Entertainment Books

Book SynopsisUsing detailed case studies, this innovative book draws upon new archival research, industrial analysis and close textual readings to consider cinema's place in the fictions and critical writings of major female literary figures.

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Book SynopsisThis collection analyses the audio-visual representations of several heightened events in Mexican history.

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Book SynopsisEvgeny Kissin''s musicality, the depth and poetic quality of his interpretations, and his extraordinary virtuosity have earned him the veneration and admiration deserved only by one of the most gifted classical pianists of his generation. He is internationally renowned and hugely admired for his interpretations of the works of the classical and Romantic repertoire of Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, Brahms, Rachmaninov and Prokofiev. He is in demand the world over, and has appeared with many of the world''s great conductors, as well as all the great orchestras of the world. In Memoirs and Reflections, the intensity of Kissin''s thinking and of his very being shines through, which displays his astonishing memory, fondness for his family and teachers, and an exalted sense of self that is essentially Russian.Trade ReviewThe title is right: it's a blend of some of the highlights of his life, musical and otherwise, along with Kissin's thoughts on a variety of topics from the nature of humanity to the meaning of liberty in Russia to his views of other musicians -- Stephen Pollard * JEWISH CHRONICLE *

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Book Synopsis''This is the biography - truthful, sympathetic and thorough - that Coward deserves''DAILY TELEGRAPHThe voice, the dressing-gown, the cigarette in its holder, remain unmistakable. There is rarely a week when one of Private Lives, Hay Fever, and Blithe Spirit is not in production somewhere in the world. Phrases from Noël Coward''s songs - Mad About The Boy, Mad Dogs and Englishman - are forever lodged in the public consciousness. He was at one point the most highly paid author in the world. Yet some of his most striking and daring writing remains unfamiliar. As T.S. Eliot said, in 1954, there are things you can learn from Noël Coward that you won''t learn from Shakespeare.Coward wrote some fifty plays and nine musicals, as well as revues, screenplays, short stories, poetry, and a novel. He was both composer and lyricist for approximately 675 songs. Louis Mountbatten''s famous tribute argued that, while there were greater comedian

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Book Synopsis While some film scores crash through theater speakers to claim their place in memory, others are more unassuming. Either way, a film''s score is integral to successful world building. This book lifts the curtain on the elusive yet thrilling art form, examining the birth of the Hollywood film score, its turbulent evolution throughout the decades and the multidimensional challenges to musicians that lie ahead. The history of the film score is illuminated by extraordinary talents (like John Williams, Hans Zimmer and countless others). Beginning with vaudeville and silent cinema, chapters explore the wonders of early pioneers like Max Steiner and Bernard Herrmann, and continue through the careers of other soundtrack titans. Leading Hollywood film composers offer in this book fascinating perspectives on the art of film music composition, its ongoing relevance and its astonishing ability to enhance a filmmaker''s vision.Trade ReviewAccessible...vivid...ambitious in its scope...Sean Wilson is a trusted guide with an obvious passion for (and knowledge of) the subject...the detail here is pretty extraordinary, with fascinating asides and valuable insights"—BBC Music MagazineTable of Contents Acknowledgments Foreword: What Constitutes a Great Film Score? by Amon Warmann Preface One. Tremolo: The Onset of Film Music Two. Forte: The Romantic Era Takes Shape Three. Glissando: Jazz, Rock and Roll and the Slide Towards Experimentalism Four. Allegro: Star Wars and the Resurgence of the Symphonic Score Five. Atonal: The Role of Film Music in the Era of Franchising Six. Dissonance: Gender Disparity, Temp Scores and Rejected Scores Coda: The Future of Hollywood Film Scoring Chapter Notes Bibliography Index

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Book Synopsis2023 ARSC Awards for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research, Association for Recorded Sound Collections An insider’s look at how Chicago’s underground music industry transformed indie rock in the 1990s. In the 1990s, Chicago was at the center of indie rock, propelling bands like the Smashing Pumpkins and Liz Phair to the national stage. The musical ecosystem from which these bands emerged, though, was expansive and diverse. Grunge players comingled with the electronic, jazz, psychedelic, and ambient music communities, and an inventive, collaborative group of local labels—kranky, Drag City, and Thrill Jockey, among others—embraced the new, evolving sound of indie “rock.” Bruce Adams, co-founder of kranky records, was there to bear witness. In You’re with Stupid, Adams offers an insider’s look at the role Chicago’s underground music industry played in the transformation of ind

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Book Synopsis(Piano Collection). All 32 sonatas from volumes one and two (edited by Von Bulow/Lebert) have been combined into one, gigantic comb-bound volume. 696 pages.

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Book SynopsisLineStorm Playwrights is a well-known group of twelve accomplished playwrights from the Portland, Oregon, area who have had their works performed around the world and who also collaborate on and produce pieces together. They have compiled the ultimate ten-minute play collection that is perfect for this time. Due to the pandemic, the LineStorm group has been approached by several venues for short plays designed to be performed outdoors, and so this collection of thirty ten-minute plays is expressly set and meant to be performed outdoors. The book offers a healthy and safe way to partake in live theater performances!

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Book SynopsisReading Rainbow is one of the most successful PBS children's series in television history, earning numerous national and international awards including 26 Emmy's and a Peabody Award. But perhaps more important than anything else, Reading Rainbow helped generations of children cultivate a love for books.The brainchild of co-author Tony Buttino, Reading Rainbow is very much a story of humble beginnings and enormous perseverance. Over five summers, co-author Tony Buttino and his colleagues at WNED-TV, the public television station in Buffalo, New York, worked in collaboration with educators and librarians to experiment with summer reading programs. But after finding these programs inadequate, WNED staffers realized they had to create their own show. After fits and starts, and enough twists and turns to fill a children's book, Reading Rainbow premiered in the summer of 1983 and captured the attention of 6.5 million young viewers worldwide. Reading Rainbow Stories explores

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Book Synopsis(String Duet). Designed for violinists familiar with first position and comfortable reading basic rhythms, each two-page arrangement in this collection includes a violin 1 and violin 2 part, with each taking a turn at playing the melody for a fun and challenging ensemble experience. Songs include: All of Me * Hello * Just the Way You Are * Let It Go * Love Yourself * Ophelia * Riptide * Say Something * Shake It Off * Story of My Life * Take Me to Church * Thinking Out Loud * Wake Me Up! * and more.

