Entertainment Books

Book SynopsisA commanding portrait.' Total FilmIndispensable . . . rich, engaging, thorough.' Sight & SoundBergman's films stand alone as beacons in film history.' Wim WendersA chronicle of the life and career of one of film''s defining figures, God and the Devil draws on exclusive extracts from Bergman's diaries, letters and production workbooks. Peter Cowie brings us close to the man and the artist, as he wrestled with themes of love, sex and betrayal with the figure of Death always hovering overhead.Cowie's meticulously researched book maps the details of Bergman's eventful personal life onto his characters and themes.' Barney Horner, New StatesmanScrupulous, accurate and trustworthy.' Tom Shone, Sunday TimesBrings us as close to the man and the artist as we're likely to get . . . Sure to become the definitive Bergman biography.' Paula Hammond, Film Juice'' The mark of a good cri

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Book SynopsisA dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book, part of the bestselling Drama Games series, offering 80 games and exercises to explore the fundamental concepts of clowning and physical comedy, encourage playfulness, curiosity and collaboration, and help develop performance material.

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Book Synopsis‘This collection of timeless photographs gives us an up close inside look at this uniquely complex man and brilliant iconic artist who forever changed the world. One love…’ – Lenny KravitzRebel Music is a tribute to one of the greatest legends in world music, Bob Marley. In 1975, Kate Simon first photographed Bob Marley and the Wailers at the Lyceum in London, where the now-legendary live performance of ‘No Woman No Cry’ was recorded. They then collaborated throughout the Seventies, with Simon shooting some of the most intimate, enduring and emblematic images ever taken of Marley, including his iconic Kaya album cover.Simon captured it all: portraits of the reggae greats of the Seventies, such as Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh; the Exodus Tour, on the road with Bob Marley and The Wailers as they performed across Europe; and the One Love Peace Concert, where Bob famously united Jamaica’s opposing political leaders. Ultimately, in 1981, Simon would ride with the funeral cortege from Kingston to St Ann and Bob Marley’s final resting place.Rebel Music contains over 400 photographs from Simon’s archives, many published here for the first time. Introduced by Patti Smith, with a foreword by Lenny Kravitz and afterword by Keith Richards, a cast of 24 contributors join Simon in sharing the stories behind the images, including ex-Wailers guitarist Junior Marvin and bass player and band leader Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett; musicians such as Junior Delgado, Steve Jordan, Paul Simonon and Bruce Springsteen; filmmaker Don Letts and producer Danny Sims; and Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell.Trade Review‘This collection of timeless photographs gives us an up close inside look at this uniquely complex man and brilliant iconic artist who forever changed the world. One love…’ – Lenny Kravitz‘No one will ever forget the impact Bob and Jamaican music had on the world.’ – Keith Richards‘Kate Simon has always been one of my favourite photographers. She captures intimate moments that we have never seen.’ – Cedella Marley‘After looking at thousands of negatives of Bob, some of which I had never printed before, I had a dream that Bob was still alive and that he was playing that night. Can you imagine if you could have the chance to see Bob Marley today? What would he be singing about?’ – Kate Simon‘Kate shot in an honest, direct manner. She did not seek to expose, but to shoot the picture her subject pictured - the joyful, mutable moments. How fortunate we are to have these images.’ – Patti Smith ‘She had a sort of war correspondent feel to her; she would get right into it. Somehow she had the ability to communicate and to get everybody to relax and to take the great pictures that she got.’ – Chris Blackwell

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Book SynopsisI was only sixteen when I bought an electric guitar and joined a band. A year later, I formed an all-girl band called the Marine Girls and played gigs, and signed to an indie label, and started releasing records. Then, for eighteen years, between 1982 and 2000, I was one half of the group Everything But the Girl. In that time, we released nine albums and sold nine million records. We went on countless tours, had hit singles and flop singles, were reviewed and interviewed to within an inch of our lives. I've been in the charts, out of them, back in. I've seen myself described as an indie darling, a middle-of-the-road nobody and a disco diva. I haven't always fitted in, you see, and that's made me face up to the realities of a pop career - there are thrills and wonders to be experienced, yes, but also moments of doubt, mistakes, violent lifestyle changes from luxury to squalor and back again, sometimes within minutes.Trade ReviewThe Alan Bennett of pop memoirists. I loved her book so much I wanted to form a band, too. Preferably with Thorn -- Caitlin Moran, bestselling author of How to be a Woman As distinctive and lovely as its author's singing voice, Bedsit Disco Queen isn't just a wry and wise memoir of a unique career: it acts as a kind of eulogy for a forgotten era of British pop -- Alexis Petridis As a witty and wise chronicle of a life spent dipping in and out of the limelight, this is second to none -- Fiona Sturges Independent on Sunday Beautifully written, dryly funny and searingly honest Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisTakes us around the world in search of one of the most colorful characters in history - the court jester. This work includes anecdotes, jokes, quotations, epigraphs, and illustrations that shed light on little-known jesters, highlighting their humanizing influence on the head honchos of history.Trade Review"Through anecdotes, historical details, analyses, and commentary, Otto brilliantly delineates the court jester, and quotations and illustrations do much to enhance this eminently readable text." - Library Journal"

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Book SynopsisCompelling new biography' Daily ExpressFascinating stories'Daily MirrorA well-researched, entertaining look at Ed Sheeran Sheeran fans will relish this well-told biography.' Publishers WeeklyEd Sheeran is a true inspiration. His moving and uplifting songs forge a lasting connection with the millions of people around the world who love him and his music.He was the thirteen-year-old guitarist in a school rock band when he decided to become a singer-songwriter, even though he could barely hold a tune and had never written a song. Within a year, he had recorded an album in his bedroom.Bestselling biographer Sean Smith traces the astonishing journey of the shy little boy with a stammer who, avoiding flashy showmanship, grew up to be a global phenomenon.Through compelling new research and interviews, he tells the story of Ed's remarkable mum and dad who gave their son the courage to pursue his dream, the friends and mentors who encouraged him and the lovers who inspired his most famous songTrade ReviewPraise for George: ‘A celebration of his life, as well as his music. Brill.’ Closer ‘Incredibly moving insight into a man who is without doubt part of the soundtrack to my childhood’ – Shelley Fallows at Lovereading Praise for Adele: ‘Fans will be engrossed’ OK Magazine Praise for Kim: “A kind but astute biography. Four stars.” Mail on Sunday “An honest account offering a unique insight on the Krazy world of the Kardashians." The Sun Praise for Tom Jones: “Jaunty and well-researched … the most complete and entertaining portrait of the Welsh superstar to date” – The Mail on Sunday (Event Magazine) “A lavishly appointed, no-holds-barred biography.” – MailOnline

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Book SynopsisDeath is always the issuein life, and in the Western. Joel and Ethan Coen's The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a movie of six Western stories. In each, our common destination is approached by a different road. Through each, diverse characters hurry for their final appointment: Oregon Trail-travelers, a gold prospector, a motley crew of stagecoach passengers, a high-plains drifting bank robber, even a singing cowboy. These six stories escort them with a care that either respects, or mocks, the dignity of all.The film stars Tom Waits, James Franco, Liam Neeson, Tim Bake Nelson and Zoe Kazan and is shot with the harsh grandeur of the classic John Ford westerns.

