Biography: arts and entertainment Books

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Book SynopsisHundred Miles to Nowhere: An Unlikely Love Story explores what happens when a singer-songwriter moves from New York City to rural Minnesota for love, and finds there's more to life than music. When Elisa Korenne took a month's break from New York City to be the resident singer-songwriter in middle-of-nowhere Minnesota, she didn't intend to stay. Then she fell in love with the local outdoorsman/insurance guy. One cross-country romance later, Elisa gave up subways, theater, City Bakery cookies, and her Brooklyn apartment to become the 1,153rd resident of New York Mills, a rural town ninety miles from the nearest metropolitan area, Fargo. She had to resort to moonshine to stay sane.The barista knew her weekend plans before she did. The postmaster set up gigs for her behind her back. Chris expected her to eat roadkill for dinner. And you wouldn't believe the uproar when the Finnish Lutherans in town learned she was Jewish. Despite a gun-toting Millenialist neighbor and the furnace dying at twenty-six below, Elisa moved to Minnesota and married Chris anyway. Then a tornado threatens to destroy the home she had finally made for herself.Hundred Miles to Nowhere is A Year in Provence for the Prairie Home Companion crowd, or Coop for fans of indie music.

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Book SynopsisThe world knows Bon Scott as the wild rocker, the frontman for AC/DC who tragically died of alcohol poisoning on the eve of the band's rise to superstardom.That's the legend, now meet the man.Live Wire gives us the Bon Scott we never knew. In this deeply personal and revealing portrait we learn what it was like to be his friend, live and tour with him, and be part of the close-knit world from which one of biggest bands of all time emerged. With Bon there was always sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, but Live Wire also demonstrates the humour, intelligence and warmth of the man. From his early days with The Valentines, living in rundown apartments in inner Melbourne, to the legendary early years of AC/DC, this is the story of Bon, told by three of the people who knew him best.John D'Arcy was Bon's roadie and mate. Gabby D'Arcy, Darce's wife, was a close friend of Bon's. And Mary Renshaw was - as AC/DC's former bass player Mark Evans called her - Bon's soulmate and companion.As Bon said, it's a long way to the top. And Mary, Darce and Gabby were with him every step of the way. They lived with him, they loved him, and this is how they remember him.

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Book SynopsisAUSTRALIA'S FIRST INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR When most Australians think of Nellie Melba they picture a squarish middle-aged woman dressed in furs and large hats, an imperious Dame whose voice ruled the world for three decades. But there was much more to her life than adulation and riches.To succeed she had to overcome social expectations, misogyny and tall-poppy syndrome. She endured the violence of a bad marriage, was denied by scandal a true love with the would-be King of France, and suffered the loss of her only child for more than a decade, stolen by his angry and vengeful father.Against all odds, Nellie Melba became the greatest opera singer of her time on stages across Australia, America and Europe.Trade Review'Superbly researched, written and produced. I am an addict for Robert's marvellous stories of great Aussie girls firing up Britain and Europe during the suffragette era.' Dr Davina Jackson, author of Australian Architecture: A history

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Book SynopsisThis is the unique story of Louise Weber, better known as La Goulue. She became the undisputed Queen of the Moulin Rouge cabaret and the most famous dancer in France in the late 19th century. Toulouse Lautrec immortalized her in his world renowned poster and paintings of her dancing at the Moulin Rouge. She was the toast of Montmartre and Paris, her fame was tied to her outrageous dancing of the can-can, and she was the highest paid performer of her day. This book is the first fully researched and detailed study of La Goulue. The author Maryline Martin mined the archives of the Moulin Rouge where she found the actual diary of Louise Weber, and the Archive of the Prefecture of Paris to create this enormously entertaining and important biography. What emerges is a portrait of a fearless woman who broke all codes of conduct for a late 19th century woman. She willingly trampled on the social, moral, and religious conventions of her time demanding that women be treated as the equal of men. She created her own legend in her own time.