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Book SynopsisA how-to book on the art, craft and practice of TV/video/streaming cinematography for multi-camera shooting.This book is written for anyone wanting to film, direct or produce multiple camera productions. Lighting Directors, Directors of Photography, Camera Operators as well as Directors, Producers and Production Managers will all find valuable information that will help them do their job and accomplish their goals of effectively filming with more than one camera at the same time. This book could be seen as an intermediate to advanced media production course book for colleges. It is also meant to give insight and inspiration to those starting out their professional careers in multi-camera productions. The text covers advice for producing and filming content using two or more cameras in many genres including Sitcom, Stand-up, News, Talk Show, Interview, Reality, Corporate Video and Indie Movies, with budgets both big and small, by two award winning professional Trade ReviewDavid Landau’s book, Multi-camera Cinematography and Production, is a comprehensive coverage of the subject area. The real-world examples of contemporary production techniques, specific examples and the input from professional practitioners make this different from other textbooks. It reviews the basics and then goes to more in depth, introducing new material and examples. It gives students a place and context to practice their craft using his” Putting it in Practice” exercises. * Matt Clarke, Producer-Director, C2 Media, USA *What David Landau has done here is distilled decades of his and his colleagues knowledge and put them into a single book. Broken down into easy to understand sections, he teaches by telling stories of our successes and failures alike. Reminding us that not all of our experiences are great, but what we learn from them is worth more than gold. * Tigre McMullan, Gaffer with Local 52 and Director of Photography with Local 600, USA *David Landau has done it again. After his outstanding Lighting for Cinematography fused his decades of professional work behind the camera with his equal commitment to undergraduate film education in order to provide a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to lighting for the moving image, he has shifted his focus to the demands of multiple camera television production in Multi-Camera Cinematography. In the first section of the book Landau and co-author Bruce Finn offer a simple yet comprehensive approach to camera and lighting basics useful for any introductory cinematography student. The real breakthrough comes in the second section of the volume, in which Landau and Finn detail the challenges raised by specific television genres including, talk shows, comedy shows, cooking shows and reality programming as the well as the techniques used for each of these forms. There is no currently available text that so clearly and thoroughly analyzes and explains these essential camera skills, and both students and teachers should find these insights extremely valuable. * Evan Lieberman, Associate Professor of Film, Cleveland State University, USA *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction PART I - FOUNDATIONS Chapter 1: The Visual Design Crew & On Set Behavior Chapter 2: Camera Shots, Framing, and Camera Operation Chapter 3: Lenses Chapter 4: Cameras and Camera Supports Chapter 5: The Magic of Light Chapter 6: Lighting, Lamps, and Electricity Chapter 7: Multi-Camera Lighting & Camera Operation Basics PART II - PRODUCTIONS Chapter 8: Multi-Camera Interviews Chapter 9: Shooting Stand-Up Comedy Shows Chapter 10: Shooting Reality Shows Chapter 11: Shooting Cooking Shows Chapter 12: Shooting Scripted Studio Productions: Daytime Dramas, Sit-Coms, Puppet shows, and More Chapter 13: Lighting Scripted Studio Productions Chapter 14: Shooting Scripted “Film Style” Productions Appendix 1: Recommended Books & Websites Appendix 2: Manufacturer Resources Index

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Book SynopsisChris Tapley is based in Glasgow, Scotland. His writing has been published by The List, The Skinny, The Line of Best Fit, thi wurd magazine, the Scottish Writers' Centre, and commended for the Costa Short Story Award.

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Book SynopsisCome round to Louis Theroux’s house where the much-loved TV documentary-maker, podcaster and bestselling author of Gotta Get Theroux This finds himself in unexpected danger . . . Like millions of others, Louis’ plans were mothballed by the onset of Covid. Unable to escape to the porn sets, prisons and maximum-security psychiatric units that are his usual journalistic beat, he began reporting on a location even more full of pitfalls and hostile objects of inquiry: his own home during a pandemic.Theroux the Keyhole is an honest, hilarious and ultimately heartwarming diary of the weirdness of family life in Covid World. A wife intolerant of his obsession with Joe Wicks’ daily workouts. Two teenage sons, inseparable from their videogames, for whom he is increasingly 'cringe'. A five-year-old happily spamming out videos on his own new TikTok account while on holiday with his oblivious family. Louis also describes how he launches his podcast, Grounded, finally gets to the US to film a new Joe Exotic documentary and aims his sights on the latest incarnation of the far right in a world becoming radicalized by social media. Theroux the Keyhole is Louis at his insightful best, as he faces unforeseen new challenges and wonders why it took a pandemic for him to learn that what really matters in life is right in front of him.Trade ReviewHe just has a sincere desire to understand people. * The Independent *Even against the horrific backdrop of Covid, [this] book is all the more charming, and blackly amusing, for it. * Belfast Telegraph (Review) *