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Book SynopsisDon''t know your Wookiees from your Wampas? If the Star Wars saga has you stumped, we''ve got your back. Star Wars Made Easy gives you everything you need to get you around the galaxy. Star Wars is a global phenomenon and the Force has truly reawakened. So where to start if you have never actually gotten around to watching the movies? Or if you find yourself dating an avid Star Wars fan? Or your kids keep asking you tricky questions about the dark side? Don''t worry! We have you covered. In a world where it seems everyone but you has seen Star Wars, it''s tough not knowing your Lukes from your Leias.Star Wars Made Easy is aimed at Star Wars novices who want to get up to speed and make sense of the Star Wars references that permeate modern culture. Get to grips with the world''s most popular movie saga with quick Q&As and at-a-glance illustrations. This book will answer questions about the movies, the Star WarTable of Contents 1: Introduction 2: Star Wars The Basics 1: What is Star Wars? 2: Who created Star Wars? 3: Why is Star Wars so popular? 4: When and where is Star Wars Set? 5: So just how much Star Wars is there? 6: Who lives in the galaxy? 7: Good guys and bad guys 8: Skywalker family tree 9: How does everyone get around? 10: Vehicles of the galaxy 11: Who rules the galaxy? 12: What is the force? 13: The light side 14: The dark side 15: What is a jedi? 16: Walk the jedi path 17: What is a lightsaber? 18: Who are the Sith? 19: Do you know your troopers? 20: Which film should I watch first? 3: Episode IV 1: At a glance 2: A closer look 3: Why does Star Wars start with Episode IV? 4: Why is Obi-Wan Leia’s only hope? 5: What is the Death Star? 6: Who shot first? 7: Who is Darth Vader? 8: Why does Obi-Wan sacrifice himself? 9: Battle of Yavin made simple 4: Episode V 1: At a glance 2: A closer look 3: Planet Hoth: rebel base 4: What does Luke’s vision mean? 5: Who is Lando Calrissian? 6: Battle of Hoth made simple 7: Darth Vader’s big reveal 5: Episode VI 1: At a glance 2: A closer look 3: The great Ewok debate 4: Is Luke a jedi now? 5: Who is Jabba the Hutt? 6: Battle of Endor made simple 7: There’s another Death Star? 8: Could Leia be a jedi? 9: Why does Darth Vader turn good? 6: Episode I 1: At a glance 2: A closer look 3: The great Jar Jar Binks divide 4: What’s with all the politics? 5: What’s the deal with podracing? 5: Who is Padmé? 6: Who is Darth Maul? 7: Battle of Naboo made simple 7: Episode II 1: At a glance 2: A closer look 3: Who are the Separatists? 4: Does the republic need an army? 5: Battle of Geonosis made simple 8: Episode III 1: At a glance 2: A closer look 3: Why does General Grievous cough? 4: Palpatine is the emperor 5: Why does Anakin join the dark side? 6: Why do the clones kill all the jedi? 7: Battle of Coruscant made simple 8: Star Wars on TV 9: Star Wars: The Clone Wars 10: Star Wars rebels 9: Episode VII 1: At a glance 2: A closer look 3: What actually is the First Order? 4: Who is Kylo Ren? 5: Who is Rey? 6: Also introducing in Episode VII… 7: Assault on Starkiller Base made simple 10: Rogue One 1: At a glance 2: A closer look 3: Why isn’t this Episode VIII? 4: The rebels of Rogue One 5: Who is director Orson Krennic? 6: Battle of Scarif made simple 11: Episode VIII 1: What do I need to know? 2: What should I look out for? 12: Glossary 13: Star Wars quotes everyone should know 14: Pronunciation guide 15: Index

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Book SynopsisStanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) is widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. It has been celebrated for its beauty and mystery, its realistic depiction of space travel and dazzling display of visual effects, the breathtaking scope of its story, which reaches across millions of years, and the thought-provoking depth of its meditation on evolution, technology and humanity's encounters with the unknown. 2001 has been described as the most expensive avant-garde movie ever made and as a psychedelic trip, a unique expression of the spirit of the 1960s and as a timeless masterpiece. Peter Krämer's insightful study explores 2001's complex origins, the unique shape it took and the extraordinary impact it made on contemporary audiences, drawing on new research in the Stanley Kubrick Archive to challenges many of the widely-held assumptions about the film. This edition includes a new afterword by the author.Trade ReviewA fun, thoughtful and enjoyable read. * Irish Tech News *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Production Context Production Process Form, Style and Theme Marketing and Reception Cultural Setting Conclusion Afterword to the 2020 edition Credits

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Book Synopsis*** ***THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE OSCAR-WINNING, GOLDEN-GLOBE-WINNING FILM. ''Exactly the sort of tribute Mercury himself would have wanted'' Spectator ''No one has captured better than Lesley-Ann Jones the magical, enchanting dualism of Freddie Mercury''The Times''Truly definitive, truly Freddie, an energetic, entertaining and essential account''Sir Tim Rice''This book grabs you with its opening, then builds. Insight and anecdote in perfect harmony'' Simon Napier-Bell''At last a massive tribute to a massive talent''Steve Harley, Cockney RebelThis is the definitive biography of Freddie Mercury, written by award-winning rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones, who toured widely with Queen and formed lasting friendships with the band. Now, having secured access to the remaining band members and those who were closest to Freddie from childhoodTrade ReviewNo one has captured better than Lesley-Ann Jones the magical, enchanting dualism of Freddie Mercury. * The Times *Lesley-Ann Jones asserts that Freddie Mercury's was a "big, extravagant, multifaceted life", and the rock journalist has certainly done a sterling job of documenting it here. * Daily Telegraph, Australia *'A timely update coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Queen and the 20 years since their frontman's death'. * The Sun *Exactly the sort of tribute Mercury himself would have wanted ... full of perceptive and moving insights. * Spectator *Rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones is lucky enough to have known the man. She toured widely with Queen and formed lasting friendships with the band. It took a while for everyone to open up, but she eventually gained access to Freddie's colleagues and friends, and so we have this thoroughly researched portrait of the man behind the rock legend. * Brisbane Times *

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Book SynopsisHere is the classic collection of quotes from Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather. Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather is one of the greatest movies of all time and one of the most popular: on its 35th anniversary, it continues to be a top earner on video and DVD. But what has made this classic so compelling is the unique Corleone wit and wisdom. Every fan will want to own this officially licensed, completely fascinating anthology of memorable words from the film. It features a great selection of famous quotes from the Family, from the Don's unforgettable I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse to Clemenza's infamous, Leave the gun. Take the cannolis. Every sharp and witty line will bring back a memory of this great movie--and that makes it a perfect gift for every Godfather aficionado. Who would dare to resist?

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Book SynopsisThe last word on Sid Vicious - the world''s most iconic punk figure.The old school register for Soho Parish Primary school has a note in the margin recording that five-year-old John Simon Ritchie turned up for his first day at school unaccompanied in September 1962. He''d walked from his mum''s council flat near Drury Lane, across Covent Garden and several major road junctions to Gt Windmill Street alone. Somehow it''s a fitting start to the wild and troubled life that would be Sid Vicious''s. It''s also a story that''s indicative of the detailed research Alan Parker has put into this biography of Sid Vicious. He spent an evening discussing young Simon Ritchie''s schooldays with the headmistress of Soho Parish, has interviewed the likes of fellow Sex Pistols Paul Cook and Glen Matlock at length, as well as numerous other punk luminaries. The basics of Sid Vicious''s brief 21 years are well known: art school, junkie mother, life in a squat, a year in the Sex Pistols until their demise in 1978, Nancy Spungeon''s death, Sid''s arrest, followed by Sid''s own fatal overdose on 2 February 1979. Parker brings a wealth of new detail to the story, much gained from the New York Police Department and extensive interviews with Anne Beverley (Sid''s mother), prior to her own suicide in 1996. This enables him to come to dramatic conclusions about who killed Nancy Spungeon and how Sid himself died. This will be the definitive and final word on Sid Vicious, and the perfect tribute to a man who has become a true icon of the 21st century.Trade Reviewsheds new light on the myths that surround this man * BIG ISSUE IN THE NORTH *An informative and honest biography * SOUTH WALES ARGUS *

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Book SynopsisLearn the secrets of the clone troopers in this interactive, fully illustrated guide for readers of all ages.

