Biography: arts and entertainment Books

Book SynopsisIn 2017 the Salvator Mundi was sold at auction for $450m. But is it a real da Vinci? In a thrilling narrative built on formidable research, Ben Lewis tracks the extraordinary journey of a masterpiece lost and found, lied and fought over across the centuries.In 2017, Leonardo da Vinci's small oil painting, the Salvator Mundi was sold at auction for $450m. In the words of its discoverer, the image of Christ as saviour of the world is the rarest thing on the planet by the greatest human being who ever lived'. Its dazzling price also makes it the world's most expensive painting.For two centuries art dealers had searched in vain for the Holy Grail of art history: a portrait of Christ as the Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci. Many similar paintings of greatly varying quality had been executed by Leonardo's assistants in the first half of the sixteenth century. But where was the original by the master himself?In November 2017, Christie's auction house announced they had it. But did they? TTrade Review'The story of the world’s most expensive painting is narrated with great gusto and formidably researched detail.' Charles Nicholl, Guardian 'Forensically detailed and gripping investigation into the history, discovery and sales of the painting … Through his fascinating and persuasive account, Lewis remains balanced; the Salvator Mundi might be exactly what its supporters claim it to be, even though it sits in "a pool of theories, surrounded by a tangle of conjecture, suspended from a geometry of clues".' Sunday Times ‘A page-turning tale about the most expensive painting of all time. It’s a story populated by characters straight out of a thriller: the soft-spoken but ambitious art dealer, the Russian oligarch in the middle of a messy divorce, the shadowy Swiss storage king who sidelines as a dealer, the Saudi prince eager to polish his reputation with a cleansing spritz of high art. Mr. Lewis interweaves the many threads of an intricate tale into the story of the dramatic restoration, sale and resale of the Salvator Mundi.’ Wall Street Journal ‘As Lewis chronicles the quest to attribute the painting to da Vinci, he uncovers an astoundingly dysfunctional world of museums, galleries, auction houses, collectors – a Russian oligarch and a Saudi prince among them … Art, greed, and stealth make for a lively tale of intrigue.’ Kirkus ‘Lewis’ portrait of the artist-engineer … as a “dreamer, a doodler, and a dawdler,” is refreshingly compelling … Lively and ultimately sinister sketches from over the centuries amount to the Salvator Mundi’s provenance … A deliciously detailed, satisfying book, that is simultaneously a call for change.’ Irish Times Praise for ‘Hammer and Tickle’: ‘Ben Lewis's book celebrates the brilliance with which jokes exposed the gulf between the Soviet ideal and its brutal reality’ Sunday Telegraph ‘There is a laugh on every page’ John Suchet, Sunday Express

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Book Synopsis'A joy to read.' Sunday Times'Outstanding.' Daily Telegraph'Excellent.' The Spectator'Superb.' Literary Review'Scintillating . . . A gripping, mysterious love story which also sheds light on British culture between the wars.' Financial TimesIn 1922, Cyril Power, a fifty-year-old architect, left his family to work with the twenty-four-year-old Sybil Andrews. They would be together for twenty years. Both became famous for their dynamic, modernist linocuts - streamlined, full of movement and brilliant colour, summing up the hectic interwar years. Theirs was a scintillating world of Futurists, Surrealists and pioneering abstraction, but alongside the buzz of the new, of machines and speed, shops and sport and dance, they also looked back, to medieval myths and early music, to country ways disappearing from sight.

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Book SynopsisIf Alexander McQueen were to give a masterclass on design, creativity and attitude, what wisdom would he impart? Discover McQueen's life, work and legacy in this sharply curated biography focusing on artistic spirit.  Alexander McQueen will go down in history as the most talented and enigmatic 'bad boy' of fashion. But it was his drive and visionary perspective that secured his place in sartorial legend when his defying couture looks sent shockwaves through the fashion landscape.But how did he think? And how was his attitude reflected in his work? What Alexander McQueen Can Teach You About Fashion breaks down McQueen's life and work into memorable maxims – including Don’t be Scared of Fear, Challenge Gender, Add Volume, then More Volume and Show Skin. This book uncovers McQueen’s creative flair, his inspirations, his business acumen and the details that make his designs so a