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Book SynopsisBob Dylan has created a body of work unparalleled in popular music. As a songwriter and as a singer, Dylan expanded the boundaries for song. In this substantially revised and updated second edition of The Bob Dylan Albums, Anthony Varesi analyzes the massive Dylan canon through a detailed discussion of each of the artist's officially released albums. The book follows Dylan's career chronologically from 1962's Bob Dylan through to 2021's Bootleg Series release Springtime in New York. All of Dylan's studio albums, live albums, collections and archival releases are examined in the text and in the detailed, annotated, cross-referenced discography, as are Dylan's notable soundtrack contributions, side projects and benefit concert appearances.The Bob Dylan Albums, 2nd Edition also discusses Dylan's other writings, such as Chronicles and his Nobel Prize lecture, and reviews the films Dylan has appeared in or been the subject of. The book contains frank analyses of the more controversial aspects of Dylan's career, including songs Dylan wrote about George Jackson, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, Joey Gallo and Lenny Bruce, the use of Dylan's music in advertisements, and Dylan's 2011 trip to China.The book looks at recurring themes in Dylan's songs, the influence of other artists on Dylan's music, and the ongoing relevance of Dylan's work. In the process, The Bob Dylan Albums, 2nd Edition unearths new meaning in both Dylan's most famous works and in his songs and albums that have received less attention..

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Book SynopsisIn 1944, Glasgow received one of the greatest gifts ever made to any city in the world: a collection of over 6,000 artworks of many types spanning centuries and civilisations. The benefactors were Glasgow-born shipping magnate Sir William Burrell and Constance, Lady Burrell. Burrell’s business success him to amass an extraordinary collection, which he housed in the family home at Hutton Castle in the Scottish borders. When he decided to leave the collection to the nation, he considered donating it to London-based galleries before deciding on Glasgow Corporation, together with the residue of his estate to provide a suitable building. It was many years before the right location was found, and The Burrell Collection finally opened in 1983. This new biography is based on recent research, full access to the Burrell archive and in-depth knowledge of the collection. Sir William was a complicated and private man who shunned publicity, adored his wife, but had a tumultuous relationship with his daughter. In politics Conservative, he campaigned for better housing conditions as long as this didn’t cause further expense to the taxpayer. The authors take a candid and considered view of who William Burrell the man was, what sparked his passion for collecting, and what his gift continues to mean to the city.Trade Review'A superbly researched and meticulously detailed account of his unique collection' * Scottish Society for Art History *

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Book SynopsisHer iconic blonde looks, stunning voice and songs of loneliness and melancholy have endeared her to millions, yet Agnetha Faltskog remains an enigmatic and distant figure. From her success as a teenage singer and songwriter in Sweden in the late 1960 s to her years of global superstardom with pop giants ABBA and beyond, Agnetha has fascinated generations of fans. Her beaming smile graced record sleeves, television screens and magazine covers around the world yet never quite managed to conceal her natural shyness and vulnerability. Agnetha Faltskog The Girl With The Golden Hair is the first full-length biography dedicated to the life and career of the one of the most beloved and successful performers in music history. Charting Agnetha s journey from her early days fronting a local dance band in the small industrial city of Jonkoping, through her decade as one of the most famous and popular singers in the world, and the years of self-imposed exile that followed until her surprising and successful comeback in 2013, Agnetha Faltskog The Girl With The Golden Hair will delight her many legions of fans and any readers with an interest in the history of popular music."

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Book Synopsis`Cooperman! The Life of Tommy Cooper' is a hilarious look at one of Britain's best-loved comedians. For almost four decades, Tommy Cooper was the most popular entertainer in the country, and certainly the most imitated. This is the story of the man and his magic, his life, and his times. This volume contains hundreds of his favourite jokes, tricks, and sketches, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from his friends, family, and fellow artistes. This entertaining and informative account provides an insight into the fun and humour of Tommy Cooper. It is intended as genial aide-memoire to remind fans why they loved this British comedy giant. Cooperman! is an authorised biography, presented with the blessing of Cooper's family and estate. Ian Carroll is a co-writer and creator of `Just Like That! The Tommy Cooper Show', a theatrical play currently touring across the UK to both critical and audience acclaim.

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Book SynopsisCharming, erudite, and the very personification of the English gentleman, Dennis Price was without doubt also one of the most promising and talented newcomers to the world of theatre and film in the late 1930s, and he arguably reached his screen best in the classic Ealing comedy 'Kind Hearts and Coronets'. Huge praise was lavished upon him and he was compared alongside theatrical contemporaries Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson as being destined for great things. Scene-stealing performances followed over the next few decades in such differing films as 'The Dancing Years', 'The Intruder', 'Private's Progress', 'The Naked Truth', 'Tunes of Glory', 'Tamahine' and 'Theatre of Blood', to name but a few. Though whilst his career was blossoming his private life was going through turmoil when, after one of his several affairs was discovered by his wife, he faced the shame of divorce, separation from his two children and when coupled with significant tax bills, it all proved too much and the actor attempted suicide. Eventually bouncing back, he reinvented himself as a character actor and appeared in scores of notable films—and was often the best thing in them!