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Book SynopsisAre you ready to be a contender? Sly's action-oriented program for getting fit and eating right is a revealing portrait of one of Hollywood's biggest slaves Sly Movespart candid autobiography, part nuts-and-bolts training manual, part motivational handbook is a refreshingly sensible guide to getting immediate results that last a lifetime. It's also a provocative inside look at the trials of a body-conscious star rising in the most image-conscious industry in the world. The truth is, Sly's personal battle to stay in shape has been as tough as any fight he's waged on screen. The book begins with a very personal history of Sylvester Stallone's famous physique, as the Rocky star shares never-before-told stories about his being bullied as a child, finding comfort and strength in the gym, and then later, the wild ride of fad diets, crash-training regimens and workout disasters that fringed on obsession. Sly knows what works and what definitely doesn't, and these experiences formed Sly's unique fitness and nutrition plan. Part 2 consists of Sly's program for getting physically fit without sacrificing life's other pleasures. All he requires is three hours a weekthat's all Sly needsfor a total body workout, an engaging regimen involving all the major muscle groups and aerobic fitness. The step by step program includes four different levels of exercise: classic, advanced, women's, and for those who dare, The Sly Challenge, a hardcore session pushing it to the max. Sly has tried every diet imaginable and so in the Sly Moves nutrition plan he highlights a unique meal plan for a lifetime of good eating. He offers his unique perspective on what works and what doesn't and offers an alternative for health-conscious readers who want great-tasting satisfying food that can become a way of life. In the section Gonna Fly Now inspires and encourages readers to make Sly Moves part of a long-term picture of health, fitness and well-being. This motivational section includes separate chapters on everything from setting and keeping goals to relaxation techniques to lessons learned from his reality-based boxing show The Contender.

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Book SynopsisThe upwardly mobile Kim family employs a young woman to help manage their new house. Mr. Kim begins an affair with the nameless housemaid', who soon drags the entire family into a terrible tragedy The director Kim Ko-young played a formative part in South Korean cinema's Golden Age of the 1960s and 1970s; his 1960 masterpiece, Hanyo (The Housemaid), rescued and restored after almost being lost, is today widely regarded as one of the greatest South Korean films of all time. Directors such as Park Chan-wook, Im Sang-soo, Kim Ki-duk, Ryu Seung-wan and Kim Jee-woon have all praised the film, and Bong Joon-ho has referred to Hanyo as the Citizen Kane of Korean cinema, citing it as an inspiration for his film, Parasite (2019). In this book, Youngmin Choe argues that Hanyo encapsulates the mood of social change in postwar South Korea during the period of tremendous upheaval and rapid transformation that followed the devastating war, which divided families across the newly formed Cold War boundaries. The housemaid a figure that Kim Ki-young would explore repeatedly throughout his career was a young woman driven by greed and envy, a femme-fatale set loose on the middle-class home. A monstrous embodiment of the destructive desires of capitalism, which recklessly eroded the foundations of tradition, this housemaid served as the conscience of a period that otherwise leaned heavily into economic transformation, pointing to the anxiety that undergirded what might be otherwise regarded as a time of progress'. Going beyond the traditionalist approaches that resist feminist readings of Hanyo, Youngmin Choe insists that the enduring legacy of Hanyo is both due to its uncanny aesthetics and - though it certainly was not intended to be an explicitly feminist film - in the questions it raises about class mobility, gender oppression and women's work.

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Book SynopsisA real treat for Can fans.' SpectatorAll Gates Open is the definitive story of the most influential and revered avant-garde band of the late twentieth century: Can. In part one, Rob Young gives us the full biography an in-depth and exhilarating history of the band.In part two, Irmin Schmidt presents an oral history of Can, drawing on extensive interviews with many musicians who cite the band as an influence, including Bobby Gillespie and Mark E. Smith.An essential book for Can fans, All Gates Open is illustrated throughout with previously unseen art, photographs and ephemera from the band's archive.

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Book SynopsisNo other jazz musician has proved so inspirational and so fascinating as Coltrane. Ben Ratliff, jazz critic for the New York Times, has written the first book to do justice to this great and controversial music pioneer. As well as an elegant narrative of Coltrane''s life Ratliff does something incredibly valuable - he writes about the saxophonist''s unique sound.

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Book Synopsis(Music Sales America). Miles Krassen has gathered and re-edited over 1,000 tunes, bringing up to date Capt. Francis O''Neill''s famed collection of Irish dance music, airs, jigs, reels, hornpipes, and marches. Includes an introduction on the history of Irish music with tips on playing with an authentic feeling. Features new settings from the playing of Michael Coleman & the Sligo Fiddle Masters.

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Book SynopsisWritten with approval of the help of her family and closest friends - including Julie Walters, Dawn French, Celia Imrie and many others - this is the definitive authorised biography of one of Britain's most talented and loved entertainers: Victoria Wood.Trade ReviewThis utterly absorbing and beautiful book, written with such insight and kindness, moved me hugely' * Julie Walters *Let's Do It is a biography that feels as unflinching and true as it is entertaining and affectionate. Rees pulls off the trick of writing a brilliant tribute while also - somehow, almost - bringing Victoria Wood back to life in all her complicated glory. -- Viv Groskop * GUARDIAN *When I met Victoria I gushed at her and she told me to stop, which was sweet and kind and saved us both! I won't gush now as per her non gushing desires, except to say that I would love people to read this beautiful book about the woman I will be forever grateful for in leading the way for me and other women in comedy and for making my life a jollier one. * Miranda Hart *There was none like her before and there's been none like her since - she was unique... I contributed to the book because I know that Jasper [Rees], who wrote it was a great friend of hers and she trusted him...and I knew that he would respect that... We weren't sitting down to be soft and fluffy about Vic, because Vic was quite spiky, quite demanding, and utterly hilarious. * Dawn French on BBC RADIO 5 LIVE *I remember first watching Victoria Wood when she was on Look North, when she would simply sing a song and play the piano, and knew then she was someone special. Decades later, I saw her show at the Albert Hall and not long after I bumped into her in our local M&S. I started to cry as I told her how amazing she was that night - I had no words for how wonderful she had been. Thankfully Jasper Rees has found the perfect words to convey Victoria's brilliance, in this meticulously researched, immersive and entertaining biography. It is a wonderful tribute to a pioneering entertainer who we all still miss so keenly. * Alison Steadman *An extraordinary, wonderful, rich biography of Victoria Wood - every bit as fascinating, challenging, and brilliant as she was. It is evident that Jasper Rees loves his subject and has been given unprecedented access to Wood's personal and professional archives. He explores Victoria's inspirations and creative processes, celebrating her genius, and never shying away from the tricky stuff. * Nina Stibbe *I love this book. I adored Victoria, and Jasper Rees has almost brought her back to life, so I highly recommend it to all her admirers who miss her desperately. Which is, of course, all of us. * Dame Esther Rantzen *The authorised biography of Victoria Wood by Jasper Rees is great - wonderfully detailed on her creative process, the graft she put in and the mechanics of how she did what she did, but losing none of the warmth and joy of what ended up on screen. Recommended. * Simon Blackwell, writer of VEEP and THE THICK OF IT *You can almost feel him riffling files, rewinding tapes, so carefully is it pieced together. Yet the reward is a 360-degree biography that transforms a beloved entertainer into a real human being, moving about a recognisable world: unhappy family home, provincial theatre, TV studio, celebrity's Highgate terrace, even, heartbreakingly, hospital room. It's a book for fans, of course, but it also documents 40 years of British entertainment, filtered through a life that stretched so much further than a few knackered bras. -- Victoria Segal * SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE *This biographer is the safest of hands, both for helpless fans like me, and to any outsiders who haven't paid attention... It does not feel intrusive because it is so richly fed with the memories of those who properly loved her, and those memories add to the store of lines to treasure... She kept us happy for years herself. I am thankful, for her and for this good biography. Might cry again now. -- Libby Purves * THE TIMES *A smashing biography. He gives a sense of what the real Victoria was like and conveys the unique qualities of her work - and provides a bridge between the two. At one point he says tactfully that the dreadful statue of Victoria in Bury shows "how hard it is to capture in bronze the bounce of her hair and the glow of her smile". At its best, this book does that in prose. -- Jake Kerridge * SUNDAY EXPRESS S MAGAZINE *Rees's biography is a must-read for her fans... This meticulously researched account of her life shows what a loss she is. -- Emma-Lee Potter * DAILY MIRROR *With meticulous thoroughness ... Let's Do It is nearly 600 pages long and copiously footnoted. Rees interviewed Wood frequently in her lifetime, spent two years on research, using Wood's own audio and written notes, and interviewed more than 200 people (from her children and perennial collaborators to occasional accompanists). It shows - this is an immersive, authoritative book... Do it, I urge you, while the mood is right. -- Emma Beddington * THE SPECTATOR *Joyous and revealing... If you're a diehard Wood fan (as I am) you'll find this account of her life wholly engrossing, and it also stands as a wonderful tribute to a pioneering entertainer and her exacting comic genius. -- Caroline Sanderson * THE BOOKSELLER, Editor's Choice *Packed with enlightening anecdotes and revealing interviews with her family and closest friends. A real treat. -- Martin Chilton * INDEPENDENT *This superb biography ensures we can't forget how revolutionary she was. -- Tanya Gold * THE OLDIE *For anyone who loves Victoria Wood, this biography - authorised by her literary estate - is a joy. It paints a rounded portrait of a genuinely nice and kind woman who could also be difficult, scathing, even ruthless. -- Christopher Stevens * DAILY MAIL *Rees is excellent on Wood's long struggle. -- Roger Lewis * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *With exclusive access to Victoria's archive, Rees has produced this fascinating portrait of a comedy genius who became a national treasure. -- Zoe West * WOMAN & HOME *A joyous read. -- Julia Llewellyn Smith * THE MAIL ON SUNDAY *Written with the approval of family and friends this is a biography more than worthy of its much-missed subject. * THE NEW EUROPEAN *Rees's research is wide-ranging and detailed... his analysis is acute and often beautifully articulated. -- Fiona Sturges * I NEWSPAPER *This profile of the astute observer of domesticity is warm-hearted and full of detail. -- Hannah Jane Parkinson * OBSERVER *Impeccable -- Iona McLaren * THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, Books of the Year *A fascinating portrait of a comedy genius who became a national treasure. * WOMAN'S WEEKLY *Exemplary... Despite the memories of laughter it evoked, I was left saddened by the thought that Wood was really making strides into a brilliant second career as a screenwriter and director when illness took her away from us. * Jonathan Coe *

