Biography: arts and entertainment Books

Book SynopsisThe amazing true story of Charlotte Cibber, a child of the theatre who scandalized proper society - whenever possibleTrade Review'Precocious, gifted, charismatic, and eccentric, Charlotte Charke illuminated the eighteenth century with the fleeting brightness of a shooting star. Kathryn Shevelow has written a remarkable book which admirably captures this most elusive of social rebels' Amanda Foreman, author of Georgiana 'Shevelow writes well and wittily, and captures the gamut of the eighteenth-century theatrical world, from its heights in Drury Lane - which went to Charlotte's bewigged head - to its depths among rural travelling players, where she ended up as a result' Sunday Times 'Charlotte is a remarkably learned and even more remarkably entertaining history - not only of a truly fascinating and startlingly-original woman, but also of her times and culture. Kathryn Shevelow brings to life the madness, absurdity and baseness of 18th-century Britain, and the recreates for modern readers the fascinating peculiarities of its theater world. This is a brilliant piece of popular history' David Liss, author of A Conspiracy of Paper 'Quite the spectacle was Charlotte: actress, cross-dresser and general hell-raiser' Washington Post

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Book SynopsisJohn Fahey is to the solo acoustic guitar what Jimi Hendrix was to the electric: the man whom all subsequent musicians had to listen to. Fahey made more than 40 albums between 1959 and his death in 2001, most of them featuring only his solo steel-string guitar. He fused elements of folk, blues, and experimental composition, taking familiar American sounds and recontextualizing them as something entirely new. John Fahey’s real story has never been told—until now. Journalist Steve Lowenthal has spent years researching Fahey’s life and music, talking with his producers, his friends, his peers, his wives, his business partners, and many others. He describes Fahey’s battles with stage fright, alcohol, and prescription pills; how he ended up homeless and mentally unbalanced; and how, despite his troubles, he managed to found a record label that won Grammys and remains critically revered. This portrait of a troubled and troubling man in a constant state of creative flux is not only a biography but also the compelling story of a great American outcast.Trade Review"Offer[s] a sympathetic portrait of a troubled yet undeniably talented man." Booklist" Dance of Death benefits from astute research and interviews with friends, contemporaries, fellow musicians, and family, painting a vivid picture of a remarkable man." -- Under the Radar"If you have any love for the sound of a guitar and haven't heard him, hustle to your music source and get "The Best of John Fahey" to listen to while reading Lowenthal's book. You won't be disappointed." -- Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel"The fate of the markedly talented and decidedly peculiar, even misanthropic Fahey is told engagingly and with insight by Steve Lowenthal in a compact but potent new biography, Dance of Death: The Life of John Fahey, American Guitarist ." --NewRepublic.com

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Book SynopsisProviding more than just another musical profile, James details everything from his first encounter with Chaplin to his frequent visits to Switzerland when he lived at Chaplin's Manoir de Ban in Vevey.Trade Review...a fascinating memoirrrrr * Palm Beach Post *...a fascinating memoir * Palm Beach Post *

