Entertainment Books

Book SynopsisOne morning in March 2021 with the second wave of infections ripping through Ireland where he was newly resident, Mark Lanegan woke up breathless, fatigued beyond belief, his body burdened with a gigantic dose of Covid-19. Admitted to Kerry Hospital and initially given little hope of survival, Lanegan''s illness has him slipping in and out of a coma, unable to walk or function for several months and fearing for his life.As his situation becomes more intolerable over the course of that bleakest of springs he is assaulted by nightmares, visions and regrets about a life lived on the edge of chaos and disorder. He is prompted to consider his predicament and how, in his sixth decade, his lifelong battle with mortality has led to this final banal encounter with a disease that has undone millions, when he has apparently been cheating death for his whole existence.Written in vignettes of prose and poetry, DEVIL IN A COMA is a terrifying account of illness and the remorse thaTrade ReviewDevil in a Coma offers a pleasingly bitter counterpoint to the clap-for-carers mood of the times * Uncut *Compelling . . . When he eventually does sing again, Mark Lanegan has the record of a lifetime to make * Mojo *Devil in a Coma is fired by Lanegan's expressionistic prose and visceral poetry . . . his writing is exhilarating and unexpectedly funny * i newspaper *This slight but weighty volume only adds to the man's muscular and vivid - in every sense of the word - body of work -- Kitty Empire * Observer *Lanegan doesn't tread softly or treat himself easily. Maintaining the commitment to the unvarnished truth of Sing Backwards..., he presents himself as a nightmare hospital patient and a flawed human being. But shades of humour illuminate the darkness judiciously * Record Collector *Shades of humour illuminate the dark judiciously. -- Kevin Harley * Record Collector *This latest title is a must-have for Lanegan fans, or anyone left hungry for more of his pitch-black wit -- DAVID NOBAKHT * Buzz Mag *

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Book SynopsisThe Rejects takes an intimate, thoughtful look at people who've been kicked out of bands, what they experienced and what came afterwards.

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited memoir from the legendary Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

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Book SynopsisOnce conduits to new music, frequently bypassing the corporate music industry in ways now done more easily via the Internet, record stores championed the most local of economic enterprises, allowing social mobility to well up from them in unexpected ways. Record stores speak volumes about our relationship to shopping, capitalism, and art. This book takes a comprehensive look at what individual record stores meant to individual people, but also what they meant to communities, to musical genres, and to society in general. What was their role in shaping social practices, aesthetic tastes, and even, loosely put, ideologies? From women-owned and independent record stores, to Reggae record shops in London, to Rough Trade in Paris, this book takes on a global and interdisciplinary approach to evaluating record stores. It collects stories and memories, and facts about a variety of local stores that not only re-centers the record store as a marketplace of ideas, but also explore and celebrate aTrade ReviewA great, authoritative deep dive into the global social history of establishments which its editors ... describe as “subcultural space... clubhouses for music fanatics... [and] genre-specific sanctuaries for ‘outsider communities'”. ... You can almost smell the racks as you read. * Record Collector *Record stores have been my support group, downfall, family room, grad school, sociological experiment, clubhouse, bank, ashram, ashtray and alibi for over fifty years—apart from playing music, it’s all I know. This book is right up my alley and likely yours as well. * Peter Holsapple, Continental Drifters/The dB’s *The next best thing to going to a record store is reading about them. This is a fascinating study and I particularly enjoyed its international aspect from Christchurch to Teheran. We are all united by this unique subculture. * Geoff Travis, Founder of Rough Trade Records, UK *Mixing memoir, history, and sociology, The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Record Store is an unparalleled paean to the record store as a vital community resource that links local listeners to global flows of music, culture, and capital. Required reading for discophiles of all stripes. * Steve Waksman, Author of Live Music in America: A History from Jenny Lind to Beyoncé, Elsie Irwin Sweeney Professor of Music, Smith College, USA *This fascinating anthology proves that record stores have long been so much more than places to buy records. Essays document their important role as cultural actors who call communities and genres into being, play important roles in politics and national musical cultures, promote tourism, spread music around the globe, and continue through dark times. Viva la Record Store! * Norma Coates, Associate Professor, Western University, Canada, and President, US Branch, International Association for the Study of Popular Music *Table of ContentsIntroduction Prologue: The Record Store That Saved My Life Mark Trehus, Independent Scholar/Record Store Owner, USA Part 1: Record Stores as Community 1 “We ‘Bout it ‘Bout it”: The Independent Record Store in Post-Katrina New Orleans Jay Jolles, College of William and Mary, USA 2 Firecorner: The Importance of Reggae Record Shops in Black London and the Cultural Confluence of West Indian Music Kenny Monrose, Cambridge University, UK 3 Journey of a Girl in a Plaid Skirt and Knee Socks Holly Gleason, Independent Scholar, USA 4 The Cult of the Record Bar Stephen Shearon, Middle Tennessee State University, USA 5 Magic in Here: Brisbane’s Alternative Record Stores From the 1970s to the Digital Age Ben Green, Griffith University, Australia 6 High Fidelity Across Twenty-Five Years: Record Shops, Taste, and Streaming Jon Stratton, University of South Australia, Australia 7 Reflections from the Girls Behind the Counter: Women and Independent Record Stores Lee Ann Fullington, Brooklyn College CUNY, USA Part 2: Cultural Geography of Record Stores 8 “Ways of living”: Touristification and Gentrification in Spanish and Portuguese Record Shops Fernán Del Val, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Spain 9 Living Popular Music in “high fidelity:” Portugal’s Independent Record Stores 1998–2020 Paula Guerra, University of Porto, Portugal 10 Music on the Turntables When the Tables are Turning: A History of Record Stores in Romania from Late Socialism to the Present Claudiu Oancea, New Europe College, Romania 11 Jazzhole: How a Record Store Became the Lone Priest of Nigerian Oldies’ Pop Culture Eromo Egbejule, Malmö University, Sweden 12 The Influence of Imported Records and their Stores on the History of Popular Music in Japan Ken Kato, Osaka University, Japan 13 Recording the Irish Experience: The Record Shop and Fair as Archive Paul Tarpey, Limerick School of Art and Design, Ireland 14 The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, It Will Be Taped: Popular Music Acquisition in Pre- and Post-Revolution Tehran Lily Moayeri, Independent Scholar, USA Part 3: Sites for Fandom and Performance of Subcultural Capital 15 Making Indie Noises in the Corporate Outlet: Beating Capitalism at Its Own Game Roy Montgomery, Lincoln University, New Zealand 16 Rip Off Records (Hamburg) and the Microhistory of Capitalism Karl Siebengartner, Independent Scholar, Germany 17 Soul Bowl: Rare Soul Uncovered Christopher Spinks, University of East Anglia, UK 18 Lucky Records – Music Makes the People Come Together Mariana Lins, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil 19 Rough Trade Paris (1992-1999): The History of a Scene Jean Foubert, LARCA Université Paris-Cité, France 20 Musicians in the Record Store: Celebrity Encounters Through Amoeba Music’s What’s in My Bag? Christine Feldman-Barrett, Griffith University, Australia 21 “Contents Expected to Speak for Themselves:” A Preliminary Understanding of North American Self Service Record Retail Tim J. Anderson, Old Dominion University, USA 22 Lost in the Booth: British Record Store Listening Booths as Atmospheric Sites of Intimacy Peter Jachimiak, University of South Wales, UK Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated, accessible introduction to filmmaking from an award-winning Hollywood producer, screenwriter, film school professor, and script consultant to major movie studiosAnyone with a cellphone can shoot video, but creating a memorable feature-length film requires knowledge and mastery of a wide range of skills, including screenwriting, storytelling, directing, visual composition, and production logistics. This book points the aspiring filmmaker down this complex learning path with such critical lessons as:? how to structure a story and pitch it to a studio? ways to reveal a story?s unseen aspects, such as backstory and character psychology? the difference between plot, story, and theme? why some films drag in Act 2, and what to do about it? how to visually compose a frame to best tell a story? how to manage finances, schedules, and the practical demands of productionWritten by an award-winning producer, screenwriter, film school professor, and script consultant to major movie studios, 101 Things I Learned in Film School is an indispensable resource for students, screenwriters, filmmakers, animators, and anyone else interested in the moviemaking profession.