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Book SynopsisAn engaging and in-depth examination of the work of Guillermo Del Toro, one of the most revered directors working in modern cinema.Trade Review"The book manages to break down Del Toro’s career into a book that is both informative, engaging and easy to dip into. Casual fans will learn all about his biggest films and more, and hardcore fans should love it." * Cryptic Rock *"It’s the type of book that will give you endless “oh, did you know…” ammunition for any conversation on his work...a beautifully put together book that would grace any bookcase or coffee table..." -- Clare Hemsworth * Fandemonium Network *"The photos alone are enough for a fan to covet this fine book (which comes in its own slipcase), but Nathan's essays also help tie together Del Toro's career, making an argument for him as a rare artist with a cohesive, personal vision and style." -- Jeffrey M. Anderson * Combustible Celluloid *"For those looking for examinations of del Toro’s narrative techniques and stylistic and creative choices, they will not be disappointed with critical and honest analysis that Nathan provides." * Conskipper.com *"...this is a terrific book with insightful, eloquent writing from Nathan that fed my artistic soul." -- Michele Galgana * ScreenRant.com *"...full of interesting stories and full-colour stills and behind the scenes photos from the movies. It's a fun coffee table book that would make a good gift for someone interested in Del Toro's work, or filmmaking in general." -- Jennifer Muirhead * WeekendNotes.com *"Despite being unofficial and unauthorized, this comprehensive volume blooms with gorgeous, sometimes grotesque imagery and knowledgeable, occasionally indulgent reverence for del Toro’s estimable body of work." -- Mark Burger * YES Weekly *Table of ContentsCONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1. ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICOThe early years & Cronos (1993) 2. TUNNEL VISIONMimic (1997) 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Devil’s Backbone (2001) 4. BLOOD RUSH Blade II (2002) 5. BIG RED Hellboy (2004) & Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) 6. RITES OF PASSAGE Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) 7. HIGH CONCEPT Pacific Rim (2013) 8. FREAK HOUSE Crimson Peak (2015) 9. THE LOVE AQUATIC The Shape of Water (2017) 10. THE WEAVER OF DREAMS Nightmare Alley & Pinocchio (2021 - TBC) SOURCES & CREDITS