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Book SynopsisCésar Franck (18221890), Belgian born and French domiciled, was one of the most remarkable composers of the 19th century. A number of his works are commonly recordedsuch as his Symphony in D Minor, Symphonic Variations, Violin Sonata, and the ever-popular Panis Angelicusand yet 38 years have elapsed since a biography of him appeared in English. Now with César Franck: His Life and Times, R. J. Stove fills this gap in the history of late 19th-century classical music with a full-length study of the man and his music. Drawing on sources never before cited in English, Stove paints a far more detailed picture of this great musician and deeply loved man, whose influence in both his native and adopted lands was exceptional. Stove carefully delves into intimate matters of Franck's life, including his resilience in the face of his exploitation as a child prodigy at the piano, his development from a shy and harassed piano teacher into one of the most sought-after luminaries of Paris's ConservatTrade ReviewNineteenth-century composer César Franck spent most of his career teaching at the Conservatoire de Paris and serving as organist at Sainte-Clotilde. Only late in life did he achieve fame through a handful of important chamber and orchestral compositions, several of which continued to be performed regularly during the first half of the 20th century. Franck's reputation has suffered, however, since the 1960s. Stove (a performing organist based in Melbourne, Australia) has produced a fresh, eminently readable biography of the composer, the first in English to be based on extensive familiarity with (and translation of) the composer's letters and other primary sources. With the goal of inspiring "better comprehension of Franck himself," the author focuses on Franck's life and the critical reception of his music while the composer was alive and in the century since his death. The result is a fine (and often entertaining) introduction to the man, his compositions, and the political, social, and cultural contexts that shaped both Franck and his music....Summing Up: Recommended. * CHOICE *R.J. Stove’s intensively researched biography of Belgian French composer César Franck (1822-1890) has striking merits. Stove writes exquisitely, in periodic sentences, and manages to make detailed discussions of musicology an aesthetic experience for experts and neophytes alike. He also blends his musical discussions with well-told anecdotes, the most appealing of which is his recounting of Franck’s passion for a young beauty with an Irish father, Augusta Mary Anne Holmès. * The American Conservative *Stove notes a resuscitation of interest in Franck starting in 1990, the 100th anniversary of the composer's death, with a flurry on concert performances and new recordings of long neglected works. Never before has his music been so readily available in commercial recordings. * American Record Guide *This book is not quite for the ordinary reader, but having said that, it would be a huge compliment to give someone a copy of it. It would be a way of saying, “You have sufficient general education and interest in music to make this of more than passing interest to your good self. * Quadrant: The Journal of the C.G. Jung Foundation *Stove has done an admirable job in evoking Franck and his world, as well as giving us a fairly balanced appreciated of his life’s work…. Interesting connections made between people and compositions, as well as the author’s own insights, attest to the depth of Stove’s research. * Limelight Magazine *This book will not be the last word on Franck, but Stove presents us with a readable portrait which will certainly appeal to those for whom Franck is still a bit of a mystery. * Salisbury Review *What makes Stove’s biography especially interesting is not just the author’s own musical expertise, which enables him to go way beyond a standard biographer in analysing Franck’s work, but the way he weaves in the historical background… Cesar Franck: His Life and Times reminds us that artistic geniuses don’t have to be tortured souls with problematic personalities. * Spectator Australia *Stove has chosen to eschew scholarly detachment in treating his subject’s life, and the reward in engagement and sheer wit is considerable, while the extensive annotations reveal just how carefully and thoroughly the author has done his research. * Organ Australia *It is the first study of the composer in English for some time, and even an audience already familiar with the subject will welcome its extensive quotation from contemporary sources. * Choir & Organ *Stove has delivered scrupulous scholarship, correcting errors of earlier writers and providing a full scholarly scaffolding of bibliography and endnotes. * classical.net *“This is an admirably thorough and detailed exploration not only of Franck himself, but also of his historical environment and varied connections, done with obvious sympathy and admiration but without failing to present all sides in the critical spectrum” “We get a wide range of opinion about the man and his music and a feeling that the author knows intimately the music he describes care and detail. And we have confidence that he has gone the extra mile to correct little discrepancies and inaccuracies that have been perpetuated in Franck scholarship to date” “It is fascinating reading, and the author has no hesitation in pursuing amusing side stories or interesting political historical settings. Don’t miss the notes which are often very funny” “The book is full of engaging and charming turns of phrase and wry observations.” This is a very rich book, full of surprises and interest and written in a very appealing and lively way. It should reignite interest in works other than the few standard ones and round out our ideas of Franck’s legacy. I strongly recommend it.” * Annals Australasia *Overall I found this a diverting read and appreciated a writer whose turn of phrase and command of English prose never fail to delight, itself an all-too-rare event these days. * Organz News *

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of American Underground culture.

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Book SynopsisIn April 2016 the world lost a music legend. This is the biography of the iconic composer, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist - the inimitable Prince.

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Book SynopsisActor performer musician entrepreneur winemaker athlete writer curious adventurer ä Maynard James Keenan is the embodiment of the archetypal artist. Best known as the vocalist in award-winning groups Tool A Perfect Circle and Puscifer he has trusted the path he's followed and heeded his inner voice ever open to synchronicities and unexpected turnings along the way.ÞUntil now fans of Maynard James Keenan ä or MJK as he is often called ä have had access to only an abridged version of his story. In ÊA Perfect Union of Contrary ThingsÊ Keenan partners with his friend of 30 years Sarah Jensen to present a full account of his life and career. From his Midwest childhood to his years in the army to his time in art school ä and from his stint at a Boston pet shop to his place in the international spotlight and his influence on contemporary music and regional winemaking ä the book chronicles the events that led MJK to take one step after the next to change direction to explore sometimes surprising opportunities.ÞIncluded are sidebars in his own words often humorous anecdotes that illuminate the narrative as well as commentary by his family members friends instructors and industry colleagues. It also features a foreword by Alex Grey an American visionary artist and longtime friend of Keenan along with a bounty photos of Keenan from childhood to the present.ÞA comprehensive portrayal of a versatile and dedicated artist ÊA Perfect Union of Contrary ThingsÊ pays homage to the people and places that shaped the man and his art. A ÊNew York TimesÊ Bestseller in hardcover it is presented here for the first time in paperback.

