Biography: arts and entertainment Books
Simon & Schuster My Infamous Life
Book SynopsisFrom one of the greatest rappers of all time, the memoir of a life cut short, a revealing look at the dark side of hip hop’s Golden Era...In this often violent but always introspective memoir, Mobb Deep’s Prodigy tells his much anticipated story of struggle, survival, and hope down the mean streets of New York City. For the first time, he gives an intimate look at his family background, his battles with drugs, his life of crime, his relentless suffering with sickle-cell anemia, and much more. Recently released after serving three and a half years in state prison due to what many consider an unlawful arrest by a rumored secret NYPD hip hop task force, Prodigy is ready to talk about his life as one of rap’s greatest legends. My Infamous Life is an unblinking account of Prodigy’s wild times with Mobb Deep who, alongside rappers like Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z, and Wu-Tang Clan, changed the musical landscape with their vivid portrayals of early ’90s street life. It is a firsthand chronicle of legendary rap feuds like the East Coast-West Coast rivalry; Prodigy’s beefs with Jay-Z, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Ja Rule, and Capone-N-Noreaga; and run-ins with prodigal hit makers and managers like Puff Daddy, Russell Simmons, Chris Lighty, Irv Gotti, and Lyor Cohen. Taking the reader behind the smoke-and-mirrors glamour of the hip hop world, so often seen as the only way out for those with few options, Prodigy lays down the truth about the intoxicating power of money, the meaning of true friendship and loyalty, and the ultimately redemptive power of self. This is the heartbreaking journey of a child born in privilege, his youth spent among music royalty like Diana Ross and Dizzy Gillespie, educated in private schools, until a family tragedy changed everything. Raised in the mayhem of the Queensbridge projects, Prodigy rose to the dizzying heights of fame and eventually fell into the darkness of a prison cell. A truly candid memoir, part fearless confessional and part ode to the concrete jungles of New York City, from the front line of the last great moment in hip hop history.Trade Review“The legendary rapper unsentimentally details a life of beefs, brawls and murders during the heyday of East Coast hip-hop.” –The Washington Post“A surprising triumph, both as an archive of 1990s New York hip-hop folk tales and for its stirring sketches of a man who, on many occasions, could have made his life a lot easier on himself … This is the kind of vulnerability that is fearless, especially within hip-hop.” –Slate.com
£11.69
St. Martin's Publishing Group Lincolns Ghost
£24.00
Hanover Square Press Your Roots Dont Define You
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£20.00
Hardie Grant Books Words from a Fashion Icon Yves Saint Laurent
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£14.62
Omnibus Press She's a Rainbow: The Extraordinary Life of Anita
Book SynopsisAnita Pallenberg, instantly recognisable as a member of The Rolling Stones rock n roll circus in the Sixties and Seventies, was no docile groupie. Fluent in four languages, she partied with the jet set in Rome, met Warhol, Ginsberg and Ferlinghetti in New York, was at home with London s leading lights of popular culture and went on to star in over a dozen films, perhaps most notably in Performance. A German-Italian rebel and social phenomenon, Anita consistently gravitated towards the next wave of movers and shakers. Based on exclusive interviews with friends and family, and full of her extraordinary adventures with the rich and famous, as well as her personal triumphs and tragedies, She's a Rainbow delves deep into her fascinating and moving story for the first time ever.
£10.44
Reach plc Kelsey Parker With And Without You
Book SynopsisThis is Kelsey Parker's deeply personal story of the year since her husband Tom Parker's tragic passing. With And Without You is not only a story of coping with unimaginable grief, but how your love for someone you've lost can be turned into something positive and bring hope into your life as you carry on your journey without them.
£9.49
Hardie Grant Books Coco Chanel Special Edition: The Illustrated
Book SynopsisA special enlarged edition of the international bestseller Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon celebrating 50 years since Coco's death, 100 years of Chanel No.5 and five years since the original release of this beautiful illustrated biography from globally renowned illustrator Megan Hess. Discover the story of Coco's amazing early life, the iconic fashion empire that she built, and the legacy that the left behind, brought to life with Megan's stylish and whimsical illustrations. The special edition features a larger format, beautiful new cover and inside cover illustrations, and a ribbon.
£18.70
Canongate Books The True Adventures of the Rolling Stones
Book SynopsisDescribed as 'the one authentic masterpiece of rock 'n' roll writing' by Peter Guralnick, this portrait of the 60s has cemented itself in the literary and musical canonTrade ReviewStanley Booth's book is the only one I can read and say, 'Yeah, that's how it was' -- KEITH RICHARDSIf you've never bought a book about rock and roll, no matter - this is the one you've been waiting for * * Playboy * *The most brutally compelling book about rock'n'roll and its casualties ever written * * Guardian * *An epic, behind-the-scenes record of life with the greatest rock band in the world, capturing both the carnivalesque excess and the mundane grind of the rock tour * * Observer * *Stanley Booth's affection for the band did not keep him from writing about the seamy underside of the Stones' world in the Sixties . . . It is the only book about the Stones that I would recommend both to the general reader and to the most devoted fan. Booth will find an epiphany on almost every page * * New York Times Book Review * *By far the best book on its subject (including Richards's own well received effort), Booth's book is also easily the most convincing account of life inside the monster created by the rock revolution of the 1960s * * Guardian * *Shattering . . . Booth has found his voice and momentum with a pitch and passion I've never seen equalled in pop journalism . . . His book outdistances anything the Stones have wrought since Let It Bleed * * Los Angeles Herald Examiner * *Remains one of the most gripping accounts ever written about the band . . . so awash with tumult and drama it at times has much in common with reportage from the front lines of the war in Vietnam, like Michael Herr's Dispatches * * Uncut * *Booth's strong, sound prose brings to life the out-of-control process through which an age intoxicated by its own passions found a hard-driving music to live hard by. In all the annals of the '60s, there is nothing on paper that so evokes those days and nights * * Salon * *Astonishing . . . part oral history and part midnight diary in a world where midnight goes on forever * * Los Angeles Reader * *One of the truly great rock books * * Hot Press * *A marvellous book, Booth is a fine writer, and has a strong style that perfectly complements his engaging subject. Canongate have also included an introduction from Greil Marcus, a fine writer in his own right, which just adds to the value of this fine book. Highly recommended to anyone who now only loves music, but an engaging story well told * * Destructive Music * *
£13.49
Simon & Schuster The Marathon Don't Stop: The Life and Times of