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Book SynopsisUpdated to include details of the group's recent concerts under the direction of Ralf Hutter. David Buckley examines the cult enigma that is Kraftwerk, including their beginnings in the avant-garde musical terrain of late-Sixties Germany and their Anglo-American breakthrough with Autobahn in 1975, as well as their astonishingly prescient work, which drew the musical template for techno, ambient, dance and all manner of electronic pop.Includes an interview with former member Wolfgang Flur.The inner workings of this most secretive of bands are revealed through interviews with friends and close associates, whilst the story of their incredible impact on modern music is traced up to the present day using interviews with a host of musicians, from original electro pioneers such as Gary Numan, the Human League, OMD and John Foxx, to contemporary acts still in awe of the original Man Machines.Trade Review'...manages to get to the clockwork heart of the group, working out what makes them tick.' Record Collector ****

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Book SynopsisThis book contains nine pieces from ABRSM's Grade 8 Piano syllabus for 2021 & 2022, three pieces chosen from each of Lists A, B and C. The pieces have been carefully selected to offer an attractive and varied range of styles, creating a collection that provides an excellent source of repertoire to suit every performer. The book also contains helpful footnotes and, for those preparing for exams, useful syllabus information. The enclosed CD features inspiring recordings of all 30 pieces on the Grade 8 syllabus, performed by Yulia Chaplina, Mei Yi Foo, Dinara Klinton, Charles Owen, Robert Thompson and Richard Uttley.

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Book SynopsisABRSM's official Music Theory Practice Papers 2024 are essential resources for candidates preparing for our online Music Theory exams.