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Book SynopsisCulture journalist Justin Tinsley’s It Was All a Dream is “a deeply reported saga of the ephemeral, yet colorful, life of The Notorious B.I.G.” (USA Today). The Notorious B.I.G. was one of the most charismatic and talented artists of the 1990s. Born Christopher Wallace and raised in Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Biggie lived an almost archetypal rap life: young trouble, drug dealing, guns, prison, a giant hit record, the wealth and international superstardom that came with it, then an early violent death. Biggie released his first record, Ready to Die, in 1994, when he was only 22. Less than three years later, he was killed just days before the planned release of his second record, Life After Death. A fresh, insightful telling of the life beyond the legend, It Was All a Dream is based on extensive interviews with those who knew and loved Biggie, including neighbors, friends, DJs, party promoters, andTrade ReviewIt Was All A Dream is a must-read for any hip-hop fan who seeks to understand the journey of one of the most important artists of the twentieth century. There are a number of important, never-been-told-before stories that Justin Tinsley deftly weaves throughout this biography to create a thorough, brilliant account of the legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. -- Brian Nolan * Executive Vice-President, Motown Records *“Sometimes a legend is larger than life. But the legend without the life is like a hype man with no one to hype. Similar to 'the Black Frank White,' Justin Tinsley has 'got a story to tell.' It is a biographical story that navigates both legend and life with clarity, vision, and supreme focus, acknowledging the monumental legend of Biggie Smalls while guiding us on a VIP tour of Christopher Wallace’s life. It Was All a Dream adds cultural breadth and historical depth to the rich legacy of a 1990s icon who now transcends time.” * Dr. Todd Boyd, aka Notorious PhD, Katherine and Frank Price Endowed Chair for the Study of Race and Popular Culture in the USC School of Cinematic Arts *“I know a lot about Christopher Wallace. More than most. I was blessed to meet him and talk to him on numerous occasions. And yet this book constantly found ways to surprise me. Justin Tinsley has written a classic, one that unlike the whodunit books that have congregated around the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac, actually focuses on the man behind the mic, his talent and compelling life, and not just on his tragic, infamous death.” * Cheo Hodari Coker, creator of Marvel's Luke Cage and author of Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G. *“This book accomplishes the impossible because it satisfies both hard-core Biggie fans and casual observers. The writing is beautiful, and personal. Justin takes us on a vulnerable journey and dares us to consider Biggie in a way that is broader, nuanced and more complete.” * Jemele Hill, contributing writer at the Atlantic *“In this soulful, meticulously reported biography, Justin Tinsley captures the tumultuous life of a young Black male, until now, misunderstood. Finally, the world can connect with Christopher Wallace—before he was Biggie. ‘And if you don’t know, now you know.’” * Elliott Wilson, Chief Content Officer, TIDAL; cohost of Rap Radar podcast; and coauthor of Ego Trip's Book of Rap Lists *Revelatory * Rolling Stone *Tinsley’s sleek, effective biography introduces major figures in Wallace’s life, complete with interesting backstories, before we meet the influential rapper, giving readers a solid grounding in the pertinent context . . . . A touching tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. balancing larger-than-life stories with poignant personal moments. * Kirkus *“Meticulously researched . . . . Hip-hop and Biggie fans will appreciate the book’s context of his rise to fame and the reminiscences of those closest to him.” * Library Journal *“A deeply reported saga of the ephemeral, yet colorful life of The Notorious B.I.G.” * USA Today *“There’s no telling where he would have gone, but this book does a fine job of tracing how far he managed to go.” * Los Angeles Times *“This is more than a biography, it’s a snapshot of both the record industry and America itself at crucial junctures for both.” * Vulture, "The 18 Best Books of the Year (So Far) *“If you care about Black people, cities, music, culture, and/or the late great Christopher Wallace, this is mandatory reading for you.” * Christina Greer, New York Amsterdam News *“It Was All a Dream is a full measure of the man himself, going beyond coverage of his shocking, mysterious murder . . . it’s an important book, offering a full–fledged portrait of the late Christopher Wallace.” * Nitish Pahwa, Slate *A brilliant biography. * The Root *Think you know Biggie Smalls? Until you read this book, you have no idea. * Salon *"A humanizing biography. * The Stacks *Well-researched biography ... goes an extra mile. * Esquire *Speaks to a societal perspective. * Teen Vogue *

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Book SynopsisSusan Fleming appeared in three Broadway shows and twenty-eight films before she turned her back on a show business career she never really enjoyed or wanted. The role of her lifetime came when she married Harpo Marx in 1936. Together, they raised four adopted children and enjoyed one of Hollywood''s happiest and most successful unions. But their twenty-year age difference made Susan a young widow in 1964.On her path to Hollywood, Susan worked in Broadway musicals produced by Florenz Ziegfeld and George White and befriended a young dancer who would later be known as Paulette Goddard. In Hollywood, she appeared in films with stars like John Wayne, W.C. Fields, and Katharine Hepburn and worked at all the major studios. But it wasn''t until she fell in love with a confirmed bachelor, twenty years older than her, that she found her purpose. Her story is the counterpoint to the beloved and acclaimed Harpo Marx autobiography, Harpo Speaks! Susan''s frank, opinionated perspective pr

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Book SynopsisThere have been many books written about Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers, but only by people who weren't there. Walter Lure wasfrom the band''s chaotic beginnings on New York''s Lower East Side, through a now-legendary UK tour with the Sex Pistols and the Clash, and on to a yearlong stay in Londoneyewitness and midwife to the birth of UK punk.Now, he tells his story in To Hell and Back, a thrilling ride through the clubs and dives of two continents, in the company of one of the most notorious junkies in rock ''n'' roll history. Drawing from his own contemporary journals, Lure paints a vivid portrait of life in both cities, during perhaps the most crucial musical uprising of the past forty yearsthe music, the characters, the clothes, the fights, the drugs, the orgies, the lot.Lure lays bare his own battle with drugs, and reflects upon his life after the band''s splitrising to become a Wall Street fixture yet still finding time to mak