Book SynopsisA NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER This “beautiful tribute to a legendary artist” (Quincy Jones) is the first in-depth biography of Nipsey Hussle, the hip-hop mogul, artist, and activist whose transformative legacy inspired a generation with his motivational lyrics and visionary business savvy—before he was tragically shot down in the very neighborhood he was dedicated to building up. For Nipsey Hussle, “The Marathon” was more than a mixtape title or the name of a clothing store; it was a way of life, a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of excellence and the willpower required to overcome adversity day after day. Hussle was determined to win the race to success on his own terms, and he wanted to see his whole community in the winner’s circle with him. A moving and powerful exploration of an extraordinary artist, The Marathon Don’t Stop places Hussle in historical context and unpacks his complex legacy. Combining on-the-ground reporting and candid interviews, “Rob Kenner has given us the book the world—and hip-hop and pop culture—has been waiting for…one that should be celebrated alongside the best biographies ever about iconic figures we have loved—and lost” (Kevin Powell, author of When We Free the World).Trade Review“Like dead prez said, ‘it’s bigger than hip-hop,’ and few embodied that more than Nipsey. His life must serve as a textbook example for anyone working towards uplifting their community, where the work, and not the fame, take full precedent. We need more people like Nipsey Hussle, which is what makes telling his story important.” -- Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson“Rob Kenner was part of the original editorial team who brought my vision for VIBE magazine to reality, and during his seventeen years at the magazine he always did outstanding work. The Marathon Don’t Stop is a beautiful tribute to a legendary artist.” -- Quincy Jones“You may have heard of Nipsey Hussle, but you don’t know the awesome story of one of the most inspiring men of his generation. Nipsey was the Tupac of his generation and this book explains why.” -- Touré, author of I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon“Ermias Asghedom’s all-too-short life was a pure epic run—from child prodigy, teenage baller, and young G to worldly rapper, hood builder, and global superstar. Rob Kenner’s thorough, definitive, and powerful telling of his story captures all of his heart, courage, and commitment. Read it and be inspired.” -- Jeff Chang, author of Can’t Stop Won’t Stop“The Marathon Don’t Stop is chronicle of a complex love and Kenner delivers it with the clear-eyed authority that has made him one of the best culture writers of his era.” -- Dr. Joan Morgan, author of When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost: A Hip-Hop Feminist Breaks It Down“Kenner episodically reconstructs Hussle’s evolutionary process, the long strides and long game he played to become a master of his own destiny in the voracious rap business, and a generous and visionary community leader in South Central Los Angeles. For those wanting an immersive, concentrated read about why Hussle’s run and ting still matters, The Marathon Don’t Stop provides layered chapters of incisive and insightful reveals.” -- Greg Tate, author of Flyboy in the Buttermilk“The assassination of Nipsey Husssle was, in many ways, the death of modern classical hip-hop. In death, Nipsey’s star has risen to the heavens. Rob Kenner illuminates the artist’s mortal side while artfully unpacking his humble beginnings and momentous victories. You see his flowers in bloom, in Technicolor, then and now. Behold.” -- Sacha Jenkins, filmmaker“With The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle, Rob Kenner has given us the book the world—and hip-hop and pop culture—has been waiting for. It is a powerfully written and reported biography of a life gone too soon, yes. But it is also history, sociology, psychology, and a case study of what is humanly possible, even for those of us born with very little. This is one of the finest pieces of literature about a real life I’ve ever read, and one that should be celebrated alongside the best biographies ever about iconic figures we have loved—and lost.” -- Kevin Powell, author of When We Free the World“What made Rob one of my favorite editors and my primary longform collaborator was his insightful eye, his innate sense of story, and his ability to appreciate the importance of minutiae as they relate to a larger narrative. He brings all of those skills to the forefront with this incredible book. Not only do you walk way appreciating Nipsey’s work, love for his community, and yes, hustle, but Rob also paints a sensitive portrait of Ermias the man. God rose inside of this man, and Rob captures every moment.” -- Cheo Hodari Coker, author of Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G.“An extraordinary accomplishment: a book about a rapper, a neighborhood, business and ownership, racism, immigration, friendship, family, art, and love . . . from the Pacific Ocean to the Red Sea. A masterclass in music journalism’s higher calling, The Marathon Don’t Stop is a book not only for Nipsey Hussle fans, but for anyone who wants to understand the brutal and beautiful truths of the country called America. Rob Kenner has been to the mountaintop, and brought the word back down for the rest of us. ” -- Peter Relic, author of For Whom the Cowbell Tolls: 25 Years of Paul’s Boutique“From the cradle to the grave, The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle is a deep dive into the man, music, and motivation of one of the most gifted rappers to emerge from the West in decades. More than a hustler, Nipsey Hustle was both a businessman and teacher who was equally inspired by family, the streets, and the motherland. With an eye for the real, writer Rob Kenner has composed a biography that is journalistically solid, cinematically vivid, as gritty as the streets of Crenshaw, and beautiful as a rose growing through concrete.” -- Michael A. Gonzales, co-author of Bring the Noise: A Guide to Rap Music and Hip-Hop Culture“A rigorously reported, gripping account of how Ermias Joseph Asghedom hustled his way into the hearts and minds of millions. Veteran journalist Rob Kenner takes us on a harrowing journey, from the embattled streets of South L.A. to the ancient shores of East Africa to tell the story of a conflicted gang member, gifted hip hop artist, and crafty businessman who devoted his life to transforming himself and his community by any means necessary.” -- Carter Harris, screenwriter, producer, and former editor at The Source and VIBE magazines“In his relatively short and tragic life, Nipsey Hussle was an icon of the new new music business, where sheer grit, determination—and, of course, natural talent—helped cement his undying legacy. One of hip-hop’s most powerful voices, Hussle was an entrepreneurial activist, a street corner philosopher whose everlasting contribution lies not just in the songs he made, but also in the way he chose to live. In The Marathon Don't Stop, veteran music journalist Rob Kenner tracks Hussle's life with verve and compassion, from his humble beginnings to his horrific ending, unpacking the chaotic world which made him, fueled the work that defined him, and sadly took him from this planet all too soon.” -- Paul Cantor, contributor to the New York Times, New York Magazine, and XXL
£10.44
Plexus Publishing Ltd Long Hard Road Out of Hell
Book Synopsis
£14.24
Orion Publishing Co And Furthermore
Book SynopsisThe SUNDAY TIMES bestselling memoir of Britain's best-loved actress, Dame Judi Dench.'She's been one of our favourite actresses for five decades, and now ...AND FURTHERMORE gives an insight into her sensational career and how she coped after losing her husband to cancer in 2001' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'Vivid and engaging' WOMAN & HOME'The most popular as well as the greatest actress of her age' THE LADYFrom the moment Judi Dench appeared as a teenager in the York Mystery Plays it was clear that acting would be her career. Trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama it was her performance in her twenties as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's memorable Old Vic production that turned her into a star. In the theatre since she has played every classic role from Titania to Cleopatra. She first became a household name via television, thanks initially to a sitcom, A FINE ROMANCE, in which she played alongside the actor Michael Williams, whom she married in 1971. She has since made nine series of another sitcom, AS TIME GOES BY (with Geoffrey Palmer), as well as plays and classic serials such as CRANFORD. In the cinema her films have ranged from LADIES IN LAVENDER (opposite Maggie Smith) through NOTES ON A SCANDAL with Cate Blanchett to SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, in which she played Queen Elizabeth, a role which gained her a Hollywood Oscar. But it is her role as 'M' in seven James Bond films that has gained her worldwide recognition. This book is, however, much more than a career record. Her marriage to Michael Williams, their daughter, and her impish sense of humour contribute vividly to her account of more than half a century as Britain's best-loved actress.Trade ReviewNational treasure Judi Dench's collection of anecdotes from her career and family life makes this a sharp-witted memoir. * DAILY EXPRESS *She's been one of our favourite actresses for five decades, and now ...AND FURTHERMORE gives an insight into her sensational career and how she coped after losing her husband to cancer in 2001 * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *What you will find in this light, readable, amusing book are the ins and outs of Dame Judi's sense of humour * OBSERVER *Her generosity of spirit, whether to her fellow players or to the wider public, leaps off the page, as it does from her performances. It is this, together with her extraordinary talent, that has made her the most popular as well as the greatest actress of her age * THE LADY *AND FURTHERMORE is charming and chatty, and the company of our greatest theatrical dame is always pleasant * THE TIMES *The much-loved star of stage and screen delves into the story of her life. The professional side spans her emergence as a teenage actress to the Hollywood days as Bond's M and Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love; on the personal front, there's the love of her husband of 30 years and his death in 2001 * SAINSBURYS MAGAZINE *Vivid and engaging memoir * WOMAN & HOME *Much more than a career record, this is Dame Judi Dench's wonderfully honest, intimate and witty account of 50 years as Britain's best-loved actress.... * LOVEREADING *An engaging and revealing parade of plays and players, also containing anecdotes about her family * THE JOURNAL *Judi's professionalism, loyalty and sense of humour shines through... * TAKE A BREAK FICTION FEAST *National treasure Judi Dench's collection of anecdotes from her career and family life makes this a sharp-witted memoir. * DAILY EXPRESS *Affectionate and witty, this is a very entertaining memoir. * SOUTH WALES ARGUS *
£13.49
Penguin Books Ltd Watch You Bleed
Book SynopsisWith 90 million of the band''s records sold worldwide since 1987, Guns N'' Roses prolonged rock music past its sell-by date with controversial albums and immense, often riotous, world tours. But the band''s complete story has never been fully told - until now.In his sixth major rock biography, Stephen Davis - author of the legendary Hammer of the Gods - details the riveting story of a band that originated in the gutters of Sunset Strip and went on to become the biggest, baddest band on the planet.Davis brilliantly captures the birth of Guns'' raw power, which - despite rape charges, drug-induced rampages and a general appetite for destruction - launched the band into the pantheon of rock gods such as Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones. With a wealth of detail, Davis looks at Axl''s unrelenting quest to release the long-awaited, mystery-shrouded Chinese Democracy album, as well as the further adventures of some of the Gunners under the banner of the har
£15.29
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Artists Who Changed History
Book Synopsis
£21.25
Headline Publishing Group The Road Beneath My Feet
Book Synopsis*The Sunday Times Bestseller**Featuring an exclusive new chapter*On 23 September, 2005, at the Joiners Arms in Southampton, Frank Turner played his last gig with his hardcore band, Million Dead. On the laminates that listed the tour dates, the entry for 24 September simply read: ''Get a job.''Deflated, jaded and hungover, Frank returned to his hometown of Winchester without a plan for the future. All he knew was that he wanted to keep playing music.Cut to 13 April 2012, over a thousand shows later (show 1,216 to be precise), and he was headlining a sold-out gig at Wembley Arena with his band The Sleeping Souls. Told through his tour reminiscences, this is the blisteringly honest story of Frank''s career from drug-fuelled house parties and the grimy club scene to filling out arenas, fans roaring every word back at him. But more than that, it is an intimate account of what it''s like to spend your life constantly on the road, sleepingTrade ReviewAn essential read for Frank Turner and Million Dead fans, and anyone even half-interested in the magic of live music. * Shortlist *
£10.44
Pan Macmillan Madonna: An Intimate Biography of an Icon at
Book SynopsisFor more than three decades, Madonna has been generating headlines and topping charts. Now J. Randy Taraborrelli has written the definitive biography of one of the richest and most successful pop stars in the world, whose music has constantly evolved and who has remained relevant even as she hits her sixtieth year.From the driven, ambitious young woman struggling to get a break in New York to the outrageous pop diva and more spiritual mother, the changing faces of Madonna are revealed. We see her relationships with men like Basquiat, Tupac, Prince and Warren Beatty, and what happened in her marriages to Sean Penn and Guy Ritchie. We see her embracing motherhood. And we see her today with five children, still recording and touring, finding happiness with much younger boyfriends, defiantly living life on her own terms. Madonna is based on decades of research and exclusive interviews with people speaking of her publicly for the first time – including friends, business associates and even family members. J. Randy Taraborrelli has also interviewed the star herself on numerous occasions and he draws on first-hand experiences to bring Madonna to life as not merely a sensational tabloid delight, but as a flesh-and-blood woman with human foibles and weaknesses, as well as great strengths and ambitions.Trade ReviewA thoroughly professional job . . . makes her more, not less, fascinating. -- Lynn Barber * Daily Telegraph *A fascinating document of – ka-boom! – blonde ambition. * Heat *A great read that's as spirited as Madge herself . . . This is the Madonna biography. * Mirror *A book you will find yourself "just dipping into" for hours at a stretch. * Evening Standard *When there's so much misinformation about celebrities, which they often plant themselves, the restless perfectionism of Taraborrelli is the only reassurance we can have that we have any chance of understanding these people. -- Tom Payne * Daily Telegraph *
£10.44
Headline Publishing Group The Little Guide to David Bowie: Words of wit and
Book SynopsisBeloved by millions of fans the world, David Bowie was the ultimate icon, the perfect pop package that united sound with vison. In his fifty-year career, and across more than 26 studio albums, Bowie sold more than 140 million records, malking him one of the most successful artists of all time. Since his passing, he has been greatly missed, and remembered, by those who loved him the most.Filled with quotations by, and about, one of the most innovative artists in history. A perfect companion for Bowie fans everywhere, this collection of bite-sized quips helps capture exactly what made Ziggy Stardust so special. From insightful quotes by fellow artists, collaborators, and friends, to words of wit and wisdom from David Robert Jones himself, you'll find more than 170 amusing and inspiring soundbites inside."I don't know where I'm going from here but I promise it won't be boring." David Bowie, 1997David Bowie shared the same birthday as his childhood hero, Elvis Presley – the 8th January. The two met in 1972.Table of ContentsPop Oddity - Bowie's contribution to popular culture • Rebel Rebel - Crafted songs that transcended culture • The Prettiest Star - Bowie's obsession with fashion • Forever Changing - From Ziggy to Aladdin and beyond • Hello, Spaceboy - Glitter-glam to new-wave electronics • Sound and Vision - The ultimate icon, greatly missed and remembered.