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Book SynopsisCecil Beaton was one of Britain's greatest cultural icons - not just as a photographer capturing some of the most celebrated portraits of the 20th century but also as designer of the iconic sets and costumes for the films My Fair Lady and Gigi. In 1980, Beaton personally chose Hugo Vickers to be his biographer, entrusting him with his diaries and the entire body of letters he had written - both personally and professionally - over the course of his life. Drawing on five years of intensive research and interviews with the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Truman Capote, Princess Grace of Monaco and Sir John Gielgud, Vickers' biography was an instant bestseller upon its publication in 1985. Exploring Beaton's metamorphosis from being the child of a staid middle-class family to an international figure mingling with the glittering stars of his age, the biography also details his great love for Greta Garbo and reveals his private sense of failure that the success he always wanted - as a playwright - eluded him. Republished in a new paperback edition in time for Bright Young Things, a major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in 2020, Cecil Beaton is the definitive and authorised biography of one of the world's most fascinating, famous and admired photographers.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES ART BOOK OF THE YEAR A Sunday Times Best Paperback of 2022 Christie's Best Art Books of the Year 'Deft and richly detailed ... rescues the artist from John Bull caricature' - Michael Prodger, Sunday Times 'Marvellous ... a vivid and compelling reconstruction of the settings of Hogarth's life and artistic achievements, and of the nature of the man' - Professor Linda Colley, author of The Gun, the Ship, and the Pen 'Full of richness, originality and considered humour, unafraid to shock with thrilling new insight ... terrific' - Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, Director of V&A Stratford & Sky Arts 'The full technicolour panorama of Georgian life laid out in a huge and passionate book' - Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces and author of Courtiers: The Secret History of the Georgian Court On a late spring night in 1732, a boisterous group of friends set out from their local pub. They are beginning a journey, a 'peregrination' that will take them through the gritty streets of Georgian London and along the River Thames as far as the Isle of Sheppey. And among them is an up-and-coming engraver and painter, just beginning to make a name for himself: William Hogarth. Hogarth's vision, to a vast degree, still defines the eighteenth century. In this, the first biography for over twenty years, Jacqueline Riding brings him to vivid life, immersing us in the world he inhabited and from which he drew inspiration. At the same time, she introduces us to an artist who was far bolder and more various than we give him credit for: an ambitious self-made man, a devoted husband, a sensitive portraitist, an unmatched storyteller, philanthropist, technical innovator and author of a seminal work of art theory. Following in his own footsteps from humble beginnings to professional triumph (and occasional disaster), Hogarth illuminates the work and life of a great artist who embraced the highest principles even while charting humanity's lowest vices.Trade ReviewAn evocative portrait of the artist ... wonderfully meandering and original * Guardian *William Hogarth is too easily seen as the John Bull of painters, a bluff xenophobe who showed British life in all its earthiness and humour. Jacqueline Riding, however, reveals a far more nuanced and interesting man * Sunday Times *In this marvellous and timely new biography, Jacqueline Riding makes sensitive and imaginative use of a wide range of often difficult and neglected sources, offering in the process a vivid and compelling reconstruction of the settings of Hogarth's life and artistic achievements, and of the nature of the man -- Linda Colley, author * The Gun, the Ship, and the Pen: Warfare, Constitutions, and the Making of the Modern World *If you are not familiar with the particular genius of Hogarth, this is the book through which to discover it. And if you are a fellow Hogarth fanatic then you are in for an exquisite treat. This is a special book that drops you heart first into Hogarth's world - like the great man's canvasses, it is full of richness, originality and considered humour, unafraid to shock with thrilling new insight -- Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, Director of V&A East and Professor of Practice, SOAS[An] excellent new biography ... Riding is particularly good on how the boy who was born into modest circumstances in 1697 spent much of the first half of his life wanting to be a 'proper' artist dealing with grand, historical subjects. -- Kathryn Hughes * Daily Mail *Deft and richly detailed ... rescues the artist from John Bull caricature -- Michael Prodger * Sunday Times *William Hogarth is too easily seen as the John Bull of painters, a bluff xenophobe who showed British life in all its earthiness and humour. Jacqueline Riding, however, reveals a far more nuanced and interesting man -- Michael Prodger, The art book of the year * Sunday Times *An entertaining ... richly worked and varied "progress" ... amid the displays of wounded vanity and cantankerous self-assertion, there remains something hugely impressive, and rather attractive, in the Hogarth who emerges from these pages -- Matthew Sturgis * The Oldie *[Hogarth] was far more than a mere depicter of his age and an artist of skill and talent. He was also a complex and active human being who was living within the society he drew. As such, he is worthy of a thorough and considered biography that captures the man of the time as well as the artist. That is exactly what Jacqueline Riding has brilliantly provided ... [Hogarth] is of the highest value in showing there was so much more to Hogarth than 'Gin Lane', but in also explaining exactly why he was able to create such a lasting image of his times." -- George Goodwin * London Historians *Splendidly vivid, richly informative and remarkably researched ... this comprehensive study must surely be the definitive work on Hogarth. -- Brian Cooper * Church of England Newspaper *Exhilarating ... [Riding] sets out to present to us 'a more rounded Billy Hogarth', and, by and large, she succeeds. There he is, with all his feuds and flarings, his warmth and conviviality, his occasional paranoia ... Only a killjoy would deny the charm of this picaresque narrative -- Ferdinand Mount * TLS *The definitive life of Hogarth. The full technicolour panorama of Georgian life laid out in a huge and passionate book -- Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces and author * Courtiers: The Secret History of the Georgian Court *

