Chopin.' Evening Standard

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Book SynopsisOrry-Kelly created magic on screen, from Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon to Some Like It Hot. He won three Oscars for costume design. He dressed all the biggest stars, from Bette Davis to Marilyn Monroe. Yet few know who Orry-Kelly really was - until now. Discovered in a pillowcase, Orry-Kelly's long-lost memoirs reveal a wildly talented and cheeky rascal who lived a big life, on and off the set. From his childhood in Kiama to revelling in Sydney's underworld nightlife as a naïve young artist and chasing his dreams of acting in New York, his early life is a wild and exciting ride. Sharing digs in New York with another aspiring actor, Cary Grant, and partying hard in between auditions, he ekes out a living painting murals for speakeasies before graduating to designing stage sets and costumes. When he finally arrives in Hollywood, it's clear his adventures have only just begun. Fearless, funny and outspoken, Orry-Kelly lived life to the full. In Women I've Undressed, he shares a wickedly delicious slice of it.Trade ReviewIf you love or even like Old Hollywood, if you hanker after parties where Marlene Dietrich, Carole Lombard, Hedy Lamarr and Jean Harlow chew the fat in Spanish costumes under camellia-strewn bowers, then Orry-Kelly's Women I've Undressed: the Fabulous Life and Times of a Legendary Hollywood Designer is a little bit of paradise. * Daily Telegraph *There's something completely compelling about this very talented, very outlandish, gay Australian rascal's journey into Hollywood. -- Gillian Armstrong, the Oscar-nominated director of Women He's UndressedA sumptuous coffee table fashion tome but the text reads like a racy Jackie Collins novel... Women I've Undressed is a frank and brutal account of Hollywood's golden era, of its stars and their foibles, their individual weaknesses and Achilles' heels, the details that only a personal tailor gets to see, but more importantly, this book brings recognition to one of the most talented costume designers of the era... He was Hollywood royalty, but despite those Oscars, he was not a household name. This book will likely change that.' * Irish Independent *Delightful... Kelly was an extraordinary character... A camp romp through the Golden Age of Hollywood with some gloriously indiscreet asides, peppered with Kelly's exquisite sketches and photos of stars in his frocks. * Australian Women's Weekly *He writes with deep affection... His book is beautifully designed and illustrated... Orry-Kelly's pen portraits bring the city and the period pungently to life. * The Australian *Several books have already laid bare the fractious relationship between movie star and designer, but Orry-Kelly's account of life as a prominent Hollywood costume designer leaves most of them in the ha'penny place. Found in a pillowcase and kept under wraps by his family for half a century, it is an Aladdin's cave of memories and moments. * Sunday Business Post *Those of us who assume Hollywood costume designers are as camp as Christmas - e.g. Cecil Beaton or Dame Edna's son Kenny - will need to have a rethink in the light of this tremendous book. * Daily Mail *A work of art... He proves as elegant a writer as he was a fashion designer... Women I've Undressed is a must for fashion freaks and movie buffs alike. * Weekend West *

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Book SynopsisRemembered for his flamboyant stage presence and his innovative and distinctive music videos, Prince (born Prince Rogers Nelson) is still widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time, known for his eclectic music style, which blended elements of funk, rock, R&B, soul, and pop. From his early beginnings in Minneapolis to his rise to global stardom, Prince left an indelible mark on the music world.Filled with quotations by one of the most innovative artists in history. The Little Guide to Prince is the perfect companion for fans everywhere. Through this collection of quotes, readers will discover Prince's thoughts on creativity, art, love, and life. His words are both profound and whimsical, reflecting his playful personality and his unwavering commitment to living life on his own terms.Whether you're a lifelong fan of Prince or simply a lover of great music, this is the perfect way to revisit his legacy and celebrate his enduring influence."Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people." PrincePrince's best-selling album, Purple Rain, was released in 1984 as the soundtrack to the film of the same name, going on to become one of the most successful albums of the 1980s and selling over 22 million copies worldwide.Table of ContentsThe Revolution Will Be Televised • Symbol of the Time • Sexy MF • Purple Reign • Partyman.

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Book SynopsisAn intimate exploration of the life, craft, and legacy of one of the most revered and influential writers, an artist who continues to inspire fans and creatives to cultivate practices of deep attention, rigourous interrogation and beautiful style.Joan Didion was a writer's writer; not only a groundbreaking journalist, essayist, novelist and screenwriter, but a keen observer who honed her sights on life's telling details. Her insights continue to influence creatives and admirers, encouraging them to become close observers of the world, unsentimental critics, and meticulous stylists.An antidote to a global view that narrows our vision to the smallest screens, The World According To Joan Didion is a meditation on the people, places, and objects that propelled Didion's prose and an invitation to journalists, storytellers, and life adventurers to throw themselves into the convulsions of the world, as she once said.Evelyn McDonnell, the acclaimed journalist, essayist, critic, feminist, nativ

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Book SynopsisA Rothschild by birth and a Baroness by marriage, beautiful, spirited Pannonica - known as Nica - seemed to have it all: children, a handsome husband and a trust fund. But in the early 1950s she heard a piece by the jazz legend Thelonious Monk. The music overtook her like a magic spell, and she abandoned her marriage to go and find him. Arriving in New York, Nica was shunned by society but accepted by the musicians. They gave her friendship; she gave them material and emotional support. Her convertible Bentley was a familiar sight outside the clubs and she drank whisky from a hip flask disguised as a Bible. Her notoriety was sealed when drug-addicted saxophonist Charlie Parker died in her apartment. But her real love was reserved for Monk, whom she cared for until his death in 1982. The Baroness traces Nica's extraordinary, thrilling journey - from England's stately homes to the battlefields of Africa, passing under the shadow of the Holocaust, and finally to the creative ferment of the New York jazz scene. Hannah Rothschild's search to solve the mystery of her rebellious great aunt draws on their long friendship and years of meticulous research and interviews. It is part musical odyssey, part dazzling love story.Trade ReviewRiveting, touching and insightful Daily Telegraph An extraordinary achievement - perfectly structured, astonishingly objective, wise, perceptive and beautifully written -- Antony Beevor Wholly gripping -- Rachel Cooke Guardian Eloquently-written labour of love Daily Mail Nimble writing and brilliant story Independent It's a gripping yarn that more than proves that life is stranger than fiction' Literary Review