£6.99
Hardie Grant Books Audrey Hepburn: The Illustrated World of a
Book SynopsisAudrey Hepburn: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is a stunning illustrated biography of style and screen legend Audrey Hepburn, from internationally renowned fashion illustrator Megan Hess.From Sabrina to Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn is renowned for her unforgettable film roles and fashion looks, but less well known is her fascinating life, including her childhood in Nazi-occupied Holland and her tireless dedication to helping those less fortunate than herself.In this book, Megan's beautiful illustrations follow Hepburn through three distinct chapters: her early life in World War II Europe, dreaming of becoming a ballerina; her ingénue years as the rising star of Hollywood and her incredible fashion partnership with Hubert de Givenchy; and her private life beyond the silver screen, building a legacy through her humanitarian work.Elegantly enclosed by a hardback cover and ribbon, Audrey Hepburn: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is a beautiful celebration of a woman whose life was as remarkable as the clothes she wore and the movies she starred in, with every surprising detail and iconic outfit brought to life on the page by the expert hand of Megan Hess.
£17.00
John Blake Publishing Ltd Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops
Book SynopsisWith his twinkling eyes, boundless energy and unrivalled natural wit, Robin Williams was the comedian who brought laughter to a generation. Through roles in cherished films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Aladdin and Hook, he became the genial face of family comedy. His child-like enthusiasm was infectious, sweeping viewers away. Allied to his lightning-quick improvisation and ability to riff lewdly off any cue thrown at him, Robin was that rare thing - a true comic genius who appealed to adults and children equally. He could also play it straight, and empathetic depth came to him naturally. A poignant performance in Good Will Hunting won him an Academy Award whilst his masterfully chilling turn in psychological thriller Insomnia shocked audiences and hinted at a darker side. What truly caught the imagination, though, was his good-heartedness. Warmth radiated from him on-screen, but he was legendary for his off-screen acts of selfless generosity. Where most Hollywood A-listers demand outrageous pampering in their contract riders, he always insisted that the production company hire a full quota of homeless people to help make his movies. But behind the laughter lay a deeply troubled man, and tragedy would follow. At midday, on 11 August 2014, Robin Williams was pronounced dead at his California home. The verdict was suicide. He had battled depression and addiction for many years and was allegedly beset by financial difficulties. Emily Herbert's sensitive and thoughtful biography celebrates his genius and warmth, but also attempts to understand what could have driven such a gentle and gifted man to so tragic an end. This is Robin Williams, the life, the laughter, and the deep sorrow of the man who made the world smile.
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Shakespeare The World as a Stage
Book SynopsisBill Bryson's biography of William Shakespeare unravels the superstitions, academic discoveries and myths surrounding the life of our greatest poet and playwright.Ever since he took the theatre of Elizabethan London by storm over 400 years ago, Shakespeare has remained centre stage. His fame stems not only from his plays performed everywhere from school halls to the world''s most illustrious theatres but also from his enigmatic persona. His face is familiar to all, yet in reality very little is known about the man behind the masterpieces.Shakespeare's life, despite the scrutiny of generations of biographers and scholars, is still a thicket of myths and traditions, some preposterous, some conflicting, arranged around the few scant facts known about the Bard from his birth in Stratford to the bequest of his second best bed to his wife when he died.Taking us on a journey through the streets of Elizabethan and Jacobean England, Bryson examines centuries of stories, half-truths and downrTrade Review'A brilliantly funny and gently insightful travel guide to 16th century England. Bryson is great at picking out of the morass of Elizabethan fact the small details that illuminate and amuse…he also uncovers from the world that surrounded the theatre some fascinating examples of Elizabethan eccentricity…As an abbreviated tour around the world of Shakespeare, this could hardly be bettered' Sunday Times 'Less a biography than a delightful account of Shakespeare's elusiveness – and the extraordinary lengths people have gone to remedy it…the pairing of Bryson with Shakespeare is a happy on.’ TLS 'Bill Bryson jogs along in his own ineffable way, good–humoured, undoctrinaire, nodding respectfully at experts but confidently following his own inclinations…he is shrewd on telling detail’ Times ‘Bill Bryson has always been able to spot a market; and there ought to be a market for his latest book…an accessible, sensible Life of Shakespeare…surely a fine gift for someone encountering Shakespeare for the first time…Bryson is shrewd…and as funny as you'd expect…he sets down all the important bits of evidence, and assesses them in a measured scholarly way. He's good value too.’ Daily Telegraph ‘Measured, sensible and, at times, as wryly humorous as you'd expect’ Times ‘Bryson uses an inimitably light touch and squeezes a vast subject down to manageable proportions…he is a warm and funny guide through the whole complicated morass of Shakespearean scholarship’ Financial Times
£9.49
Ebury Publishing We Need Your Art
Book SynopsisAmie McNee is an author, speaker, creative guide, and the founder of the popular Instagram account @InspiredtoWrite. She writes historical fiction novels and writing guides and is known for speaking, teaching, and coaching artists all over the world and helping them to achieve their creative dreams.
£18.70
HarperCollins Publishers Inc How to Make Love Like a Porn Star
Book Synopsis“Captivating…a real person comes through in its page…Lively, hellacious, entertaining, sharp, feisty, and touching.” —Salon.comHow to Make Love Like a Porn Star, the mega-bestselling memoir, triumphant survival story, and cautionary tale that spent over six weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and rocketed adult film icon Jenna Jameson into the mainstream spotlight, is now in paperback for the very first time. Her unforgettable memoir is many things at once: a shocking sexual history; an insider’s guide to the secret workings of the billion-dollar adult-film industry; and a gripping thriller that probes deep into Jameson’s dark past. With never-before-seen photographs from Jenna’s private collection, exclusive photos taken for this book, and original cartoon strips, this memoir is an unparalleled exploration of sexual freedom. Trade Review"Fascinating." -- Entertainment Weekly "In this book, Jameson gets you rooting for her... Captivating ... a real person comes through in its page... Lively, hellacious, entertaining, sharp, feisty, and touching enough to earn Jameson the right to wear the 'Heart Breaker' tattoo on her right butt cheek." -- Salon.com "Thespian talent notwithstanding, an adult movie performer's greatest asset is stamina; and by that measure Jenna Jameson the author deserves accolades. She is tireless... Jenna Jameson aims high ... for aspiring performers, it's a gold mine." -- New York Times Book Review "With its wit...its celebrity dish...and its frank, one-fisted prose style...the queen of porn's autobiography is destined to become a lowbrow classic. Remarkably appealing and honest...should earn Jameson some of the mainstream acceptance she so clearly desires." -- Publishers Weekly "It will undoubtedly move her into the mass market even further." -- Wall Street Journal "As you'd expect, it's chock full of oh-my-God tidbits." -- Newsweek "G-stringed Horatio Alger story." -- New York Times "Wow!" -- Esquire Fashion-magazine-quality color photographs...So far How to Make Love Like a Porn Star has received more favorable notices than just about any prescriptive book - on sex or any other topic." -- New York Post "Racy" -- Star "Jenna Jameson is the biggest adult film star in the world... She's a legend in her own time." -- Playboy "Jenna Jameson is an Icon." -- 101 magazine "The woman who put the star in porn star." -- Rolling Stone
£11.69
Wymer Publishing A Genesis In My Bed
Book SynopsisThe long overdue autobiography from guitar great and former member of Genesis, Steve Hackett. As with his music, Steve has written a highly detailed, entertaining and embracing tome that charts his life in full, but with a firm emphasis on his years with Genesis that saw the band's meteoric rise to become one of the most successful British bands of all time. Steve talks candidly about his early life, his time with Genesis, and in particular his personal relationships with the other four band members, with great insight into the daily goings on of this major rock band. Naturally A Genesis In My Bed also regales stories of Steve's career since leaving Genesis and the many different journeys that it has taken him on. With his flair for the creative, and a great deal of levity, A Genesis In My Bed is a riveting read. Indispensable for Genesis fans but also essential for general music lovers and avid readers of autobiographies full of heartfelt and emotive tales.