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Book SynopsisCome round to Louis Theroux’s house, where the much-loved documentary-maker finds himself in unexpected danger . . .Louis’s latest TV series about weirdness – the one involving the American far right, home-grown jihadis, and SoundCloud rappers – has been unexpectedly derailed by the onset of a global pandemic. Now he finds himself locked down in a location even more full of pitfalls, surprises and hostile objects of inquiry: his own home.Theroux the Keyhole is the candidly honest and hilarious diary of a man attempting to navigate the perils of work and family life, locked down in Covid World with his wife, two teenagers and a Youtube-addict fiver year-old. Why is his wife so intolerant of his obsession with Joe Wicks’s daily workouts? Can he reinvent himself as a podcast host? Why has the internet gone nuts for his old journalistic compadre Joe Exotic? And will his teenage sons ever see him as anything other than ‘cringe’?This is Louis at his insightful best, as month-by-month he documents his year of unforeseen new challenges - and wonders why it took a pandemic for him to learn that what really matters in life is right in front of him.Trade ReviewHe just has a sincere desire to understand people * The Independent *Even against the horrific backdrop of Covid, [this] book is all the more charming, and blackly amusing, for it. * Belfast Telegraph (Review) *

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Book SynopsisFrom scream queens to femmes fatale, horror isn’t just for the boys. Gothic media moguls Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence, authors of The Science of Monsters, and co-hosts of the Horror Rewind podcast called “the best horror film podcast out there” by Film Daddy, present a guide to the feminist horror movies, TV shows, and characters we all know and love. Through interviews, film analysis, and bone-chilling discoveries, The Science of Women in Horror uncovers the theories behind women’s most iconic roles of the genre. Explore age-old tropes such as “The Innocent” like Lydia in Beetlejuice, “The Gorgon” like Pamela Voorhees in Friday the 13th, and “The Mother” like Norma Bates in Pyscho and Bates Motel, and delve deeper into female-forward film and TV including: The Haunting of Hill House Teeth Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Buffy the Vampire Slayer And so much more! Join Kelly and Meg in The Science of Women in Horror as they flip the script and prove that every girl is a “final girl.”Trade Review“Through the lens of horror, Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl take readers on a thought-provoking journey through history and real-life applications on what it means to be a woman. A monstrously feminine and insightful read; the past, present, and future of horror is female.” —Meagan Navarro, genre film journalist, critic, and columnist at bloody-disgusting.com “The Science of Women in Horror is a well-researched and thought-provoking love letter to women in horror, reflecting on the impact of the influential characters onscreen as well as the women responsible for helping shape the genre behind the camera. Through a series of compelling interviews with female filmmakers, as well as essays exploring the many films that have both shaped and subverted expectations for women in the genre—from the virginal final girl to the vengeful killer, and everything in between—the authors speak to the breadth of the female and female-identifying experience and the impact horror has made on reflecting universal fears while simultaneously redefining female archetypes. It’s a riveting read, shedding an important light on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go on the road to broader representation and gender parity in film—with horror, as a genre, leading the charge.” —Stephanie Malone, founder and editor-in-chief of morbidlybeautiful.com “The Science of Women in Horror presents how the everyday horror of the female experience creeps into the movies that have shaped a genre. Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence have produced a smart social analysis of horror and how women continue to revolutionize the industry.” —Daphne Strasert, co-author of Horror Bites: Campfire Tales

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Book SynopsisTake a trip beyond this Earth to explore the myths of The Mandalorian and uncover the anatomy of the newest space western in the Star Wars Universe.Star Wars dominates the film world. The combined box office revenue of the Star Wars movies equates to over $10 billion, making it the second highest-grossing film franchise of all time. But this franchise is no blaster from the past. Its fantastically successful films have now been followed by multiple television series set in that same galaxy far, far away. The franchise’s flagship television series, and likely the firmest fan favorite for some time to come, is The Mandalorian. Tracing the tale of the titular bounty hunter, traveling across the furthest reaches of that mythic galaxy, The Mandalorian has been greatly praised and highly acclaimed for creating characters with gravitas and originality, worlds with depth and impact, resulting in some of the best Star Wars content ever. Even though it’s set in deep space, The Mandalorian has as much in common with Western movies as it does with science fiction. Saloons. Bandits. “Gun” duels. Bounty hunters. Outlaws with a price on their heads. Space exploration as a “final frontier.” And a wild hero who doesn’t quite belong in a lawless part of the Galaxy after the fall of the Empire.The Science of The Mandalorian takes you on a badass journey with a mysterious, lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, where your beskar armor will protect you from many things, but not the sight of a small, green, carnivorous humanoid with big black eyes and mysterious powers. This is the way.