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Book SynopsisIn the summer of 1956, while on shore leave from the Merchant Navy, Thomas Hicks was spotted playing a new type of music in a coffee bar in London. Having never heard anything like this 'rock' performed in Britain, he became an overnight sensation--never returning to his ship. He changed his name to Tommy Steele and for 65 years he has been Britain's greatest showman. In a remarkable career spanning radio, records, Broadway and Hollywood, Tommy Steele started the rock revolution in the UK before moving to lighter, family entertainment and becoming a well-loved household name. He received an OBE for Services to Entertainment in 1979 and a knighthood for Services to Entertainment and Charity in 2020. He has conquered the West End, Hollywood and Broadway; holds records for the longest-running one-man-show in the London's West End and also the record for most appearances at the hallowed London Palladium. However, his remarkable career has never been detailed accurately and comprehensively--until now. Authorised by Sir Tommy Steele himself, 'A Life in the Spotlight' offers readers a detailed insight into the career of an unrivalled entertainment legend, with countless facts, stories, details and anecdotes never before committed to print.Table of Contents1 Ready to Rock 1956; 2 The Golden Year 1957; 3 Rockin' Around the World 1958; 4 A Handful of Steele 1959; 5 Stooping to Conquer 1960; 6 It's All Happening 1961-1962; 7 So, This Is Broadway? 1963-1965; 8 The Sixpenny Millionaire 1966-1967; 9 Looking to the Rainbow 1968-1969; 10 Wonderful Applause 1970-1979; 11 What a Glorious Feeling 1980-1989; 12 What A Star! 1990-1999; 13 Steele Going Strong 2000-2021; Finale; Appendix 1 'If A Picture Paints A Thousand Words'-The artwork; Appendix 2 'What a Picture!-Filmography; Appendix 3 'Tommy Steele and a Show'-The Television specials; Appendix 4 'Hit Record'-Discography; Appendix 5 'Come On In!'-The BBC radio series; Appendix 6 'An Evening with Tommy Steele'-The complete stage shows.

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Book SynopsisKomeda: A Private Life in Jazz is the biography of Krzysztof (Trzcinski) Komeda (1931-1969), composer of no fewer than 40 soundtracks, including film scores to all of Roman Polanski's early films such as Knife in the Water and Rosemary's Baby; and revered figure in the world of jazz, which regards his album, Astigmatic (released in 1966), as a key album in the history of European jazz. This biography of Komeda, originally published in Polish by Znak in 2018, the first to be published in the English language, not only traces Komeda's life, but also the development of Polish jazz during this period, showing how this arose in large part out of a need for self-expression and personal freedom during a repressive period of Soviet communist dominance. The book is full of interviews between the biographer and people who worked with and knew Krzysztof Komeda personally, and, while thoroughly-grounded in primary sources, it is written in a playful, questioning, engaging style.Table of ContentsThe first festival of the sweater bands Thirty-eight years to go… There was a big problem Twenty-three years to go… Lack of discipline Twenty-one years to go… Nineteen years to go… Catacombs - Reprimand - Ustronie Morskie 1952 Seventeen years to go… Milian - Wróblewski - The finest jam in Poland - 1955 - Jazz Hour - Komeda’s Sextet - Before the festival - Rehearsals, rehearsals, rehearsals - Maria-Zofia - On tour - Dosh - Regular gigs make us fly low - Festival second time around - Moscow - Two men and a wardrobe - Not Mr ‘Lyrmann’s’ fault - Blues for Gomułka Twelve years to go… Kraków - Piwnica - Affinity to Monk, but unmusical - Mr Cool - Światosław Richter goes by delivery van - Jazz ’58 Eleven years to go… Jazz Camping ’59 - Innocent sorcerers - Komeda chisels the sounds - A few howlers, a few mistakes Ten years to go… Of course – the capital! - We, young ones, we’re right – Grenoble - The fat and the lean - Guyetsky from Kiev - Tingel-Tangel - Fancying each other - Dorota Cedro singing in Hybrydy - Sham dance - Gigs and films - Knife in the water - Watch out: he might bite - Greetings from Sunny Beach Seven years to go… Everyone looks glum - Marshal Rola-Żymierski, cheers! - A river of diamonds - Hvad med os? – Notebook - Where is Stańko? - Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! - People! Komeda’s in town! - Law and the fist - Social life and love life - Jazz in Polen - Split, then Hvar - Repulsion - Total Komeda - Svantetic – Kattorna - Yugoslavia, Norway, Yugoslavia Four years to go… Should Katelbach arrive - Astigmatic - Sult - Rest - BMW - Terrible country – Barrier - Fearless vampire killers - Le départ - Meine süsse Europäische Heimat - Requiem Two years to go… Lullaby - City - Can you feel anything? – Elana – Wife - My music’s had an excellent reception Eight months to go… In Żoliborz - Whole group of losers - Fall - Oriole Lane Six months to go… Flight - Hello! What’s on the other side? Seventeen days to go… Return Select Discography by Alyn Shipton, Royal Academy of Music Acknowledgements * Notes * Select bibliography Index of names * Source of illustrations