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Book SynopsisElliott Smith was one of the most gifted songwriters of the nineties, adored by worshipful fans for his subtly melancholic words and melodies. The sadness had its sources in the life. There was trauma from an early age, years of drug abuse and a chronic sense of disconnection that sometimes seemed almost self-engineered. Smith died violently in Los Angeles in 2003, under what some believe to be questionable circumstances, of a single fatal stab wound to the chest. By this time fame had found him, and record buyers who shared the listening experience felt he spoke directly to them from beyond: lonely, lovelorn, frustrated, fighting until he could fight no more. And yet, although his achingly intimate lyrics carried the weight of truth, Smith remained unknowable. In Torment Saint, William Todd Schultz gives us the first proper biography of the rock star, a decade after his death, imbued with affection, authority, sensitivity and long-awaited clarity.Torment Saint Trade ReviewBrilliant, raw fuel for Schultz to add carefully collated detail and song deconstruction to explore a man in harrowing free-fall towards his 2003 suicide. **** * Mojo *A clear-eyed and devastating new biography … as heartbreaking and well-crafted as one of Elliott Smith's songs * LA Times *Elliott Smith, whose soul presides over the lives of melancholy indie rockers, gets the wake song he deserves in William Todd Schultz’s Torment Saint * Vanity Fair *In Torment Saint, William Todd Schultz has written his own kind of love song - an account of Smith's life that does full justice to his memory and the impressive legacy of his art ... Both persuasive reckoning with Elliott's inner demons and - much more important - a full appreciation and celebration, of his undeniable genius * Bookforum *Torment Saint will likely go down as the definitive biography of the singer/songwriter. A full portrait of a troubled man who made beautiful music and left us far too soon * Paste *A tale as complex, dense, and poetic as Elliott himself * Amanda Palmer *You can try to look for answers in his heart-rending music, but, ultimately, up until now, little has been known about his life … Torment Saint is perhaps the first proper biography of the singer * Independent *

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Book SynopsisBrilliantly curated and beautifully illustrated, the Welcome to the Arts series offers all-hours admission to some of the world's most wondrous performances.From Swan Lake to Riverdance, flamenco to tap, Dance features some of the most iconic performances and popular dances from around the world. Learn about the history, culture, evolution and technique of each dance, while also discovering the stars of past and present, including Fred Astaire, Carlos Acosta, Martha Graham and much more. Exclusive backstage access also allows you to see what goes on behind the theatre doors, including prop and costume design.Expertly written by Sir Alistair Spalding and published in conjunction with Sadler's Wells, this beautifully illustrated book is also a large format, so the whole family can be immersed in the wonderful world of dance.The perfect gift for any Strictly fan, musical lover or budding dancer.Trade ReviewPut on your dancing shoes and waltz, shimmy and tap your way through a spectacular reading journey in the pages of one of this year's most dazzling books....A book for all the family to treasure! * Lancashire Evening Post *A beautiful read. * Woman's Weekly *A showstopper that practically demands applause. -- Lucy Bannerman * The Times *An oversized thrilling introduction to all forms of dance [...] it's a superb gift for dance lovers aged eight-plus. -- Imogen Russell-Williams * Metro *

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Book SynopsisWritten with the full backing and expertise of the renowned Royal Academy of Dancing and following the international ballet examination syllabus, this is an updated edition of the bestselling Ballet Class.

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Book SynopsisJames Rhodes' passion for music has been his absolute lifeline. It has been the thread that has held him together through a life that has encompassed pain, conflict and turmoil. Listening to Rachmaninov on a loop as a traumatised teenager or discovering an Adagio by Bach while in a hospital ward - such exquisite miracles of musical genius have helped him survive his demons, and, along with a chance encounter with a stranger, inspired him to become the renowned concert pianist he is today.This is a memoir like no other: unapologetically candid, boldly outspoken and surprisingly funny - James' prose is shot through with an unexpectedly mordant wit, even at the darkest of moments. An impassioned tribute to the therapeutic powers of music, Instrumental also weaves in fascinating facts about how classical music actually works and about the extraordinary lives of some of the great composers. It explains why and how music has the potential to transform all of our lives.Trade ReviewThe Supreme Court overthrew an injunction unanimously in May 2015, saying: 'A person who has suffered in the way that [James Rhodes] has suffered, and has struggled to cope with the consequences of his suffering in the way that he has struggled, has the right to tell the world about it. And there is a corresponding public interest in others being able to listen to his life story in all its searing detail -- THE SUPREME COURTThrilling and harrowing . . . Unsurpassed and unsurpassable * * SUNDAY TIMES * *The publishing sensation of the year * * MAIL ON SUNDAY * *You might expect James Rhodes to have been crushed by his experiences. On the contrary I don't think I've ever read an autobiography which is this exuberant, this full of life, this addictively readable -- MARK HADDONA poet once said great books help you to live your life. They also help you survive your ruin, and James Rhodes's Instrumental is a masterpiece of creative endurance. His passion is his programme, his heart is his true instrument, and you might not read a more moral or more loving book this decade -- ANDREW O'HAGANA searingly honest, moving and compelling account of a life damaged by abuse but saved by music. James Rhodes is a rare and gifted spirit with something vital to tell us all. This is a tough but beautiful book -- VICTORIA HISLOPA mesmeric combination of vivid, keen, obsessive precision and raw, urgent energy -- ZOE WILLIAMS * * GUARDIAN * *There is an insight, often startling but always valuable, on almost every page . . . a tough, riveting read * * THE TIMES * *Instrumental is no 'misery memoir' . . . I have rarely read so cogent account of the nature of victimhood . . . Visceral and palpable . . . Among the most powerful pages I've read all year * * SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY * *Bravo to a survivor who refused to be silenced . . . What really marks this book out is his confrontation with the unsaid (or rarely said) aspects of child sexual abuse and mental illness . . . Some of these thoughts verge on the taboo and it takes clarity, courage and intelligence to say them as plainly and honestly as Rhodes does * * INDEPENDENT * *We're locked inside his head for long periods and it's a manic place to be. But he is brilliant . . . and insightful . . . James Rhodes writes at full volume -- BLAKE MORRISON * * GUARDIAN * *An important memoir . . . enlightening * * Psychologist * *An all-access pass to the sublime * * Los Angeles Review of Books * *Rhodes proves that art and beauty do help; that life can be conquered day by day * * El Pais * *A hand-grenade of a book * * Stern Magazine * *