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Book SynopsisJoe Strummer was one of the twentieth century’s iconic rock’n’roll rebels. As frontperson, spokesperson and chief lyricist for The Clash, he played a major role in politicising a generation through some of the most powerful protest songs of the era, songs like ‘White Riot’, ‘English Civil War’ and ‘London Calling’. At the heart of this protest was the struggle for social justice and equality.The punk rock politics of Joe Strummer examines Strummer’s beliefs on a range of issues – including socialism, alienation, exploitation, multiculturalism and humanism - analysing their credibility, influence and impact, and asking where they came from and how they developed over time. Drawing on Strummer’s lyrics, various interviews and bootleg recordings, as well as interviews with those he inspired, The punk rock politics of Joe Strummer takes the reader on a journey through the political influences and motivations that defined one of the UK’s greatest punk icons.Trade Review'Ever wondered why UK punk rock was political and US punk rock wasn't? Two words: Joe Strummer. Gregor Gall takes a deep dive into the convictions and contradictions of the legendary Clash front man who tried to walk it like he talked it.'Billy Bragg, musician, writer and campaigner'With this book, Gregor Gall has written what must be the last word on Joe Strummer, the icon of rock politics. Examined from multiple perspectives, and drawing on the words of Strummer himself and of the many who followed and commented on him, The Punk Rock Politics of Joe Strummer is a fine and fitting testimony to the complexity and contradictions of the man’s life, his music and his politics.'Professor John Street, University of East Anglia and author of Music and Politics'An absolute ”must read” for all those who believe ”it’s more important than just music".'Richard Chorley, Louder Than War 'Bringing together an impressive amount of research, Gall examines in meticulous detail many aspects of the political psyche and personality of the Clash frontman, charting his political development from his Clash heydays and then beyond. The Punk Rock Politics of Joe Strummer is not just for hardcore Strummer fans (although, if you are, then this book is a must), but anyone interested in the political impact of music will find The Punk Rock Politics of Joe Strummer insightful and comprehensive.'Molly Tie, Punktuation magazine 'This unique examination of Joe Strummer’s political outlook is exactly the kind of material that’s been missing from books on The Clash and its frontman.'Simon Whittle, Scottish Socialist Voice'A sober analysis of Strummer’s shifting political outlook and the influence he’s exercised on fans’ views and activism.'George Binette, Camden New Journal 'The punk rock politics of Joe Strummer proves to be an indispensable text for the student as well as the general reader interested in the politics of one of the great rock ‘n’ roll songwriters of the 20th century.'Richard Parfitt, Red Pepper 'A forensic examination of Strummer’s political trajectory.'Pat Carmody, Socialist Worker'When the subject is Joe Strummer you hope the music and message will shine through, and this book is a welcome and novel addition to the many words on the enigmatic and inspiring Clash frontman that was taken too soon.' Mik Sabiers, The Morning Star 'It’s a thoughtful, and highly readable, account – and not a hagiography – of the man, the band, and the politics of this country which sheds light on where we were and where we are today.'Keith Richmond, ASLEF Journal'Readers seeking another Strummer hagiography will be disappointed; those seeking an insightful, thought-provoking and inspiring analysis of popular music’s intersections with politics, and a critical dissection of the musician’s role in promoting political ideals, will be delighted.'James Peacock, Capital & Class -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction1 Studying Strummer: issues and approach 2 Perceptions of Strummer’s politics3 Strummer’s politics and philosophical perspectives4 Rebel rock and its ramifications5 Rocking against the rich6 Advocate not activist7 Straying from socialism8 Strummer’s influence: secondary sources 9 Follower testimony ConclusionIndex

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Book SynopsisThe art of the observer is a personal guide to documentary filmmaking, based on the author’s years of pioneering work in the fields of ethnographic and documentary cinema. It stands in sharp contrast to books of academic film criticism and handbooks on visual research methods, being based extensively on concrete examples from the author’s own filmmaking experience. The book places particular emphasis on observational filmmaking and the ways in which this approach is distinct from other forms of documentary. It offers both practical insights and reflections on what it means, in both emotional and intellectual terms, to attempt to represent the lives of others. The book makes clear that documentary cinema is not simply a matter of recording reality, but of artfully organising the filmmaker’s observations in ways that reveal the complex patterns of social life.Trade Review'Particularly gratifying are the author's explorations of the work of his amateur collaborators, as in the chapter on films children in his video workshops made between 2011 and 2016. He respects their work and points of view and seems to have genuinely meditated on their insights without being patronizing. Mixing memory and analysis, this engaging book helps readers see the filmmaker and his craft anew.'ChoiceReprinted with permission from Choice Reviews. All rights reserved. Copyright by the American Library Association. -- .Table of ContentsPart I1: The practice of documentary 2: How the visual makes sense 3: Observational Cinema: A Unique Practice4: Ethnographic film: evolution of a conceptPart II5: Structuring nonfiction films6: Filming in a closed community7: Seven types of collaboration8: Microstructures of film editingPart III9: Films and feelings10: The life of others11: The strangers within us12: How children seePart IV13: An encounter with Robert Gardner 14: The percentage of disaster15: Clearing customsFilmography BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisThe first English-language book on the work of Viennese artist, film-maker, and writer Ruth Beckermann., addressing all Beckermann's major works and offering innovative critical readings. -- .