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Book SynopsisMartin Freeman is one of Britain's best-loved actors. After being cast in bit parts and cameos - such as The Bill (his first onscreen role) and the beat-boxing Ricky C in Ali G Indahouse - he made his big break as Tim Canterbury in The Office. Freeman was later cast, among other roles, as the mundane character of Arthur Dent in the sci-fi movie adaption of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and, labelled an 'everyday' bloke by journalists, began to run the risk of being stereotyped. However, in 2010 he completely turned his career around when he took on the role of Dr John Watson in the incredibly successful Sherlock. His biggest role followed as he portrayed Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy and, in recent years, Freeman has shown a dark edge to his thespian skills by portraying Richard III in the West End and Lester Nygaard in the critically acclaimed US drama series Fargo. An intensely private man, Freeman is in a long-term relationship with the actress Amanda Abbington, whom he met on the set of the 2000 Channel 4 TV movie Men Only and who played his on-screen partner in Sherlock. The Unexpected Adventures of Martin Freeman explores the rise to fame of this unassuming actor, how he has successfully managed to avoid the pitfalls of stardom, and how he has become one of the greatest actors of his generation. It is a must-read for any fan.

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Book SynopsisThe Twilight Saga may have made 'R-Patz' a household name - and earned him a spot on the bedroom walls of teenage girls around the world - but long gone are the days when he was just seen as a (very) pretty face. Named amongst TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People, and drawing critical acclaim for recent screen performances, he is carving a formidable reputation as a serious actor, artist and ambassador as well as a sex symbol. Hailed as 'the next Jude Law' when the supporting role of Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire fell to him, it was only a matter of time before other major productions joined the hunt. But after accepting the offer to play Edward Cullen in the first Twilight movie, Robert couldn't have dreamt just how far into the spotlight he would be catapulted. The series went on to gross over GBP2billion worldwide, and for the heartthrob star of the story, opportunity knocked from every direction. From supporting charities against child trafficking through selling his own artwork, to campaigning to raise awareness of cancer, it's clear he has a heart of gold to match a jawline of iron. And with critically acclaimed performances in more mature movies like futuristic western The Rover, and an Oscar-bait role as T.E. Lawrence in Queen of the Desert on the horizon, there can be no doubt that Robert Pattinson is set to be the modern-day matinee idol of the decade.

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Book SynopsisIn February 2015, when Eddie Redmayne won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of the scientist Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, it was the ultimate accolade for an actor who has thrilled audiences since bursting out on to the scene a decade earlier. Eddie Redmayne is simply one of the most exciting actors around today: from indie stage productions to Hollywood blockbusters, he has shown himself capable of tackling a huge variety of roles while cultivating a huge and devoted fan following known as 'Redmayniacs'. Now a new book delves into the past of this hugely popular star. From his wealthy and privileged origins, including an education at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, to a tentative entry into the London theatre scene to the heights of an international film career, Eddie has led a fascinating life. Now married to his childhood sweetheart Hannah Bagshawe, Eddie has also been linked to a string of beautiful women before settling down. Delving into every aspect of his background, the new book unearths little known facts about Eddie, such as his acting debut as a teenager in Animal Ark, his stage work in London while still at university, when he was discovered by Mark Rylance, with whom he has often been compared, and his groundbreaking work in films that confront some of society's most explicit taboos. An outstanding member of a hugely exciting new generation of actors, Eddie looks set to dominate the entertainment industry for decades to come.