£9.99
Granta Books A Love Supreme: The Creation Of John Coltrane's
Book SynopsisA deeply researched and beautifully illustrated study of saxophone legend John Coltrane's signature album. Written with the full co-operation of the Coltrane family and featuring the voices of musicians, producers and writers of the 1960s, Kahn has also unearthed rare, unpublished interviews with Coltrane and bassist Jimmy Garrison. The book also features commentary from contemporary music stars including Carlos Santana, Bono, Phil Lesh, Patti Smith, Ravi Shankar and Steve Reich.Trade ReviewWe get the man, the mission, the methodology ... a well-researched, transparently written, passionately felt book * Independent *One of the most accessible slices of jazz history you'll find...mixes biography, a forensic study of the recording process and an examination of the album's racial, political and spiritual legacy...a fine journalistic narrative -- John Lewis * Time Out *Kahn provides a historical and critical overview of Coltrane's life and work and has also carried out an impressive quantity of research. [It] is an enjoyable read, with great photographs. Coltrane's followers will have to get it * Guardian *Thoroughly absorbing * The Times *Ashley Kahn deftly unpicks the background, describing the context and making of what was to become the signature modern jazz album * Financial Times *Kahn's book puts you there in the studio, next to Elvin's kit -- Geoff Brown * Mojo *
£11.69
Faber & Faber From Manchester with Love
Book SynopsisTHE TIMES & UNCUT MUSIC BOOK OF THE YEARCritically-acclaimed and bestselling author Paul Morley's long-awaited biography of Factory Records co-founder and Manchester icon Tony Wilson.A BOOK OF THE YEARSUNDAY TIMES, NEW STATESMAN, MOJO, LOUDER THAN WAR'Compelling . . . befitting its extraordinary subject.'BRIAN ENO'Bracing and often surprisingly tender . . . the perfect monument.'SUNDAY TIMES'Via Morley's magical prose Tony Wilson comes back to life . . . inspiring.'RICHARD RUSSELLTony Wilson was a man who became synonymous with his beloved city. As the co-founder of the legendary Factory Records and the HaÃienda, he appointed himself a custodian of Manchester's legacy of innovation and change, becoming a cultural pioneer for the North. To Paul Morley, he was this and much more: bullshitting hustler, fTrade Review'From Manchester with Love is the perfect monument.' - SUNDAY TIMES'Epic . . . More than a mind map, the book's peculiarity and expanse and, yes, love, means it becomes an immersive experience. I found it very moving indeed.' - OBSERVER'A gigantic, haphazard and unexpectedly emotional monolith dedicated to the "irritating dilettante", "pretentious charlatan" and "huckster extraordinaire" who put his city on the musical map . . . Here he burns on fantastically bright.' - UNCUT (9/10)'This is no ordinary biography . . . [From Manchester with Love] is a work unto itself, solidifying Tony Wilson as a postmodern hero . . . it's brilliant . . . I have to imagine Tony Wilson (if ghosts of dead impresarios read from their graves) is pleased with From Manchester with Love.' - LOUDER THAN WAR'Written with Technicolour perspective, humour, pathos and empathy in fluid, immensely readable prose, it is a book that does justice to Wilson's memory and enduring influence.' - RECORD COLLECTOR (5/5)'Captivating . . . Across 600 pages, each of the 51 chapters weaves dream states with journalistic investigation, a tale of how one human being, with the help of like-minded spirits, psychically co-opted an entire city.' - CONFIDENTIALS
£12.34
Faber & Faber Bessie Smith A RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK
Book SynopsisA BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEKBessie Smith: singer, icon, pioneer. Scotland''s National Poet Jackie Kay brings to life the tempestuous story of the greatest blues singer who ever lived. ''A gem of a book . . . beautiful.'' BERNARDINE EVARISTO''A wonderful writer on a magnificent singer.'' ROBERT WYATT''Kay's book is the amplifier that Smith's voice deserves.'' SUNDAY TIMES''The most vivid evocation of Bessie Smith I have ever read.'' IAN CARR, BBC MUSICBESSIE SMITH was born in Tennessee in 1894. Orphaned by the age of nine, she sang on street corners before becoming a big name in travelling shows. In 1923 she made her first recording for a new start-up called Columbia Records. It sold 780,000 copies and made her a star. Smith's life was notoriously difficult: she drank pints of bathtub gin', got into violent fist fights, spent huge sums of money and hadTable of Contents'A passionate, personal, imaginative insight in to Bessie's art' - Daily Mail 'Kay has paid her [Bessie Smith] true and heartfelt homage' - Daily Telegraph
£10.44
Oldcastle Books The Pen Is Mightier
Book Synopsis
£21.25
Arcturus Publishing Art Masters Michelangelo
Book SynopsisSusie Hodge (MA, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts) has written numerous books on art and art history. She has also given lectures and held practical workshops, as well as taking part in television and radio programmes on art. Her books have received many awards and the Wall Street Journal described her book How to Survive Modern Art as a 'lesson in clarity'. She lives near London in the UK.
£15.18
Nine Eight Books Searching for Dexys Midnight Runners
Book Synopsis'Skilfully written, engaging and sensitive' HELEN O'HARA'Hugely readable' MOJO'A compelling, moving book' THE TIMESIn the early 1980s, the pop charts were dominated by musicians tarted up in Day-Glo colours, who fought it out for coverage on our TV screens and magazine pages. Dexys Midnight Runners did things differently. They were surly. They were serious. They were ambitious, but success had to come on their terms. They were a disciplined outfit, a gang with a defined purpose: to make music so pure that it couldn't fail to elicit a deep emotional response from anyone within earshot.And they managed it. This motley crew - in woolly hats and donkey jackets for their first coming; all dungarees and copious body hair for the second - gate-crashed the charts, scoring number-one hits around the globe. But being in Dexys wasn't all sunshine and roses. Many members came, many members went. Some returned unexpectedly as being part of this particular gang was a way of life; it was everything.Nige Tassell, author of the Penderyn Prize-shortlisted Whatever Happened to the C86 Kids? employs his skills of detection to go off in search of the dozens of members who - for however brief a period, and to whatever level of success - have been a part of Dexys Midnight Runners. These are the people who gave the band its sound, its soul, its substance. But whatever happened to them?