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Book SynopsisA NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From the National Book Award-winning author of Just Kids Selected as Book of the Year by the Daily Telegraph, i paper, Metro and Harper's Bazaar ‘Magical’ GUARDIAN 'A gripping tale of the search for meaning in times of turbulence - expressed with Smith’s signature poetic flair' VOGUE 'Extraordinary ... A tense, teasing mix of reality and dream' Sunday Times 'A melancholy mood and poetic language distinguish Smith’s third memoir' BBC ‘Her willingness to look closely at life’s closing chapters makes for a magical book' WASHINGTON POST, 'The 10 books to read in September' Following a run of New Year’s concerts at San Francisco’s legendary Fillmore, Patti Smith finds herself tramping the coast of Santa Cruz, about to embark on a year of solitary wandering. Unfettered by logic or time, she draws us into her private wonderland, with no design yet heeding signs, including a talking sign that looms above her, prodding and sparring like the Cheshire Cat. In February, a surreal lunar year begins, bringing with it unexpected turns, heightened mischief, and inescapable sorrow. In a stranger’s words, “Anything is possible: after all, it’s the year of the monkey.” For Patti Smith - inveterately curious, always exploring, tracking thoughts, writing the year evolves as one of reckoning with the changes in life’s gyre: with loss, aging, and a dramatic shift in the political landscape of America. Smith melds the Western landscape with her own dreamscape. Taking us from Southern California to the Arizona desert; to a Kentucky farm as the amanuensis of a friend in crisis; to the hospital room of a valued mentor; and by turns to remembered and imagined places - this haunting memoir blends fact and fiction with poetic mastery. The unexpected happens; grief and disillusionment. But as Patti Smith heads toward a new decade in her own life, she offers this balm to the reader: her wisdom, wit, gimlet eye, and above all, a rugged hope of a better world. Riveting, elegant, often humorous, illustrated by Smith’s signature Polaroids, Year of the Monkey is a moving and original work, a touchstone for our turbulent times.Trade ReviewBoth mundane and magical … Moves constantly between reverie and memory … Portents and symbols lurk in unexpected places, and everyday objects become freighted with meaning … A reflection both on mortality and of the times in which Smith finds herself, but rich in detail * Guardian *A gripping tale of the search for meaning in times of turbulence - expressed with Smith’s signature poetic flair * Vogue *An engaging musing on mortality and defiance of age * i *A moving account of the emotional stumbles, physical and intellectual wanderings and deep losses Smith experienced in her 70th year * Independent *Some rock stars shut themselves away from life, but Smith’s engagement with the world only deepens, as this dreamy memoir shows * Daily Telegraph *Extraordinary … A tense, teasing mix of reality and dream … It’s a drifter’s book, in time, space and the imagination * Sunday Times *A picaresque voyage through her dreams and life as she faced 70, dealing with flashes of “sorrow’s vertigo” as she remembers all the loves and rock contemporaries who are gone, with a kaleidoscope of references from “Mr. Robot” to Marcus Aurelius to Martin Beck mysteries to Maria Callas’s Medea -- Maureen Dowd * International New York Times *A profoundly beautiful book, poetic in its prose and metaphysical in its meaning, it’s quite a stunning read * Financial Times *The narrating voice is the voice of Smith's music, twisting between the incantations of a priestess and laconic poetry … There is plenty of wonderful in this small, sly, mystic book * Spectator *A beatnik Alice in Wonderland, measured out in black coffee and Polaroids, it’s full of quiet puzzles, small epiphanies, more little clues how to live * Q Magazine *Arresting … Diverting and often unexpected, fresh and diverting * Literary Review *In the twilight of her career, punk’s original princess is reinventing herself as a memoirist of some distinction … It sings strong with her singular, itinerant, coffee-guzzling beat spirit. Essential reading for diehard fans -- Claire Allfree * Metro *A profoundly lyrical, digressive mapping of her fame-and-family decades … This third memoir finds Smith unhomed, at times almost unhinged, as she does her utmost to ward off those Beaten Generation blues * Mojo *Elegiac … A strikingly intimate portrait of a woman growing older and missing those who are no longer with us but remaining wide awake to the world and hopeful for its future * Sunday Express *A melancholy mood and poetic language distinguish Smith’s third memoir * BBC *Poet and performer Smith’s latest memoir zooms in tight ... Her willingness to look closely at life’s closing chapters makes for a magical book * Washington Post, 'The 10 books to read in September' *Lovely ... a slim volume [with a] minor-key melancholy * Entertainment Weekly *Patti Smith’s brilliant new memoir about love, loss and growing older … I’m already captivated by her poetic prose * Daily Mirror *Smith’s grace and erudite philosophy is a welcome balm in these times * Town & Country *Smith’s reflections on a wrenching yet grace-filled year are elegiac, vital, and magical. … Smith’s large, loyal following will seek out this spellbinding memoir, just as they embraced Just Kids (2010) and M Train (2015) * Booklist *Luminous ... Smith casts a mesmerizing spell with exquisite prose * Publishers Weekly *This is the modern-day Patti Smith: older, wiser, seeing the world, and reporting it all back to us in only the way she can. You can’t read this and not feel inspired after you put it down * Inside Hook *An incantatory, ambulatory travelogue * New Statesman *Captivating ... Redemptive * Kirkus *She weaves the threads of her thoughts and past relationships together, creating a dreamy memoir on the passage of time and our changing world * Wanderlust *One of the great diarists of her, or any other time, with an exquisite voice which manages to somehow transform even the most ordinary event into something otherworldly … An enchanting hitchhike through 2016 … Every occurrence sears into the reader’s psyche in vivid detail … Time spent in the company of Patti is always a pleasure * Classic Pop *A rock-star prophetess … Meditative, messy, poignant, deeply personal, allusive, occasionally bombastic and, crucially, still defiant, Year of the Monkey is a mercurial fusion of the mundane and visionary that only an unconquerable spirit like Patti Smith could write * Herald *She can find artistic endeavour in the mundane; or bone-deep comfort in a cup of black coffee and a cinnamon doughnut … Incredibly moving … As much a glimpse of a troubled year in Patti’s life, as a portal into our own * Record Collector *

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Book SynopsisIn Long Players, fifty of our finest authors write about the albums that changed their lives, from Deborah Levy on Bowie to Daisy Johnson on Lizzo, Ben Okri on Miles Davis to David Mitchell on Joni Mitchell, Sarah Perry on Rachmaninov to Bernardine Evaristo on Sweet Honey in the Rock. Part meditation on the album form and part candid self-portrait, each of these miniature essays reveals music’s power to transport the listener to a particular time and place. REM’s Automatic for the People sends Olivia Laing back to first love and heartbreak, Bjork’s Post resolves a crisis of faith and sexuality for a young Marlon James, while Fragile by Yes instils in George Saunders the confidence to take his own creative path. This collection is an intoxicating mix of memoir and music writing, spanning the golden age of vinyl and the streaming era, and showing how a single LP can shape a writer’s mind. Featuring writing from Ali Smith, Marlon James, Deborah Levy, George Saunders, Bernardine Evaristo, Ian Rankin, Tracey Thorn, Ben Okri, Sarah Perry, Neil Tennant, Rachel Kushner, Clive James, Eimear McBride, Neil Gaiman, Daisy Johnson, David Mitchell, Esi Edugyan, Patricia Lockwood, among many others. Trade Review[A] collection of writers' love letters to their most treasured albums ... Headphones are donned, needles are dropped, minds are blown, lives are changed -- Dorian Lynskey * Observer *Tom Gatti's brilliantly edited collection offers a captivating mix of memoir and music writing ... Long Players is informative and entertaining ... Like a book equivalent of Desert Island Discs, the joy is in discovering what celebrated authors choose as their favourite music. The answers are considered, colourful and frequently surprising -- Sarah Gilmartin * Irish Times *A richly textured snapshot survey of artists on art ... At their best the pieces reveal something useful about the writer, the music, the world at large and the world at that moment * Guardian *Great writing about great records. What more could you possibly want? * Paul Morley *The revelations discussed brilliantly convey the power music has to shape individual lives. Music lovers will want to put this on repeat * Publishers Weekly *Tom Gatti has assembled an all-star cast of 50 writers and music lovers, each detailing their relationship with a single album … We’re in expert hands … What results is a kaleidoscopic array of influences, histories, recollections of innocence, debauchery, and even trauma * Happy Mag *