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Book SynopsisAn in-depth portrait of the life and work of Shoji Hamada, one of the key figures behind the development of studio pottery in the 20th century, and the legacy he left. Shoji Hamada was one of the seminal figures in 20th century ceramics. Along with the British potter Bernard Leach, he was instrumental in the development of the international Studio Pottery movement in the early 1900s. Their dramatic influences are still felt today, particularly in the United States and Great Britain. Hamada, also a major figure in Japan’s folk art revival, was designated a ‘Living National Treasure’ by the Japanese government in 1955 and awarded the Order of Culture in 1968. Shoji Hamada is an ebullient and fascinating portrait of a great potter, tracing his place in the ceramic tradition and revealing a keen perception of his energetic lifestyle, dazzling work cycle, and intriguing specifics about the firing of his kilns. The text and over 200 new colour photographs from Peterson’s stay at Hamada’s compound in 1970 present a wealth of detail about techniques and processes. Equally important are the author’s insights depicting Hamada’s bequest to us: one whose life was concentrated toward the perpetuation and achievement of fundamental, unchanging and universal values and goals. In this completely re-designed and updated version of her classic book, Susan Peterson brings together the East-West connection personified by Hamada and Leach. In a completely new concluding chapter, she assesses Hamada’s ongoing legacy to the world of studio pottery. This is an authoritative account of one of the towering figures in the ceramics world by one of the first people to welcome him to America in the early 1950s. The book is a must for anyone interested in the evolvement of hand pottery and the dynamics of ceramics in general.Trade ReviewThis book covers anything and everything one might want to know about the potter and his work, but even so, it is still an incredibly easy read. The language is accessible to people who have not studied pottery, but also enriching for those that have. The book covers everything from his workflow, techniques, glazes, kilns, family life, and even the way Hamada himself thinks. [...] The photo albums scattered throughout the book are both an enjoyable and invaluable addition to the biography [...] If you are at all a fan of the arts, even just a little, I would definitely recommend this book. -- Ruth Duncan * Union University Library Blog *Table of ContentsForeword By Bernard Leach Acknowledgements 1. The Legacy 2. The Setting 3. The Work The Clay Wheels Throwing Pots The Workers The Household Finishing Pots Reminiscing Enamel Overglaze Painting The Bisque Kiln 4. Glazing And Firing Mixing the Glaze Making Tea Ceremony Bowls Yanagi’s Scroll Glazing Continues Trimming Tea Ceremony Bowls Glazing the Big Bowls Hamada’s Patterns Loading the Glaze Kiln Hamada Tells Stories Beginning the Glaze Kiln Firing Finishing the Fire Hamada and Shimaoka Unloading the Kiln The Ware of the Kiln 5. A New Cycle Hamada’s Museum Thoughts Making Pots For Salt Glazing The Salt Firing Exhibition Appendix Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisKnown the world over for her unique musical style, distinctive look and a voice that propelled her into the charts time and time again, Dusty Springfield was undoubtedly one of the biggest and brightest musical stars of the twentieth century.Never one to be shy of the spotlight, Dusty broke the mould as the first female entertainer to publicly admit she was bisexual, and was famously deported from South Africa for refusing to play to segregated audiences during apartheid in 1964, just a year after the launch of her solo career.Combining brand-new material, meticulous research and frank interviews with friends, lovers, employees and confidants, journalist Karen Bartlett reveals sensational new details about the soul diva's unconventional upbringing, tumultuous relationships and unbridled addictions, including a lifelong struggle to come to terms with her sexuality.Named one of the Sunday Times's best musical biographies of 2014, this is the intimate portrait of an immensely complicated and talented woman - the definitive account of one of music's most legendary figures.Trade ReviewKaren Bartlett's biography sends you back to the music - to the extraordinary, dusky vulnerability of her voice. The Daily Telegraph It's an incredibly sad story but Bartlett gets the balance right, celebrating a talent with few equals. MOJO Bartlett spins the tale adroitly; never surrendering to the impulse to sensationalise... the author's chief concern is to locate the shy frightened woman behind the iconic exterior. Irish Independent A well-researched and revealing biography - Those last few years, however, make for a heartbreaking read, but [are] handled sympathetically and without sensationalism. Record Collector Dusty is a fascinating read, desperately sad and painful though it is to discover its heroine's Californian dark night of the soul. The Tablet