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Book SynopsisFollowing on from the success of his thriller, Ex Machina, Alex Garland returns to cerebral sci-fi with his adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer''s cult novel -a tale of a biologist attempting to uncover the mystery of her husband''s disappearance into a restricted zone.What she and her fellow scientists discover is a world populated by mysterious life forms that might offer answers, but which exposes them to madness and death.Beside the screenplay, the book also includes 20 pages of behind-the-scenes photos.

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Book SynopsisA collection of short stories - each one a cover version of a song on "Rid of Me".Trade ReviewKate Schatz's "Rid of Me" is less about a particular album than it is about what happens to an album when you listen to it repeatedly--the way it evolves and transforms and ends up plugging into all the right circuits in your brain. In the end, overlaid with all your own fears and desires the album becomes the basis for a new world, stories swelling out of it like ghosts. Schatz's "Rid of Me" is the uncanny double of P.J. Harvey's album: it both offers all the mystery and beauty that fiction at its best can offer and illustrates better than anything else I know the private process of making an album genuinely your own. * Brian Evenson, Director of the Literary Arts Program at Brown University *All the writers I know, at least the cool ones, fantasize being rock stars. Kate Schatz' debut book is the next best thing - a writer turning her engagement with a great album into flesh and blood characters, creepy-sexy plot turns and howling guitar, um, verbal solos. I wish I'd thought of it first. * Rebecca Brown, author of THE TERRIBLE GIRLS. *I'd like to slip this between a few books that I read over and over again: The Lesbian Body by Monique Wittig, Spanking the Maid by Robert Coover, and By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept by Elizabeth Smart. This is a journey, a song, a symphony, a love poem, a cry, a whisper, a nightmare, and, in such an unexpected and joyous way - a sustained arousal. It is at once about torture and love, bondage and caresses, empowerment and submission, femininity and tomboys, entrapment and escape, kidnapping and running away, death and ecstasy. With cruel and luscious women who are teachers, nurses, children, campers, and lovers, we are stripped of our senses and then filled up again with a new way of seeing, reading, sexing, feeling, tasting and loving. * Erin Cressida Wilson, Spirit-Award winning screenwriter of Secretary and Fur *A sexy, earnest tale about two young women searching for the end of the forest, for freedom, for a way to escape their violent and strangling pasts. Rid of Me conjures Anais Nin, Angela Carter, fairy tales, horror movies, punk melodrama, as well as PJ Harvey. It's a fast, fun fall through thin air. * Micah Perks, author of Pagan Time and We Are Gathered Here *The best musical covers occur when some kind of alchemy takes place. What starts out as an act of homage or repetition turns into revelation as the new version throws light on, say, the lyrical subtext or rhythmic potential that seem to have been hidden within the original. Kate Schatz magics a similar sort of transformation in her fictional cover — revolving around two outlaw-lovers, Mary and Kathleen — of PJ Harvey's 1993 album Rid of Me. * San Francisco Bay Guardian *We've said it before and we'll damn well say it again, Continuum's 33 1/3 series of books - wherein a writer is given the freedom to wax lyrical about their favorite album - are not only delightful little collectors items but have also spawned some truly wonderful essays, ranging from techie minded nuts and bolts recording break-downs to marvelous flights of fancy like this little beauty by Kate Schatz. The third writer to take the fiction route for their chosen album (Music From Big Pink by John Niven and Meat is Murder by Joe Pernice being the other two) telling the highly charged erotic tale (what else could it be based on Harvey's equally highly charged and erotic album?) of Kathleen and Mary and their desperate efforts to escape their respective pasts via a kidnapping, a house in the middle of a dark, deeply disturbing, forest and some sapphic shenanigans. Each chapter, both named after and relating to, the album's tracks, moves the story along apace and successfully evokes the albums unsettling lyrics and themes. Writing about music has been in the doldrums for too long, let's have a lot more like this please. * Total Music Magazine *Kate Schatz's delightfully queer work of fiction has all the elements of a solid album: desire, darkness, sex and transformation... This fireball of a read captures an interpretive lyrical undertone as sexy and intoxicating as Harvey's original. * Curve Magazine *Rid of Me takes its cue from PJ Harvey's album of the same title and appropriately veers away from its surface toward an unusual and fictive adventure into the irreverently dark psychology(ies) that made the album popular in the first place. -- Kate Morris * Feminist Review *The idea that we all experience an album differently, that we each create our own version of the album through listening, is a driving force behind the book...[Schatz] shines a lingth on one of the most inspiring aspects of music: how open-ended something as limited as a four-minute pop song truly is. And as she offers her own interpretation of Rid of Me, she also gives us a new interpretation of what it means to write "a book about an album." * erasingclouds.com *In this book, there is no distinction between music, fiction, books and albums. The ambiguity and lyricism -- with threads and fragments from Harvey's lyrics scattered throughout -- compel you to read chapters over and over. They take you like a song on repeat, rubbing you until you bleed. -- Karrie Higgins * The Los Angeles Times *[Schatz] recreates the album's weird push-pull tension, notably in her suspenseful characterization of Mary and Kathleen's mysterious woods. * PopMatters.com *Continuum's 33 1/3 series, which produces lively little volumes of criticism, personal history, and other kinds of "cover lit" on beloved pop and rock albums, has Kate Schatz's fictional riff on PJ Harvey's 1993 Rid of Me, which the online magazine Inkblot once described as "the musical equivalent of a bulldozer tearing through your living room." That review could apply equally well to Schatz's novella. Each chapter, named after tracks like "Rub It 'Til It Bleeds" and "50ft Queenie," takes the reader further into the kidnapping-cum-affair between Kathleen, who has fled an ailing controlling patriarch, and Mary, her captor, who has left a suffocating marriage for an abandoned hunting cabin in the forest. Neither character seems to have any idea of how to heal their abusive pasts; instead, they take their cues from Harvey's unsettling music. Schatz's prose, at time dystopic and surrealist, often really does sound like a rock song. The music winds up accompanying the fiction, which is just as weird and unsettlingly powerful as the album's trademark photo of Harvey's hair rising from the water like a new hybrid animal. * Bitch Magazine *Some albums invade a person so deeply they are driven to obsession. Apparently this was the case for Kate Schatz, who as a teenager was consumed with PJ Harvey's Rid of Me- not surprisingly for an album so deeply drenched with sex, angst and betrayal. Lucky for us, Schatz is now a writer and has channeled her fervor into a narrative inspired by the album about two troubled girls who are mysteriously drawn together to an ominous house in the woods...the story weaves in Rid of Me lyrics and themes of infidelity, lust, and rage, mirroring its track listing as chapter titles. For an album that rips your guts out with stripped-down rock and raw emotion, Rid of Me: A Story is an engaging homage. * Under the Radar Magazine *