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Book SynopsisGuns N' Roses emerged from Los Angeles in the 1980s with a reputation for hard-hitting music and a riotous rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle that earned them the title of “The Most Dangerous Band in the World.” Their first album, 1987’s Appetite For Destruction, took the music industry by storm, becoming the biggest selling debut in the history of American music. Since then, rock writer Paul Elliott has interviewed the band many times, and he brings real insight to this updated exploration of the group; its music; its success; its struggles. With more than 200 stunning colour photographs from the band’s 40-year career, this comprehensive biography is the complete, incredible story of one of the hardest-rocking bands in music history.Trade Review'...labour of love comprehensiveness... as colourful and essential as the riff to Welcome To The Jungle... You're gonna buy!' * Kerrang! *'Lavishly illustrated... sharply written... an insightful cautionary tale. 4 Stars' * Planet Rock *'Elliott was the first UK writer to interview the band and had extensive contact with them, and the equally intimate collection of photographs that make this coffee table tome accessible and beautiful to look at... Elliott’s infectious enthusiasm will make you wish you were back there, and anyone who can make a reader pine for the ‘80s is an amazing writer.' * Muso's Guide *' [a] handsome, hefty, beautifully designed, vinyl-sized book...it’s still a hell of a journey.' * Classic Rock *"Readable...and definitely gets under the skin of the band." * Mass Movement *"For me, the main appeal was the umber and the quality of the hundreds of photos that feature on every page, every bit as colourful as the band's life, which will satisfy every G'n'R fan." * The Beat *

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Book SynopsisThis book guides you through 10 simple projects that will bring a touch of superstardom to your life and a smile to your face. Each project has clear step-by-step instructions, as well as suggestions for how to show off your symbolic creations. Learn how to make a Finger Prince. Laugh with your own Purple Crane. Fall in love with some Raspberry Crochet. Tonight you're getting crafty like it's 2019. With step-by-step photography and tips, When Doves Craft is ideal for beginner crafters as well as those looking for something completely unique. And with inspirational quotes and facts about Prince, it is a perfect tribute to the most creative artist of them all.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Finger Prince. I Would Dye 4 U Purple Crane. Raspberry Crochet. U Got the Scrapbook. Ain't No Particular Sign. Snow in April. Your Extra Time and Your Stitch. Macramé Your Mama Happy. Whittle Red Corvette. Templates. Credits.

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Book SynopsisIn a career-spanning selection of poems, August Kleinzahler captures the essence of the West's greatest music.

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Book SynopsisDora Bright was a 'stage star' before the term 'star' had even been invented. After a successful period at the Royal Academy of Music, reports of her ability circulated the globe from America, across Europe and as far as Australia. She became known as one of the finest pianists of her generation and was the first woman to be invited to perform at a Philharmonic Society concert in 1892, where she performed her newly composed Fantasia No. 2. A woman of considerable determination and stamina, she was at the forefront of the English Musical Renaissance at the turn of the twentieth century, and an avid supporter of the music of her friends and colleagues. Marriage did not prevent her from performing and composing, but the death of her husband made her turn away from public view for a time as she mourned his loss. Returning to the stage, she became friends with Adeline Genee, and together they returned English ballet to the centre of London Theatre, and were key to the creation of the Royal Academy of Dancing. This book takes the reader from the arrival of Dora Bright's grandfather in Sheffield in 1769 through to her death in 1951 providing, through a rich variety of archival materials, a public perspective on the life of this important, but now little-known, musician and composer.Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Chapter 1 Contemporaries Chapter 2 The Bright’s of Sheffield Chapter 3 The Bright Family Chapter 4 The early years 1880 - 1891 Chapter 5 Mrs. Knatchbull 1892 - 1900 Chapter 6 The Dancing Girl 1900 - 1907 Chapter 7 London Calling 1908 - 1920 Chapter 8 Return to the Country 1920 - 1939 Chapter 9 Swansong 1940 – 1951 Chapter 10 Women in Music Today Chapter 11 Major Works Catalogue Raisonné 2021 Appendices Appendix 1 – Dora Bright Family Tree Appendix 2 – Music written by Maurice Delara Bright (1825 – 1902) Appendix 3 – Royal Academy of music Prizes Appendix 4 – Dedicated Works Appendix 5 – Recorded Works

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

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Book Synopsis'Just be yourself, there is no one better.' From her girl squad to the Swifties to the world at large, Taylor's the BFF of the pop music world. As the go-to shoulder to cry on and chronicler of heartbreak, she relates her personal life and experiences in a 'dear diary' style in her music, but the artist is even more popular than her hit songs. One of the most followed on social media, she is a defender of the underdog, open about her feminist and pro-choice views and frequently speaks up against sexism and LGBTQ discrimination.This collection of Taylor's relatable, inspiring and hugely optimistic quotes and lyrics reveals a caring, generous personality who is all about 'the feels' and following your dreams. Sparkling with positivity and feel-good vibes, Taylor is always there to give you the best advice and lift you up when you're down – she's your own personal cheerleader.SAMPLE FACT: Swift has so far won a whopping 11 Grammys, smashing several records for the most wins as artist and as female artist.Table of ContentsMusic & Memories: Focusing on her recordings and music career, home life and background, these quotes reveal her favourite memories and what inspires her music • Family & Friendship: From the magical, enchanted world of fairytale love to squad goals, here is Taylor coaching you through romantic love, family, friends and frenemies • Heartache: Whether it's toxic relationships and gaslighting, jealousy and lies or just your basic breakup, here's your therapy session courtesy of Tay Tay • Proud & Loud: Taylor at her most fearless: here she's standing up for others, telling you how to stand up for yourself and dealing with the bullies and haters. Self-esteem, survival, empowerment and body image are all themes in this chapter • On the Way to Greatness: In need of motivation or inspiration? Here are Taylor's words of wisdom on success, rejection, failure, chasing goals and dreams, reputation and fame • Kindness & Karma: Uplifting life lessons on the value of being kind and caring to others –and yourself.