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Alpers’s interest in the ‘unique’ work of Walker Evans is an interest in the ‘making’ of the photographs rather than in their interpretation: her approach is slow, patient, fastidious, detail-oriented, appreciative and illuminating. . . . It is really Starting from Scratch that is a ‘unique’ work: a close reading of classic photographs by a discerning eye (Alpers’s) that conjoins the instructional with the intimate, the scholarship of the historian with the candour of the memoirist. . . . A brilliant and, indeed, thrilling final chapter . . . considers the phenomenon of ‘late style’ as it relates to artists other than Walker Evans"---Joyce Carol Oates, Times Literary Supplement"Warm and sympathetic . . . really a wonderful biography."---Joyce Carol Oates, Times Literary Supplement Podcast"[A] superb book."---Richard Meyer, Artforum"Starting From Scratch is well researched, and Alpers’s heavily quotational approach provides the reader a wealth of material from Evans’s letters, lectures, published texts, and personal writings."---Rahel Aima, The Nation"Svetlana Alpers’s biography takes a chronological approach to the life of an artist. . . . But before the text explores Walker’s aspirations, tastes, travels, career highs and love of the written word, the reader is presented with an uninterrupted 143 full-page reproductions of Evans’s photographs—an invitation to appraise the work before engaging with the man." * Christie's *"[A] brilliant scholar of Dutch painting’s take on an artist whose work has moved and inspired me for years."---Ayad Akhtar, Elle.com"A fresh consideration of Evans’s pictures. . . . Engaging."---Brian Sholis, Aperture"A fresh, scholarly look—complete with more than 200 images—at the seminal American photographer, this time through the lens of fine art and literature. In a lavishly illustrated narrative bolstered by impassioned research, art historian Alpers reintroduces readers to Walker Evans (1903-1975), one of America’s great artistic observers . . . Alpers convincingly presents him as a new kind of poet. . . . Great American photography in a welcome new frame." * Kirkus Reviews *"A comprehensive study. . . . Alpers shows how Evans’s approach differed both from that of other photographers and from conventional assumptions about photography. . . . Intriguing interpretations of Evans’s photos and work process, for both specialists and general readers." * Library Journal *"An entire semester in one volume. . . . [Alpers's] analysis of Evans’ artistic life will not disappoint. . . . This biography affectionately reads like a lecture series, with professor Alpers nudging students to close-read the 143 black/white Evans photos conveniently placed at the book’s beginning."---Jean Bundy, Anchorage Press"In Walker Evans: Starting from Scratch, art historian Svetlana Alpers explores the prominent 20th century documentary photographer’s work and creative process. Though one might usually consider photography to be a graphic art like painting, Alpers examines Evans’ love of text and the relationship between his images and works by writers including Flaubert, Baudelaire, and Faulkner, making the compelling case that literature is at the heart of his work. The book features 170 of Evans’s photos, but the main reason to get Starting from Scratch is to learn more about the artist’s way of seeing the world and rediscover his work with fresh eyes." * Photo Life Magazine *"[Alpers] takes a vivid, fresh look at the remarkable photographer whose well-known work on cities and on American rural poverty resonates today. But there is much more to see, and say. Many of the 143 plates will not be familiar, and Alpers interprets them in the context of international literature and art, inviting 'those who don’t know Evans [to] discover his greatness,' and ranking photographic achievement with literature and painting of the highest quality." * Harvard Magazine *"[Walker Evans] is finely tuned and thoroughly researched, carving out a unique space by focusing on Evans's lifelong emphasis on the art of seeing. . . . Highlighting groundbreaking cultural events, artists, and historical moments, including both world wars, the 1960s, and multiple cultural renaissances throughout Europe and the US, Alpers energetically writes about the people, places, and events that were continuous sources of influence and inspiration for Evans. . . . Highly recommended." * Choice *"This 213-page book provides depth and breadth about Evans’ work. Readers . . . who are curious about what drove Walker Evans to create, and to learn about what influenced him and what distinguishes him from other 20th Century photographers as it evolved will no doubt enjoy Walker Evans: Starting from Scratch. "---Caryn Hoffman, Picture this Post"In this extensive and detailed biography . . . the reader is presented with a new perspective on Walker Evans’s work, rendering the presumed familiar unfamiliar in a decidedly nuanced and enjoyable way." * ARLIS/NA Reviews *"[A] learned, suggestive, and handsome work. Alpers studies Evans’s work employing the techniques used to critique paintings: by assessing how he framed his scenes, in the light of his printed statements and off-the-cuff remarks. Her most illuminating is the theme of detail. She focuses on what Evans focused on."---Allen D. Boyer, Key Reporter"Insightful."---Stuart Mitchner, Town Topics"Alpers’ book on Walker Evans begins, after a half title page, with reproductions of 143 of Evans’ photographs . . . a silently eloquent way to say: the pictures come first. . . . Alpers focuses on [Evans’s] profound connection to French culture, literary in the first place . . . and then photographic . . . to show how 'Evans always viewed his country as if from the outside and often with an ironic eye.'"---Barry Schwabsky, Tourniquereview.com"This is a rich and thoughtful study of Evans’s life and his “furtive, passionate looking”. . . . A wonderfully insightful discussion of Evans’s key role in the creation of a distinctively American photography and the way great photographs can change how we see the world."---PD Smith, The Guardian