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Book Synopsis'I, Kusama, am the modern Alice in Wonderland' Yayoi KusamaNonagenarian Japanese artist is simultaneously one of the most famous and most mysterious artists on the planet. A wild child of the 1950s and 1960s, she emerged out of the international Fluxus movement to launch naked happenings in New York and went on to become a doyenne of that city's counter-cultural scene. In the early 1970s, she returned to Japan and by 1977 had checked herself in to a psychiatric hospital which has remained her home to this day. But, though she was removed from the world, she was definitely not in retirement. Her love and belief in the polka dot has given birth to some of the most surprising and inspiring installations and paintings of the last four decades - and made her exhibitions the most visited of any single living artist.

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Book SynopsisAmerica's greatest folk singer and songwriter, philosopher, political analyst, and man-of-the-people, Woody Guthrie and his passionate social politics and deep humanity are as crucial in the America of today as they were in the turbulent 1930s and 1940s. He wrote well over 3,000 songs (including 'This Land is Your Land'), yet he was also a poet, painter, illustrator, novelist, journal keeper, and great letter writer. This fresh, intimate, and beautifully designed book tells Woody's story largely through his own personal writing, lyrics, and artwork, bringing his voice urgently to life. Woody's essential self portrait, carefully-curated by Woody's daughter Nora and award-winning music historian Robert Santelli, is supplemented with contributions by Chuck D., Ani DiFranco, Douglas Brinkley, Arlo Guthrie, and others. Featuring never-before-published handwritten lyrics to some of his greatest songs, personal diary entries, doodles, jokes, and piercing insights on politics and justice, this is an undeniable and important celebration of Woody's powerful life's work.

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Book SynopsisMemoir of four musicians who left Wales to pursue their art in the USA: Joseph Parry, Daniel Protheroe, Marie Novello and the author herself. Written in a blend of literary styles, it looks at what it is to be an immigrant with a creative soul in the vast land of opportunity that is America.

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Book SynopsisThe undisputed pre-eminence of Paris as a centre of the piano world dates from the early 19th century, and the professors of the Paris Conservatoire transmitted the characteristic French style to each new generation for some 150 years. First published in 1992, this study surveys the historical development, performances practices, and pedagogical philosophies of this school of piano playing. The author studied with several proponents of the jeu perle, a French style of playing categorized by rapid, clean even passage-work, note after note. Over a 15-year period Charles Timbrell conducted more than 70 interviews with notable French pianists, many of them new to this edition and all of them frank and lively conversationalists, ranging from a 96-year old Paul Loyonnet - a link to the traditions of the 19th century - to emerging young talents at the turn of the millennium. Also included in this edition are the author's detailed recollections of his own lessons with such luminaries as Gaby Casadesus, Jeanne-Marie Darre, Monique Haas, Eric Heidsieck and Magda Tagliaferro.Trade Review'This book should be in the libraries of all graduate and undergraduate institutions where the piano is taught.' - Choice; 'This is a book that delights and is also an invaluable document, one that is obviously the fruit of much imaginative planning ... Many historic artists come colourfully to life at the prompting of Charles Timbrell.' - Notes; 'French Pianism ... is full of advice worth hundreds of private lessons [and it] offers illuminating interviews. A notable book.' - Clavier; 'A lucid and precise volume about the history and aesthetics of the French ways of playing the piano, [with] substantial bibliography and instructive lists of exercises, methods, etudes, and editions.' - Piano & Keyboard; 'An invaluable contribution ... The discussion of pedagogical principles, and the insights about the complex elements that led to an important national school of playing, are both interesting and of great value.' - American Music TeacherTable of ContentsForeword by Gaby Casadesus; Preface; 1. The Nineteenth Century: Early French Pianos; The Paris Conservatoire and French Musical Education; Composers, Performers, Teachers, and Methods; Historic Recordings; 2. Leading Artist-Teachers 1900-1940: Isidor Philipp; Marguerite Long; Alfred Cortot; Lazare-Levy; 3. Major Figures Since World War II: Armand Ferte; Yves Nat; Marcel Ciampi; Jules Gentil; Yvonne Lefebure; Robert Casadesus; Jacques Fevrier; Vlado Perlemuter; Lucette Descaves; Lelia Gousseau; Yvonne Loriod; Dominique Merlet; Addendum: The Author's Recollections; 4. Interviews: Paul Loyonnet; Gaby Casadesus; Pierre Sancan; Jean-Joel Barbier; Germaine Mounier; Grant Johannesen; Pierre Barbizet; Jean-Philippe Collard; Brigitte Engerer; Jean-Marc Luisada; Helene Grimaud; 5. Coda: The French School, Past and Present; Appendix 1. Bibliographies of Interviewees; Appendix 2. Piani Professors at the Paris Conservatoire 1795-1998; Appendix 3. SelectedDiscography; Appendix 4. Selected Methods, Exercises and Etudes; Notes, Selected Bibliography