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

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Book SynopsisFollowing her 2021 bestselling memoir Don't Laugh, It'll Only Encourage Her comes the laugh out loud follow-up Hexy B*tch. 'My life's changed a lot since This Country came out.

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Book SynopsisA unique memoir combining personal history with unprecedented access to Doctor Who's behind-the-scenes evolution.

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Book SynopsisGeorge Michael is the single most played artist on UK radio for the last two decades. He has sold 100 million albums world-wide and had seven UK number one singles and albums. This paperback edition of the biography tells his story from the formation of Wham! in the early 1980s with friend Andrew Ridgley. Their success with hits including Young Guns (Go For It), and Club Tropicana and their split in 1986. His success as a solo artist with albums including Faith and Listen Without Prejudice. His legal battle with Sony which cost him millions of his own money. His personal life including his secret boyfriend Anselmo Feleppo who died in 1993, his former muse Kathy Jeung and art dealer Kenny Goss. Careless Whispers is the final word on a true original.

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Book SynopsisAct Normal includes 31 contemporary monologues from Too Much Punch For Judy, Hard To Swallow, Missing Dan Nolan, I Love You, Mum - I Promise I Won’t Die, Game Over … and many more of Mark’s plays and musicals. Written with young performers in mind and available for classroom or audition use, they offer a range of characters and topics – both comic and serious - along with acting notes for each monologue. Many of the monologues are verbatim, providing a unique opportunity for actors and directors to explore this exciting form. Act Normal is the first exclusive collection of Mark’s monologue work. ‘Surprise your teacher, your friends, your family, your audience and last but not least, yourselves!’ – Mark Wheeller Monologue topics: True stories and verbatim pieces British World War II evacuee experience Testimony of world champion blind athlete Graham Salmon Account of sisters involved in a drink-driving accident Story of a woman’s battle with anorexia A young woman’s struggles breaking into the football world Two pieces on the life-changing consequences of a car accident Recounting of a prison assault Dan Nolan’s 2002 disappearance Grooming and human trafficking Students excluded from the mainstream education system Accidental drug overdose Young people and self-harm Online predators Fiction Absurdist, allegorical tale about a fantasy King Unplanned teenage pregnancy Fandom and mourning an idol (reference to David Bowie) Theatre in Education piece on road safety Featured plays, with character options and ages (NB: all are suitable for performers of any age and gender) Blackout - Operation Pied Piper - Jean, aged 9 Graham – World’s Fastest Blind Runner – Junie, pre-teen/ Graham, adult Too Much Punch For Judy – Judy, young adult/ Duncan, adult Hard to Swallow – Anna, young adult/ John, adult Sweet (W)FA / Lethal In The Box – Miss Vallas, adult/ Spanner, adult Chicken! – Nut-Job, teenager/ Chris, teenager Legal Weapon 2 – Andy, young adult Wacky Soap – Storyteller, adult Missing Dan Nolan – Pauline, adult / Sarah, young teenager/ Andy, adult One Million to Stop The Traffik – Mary, adult Kids Who Look Out of the Window – Tonisha, teenager Chequered Flags to Chequered Futures – Jane, adult/ Driver, adult I Love You, Mum – I Promise I Won’t Die – Jack, teenager Scratching the Surface – Louise, adult This Is For You – Susan, adult Can You Hear Me Major Tom? – Mark, adult/ Jasmine, adult Game Over – Lorin, adult

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Book SynopsisA Long and Varied Career John Lyons started his acting career as a founder member of the ‘East 15 Acting School’ in 1961. Upon leaving he went into the Professional company of the school ‘Theatre Workshop’ which at the time was under the direction of Joan Littlewood. In the intervening 50 years John’s career has been both long and varied, covering both West End musicals and straight plays, including three separate years in ‘The Mousetrap’ and tours both in England and The Continent with the Musical " Oh! What a Lovely War" But his career went beyond the stage. His TV appearances are numerous (over 500) ranging from ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ Play for Today’ ‘The Sweeney’ to ‘On the Buses’ ‘George & Mildred’ and ‘The 19th Hole with Eric Sykes. John Lyons is of course best known for playing Sir David Jason’s long suffering sidekick D.S. George Toolan in ‘A Touch of Frost’ which ran for a very successful 17 ½ years and currently being repeated daily on ITV3. Panto has played a very big and fun time in John’s life, starting in 1997 with productions of Dick Whittington and Aladdin with the Comedian Jim Davidson, playing Bristol. Palace Theatre Manchester, Mayflower Southampton etc, over a period of ten years. And John is still working. John is in great demand on the after dinner speaking circuit, personal appearances at ‘On the Buses’ reunions and numerous P & O Cruises talking about ‘An actor's life - the beginning and conclusion’ – ‘The Touch of Frost Years’ (his 17 years in a Touch of Frost with clips, outtakes, clips of pranks played on him). This is the story of John Lyons, Not Just George. You'll laugh, we promise, you might cry, and you'll get a look at the life of one of the most prolific actors of our time.

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Book SynopsisThe first of threevolumes, When Evening Falls: Rainbow 1974-77 covers the Dio era of Rainbow,immortalised through the seminal albums Rainbow Rising and Long LiveRock n' Roll.