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Book SynopsisMost people know that Bob Marley (1945–1981) was a singer-songwriter who popularised reggae music and whose Jamaican culture and Rastafarian beliefs have attained worldwide influence. What, perhaps, they don’t know is that his music inspired 7,000 prisoners of war to escape; that after running out of money he was forced to spend two years living in London; that he has sold more than 75 million records around the world; and that he was shot twice while trying to bring peace between two political groups. Biographic: Marley presents an instant impression of his life, work and legacy, with an array of irresistible facts and figures converted into infographics to reveal the musician behind the music.

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Book SynopsisAn indispensable and captivating document, now back in print!Table of ContentsIntroduction to the 2000 Reprint, by David CannataPrefaceProloguePart I1. Zverev and His Cubs2. A New Family3. Aleko and "Free Artist"4. Deaths and Failure5. Second Concerto6. Imperial Theater7. Operas and Projects8. Dresden9. Europe10. First American Tour11. "Re" and The Bells12. War and Night VigilPart II13. Virtuoso14. Ties with Russia15. The Composer Resumes16. Work and Rest17. Exile Reinforced18. Senar and Rapsodie19. The "Russian" Symphony20. The Composer Rebuffed21. Retreat from Europe22. Symphonic Dances23. CaliforniaNotes on the TextAppendix 1. WorksIndex

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Book SynopsisMartin Clunes has been a familiar face on British television for almost two decades. During that period he has starred in some of the best-loved shows of modern times, including Doc Martin, William and Mary, and of course he phenomenally successful Men Behaving Badly. He was introduced to acting at a young age. His father, a successful actor and theatre manager who gave Peter Ustinov his first break, tragically died of cancer in 1970, leaving his wife Daphne, their daughter Amanda, and 8-year-old Martin. Years later, it was Daphne's cousin, Jeremy Brett - the actor famous for playing Sherlock Holmes - who encouraged Martin to take up acting professionally. Martin worked regularly through the 1980s, but when he was spotted by comedian Harry Enfield and subsequently made regular appearances in his popular sketch shows, he was catapulted into the big time. After landing the role of Gary in Men Behabving Badly, he has gone from strengh to strength. Never one to be pigeonholed, Martin has played a broad range of roles, including a serial killer in A is for Acid anb Burbage n the Oscar winning film Shakespeare in Love. More recently, he has also presented two of the most popular documentaries on television: Islands of Britain and Martin Clunes: A Man and His Dogs.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive biography of Canada's most beloved singer-songwriter, a legendary musician who helped define the folk-pop era.

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Book SynopsisTHE NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERBravely revealing' BERNARDINE EVARISTOFunny, moving, helpful and true, Friendaholic deserves a massive audience' SATHNAM SANGHERAThis book is brilliant' JO ELVINEssential reading admirably candid and well-crafted' GUARDIANAs a society, there is a tendency to elevate romantic love. But what about friendships? Aren''t they just as if not more important? So why is it hard to find the right words to express what these uniquely complex bonds mean to us? In Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict, Elizabeth Day embarks on a journey to answer these questions.Growing up, Elizabeth wanted to make everyone like her. Lacking friends at school, she grew up to believe that quantity equalled quality. Having lots of friends meant you were loved, popular and safe. She was determined to become a Good Friend. And, in many ways, she did. But in adulthood she slowly realised that it was often to the detriment of her own boundaries and mental health.Then, when a gTrade Review Praise for Friendaholic: ‘A joyful read’ THE SUNDAY TIMES ‘Essential reading… admirably candid and well-crafted’ THE GUARDIAN ‘(An)eloquent, disarmingly honest book’ DAILY MIRROR ‘A generous, companionable guide to a part of life every bit as crucial – and as fraught – as romance or family.’ THE OBSERVER ‘Perceptive, compassionate and filled with relatable insights into all that is beautiful about friendship, with its most valuable point being that it should be about quality, rather than quantity.’ THE DAILY MAIL ‘This book is brilliant.’ Jo Elvin ‘I’ve never read a book about friendships before. This one really digs deep, is bravely revealing and makes me reflect on my own friendship habits, issues, and culture.’ Bernardine Evaristo ‘I really want to say that reading Elizabeth Day feels like listening to a friend, but it's complicated by the fact that I’m an actual friend who makes an appearance in this book on friendship. But fuck it, it's true: reading Elizabeth Day feels like listening to a friend. And reading her on this strangely neglected theme is a revelation. Friendships can mean as much, sometimes even more than family, and finally we have a book that treats the subject with the seriousness it deserves. And Day is the best possible guide: funny, moving, helpful and true, Friendaholic deserves a massive audience.’ Sathnam Sanghera

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Book SynopsisSwiss artist Meret Oppenheim (1913–1985) is far more than just the creator of the iconic fur teacup. In the course of her career she produced a complex, wide-ranging, and enigmatic body of work that has no parallel in modern art. Like an x-ray beam, this book scans Oppenheim’s artistic oeuvre, bringing its variety, playfulness, and poetry to the fore. Instead of simply answering the riddles posed by these intriguing works, it maps out the paths that will lead us to still more clues. Simon Baur is a leading expert in the life and art of Meret Oppenheim. The nine new essays featured in this volume are at once scholarly and easy to read. In them, Baur shares the many fascinating insights and interpretations that he has gleaned from his decades-long engagement with Oppenheim’s work. The result is an anthology that combines both biographical and thematic aspects and takes us on an exciting journey into the poetic cosmos of a truly great female artist.