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Book SynopsisA definitive look at the life of legendary filmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky and his many wild creative ventures throughout his 90 years on earth.A journey through Jodo’s personal life, his life in the theater, his rebirth as a 70s cinematic cult figure and and, of course, tales of his work on Dune, his unfinished cinematic masterpiece. No biography would be complete without an in-depth look into his life the world of comics, his collaborations with Mœbius, his passion for poetry, Tarot, Esoterism, spirituality, Mythical Cabarets, and the overall Jodo philosophy.Trade ReviewPraise for Alejandro Jodorowsky “No one alive today, anywhere, has been able to demonstrate the sheer possibilities of artistic invention — and in so many disciplines — as powerfully as Alejandro Jodorowsky." * NPR *“Jodorowsky is one of the most inspiring artists of our time.” -- Kanye West“Jodorowsky is our prophet. Our patron saint of imagination. A man with the mind of a god, where universes upon universes swirl and splinter, explode and coalesce, and wither and flower, all at once, all the time.” -- Jason Aaron“Jodorowsky seamlessly and effortlessly weaves together the worlds of art, the confided social structure, and things we can only touch with an open heart and mind.” -- Erykah Badu

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Book SynopsisThe perfect introduction to the Master.Trade Review‘Would Callow be able to tell me, in layman’s language, what it is about Tristan that makes it so powerful? The answer, I am happy to say, is yes. The perfect introduction for those, like me, who may not be obsessives but who sense that something profound is going on, and would like to know more. A delightful little book’ Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday ‘A sparkly written, witty, learned and absorbing account, Callow brings The Master vividly to life’ The Times ‘Intelligent, fluent and buoyant’ The Daily Telegraph Praise for Simon Callow’s ‘Charles Dickens’: ‘Simon Callow is not simply a terrific actor who happens to write – you could as well call him a terrific writer who happens to act’ The Times ‘This is the book we have long been waiting for and only Simon Callow could have written it… A marvellous book.’ Michael Slater ‘A comprehensive biography as enthralling as one of his own performances … A great achievement.’Catherine Peters, Literary Review ‘Vivid and exuberant… This book, with its fresh angles and out-of-the-way sources, is the harvest of [Callow’s] dedication [to impersonating Dickens on stage]… His book is a celebration, jubilant, vigorous, imaginative, and, as Dickens might have said, an all-round sizzler.’ John Carey, Sunday Times ‘Callow … writes with great authority and elegant insouciance, which makes this "biography with a twist" very entertaining’ Independent on Sunday ‘By his enthusiasm for his subject, Callow has ensured that his book is a worthy addition to the Dickens studies’ Sunday Express ‘An excellent book’ Andrew Marr, Start the Week ‘Intelligent, fluent and buoyant’ Daily Telegraph ‘4/5… a crisply succinct account’ Sunday Telegraph ‘Colourful, almost salacious anecdotes abound’ Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisThis is a story of dreaming big and working hard, of spectacular success and breathtaking failure, of shouted questions, and, at long last, whispered answers. With trademark wit and heart, Phil Vischer shares how God can use the death of a dream to point us toward true success.Larry. Bob. Archibald. These VeggieTales stars are the most famous vegetables you'll ever eat. Oops, meet. Their antics are known around the world. But so much of the VeggieTales story hasn't been told. In Me, Myself, and Bob, Phil Vischer, founder of Big Idea and creator of VeggieTales, gives a behind-the-scenes look at his not-so-funny journey with the loveable veggies. From famed creator to bankrupt dreamer, Vischer shares his story of trial and ultimate triumph as God inspired him with one big idea after another.

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Book SynopsisMel Lewis (1929–1990) was born Melvin Sokoloff to Jewish Russian immigrants in Buffalo, New York. He first picked up his father’s drumsticks at the age of two and at seventeen he was a full-time professional musician. The View from the Back of the Band is the first biography of this legendary jazz drummer. For over fifty years, Lewis provided the blueprint for how a drummer could subtly support any musical situation. While he made his name with Stan Kenton and Thad Jones, and with his band at the Village Vanguard, it was the hundreds of recordings that he made as a sideman and his ability to mentor young musicians that truly defined his career.Away from the drums, Lewis's passionate and outspoken personality made him one of jazz music's greatest characters. It is often through Lewis's own anecdotes, as well as many from the musicians who knew him best, that this book traces the career of one of the world’s greatest drummers. Previously unpublished interviews, personal memoirs, photos, musical transcriptions, and a selected discography add to this comprehensive biography.Trade ReviewThis is the best and most complete tracking of Lewis' career.”- John Riley, author of The Art of Bop Drumming and holder of Lewis' chair at the Village Vanguard;This wonderful research work illuminates not only the life and work of Mel Lewis, but in doing so uncovers for the reader a treasure trove of great music.”- John Mosca, Trombonist and Director of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra;“Mel’s sound and concept were all about the feeling of the music. That was his personal approach, and it was amazing!”- Joe Lovano, Grammy award winning saxophonist and Blue Note recording artist;“Through exhaustive research and numerous interviews with personal associates of Mel Lewis, Smith has produced the first significant retrospective regarding the life of one the most influential jazz drummers of all time.”- Jim White, Drummer and Professor of Jazz Studies University of Northern Colorado;“Mel played with perfect articulation and perfect dynamic support. It’s no wonder he was Buddy Rich’s favorite big band drummer.”- Ed Soph, Drummer and Professor of Jazz Studies University of North Texas;""Smith did a fine job. The research is meticulous and his insights into the music of Mel Lewis are good ones.""- Bruce Klauber, author of World of Gene Krupa: That Legendary Drummin' Man;""I don’t think Mel ever thought of himself as a drummer, I think he probably thought of himself as just a band member. But as it ended up, he was the band!”- Marvin Stamm, World-renowned trumpeter and educator;""[A] superbly engaging portrait of a vibrant musicians's life, passions, and achievements.""- Midwest Book Review;""Chris Smith's The View From The Back Of The Band: The Life And Music Of Mel Lewis is a lot like Lewis' celebrated big band drumming—smart, energetic, empathetic, and inclusive. . . . Smith's impressive skills as a writer, story teller, and jazz scholar make it easy for the casual listener, jazz aficionado, and musician—three of the potential readers to which the author painstakingly builds bridges—to appreciate his account of Lewis' life, music and career. . . . Interspersed amongst the wealth of biographical detail are explanations of Lewis' unique style—these are of importance to musicians, and not beyond the reach of most laypersons—with an emphasis on his philosophy of drumming and jazz in general. Of interest to all parties is a section of tributes from family and fellow musicians, which makes it clear that Lewis was loved and respected in his lifetime, and that his influence as a musician and a mentor continues to the present day.""- All About Jazz