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Book Synopsis'Impressive' Financial Times 'Terrific' Guardian'Elegant' Laura SheppersonBy night, Vivian Parry performs the role of Manhattan's sharpest literary critic, immersing herself fully in every show she sees. By day, she uses work, sex and psychotropic drugs to keep her comfortably numb. Desperate for a promotion and at the urging of her editor, she agrees to an interview with David Adler, an enigmatic graduate student. When he later disappears, Vivian soon learns from his devastated fiancée that she was the last person to have seen him alive. The police refuse to investigate his disappearance and Vivian finds herself obsessed with what happened, assuming the role of amateur investigator. But as she gets closer to the truth about David Adler, she finds that the boundaries between theatre and reality are more tenuous than even she could have believed.

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Book Synopsis2020 marks the centenary of Marconi's experimental transmissions and this book seeks to commemorate this anniversary. The book examines the history of radio and traces its development from theories advanced by James Clerk Maxwell and Heinrich Hertz to the first practical demonstrations by Guglielmo Marconi. It looks back to the pioneering broadcasts of the BBC, examines the development of broadcast networks in North America and around the world. It spotlights radio's role in the Second World War. The book also features the radio programmes and radio personalities that made a considerable impact on the listeners during the Golden Era'. It also examines how radio, faced by competition from its electronic progenitor - television, adapted and survived. Indeed radio has continued to thrive despite increased competition from mobile phones, computers, mp3 players and smart speakers. The book looks to the future and speculates how radio will fare in a multi-platform future.

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Book SynopsisHorror films divide opinion. It wasn't until 1973 that a horror film (The Exorcist) was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture and many respected critics still regard them with amused condescension. The public's view is also sharply divided. Some cinema goers revel in the thought of being made very, very afraid, while some just don't like horror films because they don't want to be frightened. This guide, which is for both the fan and the more faint-hearted, steers an illuminating path through a genre that has, since the early days of cinema, split off into many sub-divisions - folk horror, slasher movies, Hammer, sci-fi horror, psychological thrillers, zombie movies, among others. Times change but movie-makers can always find a way to tap into what we fear and dread, whether it's blood-sucking vampires or radioactive mutations, evil children or the living dead. This book also gives concise biographies of the many actors and directors who saw their careers - for better or worse - defined by their association with horror movies, and who created a genre that is instantly recognisable in all its forms and continues to find new and ingenious ways of scaring us in the dark.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a passionate rendezvous with cinema, the most collaborative of art forms. The essays here explore the possibilities offered by a close reading of cinema that keeps cultural contexts and their socio-historical roots firmly in sight. This collection does not consider the “frame”, that oft-referenced basic unit of vision in films, as a limiting structure. Rather, it brings into purview what is left out. Divided into three sections, the essays look firstly at Indian cinema, both Bollywood and regional films, tracing the journey of Indian cinema from the periphery to the center.The second section focuses on Adaptation Studies and takes an unorthodox look at classic adaptations of literature. The final section is a reappraisal of directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick. The essays propose that, even though the film as an artwork does not change fundamentally over time, it still strikes a contemporary critical gaze differently.

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Book SynopsisIn this entertaining and poignant autobiography, EastEnders star Sid Owen chronicles a life filled with incredible highs and devastating lows, with his trademark humour and charm. Sid Owen is best known for playing the hapless but loveable EastEnders character Ricky Butcher, one of Britain’s most enduring soap icons. What people don’t know is that Sid’s early life saw more drama than anything his character endured. His father was an armed robber who was sent to prison when Sid was very young. Sid went out 'on the rob' from an early age, breaking into shops and seeing it as a big adventure.Sid lived happily with his mum and siblings on a sprawling north London council estate until he was seven, when his mum died and the brothers were split up. Feeling confused, unloved and unhappy, Sid was heading towards a life of crime. Acting offered an escape from his troubled home life and his teen years played out between extremes – at thirteen he was working with Al Pacino and Donald Sutherland on the movie Revolution; at sixteen he was living in an Islington squat with his brothers when his work brought him to the attention of the EastEnders producers.From Rags to Ricky is Sid’s moving, unforgettable account of his north London childhood during the late 1970s and 80s. His natural storytelling skills, authentic voice, ear for dialogue and sharp eye for detail transform this story of loss and deprivation into a timeless tale of one individual’s struggle to defy the hand fate dealt him and come out winning.

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Book SynopsisA Guardian Guide Cultural Book of the Year 2023An Irish Times Music Book of the Year 2023'A deep, engrossing history' The Observer'A fascinating deep dive' Jeremy DellerFrom 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, 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 of the British establishment. Brought to life with stunning clarity and depth, this is social and cultural history at its most immersive, vital and shocking.____'Excellent' The Sunday Times'Reminds us why the dance floor matters . . . fascinating' TelegraphTrade ReviewEd Gillett’s excellent history of UK dance culture, moves beyond the saucer-eyed clichés of the raver’s epiphany and towards a sharper sort of revelation . . . the politics of dancing expertly laid bare. * Sunday Times *A fascinating deep dive into dance music's uneasy relationship with the establishment. -- Jeremy DellerEngrossing history . . . a wide and deep undertaking -- Book of the Week * Observer *[A] well-researched, meaty account of dance music in the UK . . . an engrossing piece of modern social history. -- Books of the Month * Independent *A deeply-researched and engaging new understanding of the interwoven soundtrack to the turbulence of modern Britain. -- Luke Turner, author of Out of the Woods and Men at WarReminds us why the dance floor matters . . . fascinating. * Telegraph *A truly thrilling journey through the politics, culture and successive social revolutions of British dance music: a landmark book, and a reminder that the dancefloor is always political. -- Dan Hancox, author of Inner City PressureEssential reading. * Spectator *A passionately argued and intensively researched addition to the ever-evolving narrative of UK dance music culture. -- Matthew Collin, author of Altered StateIt has undoubtedly set a very high standard for other authors looking to write historical stories born out of the euphoria of rave and dance culture. * Louder than War *