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Book SynopsisConfronted by the realities of adulthood, Romesh Ranganathan must face an uncomfortable truth: this is not quite how he imagined it.Watching his friends descend into middle age, his waist thicken with every meal and his finances dwindle to fund his family's middle class aspirations, Romesh reflects on the demands of daily life and the challenges of adulting in the modern world.As he reluctantly concludes that he is indeed a grown man, Rom wrestles with the greater questions that threaten his being: Could I save my family in a crisis? Do I possess the skills to assemble flatpack furniture? Am I too old for streetwear? Is it alright to parent my kids through the medium of Fortnite? Is celibacy the secret to a passionate marriage?From one of the countries most beloved comedians and author of the Sunday Times bestseller STRAIGHT OUTTA CRAWLEY comes the hilarious and painfully accurate dissection of what it really means to grow up.Trade Review'There's both side-splitting humour and a tenderness to comedian and writer Romesh Ranganathan's latest book' * Red Magazine *Hilariously told, this personal interrogation is both relatable and comforting, recognising that nobody really knows how to be a grown-up. * Radio Times *"One of the funniest people in the world. Annoyingly talented at everything he does which includes writing books. As Good As it Gets is hilarious. Is there anything this man can't do? Yes: most sports." * Rob Beckett *"Annoyingly I enjoyed this book as much as I do seeing Romesh live" * Seann Walsh *

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Book SynopsisDrawing on hours of new interviews and meticulous research, with a foreword by Bob Geldof and an afterword by Jim Moir,Whatever Happened To Slade?reassesses a band that won hearts and perforated eardrums across four incident-filled, bittersweet decades.

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Book Synopsis THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!I like to think of Not All Diamonds and Rosé as the ultimate reunion. I know readers will be surprised, entertained, and even shocked at what's in store. Andy Cohen Dave Quinn''s Not All Diamonds and Rosé is the definitive oral history of the hit television franchise, from its unlikely start in the gated communities of Orange County to the pop culture behemoth it has becomespanning nine cities, hundreds of cast members, and millions of fans.What is it really like to be a housewife? We all want to know, but only the women we love to watch and the people who make the show have the whole story. Well, listen in close, because they're about to tell all.Nearly all the wives, producers, and network executives, as well as Andy Cohen himself, are on the record, unfiltered and unvarnished about what it really takes to have a tagline. This is your VIP pass to the lives be

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Book SynopsisBruce Springsteen: An Illustrated Biography offers fans an intimate look into the life of this beloved artist, including photos of The Boss, both on stage and off, and 10 removable pieces of memorabilia.Table of ContentsIntroduction My Hometown Escape Great Expectations Darkness American Icon Second Skin Lost Years The Rising American Skin High Hopes Selected Bibliography About the Author, Dedication & Acknowledgments Image Credits

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Book SynopsisJenna Fischer's Hollywood journey began at the age of 22 when she moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of St. Louis. With a theater degree in hand, she was determined, she was confident, she was ready to work hard. So, what could go wrong? Uh, basically everything. The path to being a professional actor was so much more vast and competitive than she'd imagined. It would be eight long years before she landed her iconic role on The Office, nearly a decade of frustration, struggle, rejection and doubt. If only she'd had a handbook for the aspiring actor. Or, better yet, someone to show her the way—an established actor who could educate her about the business, manage her expectations, and reassure her in those moments of despair. Jenna wants to be that person for you. With amusing candor and wit, Fischer spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle. She provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for certain scams (auditions in a guy's apartment are probably not legit—or at least not for the kind of part you're looking for!). Her inspiring, helpful guidance feels like a trusted friend who's made the journey, and has now returned to walk beside you, pointing out the pitfalls as you blaze your own path towards the life of a professional actor.Trade Review"I loved reading Jenna's honest and sincere appraisal of the actualities of breaking into, finding one's way, and then thriving in this business. I hope it is given out as a guidebook of sorts to any young actor when they land at LAX."—Jon Hamm "In The Actor's Life, Jenna Fischer lays out exactly what aspiring actors can expect from this crazy, unpredictable industry both practically and emotionally. Nothing is sugar-coated, nor is it cynical. It's just reality, plain and simple. At every level of success, we are all just artists trying to figure it out day by day. That's the truth."—Christina Applegate "If I had Jenna's book when I was a struggling actor it would have eased the pain and encouraged my journey. This is an insightful, funny, sweet story from one actor to another; we all need a leg up, a hand to hold, and the encouragement to keep going when we truly find our passion. Jenna manages to do that and more in this very helpful guide for an actor finding their way into the business."—Julianna Margulies "How lucky for those who dream that Jenna Fischer has written this book and candidly explained the hard work, persistence, and delusion required to become a working actor. This book is generous, practical, and in the right hands will be a talisman for the deserving few who refuse to give up."—Matthew Weiner, creator of Mad Men "Jenna Fischer's story is an excellent resource for anyone who is involved in the life of an actor. Much of this information was new to me; I have always respected the actor's journey, but now I am in awe of it. It's also entertaining from beginning to end."—Allison Jones, Casting DirectorTable of ContentsForeword by Steve Carell Introduction Chapter One: Getting Started Chapter Two: Headshots, Getting in the Union, and Building Your Resume Chapter Three: How to Find, Get, and Keep an Agent or Manager Chapter Four: Auditioning, Rejection, and How to Persevere Chapter Five: You Got a Job! How Things Work on a Television or Film Set Chapter Six: The Journey Actor Interviews: Sharing the Brushstrokes Acknowledgments About the Author