£10.44
Libri Publishing PATH TO FAME CHERYL
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£12.99
Libri Publishing PATH TO FAME VICTORIA BECKHAM
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£12.99
Mirror Books Kelsey Parker: With And Without You
Book SynopsisKelsey Parker's world was turned upside down in the summer of 2020 when her husband Tom, singer in boyband The Wanted, was cruelly diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. Heavily pregnant with their second child and coping with her own heartache at losing her partner of 13 years, Kelsey remained a tower of strength and positivity for Tom during his darkest days. When traditional treatments stopped working, she spent hours researching alternative therapies to give her husband extra time with his young children Aurelia and Bodhi. Hope came late in 2021 when Tom's tumour became stable, but sadly his condition quickly deteriorated and on March 30, 2022, aged just 33, he died surrounded by his loyal wife, family and friends. With And Without You is her moving, deeply personal story of the first 12 months since Tom's tragic passing. An intimate diary of how she coped with a year of unwanted firsts - first birthdays, first Christmas, first Valentine's Day - all without the love of her life. It is the story of how she rebuilt her life, and bravely found a way to face the future. Since Tom's death, Kelsey has been an inspiration to many and a rock to the couple's children. She has sought to raise awareness of glioblastoma and has bravely campaigned for vital funds for more research into the disease. She has also found spirituality - following Tom's long held belief there is something greater than just one life. With And Without You is not only a story of coping with unimaginable heartbreak and grief, but how your love for someone you've lost can be turned into something positive and bring hope and light into your life as you carry on your journey without them.
£18.00
John Blake Publishing Ltd Oasis Whats The Story Life on tour with Liam and
Book Synopsis*THE MUST-READ BOOK FOR THE UPCOMING OASIS REUNION TOUR*'Deserves to stay on the bestseller lists for a long time to come' - Caitlin Moran'Brilliant' - NMEOasis were a band like bands used to be. Hard-drinking and substance abusing. If they liked you, they loved you. If they didn't, you had to be prepared for confrontation. Iain Robertson is used to tough jobs - after retiring from the Parachute Regiment, he took on jobs guarding George Harrison, Gary Moore and Johnny Rotten. But keeping Oasis on the rails after debut album Definitely Maybe ignited their rise toward global superstardom would be the toughest gig of them all. Oasis would explode into public consciousness and have the world at their feet in the wake of their epic first album and a huge world tour. Iain was side-by-side as their road manager and minder, twenty-four hours a day, eight days a week, as they took on the world and won. No one
£9.49
Michael O'Mara Books Ltd Ariana: The Biography
Book SynopsisAriana Grande captured the hearts of a nation with her One Love Manchester concert. Less than a fortnight after a terrorist killed twenty-two people at her Manchester show, the petite princess stood tall at her tribute concert that united and healed a shaken nation. She was the emotional core of a powerful evening that reminded us all of music’s redemptive power.But who is Ariana Grande? This candid book traces the US pop star’s story from her childhood in Florida, through her teenage years on Broadway and Nickelodeon, and on to her gleaming pop career which has seen her described as ‘the new Mariah Carey’. This unauthorized biography tells the songbird's eventful and inspirational story in full for the first time, and shows how she became an award-winning, chart-topping pop idol, as well as an empowering inspiration for a generation of girls. It reveals that there is more to Ariana than the celebrity we all think we know, explaining how her smooth transition from a squeaky-clean teenage pop product to a sophisticated, bold artist was powered by a restless and resilient personality. A must read for all her fans, this is a full, unflinching portrait of a pop sensation and inspiring, uncompromising woman – the small, sassy girl with the ponytail who conquered the world.
£9.25
Faber & Faber Shostakovich A Life Remembered
Book SynopsisShostakovich: A Life Remembered is a unique study of the great composer Dmitri Shostakovich, based on reminiscences from his contemporaries: family members, friends, fellow musicians and other prominent figures of the time. Elizabeth Wilson covers the composer''s life from his early successes to his struggles under the Stalinist regime, and his international recognition as one of the leading composers of the 20th century. She builds up a detailed picture of Shostakovich''s creative processes, how he was perceived by contemporaries and of the increased contrast between his private life and public image as his fame increased.This revised edition, produced to coincide with the centenary of Shostakovich''s birth, draws on many new writings on the composer. This provides both a more detailed and focused image of Shostakovich''s life, and a wider view of his cultural background. A particular aspect of Shostakovich which is revealed in this new edition is his sardonic and witty sense of humour, displayed in many of his letters to close friends. Shostakovich: A Life Remembered provides fascinating insight into the complex personality and the musical life of this great composer, and examines his position as one of the major figures of cultural life in 20th century Russia.Trade Review"'The one essential source to which all future biographers will have to turn.' Calum MacDonald, Tempo"
£17.00
Random House Publishing Group The Cartiers
Book Synopsis
£14.39
John Blake Publishing Ltd Catherine the Princess of Wales
Book SynopsisDISCOVER THE TRUTH BEHIND THE HEADLINES, THE REVELATORY ROYAL BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEARFrom the Sunday Times bestselling author and Royal correspondent, Robert Jobson - with his extensive connections within the royal household - this revelatory new biography tells the full story of how Catherine, the Princess of Wales, became the woman she is today.Kate Middleton's life's story seems like a modern-day fairy-tale.An attractive, clever, and ambitious girl from unexceptional beginnings meets and falls in love with a wealthy prince destined to be King when they are both university undergraduates. Now, with the British monarchy in transition, Catherine is Princess of Wales and is set to become Queen.Since her wedding on 29 April 2011, Catherine has endeared herself to the people of the UK, the Commonwealth and worldwide on her extensive travels, with her infectious smile, sense of style and down-to-earth nature. Her s
£18.70
Atlantic Books Anna: The Biography