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Book Synopsis__________''Essential reading'' Rolling Stone''A must read. The best bit of literature currently out there on Kendrick Lamar'' VICE __________Kendrick Lamar is at the top of his game.He has been described as perceptive, philosophical, unapologetic, fearless, and an innovative storyteller whose body of work has been compared to James Joyce and James Baldwin.He is a visionary who will go down as history as one of the most important artists of all time.But what''s so striking about Kendrick Lamar, aside from his impressive accolades, is how he''s effectively established himself as a formidable opponent of oppression, a force for change. Through his confessional poetics, his politically charged anthems, and his radical performances, Lamar has become a beacon of light for many people in America.The Butterfly Effect not only Lamar''s powerful impact on music but also on ourTrade Review'Kendrick Lamar is the most creatively captivating rapper of the past decade. This means inspecting and placing into context his profound legacy is nothing short of a gargantuan task. Fortunately for us, Marcus J. Moore exists. His writing has never been sharper, never been more concise, never been more insightful than it is here. This book is smart, confident, and necessary.' - Shea Serrano, New York Times bestselling author of The Rap Year Book and Movies (And Other Things)'I have a great amount of gratitude for The Butterfly Effect and the triumph of chronicling one of our great artists while they're still here with us. Marcus J. Moore is thoughtful, incisive, and generous in this work, and The Butterfly Effect will hopefully set a blueprint for how we honor the brilliant and living.' - Hanif Abdurraqib, New York Times bestselling author of Go Ahead In The Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest'The Butterfly Effect is much more than a biographical look at the voice of hip hop's new generation. It's an analytical deep dive into the life of that good kid whose m.A.A.d city raised him, and how it sparked a fire within Kendrick Lamar to change history. Through thoughtful prose, strong investigative research, and a deep passion for the subject matter, Marcus J. Moore paints a picture of Kendrick that anyone can admire.' - Kathy Iandoli, author of God Save The Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop'Marcus J. Moore's look at Kendrick Lamar beautifully illustrates the power of the word and the great value it holds in the community that birthed hip hop. Therein, we all better understand and appreciate why Black lives -- and rhymes -- matter.' - Sacha Jenkins, Emmy-nominated director of Showtime documentary Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics And MenMore conversational than scholarly, it's at its most effective when charting Lamar's cultural awakening, prompted in part by a life-changing pilgrimage to South Africa and the death of Trayvon Martin, and the almost parallel rise of Black Lives Matter. It tries to be a lot of things - an artistic biography, a fan letter, an abbreviated history of West Coast hip-hop, an examination of Black art as a vehicle for resistance - and does most of them well. - Washington Post Music journalist Marcus J. Moore's detailed study places Kendrick Lamar's life and music within its proper sociopolitical context, making this essential reading if you want to understand modern rap's most innovative artist. - Rolling Stone

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Book SynopsisBoldly go where no man has gone before and discover the real science behind the cyborgs, starships, aliens, and antimatter of the Star Trek galaxy.Star Trek is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. It has changed our cultural landscape in so many ways since it first aired in 1966. The franchise has generated billions of dollars in revenue, leading to a wide range of spin-off games, novels, toys, and comics. Star Trek is noted for its social science, too, with its progressive civil rights stances and its celebration of future diversity that began with The Original Series, one of television's first multiracial casts. The Science of Star Trek explores one of the greatest science-fiction universes ever created and showcases the visionary tech that inspired and influenced the real-world science of today. The perfect Star Trek gift for fans of the franchise, this book addresses many unanswered, burning questions, including: What can Star Trek tell us about aliens in our Milky Way? How has Star Trek influenced space culture? What can Star Trek tell us about planet hunting? What Star Trek machines came true? When will we boldly go? Learn more about one of our favorite modern epics with The Science of Star Trek!

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Book Synopsis'The life-affirming expression of an artist engaged in living to the full' The Times Smiling in Slow Motion is Derek Jarman's last journal, stretching from May 1991 until a fortnight before his death in February 1994. Jarman writes with his trademark humour and candour about friends and enemies, as he races through his final years of film-making, gardening and radical political protest. Written from Jarman's Charing Cross Road flat, his famed garden at Dungeness, and finally from his bed in St Bartholomew's Hospital, Jarman meditates on his own deteriorating health and the loss of his contemporaries. Yet Smiling in Slow Motion is not simply a chronicle of illness and regret: it is, at its heart, one of endeavour, determination and pride.WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY NEIL BARTLETTTrade ReviewGossipy, candid, funny, and, as Jarman’s illness takes hold, powerfully moving * Choice Magazine *Present on every page is the creative sparkle and compellingly generous spirit of a man who was in every way an uncompromising individual * The Times *In these diaries... the artist and film director emerges as a down-to-earth visionary... this perceptive and enjoyable work is something of a miracle * Independent *For all his anger, Jarman never seems brutalised. He retains his humanity and his good humour. His is a wonderfully garrulous, mercurial, polymathic daemon * Literary Review *Jarman [is] the sort of troublemaking visionary who one day may be compared with Blake -- John Gill * Time Out *

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Book Synopsis''The sharpest memoir written by one of the Beatles' inner circle.'' ObserverDerek Taylor''s iconic memoir is a rare opportunity to be immersed in one of the most whirlwind music sensations in history: Beatlemania. As Time Goes By tells the remarkable story of Taylor''s trajectory from humble provincial journalist to loved confidant right at the centre of the Beatles'' magic circle. In charming, conversational prose, Taylor shares anecdotes and reminiscences so vivid and immediate that you find yourself plunged into the beating heart of 1960s counterculture. Whether watching the debut performance of ''Hey Jude'' in a country pub or hearing first-hand gossip about a star-studded cast of characters, Taylor''s unique narrative voice forges an autobiography like no other. Reissued here in a brand new edition with a foreword by celebrated writer Jon Savage, this long-admired memoir is a cult classic of the genre awaiting a new readership.

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Book SynopsisThe Complete Songs of Hugo Wolf gathers together for the first time every poem Wolf set to music. Alongside the original German texts are translations by leading Lieder expert Richard Stokes, who also provides illuminating commentary. The 36 poets set by Wolf are each given their own chapter: a brief essay on the poet is followed by a note on Wolf's connection with the writer, extracts from letters that throw light on the Songs and convey his mood at the time of composition, and the texts and translations. Short biographies of all Wolf's correspondents flesh out the extraordinary life of this genius. This will be an indispensable volume for all lovers of Lieder.

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Book SynopsisFrom the director of Dawn of the Dead, Watchmen, and Man of Steel, comes Army of the Dead, Zack Snyder’s eagerly awaited return to the zombie scene, staring Dave Bautista. Following a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, a group of mercenaries take the ultimate gamble, venturing into the quarantine zone to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted. Army of the Dead: The Making of the Film takes readers behind the scenes of this much-anticipated film and reveals the locations, characters, and zombies. The book is full to the brim with exclusive on-set photography, costume designs, storyboards by Zack Snyder, and more, and accompanied by cast and crew interviews.