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Book Synopsis''Arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music,'' says Jimi Hendrix''s citation in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. James Marshall Hendrix remains unique as an African American who broke out of the traditional ''Black'' genres of blues, r&b and soul to play hard rock to an overwhelmingly white audience, almost single-handedly creating what became known as heavy metal. With unprecedented access to Jimi''s younger brother, Leon, the two most important women in his life and numerous previously untapped sources, bestselling music biographer Philip Norman resurrects the real Jimi from the almost mythical icon who has continued to influence young guitarists. His death in 1970, aged only twenty-seven when his fame was at its height, has long been rock''s greatest unsolved mystery. But finally we learn where the responsibility lay for Jimi''s lonely, squalid end.''An engaging memorial to a rock revolutionary whose music, in contrast to many of his reTrade ReviewAn engaging memorial to a rock revolutionary whose music, in contrast to many of his revered Sixties peers, retains much of its explosively thrilling voodoo power -- Stephen Dalton * THE TIMES *Norman's access to Hendrix's younger brother Leon brings a greater clarity to the facts of their wretched upbringing. Hendrix was haunted throughout his life by his bullying, overbearing father Al, alcoholic mother Lucille, and their doomed, loveless union. Likewise, Norman puts Jim Crow America during the early 1960s into sharp focus through the prism of Hendrix's slogging on the Chitlin' Circuit, as back-up guitarist to other black powerhouses such as Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and Curtis Mayfield... Wild Thing confirms what we already know of Hendrix: he was a true one-off, star-bright shining, and ultimately someone for whom it was all too much, too soon. -- Paul Rees * DAILY EXPRESS *It's 50 years since Jimi Hendrix died and, as Norman puts it, became "president for eternity" of the infamous 27 Club. The guitar legend's excess all areas life story is familiar but new details emerge. Jimi's brother fills in the blanks on his wretched childhood in the US, and the racism of the UK, his adopted home, is sadly laid bare. The mystery over whether his death was accidental or murder is no clearer but Norman has one big revelation: Jimi loved watching Corrie * THE SUN *Hendrix's short life is outlined in detail and with insight by Norman...From being rock music critic of The Times during the 1970s to writing acclaimed biographies (deemed by many to be definitive) of Elton John, the Rolling Stones, John Lennon and Eric Clapton, Norman has the historical perspective and authentic writing nous to dig deep and achieve results -- Tony Clayton-Lea * BUSINESS POST IRELAND *WHEN McCartney, Jagger and other grandees first saw Hendrix, 'Everyone was dumbstruck, completely in shock, as if hit by a 50-megaton H-bomb'. This book is a first-rate analysis of Hendrix's 'fretboard wizardry and showmanship' - but nothingbecame the guitarist's life like the leaving of it, aged 27. Philip Norman gives a forensic account of Hendrix's death, about which controversy still rages -- Roger Lewis * DAILY MAIL *This is a good read that throws up interesting facts about the hugely exploitative nature of the 1960s music industry and its relationship to organised crime ... Wild Thing reveals some of the man behind the well-encrusted mythology, and sends the reader back to those wonderful records that still radiate with supernatural light -- Jon Savage * NEW STATESMAN *

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Book SynopsisA definitive new account of the professional and personal life of one of Hollywood''s most unforgettable, influential stars.Archie Leach was a poorly educated, working-class boy from a troubled family living in the backstreets of Bristol. Cary Grant was Hollywood''s most debonair film star--the embodiment of worldly sophistication. Cary Grant: The Making of a Hollywood Legend tells the incredible story of how a sad, neglected boy became the suave, glamorous star many know and idolize. The first biography to be based on Grant''s own personal papers, this book takes us on a fascinating journey from the actor''s difficult childhood through years of struggle in music halls and vaudeville, a hit-and-miss career in Broadway musicals, and three decades of film stardom during Hollywood''s golden age. Leaving no stone unturned, Cary Grant delves into all aspects of Grant''s life, from the bitter realities of his impoverished childhood to his trailblazing role in Hollywood as a film star who defied the studio system and took control of his own career. Highlighting Grant''s genius as an actor and a filmmaker, author Mark Glancy examines the crucial contributions Grant made to such classic films as Bringing Up Baby (1938), The Philadelphia Story (1940), Notorious (1946), An Affair to Remember (1957), North by Northwest (1959), Charade (1963) and Father Goose (1964). Glancy also explores Grant''s private life with new candor and insight throughout the book''s nine sections, illuminating how Grant''s search for happiness and fulfillment lead him to having his first child at the age of 62 and embarking on his fifth marriage at the age of 77. With this biography--complete with a chronological filmography of the actor''s work--Glancy provides a definitive account of the professional and personal life of one of Hollywood''s most unforgettable, influential stars.Trade ReviewScrupulously researched... Interweaving Grant's personal life with his career, Glancy provides the kind of detailed production histories and nuanced close readings of Grant's performances that will appeal to die-hard Cary Grant fans and film studies academics alike. * Charlotte Crofts, Open Screens *The volume is well indexed and the text fully supported by endnotes and a generous bibliography... Glancy's account is full, readable and scholarly. * John Stevens, Transactions *As a star biography it sets new standards of scholarship... It will become a definitive account of Grant, providing a judiciously balanced and peceptive evaluation of his intervowen personal and professional life, elucidated in pellucid prose whose elegance mirrors its subject. * Andrew Spicer, Archives *Glancy's account is full, readable and scholarly and it is confidently predicted that this particular quarry is now closed. * Josh Stevens, Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society *Offering glimpses of Grant both inside and outside of studio walls, Glancy succeeds in culling together a cohesive book based upon Grant's personal papers ...if the reader is not familiar with the breath of Grant's filmography, Glancy's book steps in as a guide through Grant's many works. * Annette Bochenek, Hometowns to Hollywood *The definitive biography: forensic, myth-busting, and psychologically fine-tuned. Both a well-written work of scholarship and an entertaining ride through the life and work of one of Hollywood's most fascinating stars. * Mark Kidel, filmmaker and writer *Mark Glancy's detailed biography carefully pieces together the actor's early life, from the day-dreaming teenager's expulsion at school to his life in music hall and his early struggles in New York... before his cinema stardom... a first-rate study of a star of cinemas golden age. * Martin Chilton, Independent *[an] exemplary biography * David Thomson, London Review of Books *Cary Grant has been the subject of so much gossip over the years so it is pleasant to read a book that takes an unsensational look at a Hollywood great. * Paul Donnelley, Daily Express *Glancy's years of research reveal themselves not just in the exceptionally detailed retelling of the Grant story, but in the scrupulous examination of conflicting sources... first-rate biography * Pamela Hutchinson, Sight & Sound *No other Grant biography has probed beneath the actor's tuxedo elegance with the urgency, critical acumen and basic common sense that are on display in Cary Grant: The Making of a Hollywood Legend. It's exceptional book. * Tom Ryan, Senses of Cinema *In contrast to typical celebrity biographies which take the tone of a gossipy exposé, Glancy's book feels balanced, well-researched... The author treats his subject with polite respect and admiration. * Lani Gonzalez, Book and Film Globe *It's a good, thorough read and may hint at a change in the winds of how we look at this famously private, famously gorgeous and underrated movie star. * Roger Moore, Movie Nation *Glancy is a good writer and storyteller... [his] approach is measured and illuminating. * Tom Ryan, The Australian *an exceedingly well-researched book... riveting throughout... This is certainly one of the best books about the golden era of Hollywood that I have ever read, and I recommend it to anyone interested in films. * Mel Cooper, Plays to See *By contrast with some of his predecessors, Glancy does a superb job of shining light on as much of Grant's life as can be understood without bogging down in unnecessary detail. * Dave Luhrssen, Shepherd Express *A solid biography * David Pitt, Booklist *A thorough and thoughtful biography... An excellent portrait that emphasizes the man more than the movie star. * Peter Thornell, Library Journal *Mark Glancy has given the beloved star a deservedly respectful treatment. He offers a detailed and interesting biography which does not shy away from the controversies in Grant's life. However, the information is presented in a factual, non-salacious manner that is very readable. * Booked Solid with Virginia C *Most biographies of Hollywood Slebs are usually hagiographies or a collection of salacious stories... So it was with relief that I found Glancy's book does not fall into this trap but takes time to explore and research Cary Grant as a serious subject for a biographer... I so enjoyed reading this book and found it totally absorbing. Mark Glancy goes into detail about Cary's acting and role in all of his films, leaving nothing out and so the reader can appreciate and follow his film career alongside his personal life. * Elaine Simpson-Long, Random Jottings *Table of ContentsPreface Part One: Archie Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Part Two: Tumbler Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Part Three: Matinee Idol Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Part Four: Cary Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Part Five: American Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Part Six: Movie-Made Man Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Part Seven: Truth Seeker Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Part Eight: Survivor Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Part Nine: Legend Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Sources Notes Filmography