Book Synopsis'Fascinating' Sunday Times'Deeply sourced and rich with anecdotes' The Times'Like a nonfiction version of The Devil Wears Prada' Elizabeth Day'Odell's extensive reporting dredges up a wealth of delightful details' New York TimesThis definitive biography of Anna Wintour chronicles the steep climb of an ambitious young woman who would, with singular and legendary focus, become the most powerful woman in media.As a child, Anna Wintour was a tomboy with no apparent interest in clothing but, seduced by the miniskirts and bob haircuts of swinging 1960s London, she grew into a fashion-obsessed teenager. Her father, the influential editor of the Evening Standard, loomed large in her life, and once he decided she should become editor in chief of Vogue, she never looked back.Impatient to start her career, she left high school and got a job at a fashionable boutique in London - an experience that would be the first of many defeats. Undeterred, she found work in the competitive world of magazines, eventually moving to New York. Before long, Anna's journey to Vogue became a battle to ascend, no matter who or what stood in her way. Once she was crowned editor in chief - in one of the stormiest transitions in fashion magazine history - she continued the fight to retain her enviable position, ultimately rising to dominate all of Condé Nast.Based on extensive interviews with Anna Wintour's closest friends and collaborators, including some of the biggest names in fashion, journalist Amy Odell has crafted the most revealing portrait of Wintour ever published. Weaving Anna's personal story into a larger narrative about the hierarchical dynamics of the fashion industry and the complex world of Condé Nast, Anna charts the relentless ambition of the woman who would become an icon.Trade ReviewLike a nonfiction version of The Devil Wears Prada -- Elizabeth DayAn impressively detailed portrait that reveals much about Wintour's management style and early career * Financial Times, Books of the Year *Fascinating * Sunday Times *Odell's book is deeply sourced and rich with anecdotes. Although she's clearly sympathetic to her subject, she's direct in addressing Wintour's missteps. * The Times *Odell's extensive reporting dredges up a wealth of delightful details...You'll walk away knowing every step - and misstep - in Wintour's famous ascent to the heights of magazinedom. * New York Times *The secret to [Anna's] longevity is the subject of Odell's biography, which is drawn from interviews with Wintour's tightknit inner circle. Given that she's famously private and notoriously aloof, the participation of intimates in the book's reporting indicates a green light from Wintour herself. But Odell is unsparing, detailing Wintour's ambitious rise and ruthless power grabs, dotting the narrative with a healthy amount of gossip and color. * Bloomberg Businessweek *A dissection of one of fashion's most controversial figures and a window into the glossy pages of Vogue, Amy Odell's definitive Anna Wintour bio balances criticism with understanding and stories of true sadism: Imagine telling Oprah to lose 20 pounds for a cover * Rolling Stone *A fascinating portrait of the secretive queen of fashion. The devil is in the detail. -- Andrew MortonOdell takes her readers behind Wintour's iconic bob and sunglasses in this deeply researched account, delivering a close-up view of the most powerful woman in fashion. -- Sara Gay Forden, author of THE HOUSE OF GUCCIThe details of Anna Wintour's life have been kept as tantalizingly hidden as her eyes behind her trademark sunglasses. This book tells her stunning story. Extraordinarily sweeping, astute and unputdownable. -- Sheila Weller, New York Times bestselling author of CARRIE FISHER: A LIFE ON THE EDGE and GIRLS LIKE USAnna is brilliantly written and well-researched, full of the kinds of details you've always wanted to know about Wintour's early life, and the ways in which she used her considerable gifts to amass astonishing, and enduring, power and influence. -- Laurie Woolever, author of BOURDAIN, THE DEFINITIVE ORAL BIOGRAPHYTable of Contents1: Origins 2: Beyond School Uniforms 3: Fired and Hired 4: Anna Wintour, Fashion Assistant 5: A New Start in New York City 6: Viva la Vida 7: A Savvy Move 8: In Vogue 9: Second Best 10: A Tale of Two Vogues 11: House & Garment 12: Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief 13: Calculated Risk 14: "In" versus "Out" 15: First Assistant, Second Assistant 16: A New Project, an Old Friend 17: Follow the Money 18: The Divorce 19: Dot.Com 20: A New Alliance 21: Mutual Benefit 22: Big Vogue 23: The Crash 24: Politics and Pain 25: Anna Wintour, Artistic Director 26: Changes 27: The Met Gala Epilogue: The Pandemic
£10.99
Abrams Nonbinary
Book SynopsisA revealing and beautifully open memoir from pioneering industrial music artist, visual artist, and transgender icon Genesis P-Orridge. In this groundbreaking book spanning decades of artistic risk-taking, the inventor of “industrial music,” founder of Throbbing Gristle and Psychic TV, and world-renowned fine artist with COUM Transmissions, Genesis P-Orridge (1950–2020) takes us on a journey searching for identity and their true self. It is the story of a life of creation and destruction, where Genesis P-Orridge reveals their unwillingness to be stuck—stuck in one place, in one genre, or in one gender. Nonbinary is Genesis’s final work and is shared with hopes of being an inspiration to the newest generation of trailblazers and nonconformists.Nonbinary is the intimate story of Genesis’s life, weaving the narrative of their history in COUM Transmissions, Throbbing Gristle, and Psychic TV. It also covers Trade Review“Genesis P-Orridge—a mystifying vanguard with a gift of prophecy. Nonbinary is thee definitive oracle from the heart of the indefinable.” -- Wesley Eisold * musician, poet, and author *“Genesis was continually breaking new ground and developing new projects with the aim of short circuiting received ideas, chipping a hole in the carapace, questioning everything: religion, education, nationality, sexual identity to find the reality behind the society of the spectacle. Gen was always going forwards. It is fascinating to read the back story, finally told.” -- Barry Miles * bestselling author *“Genesis had a profound impact on me as an artist and then a dear friend. Reading this illuminating and radically open memoir is an honor. The echoes of such a strong creative voice unveiling the experiences of the proverbial climb to becoming a true artist and later cultural icon is mesmerizing.” -- Asia Argento * actor, director, and author *“An entertaining and thoughtful book about a remarkable life that consistently embraced transformation.” * Kirkus Reviews *“Part narrative, part philosophy, this outré memoir is a remarkable experience.” * Booklist *
£12.34
National Gallery of Ireland Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, Rule Breaker
Book SynopsisThe first monograph to examine Lavinia Fontana’s work in over two decades, and the first to focus on her striking portraits Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, Rule Breaker explores this female Renaissance artist’s fascinating biography and the cultural climate that enabled her to become the first woman artist in Western Europe to gain commercial success beyond the confines of a court or a convent. Bringing together several strands of scholarship on Fontana and her contemporaries, it provides context to her career and examines areas underrepresented in current scholarship on the painter, including information on her workshop practice. Focusing on the portraiture for which she was renowned, Lavinia Fontana tells stories that will be universally familiar—tales of family bonds, sibling rivalries, engagements, weddings, births, and deaths. Written by Aoife Brady, with contributions from one of the leading scholars on Fontana, Babette Bohn, and a foremost expert on Renaissance fashion, Jonquil O’Reilly, this engaging book explores Fontana’s world and how she forged a successful career in the male-dominated world of Renaissance Italy. Exhibition Schedule: National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin (May 6–August 27, 2023)Trade Review“A fascinating account of a remarkable woman.”—Roderick Conway Morris, The Lady
£33.25
Simon & Schuster Sure Ill Join Your Cult
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Great Northern Books Ltd Best Sellers
Book SynopsisThe life and work of the legendary Peter Sellers written by leading comedy historian Robert Ross
£28.53
HarperCollins Publishers Bloody Brilliant People The Couples and