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Book Synopsis"Can you read music too?" This question, addressed by the singer Lili Kraus in 1936 to the 15 year-old Robert Brouwer, then a regular autograph collector haunting the artist's entrance of the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, was the start of his short but memorable years as a page-turner to many of the great musicians who performed there before 1940. The author's passion for music, starting with his time at the Concertgebouw and continuing throughout his life in many parts of the world, shines vividly in the pages of this book. Here, enlivened with photographs and with some of the gems from the author's youthful collection of autographs, we meet many of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. But there is more than that. From his discussion of Willem Mengelberg, the conductor who made the Concertgebouw Orchestra great but ended his life in eclipse, to his account of Nigel Kennedy taking time off to jam in a "hole-in-the-wall" night club in Kowloon, it is the authors' gift to relate, on a personal level to the musicians he met, that serves to make these recollections of what they did and said, and of the opinions they expressed, both fascinating and endearing.

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Book SynopsisLabels such as ‘icon’ or ‘legend’ are rarely attached to one individual to the degree that they are to Bruce Lee. He only made a handful of films, yet four and a half decades after his untimely death at the age of 32, the Little Dragon’s influence on culture is as strong as ever. Named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the 20th century, Lee wasn’t just an actor and martial artist, but a director, inventor, husband, father and philosopher. His martial art, jeet kune do, is still practised around the world, while UFC champions credit him with inspiring the growing sport of mixed martial arts. His films kick-started a global kung fu boom and retain the power to awe today, while his thoughts – collected in a series of books from Lee’s own notes – still inspire. Bruce Lee: The Life of a Legend is a unique oral biography that combines the memories of Lee’s original students, close friends, co-stars and colleagues – those who knew him best – to provide a candid view on the action movie star adored by millions, capturing the essence of a complex man in a way no straightforward narrative ever could. Further, for the first time ever in print, legendary professional boxing, bodybuilding and MMA champions and personalities from the motion picture industry pay homage to Lee, giving a blend of unique perspectives on a man who changed the face of their respective sports.Trade Review'There have been hundreds of books on Bruce Lee since his shocking death in 1973, including my own. However, Fiaz Rafiq’s oral history still punches and kicks into new territory' -- Alex Ben Block * The Hollywood Reporter *'Thought-provoking, enjoyable and fascinating interviews' -- Tris Dixon * Boxing News *'Interesting . . . fascinating insights' -- Alastair Good * The Daily Telegraph *'Provides a unique comprehensive view of a martial arts legend. What makes the work stand out from other books written on Bruce Lee is its exhaustive list of primary source material. This is no compilation of recycled interviews, but fresh reflections on the life of the Little Dragon. These raw interviews provide the reader with insights into different stages and areas of his life . . . If you thought you knew Bruce Lee, think again!' -- Jamie Clubb * Martial Arts Illustrated *'Bruce Lee may be dead . . . but his undoubted influence certainly lives on. This publication is packed with very informative interviews and information of the utmost interest to people . . . I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending it' -- Kevin Francis * The Daily Star *'Unique . . . a fascinating read' -- Steven Beale * FHM *'An impressive collection of insights into the life of a cultural icon. Rafiq’s book would be a valuable resource for anyone wanting to know more about Lee and his impact on the lives of others' -- Paolo Bandini * The Guardian *'An excellent insight into Bruce Lee ... a new perspective on the man himself' -- Joel Snape * Men’s Fitness *'Fiaz has done a superb job compiling many perspectives about Bruce Lee ... If you are a Bruce Lee fan, or want to learn more about Lee's extraordinary life, you definitely need to get a copy of Bruce Lee: The Life of a Legend. Highly recommended' -- Lafayette Harris * Wing Chun Illustrated Magazine *'In the world of Bruce Lee there are arguably a select few who have the qualities to set things at ease, genuinely engage and draw out information that brings an interview to life. On paper, it’s perhaps even more difficult as meaning, emotion and insight can be lost to the 'flat' nature of the medium ... So, it’s with some relief then that this work by Fiaz Rafiq is all these things and more' * The Bruce Lee Review *