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Absorbing, incisive...With skill and insight, Saul shows how both the best and the worst of Pryor could merge into a great body of work unmatched by anyone who was ever paid to make people laugh." -- USA Today "The most detailed and rigorously researched work on the comic's life and performances...Pryor was both the quintessential hipster and the vulnerable, damaged witness of his age...Becoming Richard Pryor captures these dimensions of the persona and the man behind it very well." -- Washington Post "Sharply observed...lays out the case that Pryor was not only a comic genius but 'a bellwether of the great changes of postwar American life, some of which he helped incite.'...Riveting." -- TIME magazine "A gripping read...The only book you need on its subject." -- Sunday Times (London) "A pop-culture masterpiece of exhaustive reporting, psychological insight and elegant writing." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer "Insightful and expansive, Scott Saul's remarkable biography of the now legendary comic chronicles how a sensitive brilliant man with a hardscrabble past mined his personal life for American entertainment, revolutionizing stand-up along the way." -- Playboy, "This Winter's Best Books" "Masterful." -- Newsweek "A fascinating, exhilarating read. Saul dives deeper and comes up with more treasure than previous biographers; he deftly traces the stamp that Pryor left on American culture at one of its more impressionable moments...I didn't want to put the book down and couldn't wait to get back to it." -- Michael Chabon, bestselling and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay and Telegraph Avenue "Becoming Richard Pryor is a compulsively readable book that sets a new gold standard for American biography. Scott Scaul's research is extraordinary; his writing his taut, elegant, and insightful; and he captures both the hilarity and pain that made Richard Pryor such a towering figure." -- Debby Applegate, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for biography and author of the forthcoming Madam: The Notorius Life and Times of Polly Adler "The Richard Pryor biography we've been waiting for." -- Deadspin "With Becoming Richard Pryor, Scott Saul gives us the fullest picture yet of a great and puzzling American figure. What starts as a procedural on the making of an artist becomes a story of a man desperate to be free." -- RJ Smith, author of The One: The Life and Music of James Brown "Pryor has had the good fortune to fall into the hands of a writer with the smarts to understand both his greatness and his madness. Becoming Richard Pryor is a first-rate biography." -- Peter Biskind, author of Easy Riders and Raging Bulls "Becoming Richard Pryor takes you on a wild, tumultuous ride. Scott Saul's superb storytelling is a perfect match for his subject--he keeps you mesmerized, laughing, crying, stunned, hungry, and above all, surprised." -- Robin D. G. Kelley, author of Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original "Becoming Richard Pryor is a book that breaks new ground...Saul details the amazing way that Richard found his way out of the life for which he seemed destined and into the world of the performing arts." -- New York Times Book Review "This is a well-executed study that gives Pryor due credit as pioneer, intellectual and artist. Better written and more thoughtful than David and Joe Henry's Furious Cool. The latter remains worth reading, but this book is the place to start." -- Kirkus Reviews "Magisterial...Brilliantly reveals the glorious highs and lows of Pryor's life...Becoming Richard Pryor reveals itself to be not simply a biography, but the compassionate map of a terra incognita." -- Independent "Drawing on interviews with family and friends, unpublished journals and court records, Saul jauntily chronicles the year-by-year, and almost day-by-day, evolution of Richard Pryor. Glaringly honest, Saul shines a light on a revolutionary stand-up comic who perfected the art of dramatizing his own imperfections, and the world's." -- Publishers Weekly "Drawing on interviews with family and friends, unpublished journals and court records, Saul jauntily chronicles the year-by-year, and almost day-by-day, evolution of Richard Pryor. Glaringly honest, Saul shines a light on a revolutionary stand-up comic who perfected the art of dramatizing his own imperfections, and the world's." -- Booklist (starred review)