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Book SynopsisWhat better way to celebrate the phenomenon that is Stray Kids than throughthis beautifully illustrated book, packed with intimate insights and illustrations thatexplore their incredible journey and groundbreaking music.

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Book SynopsisWhen 'Hymns and Arias' rang out at Cardiff Arms Park some fifty years ago, those great Welsh anthems 'Calon Lan' and 'Cwm Rhondda' had found a companion and the valleys of south Wales had produced a new folk hero. Max Boyce's work, with over five decades of creativity, captures the spirit and the story of the people of Wales. It also has a warmth and charm that has made his words and music resonate with a worldwide audience. From his early days touring the folk clubs and small concert halls of his native south Wales to sell-out shows at some of the world's most iconic venues, including the Albert Hall, the London Palladium and the opera houses of Sydney and Durban, Max has become an original and treasured performer whose songs and stories have become part of folk culture. His albums, including the No. 1 album We All Had Doctors' Papers and the iconic Live at Treorchy, have sold in their millions and earned him several gold discs. His greatest influence has always been the valleys of Wales, with their inherent warmth and humour, their sadness and passion, and he has the remarkable ability to heighten, to an art form, the 'hwyl' that attends his nation's national game: rugby union. Compiling - in some instances for the first time in print - the very best songs, poems and stories from across his celebrated career, Max: Hymns & Arias is the definitive selected work of a major cultural figure who, through his inimitable humour, uniquely Welsh pathos and masterful wordcraft, has defined a nation and its people for more than half a century.

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Book SynopsisBlending European and African-American styles with traditional African patterns, highlife music was the soundtrack of the independence era. Its influence still resonates today. Highlife Giants is an intimate portrait of the pioneering artistes of West Africa''s music scene from the 1920s onwards. It contains interviews with stars including Victor Uwaifo and Ignace De Souza, revealing behind-the-scenes moments such as Louis Armstrong giving Eddie Okonta a trumpet with a golden mouthpiece.Professor John Collins is a guitarist, harmonica player, and percussionist whohas worked with musicians including E.T. Mensah and Fela Kuti. He has authored over one hundred journalistic and academic publications.

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Book SynopsisThis exclusive Visual Companion is the ultimate introduction to every character, creature and location you will encounter in this epic adventure from the official Lord of the Rings saga.Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim tells the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan.A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburga mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm's Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Héra, the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction.With a cast of exciting and original characters, and a mix of locations both familiar and new, this dramatic new standalone story weaves another thread in the grand tapestry of Middle-earth.Lavishly illustrated with breathtaking art and imagery, The War of the Rohirrim: Official Visual Companion is the ultimate introduction to every character, creature and location you will encounter in this epic adventure from the official Lord of the Rings saga.

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Book SynopsisAfter five happy years, Meggie, Mo and Dustfinger feel safe and settled. But arch-villain Orpheus has found an unexpected way to wreakhis revenge on the Inkworld! He has corrupted an artist to createbewitched portraits that will see the heroes fade to grey. Dustfinger, and his new friends, must come together to find a wayto save them all!

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Book SynopsisWhen Muddy Waters came to London at the start of the '60s, a kid from Boston called Joe Boyd was his tour manager; when Dylan went electric at the Newport Festival, Joe Boyd was plugging in his guitar; when the summer of love got going, Joe Boyd was running the coolest club in London, the UFO; when a bunch of club regulars called Pink Floyd recorded their first single, Joe Boyd was the producer; when a young songwriter named Nick Drake wanted to give his demo tape to someone, he chose Joe Boyd. More than any previous '60s music autobiography, Joe Boyd's White Bicycles offers the real story of what it was like to be there at the time. His greatest coup is bringing to life the famously elusive figure of Nick Drake - the first time he's been written about by anyone who knew him well. As well as the '60s heavy-hitters, this book also offers wonderfully vivid portraits of a whole host of other musicians: everyone from the great jazzman Coleman Hawkins to the folk diva Sandy Denny, Lonnie Johnson to Eric Clapton, The Incredible String Band to Fairport Convention.Trade ReviewGloriously entertaining ... even those unfamiliar with back catalogues and B-sides will be intrigued by Boyd's ability to dish the dirt * Observer *The simple brilliance of White Bicycles is that its author never overstates his own importance or exaggerates his failings, and still ends up telling an irresistible tale. * The New York Times *From Dylan to Pink Floyd, Boyd was there and luckily for us, he can remember it all * Daily Express *An excellent memoir * Sunday Express *[Boyd] was at the heart of the action ... But there's much to interest non-music fans as well * Mail on Sunday *Drake's suicide provides the memoir with its most poignant episode, but there are plenty of colourful anecdotes * Sunday Telegraph *A brisk, wised-up and highly entertaining consideration of a crucial musical epoch's many facets. * Kirkus *One of the most entertaining and insightful rock 'n' roll books I've read -- Noel Mengel * Courier Mail, Brisbane Australia *Whenever anything musically noteworthy occurred in the 60s, Joe Boyd was probably nearby ... White Bicycles bursts with rollicking anecdotes, eyewitness accounts and canny observations about politics and youth ... Boyd guides us through the decade with keen ears and restless intellectual curiosity * Pitchfork *Brilliant and inspiring ... one of the finest music books ever -- Mike Scott, The Waterboys