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Book SynopsisArnold Schwarzenegger – a bodybuilder-turned-real-estate mogul who turned an undefeated streak at the Mr Olympia contest into an astonishing film career and eight years as the governor of California – is, for many people, the embodiment of the American Dream. From humble beginnings in a small village in Austria, Schwarzenegger has come to symbolise the opportunities that exist for anyone willing to work hard – parlaying success and self-confidence into the influence to shape hearts and minds across the globe. Even today, whether he’s campaigning against climate change or fist-bumping fellow strongmen at his self-titled athletic event, he’s one of the few men on the planet who’s recognisable from his first name alone. Arnold. Fiaz Rafiq uses in-depth interviews with Schwarzenegger’s peers to tell the life story of the one-time Governator, featuring exclusive interviews with his personal and close friends, fellow bodybuilders and training partners, Hollywood co-stars, directors, executive producers, political personalities and journalists – all offering first-hand accounts of the man they know. Together, these voices show new dimensions to the Arnold we all think we know – from the driven young man who brought building into the mainstream to the passionate advocate for political change.Trade Review'Candid and entertaining recollections from some of the figures closest to Schwarzenegger reveal the hunger and desire that drove him to realize the American Dream. Rarely heard-before anecdotes underline the self-confidence that helped shape a bodybuilding and Hollywood icon ahead of his alliance with one of America's great political dynasties. Fascinating reading' * Daily Mail *'A fresh and illuminating look at Arnold, taking in everything from his early days in bodybuilding to his twin careers in film and politics. A fascinating look at a self-made man, as told by the people who knew him best' * Men's Fitness *'Intriguing new insight into the figure who transcended bodybuilding and movies to become a seminal figure in US politics and society. A must-read for any Arniephile' * Daily Telegraph *'An excellent insight into all facets of the Governator's career' * Impact: The Global Action Movie Magazine *'This book provides an intriguing insight into the life of a truly global superstar. A truly absorbing book' * Daily Star *'Few can deliver the detailsand perspective that Fiaz Rafiq achieves in hsi exhaustive oral history covering all aspects of Schwarzenegger's epic life and career. This is the hard work of a dogged professional journalist' -- Alex Ben Block (former editor at The Hollywood Reporter)

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Book SynopsisSince the 90s, Britney has been the queen of our hearts and radios, delivering an endless list of iconic tracks and defining pop cultural moments, from the VMAs to her Canadian tuxedo and her jaw dropping tours. Britney’s path has had its ups and downs, but she hasn’t let that stop her, inspiring us all in our own lives. But, while we may know every word of Toxic and have a collection of pink hair pom poms, did you know that she got her show biz start Off-Broadway (in a role that was inherited by Natalie Portman)? That Vegas created a holiday for her? Or the very best of her quotes? This book is packed with 50 titbits of Britney Spears trivia and collages that are (almost) as iconic as the star herself.

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Book SynopsisThe first full-length, authoritative, and detailed story of the iconic actor's life to go beyond the Hollywood scandal-sheet reporting of earlier books, this account offers an appreciation for the man and his acting career and the classic films he starred in, painting a portrait of an individual who took great risks in his acting and career. Although Lee Marvin is best known for his icy tough guy roles--such as his chilling titular villain in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance or the paternal yet brutally realistic platoon leader in The Big Red One --very little is known of his personal life; his family background; his experiences in WWII; his relationship with his father, family, friends, wives; and his ongoing battles with alcoholism, rage, and depression, occasioned by his postwar PTSD. Now, after years of researching and compiling interviews with family members, friends, and colleagues; rare photographs; and illustrative material, Hollywood writer Dwayne Epstein provides a full understanding and appreciation of this acting titan's place in the Hollywood pantheon in spite of his very real and human struggles.