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Book SynopsisCONVERSATIONS WITH BOULEZ THOUGHTS ON CONDUCTING

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Book SynopsisTHE MUSICAL DIALOGUE

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Book SynopsisMy Father The Godfather is a history changing book, but most importantly Daryl Brown will set the record straight about his dad, James Brown, The Godfather of Soul! Stories that have NEVER been told such as: Did you know that James Brown, The Godfather of Soul was offered over ten million dollars to convert to a certain religion? Daryl Brown believes that his dad James Brown, his brother-in-law and his older brother Teddy were murdered. Susie Brown did not abandon James Brown as the movie Get on Up would have you believe. The relationship turned deadly with a murder attempt. Leaving the child was the only way to preserve both lives. Black police officer Donald Danner believes James Brown was shot at by white police officers because of the color of his skin. 23 shots fired at the truck. Two shots hit the gas-tank in an effort to lawfully murder James Brown. Tomi Rae was stopped by police for being married to a black monkey and the police told her they were going to kill James Brown. Overt racism and threat of disappearing or murder was a challenge for both Tomi Rae and Adrienne James Browns 2 wives. The Inner Circle will include but not limited to: the Mistress, the Limo Driver, the Widow, the Bodyguard, Band Members, Personal Physician, an Arresting Officer and many more!

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Book SynopsisRecalled as the lover and patron of Robert Mapplethorpe, Sam Wagstaff here takes centre stage as a leading American intellectual and cultural visionary. Philip Gefter traces Wagstaff’s evolution from society "bachelor" of the 1940s to his emergence as rebellious curator. In 1972, his meeting with twenty-five-year-old Mapplethorpe, would lead to his legacy as world-class photography collector and cultural arbiter. Positioning Wagstaff’s personal life against the rise of photography as a major art form and the simultaneous formation of the gay rights movement, Gefter’s absorbing biography provides a searing portrait of New York just before and during the age of AIDS. The result is a definitive and memorable portrait of a man and an era.Trade Review"...striking, sexy biography of a charismatic man in the best and worst of times." -- The Times"...this excellent and overdue biography…" -- The Telegraph"Gefter is very good on New York's gay milieu and his book is full of racy details." -- The Independent"...Philip Gefter tells the fascinating story of art curator and collector Sam Wagstaff, who helped create a market boom when he turned his eye to photography in the 1970s." -- Popular Photography"His [Wagstaff's] role in establishing photography as a major art form is given its due here." -- Apollo Magazine

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Book SynopsisHold On World revisits Lennon and Ono''s love affair and startling collaborations. John Lennon''s Plastic Ono Band was arguably the most emotionally honest album ever made. It wasn''t merely another record but more like a sonic exorcism, a spiritual, public bloodletting. Lennon''s album drove a stake through the heart of the Beatles'' myth while confronting everything else in John''s life, from Dylan to God to his glorified status as a Working Class Hero. Determined to rid himself of childhood traumasabandoned by his father, John, at age nine, watched helplessly as his mother was killed by a carLennon wrote the most powerful song cycle of his career, confronting fear, disappointment, and illusion, all the while espousing his love for Yoko Ono. Released simultaneously, Ono''s album Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band is emotionally raw and challenging. It inspired bands like the B-52s and Yo La Tengo to employ pure sound, whether shrieking vocals or guitar feedback, to exp

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Book SynopsisRevered as much for her independent spirit as she is for her art, Frida Kahlo stands today as a brazen symbol of female agency and daring creativity. She was a woman ahead of her time, who even decades after her passing has inspired Oscar-winning films, Snapchat filters, endless T-shirts and merchandise and even Barbies. Her paintings have earned her legions of admirers who fill her exhibitions and span the globe. But perhaps her greatest work of art was her own life.What Would Frida Do? celebrates the feminist icon's signature style, her outspoken politics, her boldness in love and art-even in the face of hardship, pain, and heartbreak. We see her tumultuous and passionate marriage with her husband, the famous muralist Diego Rivera, and her flings with Leon Trotsky and Josephine Baker. We regard her larger than life persona, as a petite woman who drank heavily, sang lustily, painted provocatively, and even to the very end insisted on theatrical gestures-as when she insisted on being carried in on her deathbed so as not to miss her final solo exhibition. Each chapter shares intimate stories, lively quotes, and personal details about Frida's life, showing today's reader how Frida faced down obstacles by unapologetically embracing her own ideals. Through reflections on this singular life, we can call upon on Frida's boldness to guide us on our own paths.In this charming and irresistible read, culture writer Arianna Davis conjures Frida's brave spirit, encouraging women to persevere when they are suffering, to claim their agency, to create fearlessly, and to stand by their own truths.