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Book SynopsisThe definitive text for today's and tomorrow's lighting designers, covering the complete history, theory and practice of lighting design. With over four hundred illustrations and nearly sixty colour photographs, as well as interviews with many well-known professionals, Stage Lighting Design is a comprehensive, insightful and inspiring book that every designer and would-be designer should own. It is arranged in four sections: Design: the basic principles, illustrated with reference to specific productions History: a brief survey of the historical development of stage lighting The Life: interviews with 14 other lighting designers, plus notes on Pilbrow's own career Mechanics: a comprehensive section dealing with all the technical data today's designer will need.Trade Review'Comprehensive, readable and inspiring... Pilbrow's great knowledge and practical experience shine out from every page' * ReviewsGate.com *'If you believe in learning from pioneers with pedigree, Richard Pilbrow is your man. For the aspiring lighting designer, the wealth of knowledge and the insight into this strange profession are invaluable' * www.onstagelighting.co.uk *Table of ContentsPart 1/ Design:1. Living Light for Living People2. How to Do It: An IntroductionDemonstration 1: Typical Box Set3. Procedure: PreparationDemonstration 2: Juno and the Paycock4. Procedure: ProductionDemonstration 3: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead5. Design Challenges: Colour6. Design Challenges: StagingDemonstration 4: The Storm7. Design Challenges: The Behaviour of Light in Nature - And Upon the StageDemonstration 5: Four Baboons Adoring the Sun8. Design Challenges: Musical, Ballet & Opera: Lighting in the RepertoireDemonstration 6: Show Boat9. Design Challenges: Widening the ViewpointDemonstration 7: Busker Alley10. TomorrowPart 2/History11. Oil Lamp to Laser12. A Historical FootnotePart 3/The Life12. Training13. Andrew Bridge14. Pilbrow Story 1: Beginnings15. Ken Billington16. Pilbrow Story 2: Theatre Projects Begins17. Jules Fisher18. Brian Gale19. Pilbrow Story 3: Starting as a Lighting Designer20. David Hersey21. Pilbrow Story 4: Meeting 'Sir'22. Peter Maradudin23. Pilbrow Story 5: Hospitality24. Luc LaFortune25. Pilbrow Story 6: Horror Stories26. Anne Militello27. Pilbrow Story 7: To Russia with 'Sir'28. Jim Moody29. Pilbrow Sotry 8: Darkness30. Tom Munn31. Pilbrow Story 9: America32. Tharon Musser33. Pilbrow Story 10: Theatre Design34. Michael Northern35: Pilbrow Story 11: Diversity & Proportion36. Chris Parry37. Patrick Woodroffe38. Pilbrow Story 13: MoneyPart 4/Mechanics

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Book SynopsisDoc Brown's Owner's Workshop Manual, Discover the secrets of Doc Brown's time-traveling DeLorean with the first-ever under-the-bonnet user's manual featuring never-before-seen schematics and cutaways of cinema's most iconic car., One of the best-loved movie sagas of all time, the Back to the Future trilogy has left an indelible impact on popular culture. Back to the Future: DeLorean Time Machine: Owner's Workshop Manual delves into the secrets of the unique vehicle that transports Marty McFly and Doc Brown through time, including both the original version of the car and the updated flying model. From the DeLorean's unmistakable gull-wing doors to Doc's cutting-edge modifications, including the Flux Capacitor and Mr. Fusion, this manual offers unprecedented insight into the car's inner workings., Filled with exclusive illustrations and never-before-disclosed information, Back to the Future: DeLorean Time Machine: Owner's Workshop Manual is the perfect gift for the trilogy's legion of fans., Authors, Bob Gale is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter-producer-director best known as co-creator, co-writer, and co-producer of Back to the Future and its sequels. Gale was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Cinema from the University of Southern California in 1973. He has written over thirty screenplays, and his other film credits include 1941, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Used Cars, Trespass, and Interstate 60. In addition to writing movies, Gale has written comic books including Spider-Man, Batman, and IDW's Back to the Future title, and has also served as an expert witness in over twenty-five plagiarism cases. Gale lives in Southern California with his wife and dog., Joe Walser combined decades of motion picture art department experience with his passion for Back to the Future to become the world's leading authority on the DeLorean time machine. In 2013, he led Universal Studios' official restoration of the actual time machine vehicle used in all three Back to the Future movies, which is now on permanent display at the renowned Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Walser has been directly involved in dozens of licensed Back to the Future products and projects, and has cocreated the world's largest Back to the Future fan celebrations, including the thirtieth anniversary We're Going Back event in 2015. He lives with his wife, daughter, and three sons in Los Angeles, California.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a reverent and interactive homage to David Bowie, with dense illustrations of the many real and imagined universes of his own making. Hidden somewhere on each of these double page spreads, a Bowie is patiently waiting to be spotted by the well-trained eye of a fan. As the chameleonic Bowie took on so many iconic personas across his illustrious career, each moment is celebrated chronologically in this book. You will have to find young and dapper David Jones in 1960s Brixton; look for Ziggy Stardust in spaced out Outer Space, crawling with Martian spiders and nestled between the stars; then search for glam Bowie among the revellers at Studio 54; and ask yourself, is that the Thin White Duke outside Hansa By the Wall in late-70s Berlin? Each page of this book is so laden with Bowie references that you might even pick up a factoid or two in your search. With fun, detailed illustrations that explore Bowie's world and that of his influences <