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Book SynopsisThe Biographic series presents an entirely new way of looking at the lives of the world's greatest thinkers and creatives. It takes the 50 defining facts, dates, thoughts, habits and achievements of each subject, and uses infographics to convey all of them in vivid snapshots. Each Biographic title is designed to be as entertaining as it is informative. Timelines not only pinpoint significant dates, but set them in the context and culture of their times. Dynamic maps locate biographical events alongside other points of interest. Character traits are illuminated by visual comparisons. Many people know that Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970) was a pioneering guitarist and songwriter whose electric playing and performances were at the heart of Sixties pop culture. What, perhaps, they don't know is that he trained as a paratrooper in the US Army; that his first guitar cost only $5, while the guitar he set light to at the Monterey Pop Festival later sold for $380,000; that the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded only 3 studio albums; and that he is one of many rock stars to have died at the age of 27. Biographic: Hendrix presents an instant impression of his life, work and fame, with an array of irresistible facts and figures converted into infographics to reveal the artist behind the music.

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Book SynopsisFrom America’s top psychic medium and the author of When Heaven Calls comes a new book that unveils the secrets of the afterlife, the truth about heaven, and inspires “us with his comforting certainty that we never die” (Gloria Estefan). Psychic medium Matt Fraser, author of When Heaven Calls, is back to unpack the number one question folks ask him: “What happens after death?” Although we might expect a complicated answer, it’s actually pretty simple: We never die! Drawing from thousands of conversations with Spirit, Matt pulls back the curtain on life’s hidden revelations: -What happens when we cross over -The beautiful realities of heaven and eternal life -The guardian angels who keep us safe on Earth (including our pets who have passed) -The role of dreams and how souls appear to the living -Love, romance, and soul mates beyond life -Ghosts, hauntings, negative souls, energy vampires, and psychic protection -Destiny, free will, and second chances -Regrets, amends, and forgiveness from heaven -Figuring out your gifts and purpose -Karma, kindness, and living in the divine flow -How to recognize the signs and messages our loved ones send us from heaven As Matt explains, “We all have our own ‘phone line’ to communicate with heaven. All we have to do is figure out how to use it.” Revealed through never-before-told stories, the wisdom in We Never Die “is healing the world by making sure we have a strong emotional and spiritual connection, which is the foundation for a healthy life” (Karamo Brown, star of Queer Eye and author and author of Karamo).

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Book Synopsis The inspiring, long-awaited autobiography of video-game designer and DOOM cocreator John Romero.“DOOM Guy: Life in First Person is…arguably the best non-fiction gaming book of all time, giving a unique insight into one of the industry’s most transformative eras through the eyes of one of its groundbreaking pioneers.”—Forbes John Romero, gaming’s original rock star, is the cocreator of DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3-D, some of the biggest video games of all time. Considered the godfather of the first-person shooter, a genre that continues to dominate the market today, he holds a unique place in gaming history. In DOOM Guy: Life in First Person, Romero chronicles, for the first time, his difficult childhood and storied career, beginning with his early days submitting Apple II game code to computer magazines and sneaking computers out the back door of his day jo

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Book SynopsisJust as a cello's voice is divided across four strings, each with its own colour and character, this is a journey in four parts, in search of four players and their instruments...'In Cello, Kate Kennedy weaves together the lives of four remarkable cellists who suffered various forms of persecution, injury and misfortune. The Hungarian Jewish cellist and composer Pál Hermann managed to keep one step ahead of the Gestapo for much of the Second World War but was eventually captured and murdered. Lise Cristiani, the first female professional cello soloist, undertook an epic and ultimately fatal concert tour of Siberia in the 1850s, taking with her one of the world's greatest Stradivari cellos. Anita Lasker-Wallfisch was incarcerated in both Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen camps, only surviving because she was the cellist in the Auschwitz-Birkenau women's orchestra. Amedeo Baldovino of the Trieste Piano Trio was forced to jump from a burning ship with his Mara' Stradivari, losing the cello, and nearly losing his own life when the boat was shipwrecked near Buenos Aires.Counterpointing the themes raised by these extraordinary stories are a sequence of interludes that draw together the author's reflections on the nature and history of the cello, and her many interviews and encounters with contemporary cellists. Kate Kennedy's own relationship with the cello is a complicated one. As a teenager, she suffered an injury to her arm that imposed severe limitations on her career as a performer on the instrument that was her first love. She realised that, in order to start to understand what the cello meant to her, she needed to find out what the cello and, crucially, the absence of the cello had meant to some other cellists, past and present. Kate Kennedy has written an eloquent and multitextured homage to this warmest of stringed instruments part quest narrative, part detective story, part philosophical meditation.