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Book SynopsisArt, Literature, Love, and Life on the Cote d'Azur Get swept up in the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera as author and filmmaker John Baxter takes readers on a whirlwind tour through the star-studded cultural history of the Cote d'Azur that's sure to delight travellers, Francophiles, and culture lovers alike. Readers will discover the dramatic lives of the legendary artists, writers, actors, and politicians who frequented the world's most luxurious resort during its golden age. In 25 vivid chapters, Baxter introduces the iconic figures indelibly linked to the South of France - artist Henri Matisse, who was inspired by the Riviera's colour and light; writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose Riviera hosts inspired 'Tender is the Night'; Coco Chanel, whose Saint-Tropez tan became an international fashion trend; and many more. Along the way, Baxter takes readers where few people ever get to go: the alluring world of the perfume industry, into the cars and casinos of Monte Carlo, behind-the-scenes at the Cannes Film Festival, to the villa where Picasso and Cocteau smoked opium, and to the hotel where Joseph Kennedy had an affair with Marlene Dietrich. These luminaries celebrated life and created art amid paradise, and this book is the ultimate guide to the Riviera's golden age. AUTHOR: John Baxter is an Australian-born writer, journalist and filmmaker; he has called Paris home since 1989. He is the author of numerous books including the autobiographical Immoveable 'Feast: A Paris Christmas', 'The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris', 'Chronicles of Old Paris: Exploring the Historic City of Light', and 'The Golden Moments of Paris: A Guide to the Paris of the 1920s'. REVIEWS of 'Chronicles of Old Paris' and 'The Gold Moments of Paris': "This richly illustrated and beautifully formatted work" - Library Journal "This lovely, gorgeous and intelligent book examines the Paris of old and not so old, with its many fascinating figures and tales." -Chicago Tribune "Excellent walking tours are accompanied by engaging anecdotes….." - France Magazine "While this is a nonfiction book, it reads like fiction, whereby the reader journeys through Paris at different times in its history, through the stories of famous people and places." - ForeWord Review 100 + illustrations and photos

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Book SynopsisJohn Wayne was more than a movie star. He was a symbol for everything good and decent about America, inspiring everyday people to reach just a little bit more and try a little bit harder. During his 72 years and more than 150 movies, John Wayne imparted a seemingly-endless amount of advice, wisdom and good old-fashioned common sense to his audiences, and that wealth of knowledge has been collected together for the first time by the people who loved and knew him best. The John Wayne Code is filled with the icon's most insightful quotes, personal stories from his family and friends, and advice for how to be a better person. This personal collector's item encased in faux leather with gilded edges makes the perfect companion for any fan of Duke's who wants to make their life a little more legendary.

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Book SynopsisThis book is about quotes and the headliners who made them. Author John Frederick met, interacted, or worked with some of the most famous, fascinating figures of the day, and was privileged to elicit (or overhear) comments that may give readers a totally different view of such people as John Wayne. While we were preparing for what would be his last film, the author asked Duke what had been the single most difficult thing to accept or overcome in his fifty year career. "Keeping your innocence and enthusiasm in the face of terrible rejection," he answered. This probably does not match up with most people's view of John Wayne. Almost every story in this book is fresh and new, never seen before. There are three such John Wayne stories in StarCatcher . There are dozens of other quotes and names that will hold your attention. Each quote is followed by a story that makes StarCatcher a captivating, easy read.

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Book SynopsisThe first full-length study of the life of Sara Tyson Hallowell, an American agent, advisor to collectors and artists, curator, and advocate for modern art.In the nineteenth century, women became leaders in a myriad fields but only Sara Tyson Hallowell was able to create a lasting career as a curator of exhibitions. Throughout her life Sara Tyson Hallowell continually challenged nineteenth-century expectations about the proper place of well-born women as she worked to make a name for herself in the Chicago art world of the 1880s and 1890s.Although her name may not be well known a century later Hallowell continues to command the attention of contemporary curators because the model she established and the skills she employed in her own work are those that are fundamental to success in the field today. Presenting the first comprehensive story of Sara Tyson Hallowell's life, Sara Tyson Hallowell: Pioneer Curator and Art Advisor in the Gilded Age, highlights the lasting influence and compelling story of Sara Tyson Hallowell.

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