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Book Synopsis‘Black Mirror is hands down the most relevant program of our time, if for no other reason than how often it can make you wonder if we’re all living in an episode of it.’ – New York TimesWhat becomes of humanity when it’s fed into the jaws of a hungry new digital machine? Discover the world of Black Mirror in this immersive, illustrated, oral history. This first official book logs the entire Black Mirror journey, from its origins in creator Charlie Brooker’s mind to its current status as one of the biggest cult TV shows to emerge from the UK. Alongside a collection of astonishing behind-the-scenes imagery and ephemera, Brooker and producer Annabel Jones will detail the creative genesis, inspiration and thought process behind each film for the first time, while key actors, directors and other creative talents relive their own involvement. ‘Brooker continues to solidify himself as one of the most creative writers in the medium. Even when the unfair creep of expectations rears up, Black Mirror and Brooker deliver.’ – The Hollywood Reporter‘Black Mirror: the future is already here, and it's terrifying’ - TelegraphTrade ReviewAs making of books go, a flawless exemplar. * SFX *

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Book SynopsisCome on my journey. Look at where man's come from. I was working in retail in 2017.You might know Mo as the critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, BAFTA-winning presenter, Masked Singer judge and social media mega star. But do you know the moments that really made him? Opening up on the turning points, the good times, the challenges and the lessons learned, this is Mo as you've never seen him before.Journeying through childhood memories in South London, Mo reminisces about school days and old-school raving, and takes us behind the scenes of his first comedy gigs, the creation of the original Geezer, selling out national tours and becoming one of TV's most in-demand stars. Share the moment that Mo decided he wanted to be a comedian, the moment he went viral, the moment he realised he was famous (and how to deal with it), the moment his Netflix special dropped, the moment he won his BAFTA and the moments he still has to come.In among the laugh-out-loud observations, life lessons and candid storytelling, there lies the bigger influences in Mo's life - the unsung heroes of the Black British comedy scene, the power of community and the feel-good legacy he wants to create.'The Funniest Man in Britain' The Times