Book SynopsisSometimes, 1+1 = changing the world. Cathy Newman's witty, warm history on the power of determined couples will make you look at your relationship and wonder, Could we be doing more this weekend than just going to IKEA?' CAITLIN MORANFrom rivals propelling each other forwards to friends combining their talents, it's clear: often two heads are better than one.How did William and Ellen Craft work together to pull off a perilous cross-country escape from slavery? How did the queer artists Marcel Moore and Claude Cahun become icons of the surrealist movement, then heroines of the resistance in the Second World War? Why couldn't Steve Jobs have started Apple alone?Vibrant, feminist and unexpected, Cathy Newman rewrites the history books to expose this strange power of two and to ask why certain collaborators are so often left out of the narrative.Previously published as It Takes Two.Trade Review‘Sometimes, 1+1 = changing the world. Cathy Newman’s witty, warm history on the power of determined couples will make you look at your relationship and wonder, “Could we be doing more this weekend than just going to IKEA?”’ CAITLIN MORAN ‘A fascinating and illuminating insight into the relationships of extraordinary people. Cathy Newman shows us how and why (to use a familiar phrase) it takes two to tango’BRUNO TONIOLI ‘Witty and insightful, challenging and unexpected – this book is a joy’RUTH DAVIDSON ‘A fascinating look at the enduring popularity of the double act, it’s difficulties and intricacies, and just how interwoven duos are with every facet of popular culture and history. Cathy Newman takes us deeper into the relationships we’re familiar with, and lays bare the importance of these relationships in shaping our world’SARA CANNING ‘This book is chock-full of odd couples who turn out to make perfect sense – just like me and Susanna … We’re a team – and that’s the secret of a successful pairing.It Takes Two on telly – and the world stage’PIERS MORGAN ‘It’s a fascinating study of couples and collaboration, ending very often in anger and bitterness – Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan and so on’MICHAEL MORPURGO, The i ‘Filled with biographical anecdotes, this eclectic and hugely entertaining romp through the history of duos shows that “coupledom is a jewel with many facets”’GUARDIAN, BEST PAPERBACKS OF THE MONTH, AUGUST 2021
£9.49
Penguin Random House Children's UK Penguin Readers Level 1 Taylor Swift ELT Graded
Book Synopsis
£7.59
Hachette Books A Hard Kick in the Nuts
Book SynopsisStephen 'Steve-O' Glover—social media icon, comedy-touring stalwart, and star of Jackass—delivers a hilarious and practical guide to recovery, relationships, career, and how to keep thriving long after you should be dead. Steve-O is best known for his wildly dangerous, foolish, painful, embarrassing, and sometimes death-defying stunts. At age 48, however, he faces his greatest challenge yet: getting older. A Hard Kick in the Nuts: What I’ve Learned from a Lifetime of Terrible Decisions is a captivating exploration of life and how to live it by an individual who has already lived way more than a lifetime’s worth of extreme experiences. Steve-O grapples with the right balance between maturity and staying true to yourself, not repeating your “greatest hits,” maintaining sobriety and a healthy regimen, avoiding selfishness, and finding the right partner for life. Having built a gargantuan and loyal social me
£20.90
Hachette Books Punk Paradox
Book SynopsisFrom the legendary singer-songwriter of Bad Religion comes a historical memoir and cultural criticism of punk rock’s evolution. Greg Graffin is the lead vocalist and songwriter of Bad Religion, recently described as “America's most significant punk band.” Since its inception in Los Angeles in 1980, Bad Religion has produced 18 studio albums, become a long-running global touring powerhouse, and has established a durable legacy as one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time. Punk Paradox is Graffin's life narrative before and during L.A. punk's early years, detailing his observations on the genre's explosive growth and his band's steady rise in importance. The book begins by exploring Graffin’s Midwestern roots and his life-changing move to Southern California in the mid-’70s. Swept up into the burgeoning punk scene in the exhilarating and often-violent streets of Los Angeles, Graffin and his friends formed Bad Religion, built a fanbase, and became a touring institution. All these activities took place in parallel with Graffin's never ceasing quest for intellectual enlightenment. Despite the demands of global tours, recording sessions, and dedication to songwriting, the author also balanced a budding academic career. In so doing, he managed to reconcile an improbable double-life as an iconic punk rock front man and University Lecturer in evolution. Graffin’s unique experiences mirror the paradoxical elements that define the punk genre—the pop influence, the quest for society’s betterment, music’s unifying power—all of which are prime ingredients in its surprising endurance. Fittingly, this book argues against the traditional narrative of the popular perception of punk. As Bad Religion changed from year to year, the spirit of punk—and its sonic significance—lived on while Graffin was ever willing to challenge convention, debunk mythology, and liberate listeners from the chains of indoctrination. As insightful as it is exciting, this thought-provoking memoir provides both a fly on the wall history of the punk scene and astute commentary on its endurance and evolution.
£15.29
Little, Brown Book Group Youve Got This And Other Things I Wish I Had
Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestseller''Frank, funny and inspiring'' - You Magazine''Louise is just ready to do her - and we''re here for it'' - Glamour''Warm-hearted, honest and relatable'' - Daily Mirror__________________________________________In more than two decades in the limelight, Louise Redknapp has weathered her fair share of ups and downs, but through it all she''s remained unapologetically true to herself.From dancing in her bedroom as a young girl with big dreams to getting a scholarship to Italia Conti and experiencing her first taste of musical success with Eternal, to navigating fertility struggles, motherhood and rediscovering her passion for performing, in You''ve Got This Louise offers a refreshingly honest perspective on the experiences that have shaped her.Warm, funny and wise - like a chat with a close friend - this empowering and uplifting guide weaves together Louise''s per
£15.29
Faber & Faber Not Your China Doll
Book SynopsisSplendidly entertaining.' The TimesLively and admiring.' TelegraphThe biography that Wong has long deserved.' GuardianSet against the glittering backdrop of LA in the gin-soaked Jazz Age and during the rise of Hollywood, Not Your China Doll celebrates Anna May Wong the groundbreaking artist and first Asian American movie star and reclaims her place in cinema history. From fighting being typecast in roles in America to garnering critical acclaim in Europe, Anna May demanded the world see her as she truly was: an enchanting actress, legendary beauty, witty conversationalist and fashion icon, redefining Asian American representation in film.
£11.69
St Martin's Press Crush and Color Lizzo
Book SynopsisCrush-worthy art to color!Lizzo loves you, and now she is your best girlfriend! On the pages of Crush and Color: Lizzo, you get 100 percent of that bright-as-hell star in an array of colorable fantasies.Let Lizzo share her vivacious fun, boisterous spirit, and inspiring self-love with you and scatter it like glitter in more than 35 completely unique drawings. Go on a radical coloring adventure with your girl as she guides a unicorn through a rainbow forest, vibe with her while she's feeling fine under a waterfall, channel her unapologetic energy as she commands her throne, and let her march her way off these coloring pages and into your heart. Each illustration is accompanied by a fun imagined scenario and some crushable knowledge so you can get to know more about this fearless, flute-playing empress of empowerment. Let your Lizzo daydreams shine with Crush and Color: Lizzo!- Make your creativity sing with incredible coloring pages
£11.24