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Book SynopsisTo celebrate its 30th anniversary of publication, a brand new edition of the ultimate combination of traditional hymns and modern worship songs.Mission Praise' is a much-loved hymn book, and has remained so since its outset in 1984. Initially used for Billy Graham's Mission England rallies where thousands of people converted to Christianity it has become a staple of worship throughout the UK and across the world.It was the first hymn book of its kind, introducing more modern styles of music into worship yet retaining the best of traditional hymnody loved by churchgoers of every age. This new, expanded edition of the complete Mission Praise' includes the whole of the existing collection of over 1000 songs and hymns, and adds the best new songs in various styles from the past few years.This brand new edition has been put together by Mission Praise''s original editorial team of Peter Horrobin and Greg Leavers, and contains in this 30th anniversary year over 100 new songs and has, by pTrade Review‘There is no more complete collection of every item that a church musician might be called upon to play or sing.’– The Royal School of Church Music ‘I welcome this new edition of Mission Praise and I hope and pray that many thousands more voices will join the crowds that I remember thirty years ago, who came together to sing God’s praises!’ – Cliff Barrows

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Book SynopsisThis is the book The West Wing deserves. Allison JanneyA joy and a MUST READ for all the Wingnuts out there! Brad WhitfordA behind-the-scenes look into the creation and legacy of The West Wing as told by cast members Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, with compelling insights from cast and crew exploring what made the show what it was and how its impassioned commitment to service has made the series and relationships behind it endure. Includes an exclusive foreword by showrunner Aaron Sorkin and introduction by cast member Allison Janney.Step back inside the world of President Jed Bartlet''s Oval Office with Fitzgerald and McCormack as they reunite the West Wing cast and crew in a lively and colourful backstage pass to the timeless series. This intimate, in-depth reflection reveals how The West Wing was conceived, and spotlights the army of people it took to produce it, the lifelong friendships it fo

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Book SynopsisI was spotty, wore an anorak, had biro-engraved flared blue jeans with purple and Sabbath written on the thighs, and rode an ear-splittingly uncool moped. Oh yes, and I wanted to be a drummer'Bruce Dickinson Iron Maiden's legendary front man is one of the world's most iconic singers and songwriters. But there are many strings to Bruce's bow, of which larger-than-life lead vocalist is just one. He is also an airline captain, aviation entrepreneur, motivational speaker, beer brewer, novelist, radio presenter, film scriptwriter and an international fencer: truly one of the most unique and interesting men in the world.In What Does this Button Do? Bruce contemplates the rollercoaster of life. He recounts in his uniquely anarchic voice the explosive exploits of his eccentric British childhood, the meteoric rise of Maiden, summoning the powers of darkness, the philosophy of fencing, brutishly beautiful Boeings and firmly dismissing cancer like an uninvited guest.Bold, honest, intelligent Trade Review‘A chatty and anecdote-filled autobiography… There is much fun to be had, such as trying to put a certain part of his anatomy in the ear of the singer in rival band Quiet Riot (clue:not his finger) Sunday Times Books of the Year ‘The entertaining chronicle of a spotty anorak who escaped his grey existence into the absurd drama of life as Iron Maiden’s frontman’ Daily Telegraph Books of the Year ‘What Does This Button Do? is a genuinely fascinating and funny look back at Dickinson’s life. From his early days growing up in the Nottinghamshire mining town of Worksop (where he was raised by his grandparents until the age of six) to his roller-coaster 40-year music career, it paints a candid picture of a life well lived.’ Classic Rock Magazine ‘If you only read one book this year, it absolutely must be Bruce Dickinson’s new autobiography, What Does This Button Do? … The book is every bit as entertaining and bursting with energy as you might expect.’ Metal Hammer ‘Whether you are a Maiden fanatic, an aviation enthusiast, a fencing aficionado or none or even all of the above, you will most definitely get something from this extremely well written and entertaining book, such is the calibre of the man, his philosophies and the level of his accomplishments.’ Metaltalk

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Book SynopsisCelebrate Godzilla's 70th anniversary with this illustrated encyclopedia from kaiju designer Shinji Nishikawa. Revisit the most monstrous Godzilla incarnations of the past 70 years in this comprehensive guide.This illustrated book features the many versions of Godzilla and its monstrous foes, from the original 1954 movie to SHIN GODZILLA in 2016, and even the 2021 animation. With in-depth explanations accompanied by illustrations from renowned manga artist and monster designer Shinji Nishikawa, this 216-page book explores the powers and anatomy of over 100 kaiju, including Mechagodzilla, SHIN GODZILLA and Mothra! Nishikawa worked on the monster designs for many Godzilla movies from 1989 to 2004, and here he unravels the live-action special effects and theatrical CG animations of the Godzilla franchise in this essential enyclopedia. This comprehensive guide covers the Godzilla Showa Era (1954-1975), Godzilla Heisei Era (1984-1995), Godzilla Millennium (1999-20