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Book SynopsisVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Four o''clock in the morning, and the lights are on and still there''s no way we''re going to sleep, not after the film we just saw. The book we just read. Fear is one of the most primal human emotions, and one of the hardest to reason with and dispel. So why do we scare ourselves? It seems almost mad that we would frighten ourselves for fun, and yet there are thousands of books, films, games, and other forms of entertainment designed to do exactly that.As Darryl Jones shows, the horror genre is huge. Ranging from vampires, ghosts, and werewolves to mad scientists, Satanists, and deranged serial killers, the cathartic release of scaring ourselves has made its appearance in everything from Shakespearean tragedies to internet memes. Exploring the key tropes of the genre, including its monsters, its psychological chills, and its love affair with the macabre, this Very Short Introduction discusses why horror stories disturb us, and how society responds to literary and film representations of the gruesome and taboo. Should the enjoyment of horror be regarded with suspicion? Are there different levels of the horrific, and should we distinguish between the commonly reviled carnage of contemporary torture porn and the culturally acceptable bloodbaths of ancient Greek tragedies?Analysing the way in which horror manifests multiple personalities, and has been used throughout history to articulate the fears and taboos of the current generation, Darryl Jones considers the continuing evolution of the genre today. As horror is mass marketed to mainstream society in the form of romantic vampires and blockbuster hits, it also continues to maintain its former shadowy presence on the edges of respectability, as banned films and violent internet phenomena push us to question both our own preconceptions and the terrifying capacity of human nature.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.First published in hardback as Sleeping with the Lights on.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition What comes across most vividly is [Jones's] passion for the subject: this is a book that makes a reader want to read, to watch, and to listen more carefully. Oxford University Press, too, are to be commended for the low retail price and the quality production ... This is a fine introduction to, and defence of, a typically various popular form. In an age of anxieties new and old, Jones's exploration of taboo, control, and the politics of fear, seems particularly timely and potent. * Sean Hewitt, The Irish Times *Darryl Jones' beautifully packaged book ... is the perfect gift for a horror-head. Written with enthusiasm and incredible research, it bounces between breakout and iconic moments across literature, film, folklore, science and psychology. Truly fascinating if sometimes scary reading. * Emerald Street *[A] beautifully designed publication, small enough to slip in a handbag and short enough to be read in one or two sittings ... For those outside the field whod like to know more, this is an excellent place to start and even for those within it, this is an object lesson in concision of thought and precision of argument. I enjoyed it a great deal. * Linnie Blake, Times Higher Education *a concise, knowledgeable survey of the entire phenomenon of horror * David Sexton, Evening Standard *Jones packs more into 181 pages than many similar volumes do that are three times the size ... This is an academic exploration that's refreshingly easy to read, with plenty of original and genuinely fascinating content to enjoy ... Whether you're a devotee who bloodily soaks up everything from the latest Stephen King novel to the newest James Wan opus or simply someone who likes to stay on top of the cultural zeitgeist, Sleeping With The Lights On is the best book about the intricacies of horror that we've read in a long time. * Ian White, Starburst *Equal parts love letter and academic invitation, this assemblage of analysts urges you to discover how horror's cultural connection truly affects our society, by inspecting the primal side of our fascination with the weird, the horrid and the downright disturbing. * Ahlissa Eichhorn, Fangoria Magazine *Intelligent but still accessible ... We dig the lightbulb-shaped diecut on the cover. * SFX *Although this volume ... is quite slim, Jones makes a convincing case, especially for newcomers and students making their first steps into the genre in an academic capacity ... a pleasant, quick and entertaining read. * Iain MacLeod, Gore in the Store *Jones' passion for and love of his subject matter shines through on every page of this deceptively slim volume ... The book is immensely readable, with all the pace, momentum, and drive of a compelling thriller ... If you are even the least bit interested in the horror genre this book is a fine purchase. It will educate, inform, and illuminate a genre that almost revels in its obfuscation and slipperiness. For the fan of horror, Sleeping with the Lights On is a great companion to discover aspects of the history of horror, to dig deeper into films and books you may not be aware of. But more than that; for the horror writers amongst us, it's an absolute necessity. It is inspirational and affirming, infectious in its enthusiasm. A must-buy if you take your craft seriously, if you're sincere about the business of horror. * Paul Michaels, This is Horror *This welcome contribution to horror's critical bibliography is an extensive resource, though short in length. Sleeping with the Lights On will be essential reading for fellow scholars of the dark arts, and it is easily accessible for the everyday reader and horror fan more generally ... This new book ... will undoubtedly inspire thought-provoking critical studies of horror's future; for now, it remains an unsettling but mesmerising story of culture's most strongest and oldest emotion. * Benjamin E. Noad, Gothic Imagination *This analysis is not as long as it might be, but it is ... engaging, thoughtful and informative. As such it is likely that even seasoned fantasy horror collectors will learn something new, or find a fresh perspective * Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation *Sleeping with the Lights On is a book that every fan of the genre should read, it is also a book that every fan of the genre should give to that one person they know who thinks the genre is a just shock for the sake of shock, devoid of all artistic or intellectual merit. If this book doesn't change their mind, then nothing will. * Ginger Nuts of Horror *a fascinating little book ... Even if horror is a seasonal (trick or) treat for you, you will come away with a greater appreciation of that which haunts and unsettles you. * Sublime Horror *A terrific examination of horror in all its incarnations - literature, movies etc. * Books Monthly *an excellent read short enough to be approachable but with plenty of breadth and depth in the discussions. * FictionFan's Book Reviews *A fascinating & succinct jaunt through the history of #Horror in six vampire-bite-sized sections. The writing is engaging & detailed. An essential addition to any coffin-side table ... * The Ghastling *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: Monsters 2: The occult and the supernatural 3: Horror and the body 4: Horror and the mind 5: Science and horror 6: Afterword: horror since the millenium Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisPatrick Mouratoglou; Serena Williams' coach; host of his own daily TV Show for Eurosport International, sports commentator on ESPN, founder and President of the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and Resort and Philanthropist is the most followed coach on the "Tennisphere".The Coach is Patrick Mouratoglou's hugely motivational and inspirational story. As a child, he was full of suffering, enduring anxiety attacks at night. In his own words "puny and very timid, paralysed by the shame of not being able to do better".Now, as one of the world's leading tennis coaches he is responsible for transforming the career of Serena Williams and helping her become the greatest of all times. His story is a great example of trial over adversity.

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Book SynopsisThe dumbest band with the dumbest tunes - but still they transcend all other groups as the ground zero of rock, reduced to its crudest essence. This, their first album is a brutal combination of 60s pop and garage punk with adolescent tales of girls and sniffing glue.Trade Review"'A brilliant idea' The Times; 'Neat' Nick Hornby; 'Pocket-size books about favourite albums is a nice idea, akin to TV's Classic Albums and with an equal amount of care and attention.' The Guardian (Friday Review)"

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Book Synopsis''I defy anyone not to snort, howl and recoil'' The Sunday Times''Full of wicked asides, tart observations and sharp remarks that could only have originated in Graham Norton''s witty brain.'' Terry WoganLooking around the room I saw what life really was. It was made up of my passions. I saw my life reflected back at me. People I liked, people I loved, people I had shared half a century with. All the stories of my life were together in that one room and it made me very happy. Who wouldn''t want a friend like Graham Norton? A little bit naughty, full of frank advice, bursting with gossip about the world''s biggest stars - but most of all with an emphatic love of life and all its joys, big and small. Join him - glass of wine in hand, faithful doggy friend by your side - and delve in as he shares the loves of his life.Trade ReviewWitty and wonderful memoir. Sparkling and impish, as you'd imagine. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisMusical Theatre: A History is a new revised edition of a proven core text for college and secondary school students and an insightful and accessible celebration of twenty-five centuries of great theatrical entertainment. As an educator with extensive experience in professional theatre production, author John Kenrick approaches the subject with a unique appreciation of musicals as both an art form and a business. Using anecdotes, biographical profiles, clear definitions, sample scenes and select illustrations, Kenrick focuses on landmark musicals, and on the extraordinary talents and business innovators who have helped musical theatre evolve from its roots in the dramas of ancient Athens all the way to the latest hits on Broadway and London's West End. Key improvements to the second edition: A new foreword by Oscar Hammerstein III, a critically acclaimed historian and member of a family with deep ties to the musical theatre, is included The 28 chapterTrade ReviewKenrick demonstrates his considerable knowledge in this enjoyable, well-written volume . . . Specific examples about particular performers (e.g., Al Jolson) and shows (e.g., Franz Lehar's Merry Widow) enliven the text . . . A section of photos, most not the usual views, is a modest addition. In place of references, the author lists titles cited in a useful annotated bibliography. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers. * Choice *A comprehensive history of stage musicals . . . As informative as it is entertaining, Musical Theatre is richly illustrated with anecdotes of shows * The Pass *This eminently readable account delivers from curtain up … The text is supplemented by some wonderful archive photos which bring the productions discussed to life. The extensive bibliography is very useful and includes reference to online resources … An informed and entertaining survey of Musical Theatre which will appeal to both the novice and the knowledgeable. * Drama Magazine *Table of ContentsForeword by Oscar Hammerstein III (Author of The Hammersteins) Introduction: “Let’s Start at the Very Beginning” Chapter 1: Ancient Times to 1800 – “Playgoers, I Bid You Welcome!” Chapter Two: Continental Operetta (1840 – 1900) – “Typical of France” Chapter 3: Music Halls and Minstrel Shows: When Ribaldry and Racism Sang and Danced Chapter 3: “The Music of Something Beginning” – American Explorations (1624-1890) Chapter 5: Object All Sublime - Gilbert & Sullivan (1880-1900) Chapter 6: Vaudeville and Burlesque - From Small Time to Big Time Chapter 7: The Merry Widow - Refusing to Say “I Love You” Chapter 10 – A New Century: Herbert, Cohan & Berlin (1900-1913) Chapter 9: Florenz Ziegfeld – The Follies and Beyond Chapter 12: Jerome Kern and American Ascendance (1914-1919) 0> Chapter 11: Career in Profile – Al Jolson Chapter 12: The 1920s - Part I Chapter 12: The 1920s Part II Chapter 14: Depression Era Miracles (1930-1939) Chapter 10: Rodgers & Hammerstein – A New Beginning (1940-1960) Chapter 17 – After Oklahoma (post-1943) 1 Chapter 17: Anatomy of a Hit – My Fair Lady (1956) Chapter 18: Career in Profile – Ethel Merman Chapter 19: Abbott, Robbins & Fosse (1950-1963) Chapter 20: More Golden Age Musicals - (1950s-1960s) Chapter 21: The 1960s – “The Parade Passes By” Chapter 22: 1970s Part I - Sondheim & Prince Chapter 12: The 1970s – “You Gotta Hang on till Tomorrow” (1970-1979) Chapter 24: The 1980s – “And the Wind Begins to Moan” Chapter 25: The 1990s - “The American Dream” Chapter 26: The 2000s – “Where Did We Go Right?” Chapter 27: The 2010s - Tourists Reign Supreme Chapter 28: The Future Glossary Annotated Bibliography