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Book SynopsisMonet''s lavish paintings are re-imagined in zesty, energetic and amusing ways with illustrations that younger readers will find amusing and engaging. They tell the story of Monet and his garden: his arrival; the country clothes he wore; the bright Japanese prints he collected; how the Impressionist artist painted outdoors, rain or shine; the thousands of seed-packets he ordered; his gardeners, who had to leave Giverny to go to war... Spread by spread the garden is explained and built up with Ascari''s and Valentinis''s original illustrations, which take Monet''s work as their starting point and transform it in beautiful and unexpected ways.

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Book SynopsisLella and Massimo Vignelli promote a modernist philosophy of designing for a better society: resourceful use of space and materials, clear communication, lasting quality, and logical functionality. Lella and Massimo Vignelli: Two Lives, One Vision is a portrait of two important twentieth-century designers whose careers have intertwined since the 1950s. The Vignellis promote a modernist philosophy of designing for a better society: resourceful use of space and materials, clear communication, lasting quality, and logical functionality. Through a mix of archival research and personal interviews with Lella, Massimo, and their many colleagues and clients, Jan Conradi documents the Vignellis' nuanced approach to "cleaning up" an often chaotic and messy society by adhering to a minimalist and structured design method. The Vignellis' lifetime commitment to a world of design ismarked by vibrant client relationships and unwavering attention to detail. With wit, grace, focus, and finesse, the Vignellis' sustained pattern of working and living has influenced, and continues to inspire, generations of designers worldwide. JAN CONRADI is a Professor of Graphic Design at Rowan University in New Jersey, where she teaches typography and design history.Trade ReviewThe Vignellis designed logos and identities and various other two-dimensional commissions that come to mind whenever one mentions 'graphic design.' They also dreamed up furnishings and house wares and buildings and interiors. They were Designers, for god's sake, designing sundry and all, creators on a deific scale. * PASTE MAGAZINE *Table of ContentsPhotos: Five Decades of Vignelli Design Foreword by Deyan Sudjic Preface Acknowledgments The Vignellis: An Introduction Foundation: Growing Up in Italy, Lella and Massimo Meet, Expanding Horizons, Crossing Oceans 1965: Unimark International, The Vignellis Move to New York, etc 1971: The Rise of Vignelli Associates, The Office Expands: Return to East 62nd Street, etc The Showcase Office: Tenth Avenue, Fashion History According to Massimo, etc Working from Home: East 67th Street Design Advocacy Students, Teaching, and Learning, The Vignelli Center for Design Studies A Lifetime, and No Regrets Notes Photos: A Vignelli History, Afterword, Vignelli Awards, Index

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Book SynopsisIt started off so well. As Jon Lord enthused in the October 1975 issue of Melody Maker: 'Tommy can't be so bad for us with so many good ideas. All I can say is when you hear the album (Come Taste The Band) you'll change your mind. Whether you like the music or not, you'll have to realise that Deep Purple now have an excitement in their playing that they haven't had in a long time...' Despite calls of 'we want Blackmore' when Deep Purple Mark four played live, there was so much more to American guitarist Tommy Bolin than being Ritchie Blackmore's replacement. As a result, the purpose of this long-overdue biography is to readdress the existing narrative of Tommy Bolin's legacy. As well as discussing objectively Tommy's time with Deep Purple, Laura Shenton offers an insight into his musical achievements in his own right outside of the band, which include two cult rock albums in Teaser and Private Eyes. He also had a stint in The James Gang and made numerous guest appearances, where his versatile and virtuosic skills as a guitarist were utilised, before his untimely death in 1976 at the shockingly young age of 25

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Book SynopsisTulisa Contostavlos has one of the most fascinating and shocking life-stories in showbusiness. Her childhood included harrowing episodes of self-harm, bullying, witchcraft, drug abuse and suicide attempts. Then there has been the ever-present challenge of her mother's mental disorder which Tulisa - as the only child in a single-parent family - had to face alone. How did she rise from such a troubled and dangerous childhood to become first an edgy urban artist and then the much-loved people's princess of Saturday night television? This book, written by leading celebrity biographer Chas Newkey-Burden, tells her eventful and inspirational story for the first time. It uncovers the rich showbusiness heritage of her ancestors and then follows her through her childhood, unflinchingly examining the horrors she faced. It then traces how music became her salvation, thanks to the loving mentorship of Uncle B - the man who formed N-Dubz. The book then follows this never satisfied, always ambitious young woman as she moved into the mainstream and became the nation's sweetheart on The X Factor. The reader is taken behind the scenes to discover the reality of her successful first series on the show, as she guided Little Mix to victory.