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Book SynopsisA collection of the timeless, the priceless and the unforgettable, this beautiful compendium accompanies the beloved BBC One TV series.Antiques Roadshow has graced our screens for forty years and has become one of the nation's most beloved television programmes and a national institution. It has featured thousands of unique stories over the years, and introduced many incredible characters and unforgettable moments. In this anniversary celebration, Paul Atterbury and Marc Allum look back at the quintessential moments from the show's illustrious history, providing a look at the history behind the very best and most intriguing objects that have appeared on the show.Antiques Roadshow: 40 Years of Great Finds reveals the astonishing stories behind findings such as the discovery of the Lalique vase which had been bought for a pound at a car boot sale and left in the loft, only to be valued and sold for 25,000; the twenty-three original Beatrix Potter drawings; a brooch designed by the great

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE 2025 PENDERYN MUSIC BOOK PRIZERough Trade Book of the YearUncut Book of the Year Mojo Book of the YearA Guardian Book of the YearA Daily Mail Book of the YearA Financial Times Book of the YearA Resident Book of the YearA Telegraph Book of the YearA Daily Express Book of the Year'Will has finally written his masterpiece. I'm glad I could be of assistance' LAWRENCELawrence is the greatest pop star who never made it, his dreams of glory thwarted over the past five decades by bad luck and self-sabotage. At sixty-one, he set off on a new mission: to escape poverty, obscurity and the humiliation of kids at the bus stop laughing at him by writing a smash hit. But what is the cost of a dream?In 1980, Lawrence formed Felt, releasing ten albums and ten singles in ten years. In 1991, he reinvented himself with novelty-pop outfit Denim. Signed to EMI, riding the wave of Britpop, in 1997, Denim's song 'Summer Smash' became Radio 1's Single of the Week and looked like a sure-fire hit. Then Princess Diana was killed in a car crash. All copies were melted down. Crushing depression, addiction and homelessness followed... but in the face of it all, Lawrence never gave up.In Street-Level Superstar, bestselling author and journalist Will Hodgkinson follows Lawrence as he rebuilds his life. He gets mistaken for an old lady by an amorous pensioner, is reduced to dragging sacks of 2p coins to his local bank and wanders through London's distant suburbs in search of lyrical inspiration. As they walk together down rain-soaked streets, Will tells the story of Britain's most eccentric cult star. Will he write the greatest song the world has ever known before the year is out? And was it worth sacrificing everything - family, relationships, health, sanity - for art?

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Book SynopsisIt''s easy to make a Hogwarts cake with the Harry Potter: Hogwarts in the Snow Cake Pan Set. Includes: high-quality, cast aluminium pan, silicone turrets mold, recipe book.Bring the magic of Hogwarts to your kitchen with Harry Potter: Hogwarts in the Snow Cake Pan Set! This gift set makes it super-easy for home bakers to create an edible Hogwarts cake with frosted snowy turrets. Containing a non-stick cake pan made from heavyweight aluminium and cast with intricate Hogwarts detailing, this pan is designed to both last for years and give great results with minimum skill required. Also included is a flexible silicone chocolate mold for the castle''s turrets and a book packed with delicious cake recipes to bake with your set, including a range of deco instructions. With five delicious recipes including a traditional sponge, Maple and Pecan, Stem Ginger, Chocolate Fudge, and Carrot and Orange cakes, there''s a flavor for every fan! EA

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Book SynopsisThe Beatles. The Beach Boys. Blur, Bowie, Kylie Minogue, Kate Bush and Coldplay. EMI was one of the big four record companies, with some of the biggest names in the history of recorded music on its roster. Dominating the music industry for over 100 years, by 2010 EMI Group had reported massive pre-tax losses. The group was divided up and sold in 2011. How could one of the greatest recording companies of the 20th century have ended like this? With interviews from insiders and music industry experts, Eamonn Forde pieces together the tragic end to a financial juggernaut and a cultural institution in forensic detail. The Final Days of EMI: Selling the Pig is the story of the British recording industry, laid bare in all its hubris and glory.

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Book Synopsis'An excellent history of UK dance culture' – The Sunday Times'Engrossing history' – The ObserverFrom the illicit reggae blues dances and acid-rock free festivals of the 1970s, through the ecstasy-fuelled Second Summer of Love in 1988 to the increasingly corporate dance music culture of the post-Covid era, Party Lines is a groundbreaking new history of UK dance music from journalist and filmmaker Ed Gillett, exploring its pivotal role in the social, political and economic shifts on which modern Britain has been built.Taking in the Victorian moralism of the Thatcher years, the far-reaching restrictions of the Criminal Justice Act in 1994, and the resurgence of illegal raves during the Covid-19 pandemic, Party Lines charts an ongoing conflict, fought in basement clubs, abandoned warehouses and sunlit fields, between the revolutionary potential of communal sound and the reactionary impulses

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Book SynopsisAdapted from a series of four lectures, originally delivered as the first of the Granada Northern Lectures Peter Brook''s The Empty Space is an exploration of four aspects of theatre, ''Deadly, Holy, Rough and Immediate'', published in Penguin Modern Classics.''I can take any empty space and call it a bare stage''In The Empty Space, groundbreaking director Peter Brook draws on a life in love with the stage to explore the issues facing any theatrical performance. Here he describes important developments in theatre from the last century, as well as smaller scale events, from productions by Stanislavsky to the rise of Method Acting, from Brecht''s revolutionary alienation technique to the free form Happenings of the 1960s, and from the different styles of such great Shakespearean actors as John Gielgud and Paul Scofield to a joyous impromptu performance in the burnt-out shell of the Hamburg Opera just after the war. Passionate, unconventional and fascinati

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