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Book SynopsisPassed down in the oral tradition and sung traditionally as working songs, sea shanties tell the human stories of life at sea: hard graft, battling the elements, the loss of ships or pining for a lady on shore. Acclaimed shanty devotee Gerry Smyth presents the background to each shanty alongside musical notation.

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Book Synopsis___________Blast into hyperspace for a thrilling pop-up journey through the entire Star Wars saga with pop-up legend Matthew Reinhart’s new masterpiece.From famed New York Times best-selling paper engineer Matthew Reinhart comes Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop-Up Galaxy.This glorious pop-up book is a fitting tribute to the entire Star Wars saga, covering all 11 movies, including a sneak peek at The Rise of Skywalker.See Padmé battle alongside the Jedi and clone troopers, Luke train with Jedi Master Yoda on Dagobah, and Rey and Kylo Ren battle Supreme Leader Snoke’s Praetorian Guards, as well as other memorable moments from the saga.With five intricate and detail-rich spreads that fold out into one breathtaking map of the entire Star Wars saga, Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop-Up Galaxy is the perfect gift for Star Wars fans of all ages.

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Book SynopsisHolly Knight’s singular music career included crafting a good part of the soundtrack to the MTV eighties with mega-hits for Tina Turner (“The Best”), Pat Benatar (“Love Is A Battlefield”), and Patty Smyth (“The Warrior”)—songs that celebrated female empowerment and shaped pop and rock for years to come.“Holly Knight wrote some of the best and toughest songs for female artists. Her songs helped pave the way for women in rock. Not to mention a few dudes.” —Patty Smyth As a writer and musician, Holly Knight worked hard and played hard with the likes of KISS, Rod Stewart, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and Heart. She showed the boys how it was done when many women were still struggling to get a foot in the door. Starting in the late 1970s in post-punk New York, Knight, a gifted keyboardist, joined the band Spider—which quickly ascended to buzzworthy status before things began to disintegrate. Fortunately, her song “Better Be Good to Me” found its way to Tina Turner and became the second single on her landmark solo album, Private Dancer, launching Holly into rarified air. Soon she was being sought out to write for other artists in search of the big hit or their lead single. Coinciding with the birth of MTV, Knight’s powerful lyrics, hooks, and melodies became a staple on the channel as it exploded into a cultural force. “People who grew up in the eighties tell me that MTV was the soundtrack to their lives. Holly Knight deserves much of the credit. Few songwriters have written such a diverse collection of songs for such a broad range of superstars.” —Alan Hunter But it was an often lonely journey to success. Not only was Holly a woman in a male-dominated industry that didn’t welcome women warmly into the inner sanctum, she carried with her the baggage of a difficult childhood and a fraught relationship with her mother, the substance of which informed the themes that made her songs so anthemic. I Am the Warrior is a story of survival, perseverance, and triumph laced with ample amounts of sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. Backstage, onstage, in the studio, and on the road, this book is a revealing, bang-bang tale that welcomes you along for a look back at one of the most adventurous and colorful periods in music history. “I Am the Warrior takes readers on a wild ride through the eighties world of rock ’n’ roll from a strong female’s perspective. Songwriters Hall of Fame-inductee Holly Knight delivers the goods and stands out as a creative, gutsy woman who made her way through a field dominated by men, ultimately coming out on top. If you love music like I do, this is a must-read!” —Cassandra Peterson (AKA Elvira, Mistress of the Dark)Trade Review"Backstage, onstage, in the studio, and on the road, this memoir is an impressively revealing life story by an articulate woman who welcomes her readers to take a look back at one of the most adventurous and colorful periods in music history.” -- Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisRaised by his grandmother in Tennessee, Gil Scott-Heron's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most uncompromising and influential songwriters of his generation is a remarkable one. In this, his heartfelt, beautifully written and posthumously published memoir, we are given bright insights into the music industry, New York, the civil-rights movement, modern America, governmental hypocrisy, Stevie Wonder and our wider place in the world. It is also a fitting testament to the generous brilliance of Gil Scott-Heron and to the Spirits that guided him.Trade ReviewA marvellous documentary of black America and life lived in the raw * * Spectator * *Engaging and immensely human . . . Much like his poetry, Scott-Heron's style is spare and effective, offering up jagged observations on fame, friendship and political and racial injustice * * Independent on Sunday * *This memoir reads a bit like Langston Hughes filtered through the scratchy and electrified sensibilities of John Lee Hooker, Dick Gregory and Spike Lee . . . about his own music, he could not be more simple or elegant. "I was trying to get people who listened to me," he writes, "to realise that they were not alone." -- Dwight Garner * * New York Times * *One of the great pioneers of late-twentieth-century music. * * Independent * *Scott-Heron is such a fine writer . . . As readers and fans alike, we are left to mourn the passing of surely, the least likely pop star ever, one with a truly brilliant mind. -- Rob Fitzpatrick * * Sunday Times * *A delight, full of with and alliteration and studded with passages of verse . . . it is a heartbreaking read as the last testament of a much-loved man, but it should certainly be read. * * Herald * *Gil Scott-Heron is timeless. * * New York Times * *An impressively lucid book . . . both candid and guarded . . . his final admissions are heart-rending. * * Metro * *For more than two decades, [Gil Scott-Heron] has been committed to examining those facts of the human condition that most of us would rather forget . . . he is an artist who has crafted witty but crucial insights for Black America. * * Washington Post * *The formative incidents of Scott-Heron's life are placed in their cultural and historical contexts with great delicacy and precision. -- Ben Thompson * * Sunday Telegraph * *

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Book SynopsisWith hits including `Child in Time’, and the iconic `Smoke on the Water’, Deep Purple established themselves as one of Britain’s greatest rock bandsFrom the moment he saw Elvis Presley on screen, Ian Gillan, a working class teenager from Hounslow, was inspired to become a rock star. That wish was to come true when the opportunity arose to join Deep Purple, and global fame soon followed. The ensuing years were thrilling but punishing. The band recorded six albums in just four years and tensions within the band, as well as issues with alcohol, brought Ian to breaking point. Ian describes the rock `n’ roll lifestyle in disarming detail while never taking himself too seriously, making this an entertaining read for any rock fan.

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