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Book SynopsisProvides a fresh perspective on one of the world's most enduring and beloved film and fashion icons. Suitable for Audrey Hepburn fans worldwide, this book focuses on her glamorous clothes and accessories - from the little black dress and straw handbag to the ballet flats.

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Book SynopsisIt won her an Oscar.She went on to bring her unique grace and high spirits to a number of highly acclaimed films - from Funny Face and The Nun's Story to My Fair Lady, Breakfast at Tiffany's and Robin and Marian.For a while it looked as though her personal life would follow the Hollywood dream.Trade ReviewSpoto has a Hollywood knack of spinning a good yarn ... What he delivers, with great vim and verbal rhythm, is a portrait of a cherished actress who led a seemingly blameless life * The Times *Immensely readable ... Donald Spoto captures the spirit of this enigmatic woman through her life and loves * Daily Express *The enchantment survives, unalloyed * Literary Review *Spoto's elegant prose is a perfect match for a subject who has always been a byword for elegance * Sunday Times *Spoto's sympathetic but frank biography leaves her less of an enigma but her magic remains untarnished * Sunday Tribune *

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Book SynopsisEric Siblin is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker, and was the pop music critic at the Montreal Gazette. The Cello Suites is his first book.www.ericsiblin.comTrade ReviewIn Siblin's world, Bach and Casals have real, beating hearts... He brings an unstuffy freshness to the often staid world of classical music writing... This book reminds us of the joy of exploration, of finding glorious things in the least likely places -- Suzy Klein * New Statesman *Bach and Casal's stories are lucidly, even grippingly, told * Daily Telegraph *A passionate ode to the joy of discovery... He doesn't patronise and writes about Bach for a reader like himself - who wants to know more but doesn't know where to start... What a gift -- Natalie Clein * The Times *A work of ever-percolating interest...tirelessly enthusiastic * New York Times *One of the most extraordinary, clever, beautiful, and impeccably researched books I have read in years * Simon Winchester *

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Book SynopsisAn A to Z guide to the trailblazing musician, fashion icon, Oscar-nominated actor and impassioned activist. Learn from Lady Gaga's career experiences and discover how you too can be an ally, unafraid to be your truest self and let your creativity flourish.An essential book for fans of the pop culture icon, Lady Gaga A to Z includes facts, quotes and wisdom for every letter of the alphabet, from her timeless pop hits and iconic looks to her activism and movie roles. From redefining pop to pushing the boundaries of fashion, while always inspiring her audience to be their most authentic selves, Lady Gaga is a pop culture legend in a league of her own.Who else could break the internet multiple times with her groundbreaking musical performances, acting roles and fashion choices, whilst also becoming a hugely respected philanthropist known for her compassion and advocacy? This A to Z book collates some of Gaga's most incredible moments and is not to be missed by fans of the pop icon.

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Book SynopsisThe first supermodel with Down Syndrome to represent Gucci in a major campaign around the world. Against All Odds shares Ellie Goldstein's empowering and uplifting story.

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Book Synopsis **Nominated for the 2022 BookTube Prize in Nonfiction**Anthony Bourdain's long time director and producer takes readers behind the scenes to reveal the insanity of filming television in some of the most volatile places in the world and what it was like to work with a legend. In the nearly two years since Anthony Bourdain's death, no one else has come close to filling the void he left. His passion for and genuine curiosity about the people and cultures he visited made the world feel smaller and more connected. Despite his affable, confident, and trademark snarky TV persona, the real Tony was intensely private, deeply conflicted about his fame, and an enigma even to those close to him. Tony’s devoted crew knew him best, and no one else had a front-row seat for as long as his director and producer, Tom Vitale.Over the course of more than a decade traveling together, Tony became a boss, a friend, a hero and, sometimes, a to

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Book SynopsisForrest Galante, host of Extinct or Alive and the world''s #1 rare species expert, takes readers along with him through the deepest wilderness and most remote and dangerous parts of the world to find all the animals we thought were extinct. In the course of his travels, Galante has been attacked by lions, stung by jellyfish, bitten by snakes and had run-ins with pissed off hippos. Still Alive offers a travelogue of Galante''s most harrowing adventures, introducing readers to some of the most unique rare species he''s encountered--while also adding the unpredictable drama and human element of traveling to some of the world''s most isolated locations. Part memoir, part biological adventure, Still Alive is a calling card for conservation, highlighting not just Galante''s toughness as he finds animals thought to be lost, but also the resiliency of the animals themselves, as they keep their species alive in spite of the odds.