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Book SynopsisThe first biography of the Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop et al – the original Swingers. Brilliant and beautifully written story of their rise and fall, and their connections with the Kennedys and the Mafia. They alit in Las Vegas for a month to make a movie and play a historic nightclub gig they called the Summit; they hit Miami, the Utah desert, Palm Springs, Chicago, Atlantic City, Beverly Hills, Hollywood back lots, illegal gambling dens, saloons, yachts, private jets, the White House itself. It was sauce and vinegar and eau de cologne and sour mash whiskey and gin and smoke and perfume and silk and neon and skinny lapels and tail fins and rockets to the sky. It was swinging and sighing and being a sharpie, it was cutting a figure and digging a scene. It was Frank and Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin and Peter Lawford for a while and Joey Bishop when they asked him and Jack Kennedy and Sam Giancana and tables full of cronies and who knew how many broads. It was the ultimate spasm of traditional showbiz – both the last and the most of its kind. It was the Rat Pack. It was beautiful. ‘Rat Pack Confidential’ – you’re never far from a cocktail, a swingin’ affair and a fist-fight.

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Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive account of the life and influences of Cyril Scott, not merely a composer but an artist in the broadest possible sense of the term. Prolific and personable, innovative and contentious, Cyril Scott (1879 - 1970) was considered to be one of the most promising young talents in modern British music at the turn of the twentieth century. He was a member of the 'Frankfurt Group' (together with Percy Grainger, Norman O'Neill, Roger Quilter and Balfour Gardiner), his music was performed by some of the leading conductors of the time in Britain and on the Continent, and his friends included highly influential figures in European literature, art and politics. Apart from his music, Scott was the author of many books on alternative medicine, psychology, Occultism, Theosophy and comparative religion. He also wrote fiction, autobiography, and poetry. Scott embodied a unique time in a particularly unique way. His aesthetic ideas informed both his professional creative practice and his manner of living. He was not merely a composer, but an artist in thebroadest possible sense of the term. This book provides the first comprehensive account of Scott's life and influences as well as an outline and contextualization of his aesthetic thinking. It traces his changing conceptionof the function of art and the role of the artist from his formative exposure to Symbolism through his friendship with the German poet Stefan George, to his exploration of Western and Eastern esoteric traditions, showing how the prevailing cross-pollination of ideas allowed him to develop a fully integrated rationale for his art and life. The story of Scott's development guides the reader through some of the most fascinating intellectual discourses of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century Europe. Sarah Collins' current research focuses on British music aesthetics and criticism in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. She has a particular interest in the interaction between turn-of-the-century conceptions of the function of criticism, theories of critical intuition and questions of moral philosophy. She lectured at the University of Queensland from 2006 and joined the faculty ofMonash University in 2012.Trade ReviewCollins's book raises valuable questions and is thought provoking throughout. Her work with primary sources is commendable. * NOTES *Thoroughly absorbing ... Collins's study is beautifully written, and is worthwhile reading in what it reveals both about Cyril Scott and about his time and milieu. * CHOMBEC News *This welcome, much-needed study is superbly argued and written. It is attractively produced and presented. * TEMPO *This is an absorbing and eye-opening study based on wide research, illustrated by a variety of fascinating photographs. * ELGAR SOCIETY JOURNAL *Table of ContentsIntroduction Matters of Biography and Autobiography "Music, Melancholy, Apprehension, Sex, and the Church" "An Artist-Autocrat of the Most Pronounced Type" "The Most Absorbing and Romantic Interest of My Present Incarnation" Music: Its Secret Influence Throughout the Ages The Immortal Artist Theory and Practice Epilogue Select Bibliography

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Book SynopsisCanadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright (b. 1973) is famous around the world for his multi-faceted musical style, shown through both his recorded output and his engaging live performances. In this book, Katherine Williams combines aspects of his life story with scholarly readings drawn from several methodologies. Popular music studies, opera, queer studies, music and geography, the sound-box: all combine to give a rich biographical and interpretative overview of Wainwright's life and music. Williams brings together close musical analysis with such varied disciplinary perspectives with a tone that is both in-depth and scholarly, and accessible. The book is a must-read for fans, students and scholars alike.Table of ContentsIntroduction1. Family 2. Western Art Music and Pop: Conflict and Coherence 3. Opera, Gender and Sexuality 4. Place and Space 5. The VoiceConclusion

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Book SynopsisBefore she knew she was Ukranian, Soviet, or Jewish, Inna Faliks knew she was a musician. Growing up in the city of Odessa, the piano became her best friend, and she explored the brilliant, intricate puzzles of Bach's Goldberg Variations and learned to compose under her mother's watchful eye. At ten, Faliks and her parents moved to Chicago as part of the tide of Jewish refugees who fled the USSR for the West in the 1980s. During the months-long immigration process, she would silently practice on kitchen tables while imagining a full set of piano keys beneath her fingertips. In Weight in the Fingertips, Faliks gives a globe-trotting account of her upbringing as a child prodigy in a Soviet state, the perils of immigration, the struggle of assimilating as an American, years of training with teachers, and her slow and steady rise in the world of classical music. With a warm and playful style, she helps non-musicians understand the experience of becoming a world-renowned concert p

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Book SynopsisThis candid memoir of music, fame, and endurance from Deryck Whibley, lead singer of Sum 41, follows his rise from a punk kid to an international star. From his earliest days growing up in Canada, Deryck Whibley was a punk who loved music and couldn't wait to achieve something bigger and better than the humble path that lay before him. Whibley was raised by a single mom and their small family constantly moved from place to place, so he was used to being the new kid, starting fights (or finishing them), and connecting with people who shared his sensibility for chaotic fun and loud music. Sum 41 was born of a group of friends who loved to jam, shared a DIY ethos, and were determined to be rock stars one day. Walking Disaster is Whibley's story, but it is also the untold story of Sum 41. Whibley takes you backstage, into the recording booth, and through the highest highs and lowest lows of the band whose story is inextricably woven with