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Book SynopsisA spectacular and comprehensive authorized retrospective of Oscar-winning visual effects master Phil Tippett, founder and namesake of iconic Tippett Studio From Star Wars to Jurassic Park and RoboCop to Starship Troopers, special effects master Phil Tippett has brought his magic to some of the most iconic films of all time. His unparalleled career in visual effects spans more than 40 years, with two Academy Awards, one BAFTA, and two Emmys. This stunning book celebrates Tippett’s career, from early Super 8 explorations through his groundbreaking work with Industrial Light & Magic, DreamWorks, and beyond. While Tippett’s first love remains the stop-motion animation that made him a Hollywood legend, he was present at the birth of big-screen digital effects, and his genius has evolved with the times. In 1984 he founded Tippett Studio, which has come to specialize in digital effects. Packed with over a thousand behind-the-scenes photographs, Mad Dreams and Monsters includes never-before-published stories from the master himself and a veritable who’s who of visual effects luminaries—a must-have for movie fans, film students, and anyone who’s ever been captivated by movie magic.

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Book SynopsisTells the very personal story of the man who changed the face of modern cinema Special-effects superstar Ray Harryhausen elevated stop-motion animation to an art during the 1950s to 1980s. With material drawn from his incredible archive, his daughter, Vanessa, selects 100 creatures and objects, in chronological order, that meant the most to her as she watched her father make world-famous films that changed the course of cinema. Ray Harryhausen's work included the Sinbad films of the 50s and 70s, One Million Years B.C. and Mighty Joe Young, as well as a wider portfolio including children’s fairy tales and commercials. He inspired a generation of film-makers such as Peter Jackson, Aardman Animation, Tim Burton, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, and his influence on blockbuster cinema can be felt to this day. Some of the objects featured in the book, such as Talos from Jason and the Argonauts, are world famous, while others are less well known but hold special personal significance to Vanessa. Many newly restored works that have never previously been seen are included. This book is published in collaboration with the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation and it will receive a great deal of international publicity. It celebrates the legacy of a filmmaker who changed the face of modern cinema and it is certain to delight and fascinate those who appreciate film, art, science fiction and fantasy. Shortlisted for Saltire Society Scotland's National Book Awards, First Book Award 2021. Scotland’s National Book Awards recognise work across Scotland’s literary and publishing community. [The Saltire Society] is delighted to highlight Scotland’s outstanding talent, raise the profile of writers and introduce audiences to exceptional new works. Trade Review“Harryhausen brought the stories of antiquity kicking and screaming into the film age – or rather roaring, like the cyclops in the 1958 film The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, and hissing like Medusa in Clash of the Titans (1981)… There is no film, however, quite like his 1963 masterpiece Jason and the Argonauts… This is not just great special effects. This is art.” -- The Guardian“Few artists of the 20th century can compete with Harryhausen's illusive brilliance or reach." -- The Spectator“A pioneering, brilliant special effects film-maker whose credits include movie masterpieces.” -- BBC News“Ray Harryhausen was a titan of cinema.. After decades, this is our first glimpse of many of Ray’s movie models painstakingly restored to their former glorious and gruesome selves. So this preview of extraordinary objects, literally on legendary status, charts the rise of Ray Harryhausen the student, son and friend, visionary, director and inventor. A true master of his craft.” -- BBC Arts“The biggest collection of his work ever” -- The Times“The world’s biggest ever celebration of Hollywood special effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen” -- The Scotsman“The largest and most comprehensive presentation of his work to date” -- Metro“Ray Harryhausen’s special effects… are so seminal that, though his early films were made almost 60 years ago, they still hold up today. Harryhausen influenced countless artists after him and took special effects to a new level. His unique vision and memorable creations make the movies he worked on stand out – you always know when you’re watching a movie with a Harryhausen stamp on it”. -- SciFi Now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Book Synopsis

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

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