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Book SynopsisTheir love story is the stuff of Hollywood legend. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman became not only movie stars and stage actors, but also artistic collaborators, political activists, and philanthropists whose legacies are expansive and enduringly modern. This visually immersive oversize book chronicles their romance through the photographs of an impressive list of contributors, including:* Richard Avedon* Sid Avery* Ralph Crane* Bruce Davidson* John Engstead* Leo Fuchs* Milton H. Greene* Philippe Halsman* John R. Hamilton* Leonard McCombe* Gordon Parks* Sanford Roth* Roy Schatt* Lawrence Schiller* Sam Shaw* Bradley Smith* Stewart Stern* David SuttonThese striking images-many rare and some never before published-are accompanied by snapshots, letters, handwritten notes, and family treasures. Together they beautifully illuminate the connection between two complex, passionate artists who open

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Book SynopsisThe Lives of the SurrealistsUnlike the impressionists or the cubists, the surrealists did not obey a fixed visual code, but rather the rules of surrealist philosophy: work from the unconscious, letting your darkest, most irrational thoughts well up and shape your art. An artist himself, and contemporary of the later surrealists, Morris illuminates the considerable variation in each artist?s approach to this technique. While some were out-and-out surrealists in all they did, others lived more orthodox lives and only became surrealists at the easel or in the studio.Focusing on the thirty-two artists most closely associated with the surrealist movement, Morris lends context to their life histories with narratives of their idiosyncrasies and their often complex love lives, alongside photos of the artists and their work.Trade Review'A delight ... Morris writes with a pleasingly conversational tone and a dry humour and affection that undercuts the more preposterous behaviour described here … Juicy little nuggets litter the book' - The Times'Gossipy, waspish, biased, score-settling and very entertaining' - Literary Review'Uproariously funny … [Morris’s] anecdotes are all told with a dry but good-natured humour … these figures make for highly entertaining company' - The Spectator'An exceptionally lively, crisply written, independent-minded survey of one of the most bizarre groups of misfits who ever lived' - Mail on Sunday'A carnival of wackiness' - Big Issue'A compelling compendium of all the major players … page-turning … The book strikes the right balance between recognizing the artistic achievements of the milieu, as well as their colourful personal lives' - ArtnetTable of ContentsForeword Introduction Eileen Agar Jean (Hans) Arp Francis Bacon Hans Bellmer Victor Brauner André Breton Alexander Calder Leonora Carrington Giorgio de Chirico Salvador Dalí Paul Delvaux Marcel Duchamp Max Ernst Leonor Fini Wilhelm Freddie Alberto Giacometti Arshile Gorky Wifredo Lam Conroy Maddox René Magritte André Masson Roberto Matta Edouard Mesens Joan Miró Meret Oppenheim Wolfgang Paalen Roland Penrose Pablo Picasso Man Ray Yves Tanguy Dorothea Tanning Major Surrealist Group Exhibitions

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Book SynopsisThe story of the Rolling Stones is one of the epic rock ''n'' roll yarns of our time. Their music defined today''s cultural landscape and their history is a source of endless fascination for music fans around the world. Yet one crucial part of that story has never been comprehensively analysed: the role of Brian Jones, the visionary who founded the band and controlled their early music down to the smallest detail.Drawing on over one hundred interviews with key principals including Keith Richards, Andrew Oldham and Marianne Faithfull, this is a story told from a totally new perspective and which lays bare the shocking ruthlessness, internal warfare and sexual competition within this most legendary of bands. As well as exploring Jones'' crucial role in the Stones'' music, it will also investigate the unravelling of his psyche, as observed by Brian''s family, friends, bandmates, lovers and enemies. Victors get to write the history - but it''s never wholly true. Brian''sTrade ReviewA great, cautionary tale -- George Byrne * Irish Independent *Thorough and well researched -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *Fascinating... wonderful at evoking that very non-modern age of the 50s and 60s -- Mark Blake * Mojo *Magnificent and controversial ... a monumental book -- Paul Gleason * stereoembersmagazine.com *

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Book SynopsisBritten''s Children confronts the edgy subject of the composer''s obsessional yet strangely innocent relationships with adolescent boys. One of the hallmarks of Benjamin Britten''s music is his use of boys'' voices, and John Bridcut uses this to create a fresh prism through which to view the composer''s life. Interweaving discussion of the music he wrote for and about children with interviews with the boys whom Britten befriended, Bridcut explores the influence of these unique friendships - notably with the late David Hemmings - and how they helped Britten maintain links with his own happy childhood. In a remarkable part of the book Bridcut tells for the first time the full story of Britten''s love affair in the 1930s with the 18-year-old German Wulff Scherchen, son of the conductor Hermann Scherchen. As Paul Hoggart of The Times commented, ''this type of love belonged to an emotional landscape that has vanished for ever, and we are the poorer for it''. Since m

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Book SynopsisIn Contact! Jan turns her brilliantly observant eye to the human contacts she made, across the globe and though the decades. As a series of vignettes, some only a few lines long, she records hundreds of brief glimpses and fleeting encounters, celebrating the people who helped spark her view of the world and mould her responses. A vast range of human experience is here: most are anonymous, everyday encounters - children playing, a homeless man in Manhattan, a lascivious taxi-driver - but she also remembers celebrated figures, from Yves San Laurent to King Hussein of Jordan, President Truman to Peter OToole. Contact! is a must for any fans of Jan''s writing. Her great sense of amusement, shrewd eye for detail and huge enthusiasm for her contacts makes these episodes incredibly enjoyable - and often profound.

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Book SynopsisArriving in California as a young boy in the early 1960s, Edward Van Halen and his brother Alex were ripe for the coming musical revolution. The sons of a Dutch, saxophone-playing father, the brothers discovered the Beatles, Cream and others. From the moment their hugely influential 1978 debut landed, Van Halen set a high bar for the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, creating an entirely new style of post-'60s hard rock and becoming the quintessential Californian band of the 1980s. But there was also an undercurrent of tragedy to their story, as Eddie's struggles played out in public, from his difficult relationship with the band's original singer, Dave Lee Roth, to substance abuse, divorce and his long-running battle with cancer. With unique insights, Paul Brannigan's Eruption reaches beyond the headlines to explore the cultural and social contexts that shaped this iconic guitarist, while also turning up the dial on a life lived at volume eleven.Trade Review'The game changing guitar legend gets the biography he deserves ... Diligently researched, perceptive and well-written.' - 8/10, Classic Rock'Brannigan goes deep here ... An affectionate and unflinching portrait of metal guitar's Mount Everest.' - Mojo