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Book SynopsisKeanu Reeves: Most Triumphant is a tribute to and exploration of the magic behind one of Hollywood’s most legendary and unknowable stars and the profound lessons we can learn from his success. There can be no doubt: Keanu Reeves is a phenomenon. He’s at once a badass action star, a hunky dreamboat who People magazine has called “the Internet’s boyfriend,” a vintage motorcycle enthusiast, a niche art book publisher, a living meme, and a legend. He seems to upend every rule governing celebrity in the 21st century. But how? Cultural critic Alex Pappademas attempts to address Keanu’s unmatched eternality and the other big questions raised by his career arc. Sharp, funny, deeply researched, and fully celebratory of the enigmatic actor, this is the first book to take Keanu’s whole deal as seriously as it deserves. Yes, even Johnny Mnemonic, where Keanu mind melds with a dolphin. Along the wayTrade Review“Highlighting the cultural moments surrounding Reeves, as well as some of the acting choices that have made him such an intriguing performer over the years, this is a solid addition to any library’s pop culture collection.” * Library Journal *

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ?Heartbreaking...Go read the book, everyone.? Alex Cooper, host of the Call Her Daddy podcast Megan Fox showcases her wicked humor throughout a heartbreaking and dark collection of poetry. Over the course of more than seventy poems Fox chronicles all the ways in which we fit ourselves into the shape of the ones we love, even if it means losing ourselves in the process.?These poems were written in an attempt to excise the illness that had taken root in me because of my silence. I've spent my entire life keeping the secrets of men, my body aches from carrying the weight of their sins. My freedom lives in these pages, and I hope that my words can inspire others to take back their happiness and their identity by using their voice to illuminate what's been buried, but not forgotten, in the darkness,? says Fox. Pretty Boys Are Poisonous marks the powerful debut from one of the most well-known women of our time. Turn the page, bite the apple, and sink your teeth into the most deliciously compelling and addictive books you'll read all year.

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year A Times Book of the Year A Financial Times Book of the YearA Guardian Book of the YearA New Statesman Book of the Year''The heartwarming story of the collaboration and friendship between English football's oddest couple, Elton John and Graham Taylor'' The Times '' A wonderful, feel-good account of an ultimately English provincial story'' Simon Kuper_____________________ An unforgettable British underdog story from one of our greatest narrative nonfiction writers, John Preston, and the international musical icon and bestselling author, Sir Elton John.Britain in the 1970s was beset by unrest and unemployment, as inflation soared, fuel was scarce, and hooliganism was on the rise. And for Watford FC, the outlook was even gloomier. Rundown and rat-infested, Watford were an ailing side with holes in their kit and barelyTrade ReviewIf John Preston hasn’t already sold the film rights to this book, he surely will soon. Watford Forever is the heartwarming story of the collaboration and friendship between English football’s oddest couple, Elton John and Graham Taylor -- Robert Crampton * The Times *A wonderful, feel-good account of an ultimately English provincial story -- Simon Kuper * The Spectator *A rollicking period tale of footballing success . . . Watford Forever teems with unforgettable images . . . from first to last, this is an ever-entertaining telling of a remarkable sporting fairy-tale -- Declan Ryan * Daily Telegraph *Entwining sport, music and social history, the absorbing Watford Forever is masterfully judged, saccharine-free, true-life fairy tale, which showcases another side of Elton John -- John Aizlewood * iNews *A warm and redemptive tale . . . packed with anecdotes, moments that skewer the times with economy and prevision. Plus endless laugh-out-loud yarns…as Preston tells [Elton John and Graham Taylor’s] story, it rattles along at page-turning pace….it reads, indeed, like the script of a movie -- Jim White * Independent *It is hard to read Watford Forever without becoming overwhelmingly nostalgic . . . Preston burrows to the heart of what for a while Watford got so right -- Simon Burnton * Observer *John bought his beloved Watford FC when it was near the bottom of English football, then carried it to glory in alliance with manager Graham Taylor — his polar opposite. The rock star collaborated with Preston, a skilled and versatile writer, for this English-odd-couple feelgood story * Financial Times *The original football fairytale of a small club rising from the bottom to the top * Watford Observer *You don't have to be a Watford fan to enjoy this terrific book. It is about much more than the unlikely friendship between one of the most famous stars on the planet, who as a boy had loved being taken to Watford matches by his distant father, and the fiercely ambitious son of a sports editor who wanted, in his managerial achievements, to make up for an undistinguished playing career * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisMore than just a biography about the band members, this book offers an incredible compilation of stories, insights and reflections by the band members themselves and the people who knew them. Learn about the origin of the rock and roll band from their unique sound and meteoric rise in popularity to the untimely death of their drummer, infighting and accusations of plagiarism. This amazingly detailed peek into the lives of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham features an oral history of the impetus and development of each album released along with in-depth interviews with the band members and their manager as well as interviews with fans, friends, and insiders on what the band and the music meant to them. Full of photos of the iconic band on the road, you can read about and feel the band''s energy and transformation into the men they are today.

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