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Book SynopsisPhilip Larkin: A Writer''s Life won the Whitbread Award for Biography in 1993 and was championed as ''an exemplary biography of its kind'' (The Times). With a new introduction written by the author, this edition offers an engrossing portrait of one of the twentieth century''s most popular, and most private, poets. ''There will be other lives of Larkin, but Motion''s, like Forster''s of Dickens, will always have a special place.'' John Carey, Sunday Times''Larkin lived a quietly noble and exemplary version of the writer''s life; Motion - affectionate but undeceived about the man''s frailties, a diligent researcher and a deft reader of poetry - has written an equally exemplary ''Life'' of him.'' Peter Conrad, Observer''Honest but not prurient, critical but also compassionate, Motion''s book could not be bettered.'' Alan Bennett, London Review of Books

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Book SynopsisRichard Brody's Everything is Cinema: The Working Life of Jean-Luc Godard is a landmark biography of one of the great controversial geniuses of world cinema.

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Book SynopsisMstislav Rostropovich, internationally recognised as one of the world's finest cellists and musicians, has always maintained that teaching is an important responsibility for great artists. Before his emigration in 1974 from Russia to the West, Rostropovich taught several generations of the brightest Russian talents - as Professor of the Moscow Conservatoire - over a continuous period of two decades. His students included such artists as Jacqueline du PrÃ, Nataliyia Gutman, Karine Georgian, Ivan Monighetti and many others Rostropovich's teaching represented not only his individual approach to cello repertoire and instrumental technique, but also comprised a philosophy of life. As soon as he returned from his frequent concert tours, he would launch himself with whirlwind energy into his teaching activities. His lessons, which were conducted as open masterclasses , were awaited eagerly as an event of huge importance. Class 19 of the Moscow Conservatoire, where they were held, w

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Book SynopsisWine and dine with Victorian London's literati in a heatwave in one of the first ever group biographies, introduced by Francesca Wade (author of Square Haunting).Though she loved the heat she could do nothing but lie on the sofa and drink lemonade and read Monte Cristo ''One of the most illuminating and insufficiently praised books of the last 60 years.'' ObserverNever bettered.' Guardian''Brilliant.'' Julian BarnesWholly original.' Craig BrownA pathfinder.' Richard HolmesExtraordinary.' Penelope LivelyJune 1846. As London swelters in a heatwave sunstroke strikes, meat rots, ice is coveted a glamorous coterie of writers and artists spend their summer wining, dining and opining.With the ringletted face of an Egyptian cat goddess', Elizabeth Barrett is courted by her secret fiancé, the poet Robert Browning, who plots their elopement to Italy; Keats roams Hampstead Heath; Wordsworth visits the zoo; Dickens is intrigued by Tom Thumb; the Carlyles host parties for a visiting German novelist and suffer a marital crisis. But when the visionary painter Benjamin Robert Haydon commits suicide, they find their entwined lives spiralling around the tragedy . . .One of the first-ever group biographies, Alethea Hayter's glorious A Sultry Month is a lively mosaic of archival riches inspired by the collages of the Pop Artists. A groundbreaking feat of creative non-fiction in 1965, her portrait of Victorian London's literati is just as vivid, witty and enticing today.Elegant Hayter more or less invented the biographical form which is a close study of a brief period in the life of an individual or a group . . . A rigorous scholar [with] an artist's eye.' A. S. ByattHayter's clever, innovative book turned a searchlight on a time, a place, a circle of people; it has surely inspired the subsequent fashion for group biographies.' Penelope LivelyNothing I've ever read has flung me so immediately into those streets, that weather, that period. Hayter never forgets that people want stories, that lives are stories.' Margaret ForsterHayter could take a tiny chip of life [and] find within it the seeds of a whole existence.' Richard HolmesA pioneer . . . Beautifully written vignettes . . . Immaculate scholarship and intense readability.' Jonathan BateOutstanding . . . A small masterpiece.' Anthony Burgess''A brilliant recreation of London literary life in 1846, which is highly original in its form and narrative cross-cutting.'' Julian BarnesTrade Review'Hayter's clever, innovative book turned a searchlight on a time, a place, a circle of people; it has surely inspired the subsequent fashion for group biographies.' Penelope Lively'Nothing I've ever read has flung me so immediately into those streets, that weather, that period. Hayter never forgets that people want stories, that lives are stories.' Margaret Forster'Hayter could take a tiny chip of life [and] find within it the seeds of a whole existence.' Richard Holmes'A pioneer . . . Beautifully written vignettes . . . Immaculate scholarship and intense readability.' Jonathan Bate'Outstanding . . . A small masterpiece.' Anthony Burgess

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Book SynopsisThe definitive and revealing life story of the author of The Secret Garden, Ann Thwaite creates a sympathetic but balanced and eye-opening biography of Frances Hodgson Burnett who enchanted numerous generations of children.Trade Review‘A fascinating and valuable book’ Sunday Times'Ann Thwaite has admirably mapped out the complex and peripatetic story, attacking its problems with insight and diligence' Times Literary Supplement'Intelligent, moderate, thoughtful, well documented, well organised, and well written… a model of a literary biography' New York Review of Books

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Book SynopsisExplodes the myths surrounding the death of Brian Jones, founder of the Rolling StonesTrade ReviewThis well-researched biography . . . thoroughly explores the murder and manslaughter angles * PAPERBACK OF THE WEEK, OBSERVER *if Mick Jagger is the beating heart of the Rolling Stones, Brian Jones was the brain . . . Jackson's examination of his life shows that, without him, Jagger and his snake hips may never have happened * SHORTLIST *Where Jackson excels is in bringing Jones's early years to life, tracking his path from scholarly pupil to rebellious teenager to gifted, influential musician, through letters and interviews with his teachers, friends, girlfriends, sons and fellow musicians * CLASSIC ROCK *

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Book Synopsis

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