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Book SynopsisLegendary record producer-turned-brain scientist explains why you fall in love with music.'Extraordinary insights about music, emotion and the brain...An instant classic' Daniel Levitin, author of This Is Your Brain on MusicThis Is What It Sounds Like is a journey into the science and soul of music. It's also the story of a musical trailblazer who began as a humble audio tech in L.A. to become Prince's chief engineer for Purple Rain and one of the most successful female record producers of all time.Now an award-winning professor of cognitive neuroscience, Dr Susan Rogers takes readers behind the scenes of record-making and leads us to musical self-awareness. She explains that everyone possesses a unique 'listener profile', shows how being musical can mean actively listening, and encourages us to think about the records that define us. Lively and illuminating, this book will refresh your playlists, deepen your connection to artists, and change the way you listen to music.'Superb... this book can show you how to be a better listener' Times Literary Supplement 'A provocative blend of studio stories and fascinating neuroscience' Alan Light, author of Let's Go Crazy: Prince and the Making of Purple Rain'Fizzing with energy and insight...a crucial addition to the canon of music must-reads' Kate HutchinsonTrade ReviewThis Is What It Sounds Like is a revelation... extraordinary insights about music, emotion, and the brain... An instant classic, [it] should be read by anyone who has ever been moved by a piece of music-in other words, everyone -- Dr. Daniel J. Levitin, New York Times bestselling author of This Is Your Brain on Music and The Organized MindIf you've ever wondered why you love a song and what that says about you this book will help you understand why. Susan is one of the smartest people in the world of music and this book will help you hear music more deeply and more thoughtfully. You can tell why Prince loved working with her -- Touré, author of I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an IconA deliciously nerdy resource for music lovers, and for anyone who thinks deeply about music and how it moves them -- Jessica Hopper, author of First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock CriticSusan Rogers found her superpower in the music world not as a musician, but as a master listener. Rogers' book is a gift to music listeners of all kinds - because in listening, we hear not only the music, we hear the sonic signature of our own soul -- Dan Charnas, New York Times bestselling author of Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented RhythmWhy do we like the music we like? With a provocative blend of studio stories and fascinating neuroscience, celebrated producer and engineer Susan Rogers sets out to answer this eternal mystery - and, along the way, just might turn you into a better listener -- Alan Light, music journalist and author of Let's Go Crazy: Prince and the Making of Purple RainA groundbreaking study of great intervention. The immense value of the insights into tastes, preferences, and aesthetics on offer cannot be underestimated. Beautifully written, this is the book that scholars and fans of popular music across all disciplines have impatiently waited for. It is truly inspiring, the kind of book you fall in love with, that gets us to reflect over how and why records become a condition of the heart -- Stan Hawkins, Professor of Musicology, University of OsloSusan Rogers is one of the greatest listeners and feelers of music... This Is What It Sounds Like is just like having a great conversation with her... she has opened my mind to how we hear music, and has once again inspired me as both listener and musician -- Steven Page, Barenaked LadiesAn essential music handbook - not only for its smart exploration of why we're drawn to different genres and styles but for its joyous celebration of the art of listening. Susan Rogers's words dance on the page with their sheer enthusiasm and eloquence. The way she illuminates what makes music so effective - from breaking down a Kanye West instrumental to the vocal skill of Frank Sinatra - will have you reconsidering songcraft and the way you process it. I wish I'd had a book like this when I was starting out as a music journalist. And, of course, I could read her personal stories about being in the studio with Prince forever. This Is What It Sounds Like is a triumph of the personal, technical and philosophical, fizzing with energy and insight, and a crucial addition to the canon of music must-reads -- Kate Hutchinson, journalist and broadcasterLike a therapist that untangled my musical relationships, Susan Rogers helped me understand my past and gave me a map to work out where I want to go next. I understood why I love the records I do and now I've got a map for my next treasure hunt -- Mobeen Azhar, award-winning journalist and filmmakerThe mysterious gravitational tractor beam of musical obsession that has directed my entire life has now been explained so eloquently by Susan Rogers. She has guided me on a righteous riff to the engine room of my own unique musical journey -- Craig Northey, musician and film and TV composerSusan Rogers is the only person who could have written this incredible book. Her passionate love of music, her vast experience creating history in the recording studio, and her deep knowledge about the subject helped me understand WHY I love the music in my life. She will open your ears and eyes in a way you won't expect. I cannot get this book out of my head -- Duane Tudahl, Author, Television ProducerSusan Rogers is unusually well qualified to investigate the mysterious, drug-like impact music has on the physical body and the emotional mind. ... Rogers' theories, both scientific and romantic, come as close to a breakthrough to anything I've read * The Big Issue *Rogers... is a superb listener... [and This Is What It Sounds Like] can show you how to be a better listener - and, perhaps more importantly, how listening, too, is an art and a fundamental part of the creative process * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book Synopsis***WINNER OF THE NEW ANGLE PRIZE FOR LITERATURE******WINNER OF THE HWA NON-FICTION AWARD***A beautifully written exploration of the world of Edwardian folk music, and its influence on the composer Ralph Vaughan WilliamsIn January 1905 the young Vaughan Williams, not yet one of England's most famous composers, visited Norfolk to find folk songs 'from the mouths of the singers'. An old fisherman, James 'Duggie' Carter, performed 'The Captain's Apprentice', a brutal tale of torture sung to the most beautiful tune the young composer had ever heard.With this transformational moment at its heart, the book traces the contrasting lives of the well-to-do composer and a forgotten cabin boy who died at sea, and brings fresh perspectives on folk-song collectors, the singers and their songs.***AS READ ON BBC RADIO 4***'A quirky, fascinating read. Davison excels in evoking English landscapes' Sunday Times 'Animated, entertaining... Presenting a richly complex picture of a subject that can all too easily be shrouded in a sentimental haze' Daily TelegraphTrade ReviewThe book makes for a quirky, fascinating read. Davison excels in evoking English landscapes, especially in Vaughan Williams's beloved fen country -- Christopher Hart * The Sunday Times *The Captain's Apprentice explores a more profound and complex seam of folk discovery, and concentrates on a single life-changing episode in Vaughan Williams' life... [it is] well written and researched -- Ian Thomson * Financial Times *Animated, entertaining . . . quietly sensitive to ironies and ambiguities without being pretentious, presenting a richly complex picture of a subject that can all too easily be shrouded in a sentimental haze * Daily Telegraph *Davison's evocative, far from linear approach does great service to the composer * Literary Review *A sadistic murder and the staggering words of a song drive Davison's obsession to unravel this vivid story of lives, landscapes and musical inspiration. No stone is left unturned in the meticulous gathering. Her gift is a work of love and infinite care -- Keggie Carew, Costa Award-winning author of DADLAND

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Book SynopsisSince the release of her first, career-defining solo album Little Earthquakes, Tori Amos has been one of the music industry's most enduring and ingenious artists. From her unnerving depiction of sexual assault in "Me and a Gun" to her post-9/11 album Scarlet's Walk to her latest album Native Invader, her work has never shied away from intermingling the personal with the political. Amos began playing piano as a teenager for the politically powerful at hotel bars in Washington, D.C., during the formative years of the post-Goldwater and then Koch-led Libertarian and Reaganite movements. The story continues to her time as a hungry artist in L.A. to the subsequent three decades of her formidable music career. Amos explains how she managed to create meaningful, politically resonant work against patriarchal power structures and how her proud declarations of feminism and her fight for the marginalized always proved to be her guiding light. She teaches readers to engage with intention in this tumultuous global climate and speaks directly to supporters of #MeToo and #TimesUp, as well as young people fighting for their rights and visibility in the world. Filled with compassionate guidance and actionable advice-and using some of the most powerful, political songs in Amos's canon-this book is for readers determined to steer the world back in the right direction.

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Book Synopsis*THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES & NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*'A real gem of a book for comedy fans... honest, irreverent and fascinating' Matt Lucas'This book is a love letter to all his comedy heroes, full of warmth, heart and wit' Georgia PritchettIn this hilarious, heartfelt memoir, the star of Mr. Show and Breaking Bad spin off Better Call Saul opens up about the highs and lows of showbiz, his cult status as a comedy writer, and what it's like to reinvent himself at age fifty as an action-film ass-kicker. Featuring humorous tangents, never-before-seen photos, wild characters, and Bob's trademark unflinching drive and humour, Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama is a classic showbiz tale told by a determined idiot.'I can't think of another entertainer who has improbably morphed so many times and all through real genius and determination' Conan O'Brien

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Book SynopsisA breathtaking cold case mystery, starring DI Lockyer and DC Gemma Broad. Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves and Val McDermid.

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Book SynopsisFIRST THINGS FIRST reframes the history of hip-hop but, this time, women are given credit for all their trailblazing achievements that have left an undeniable impact on music.FIRST THINGS FIRST takes readers on a journey through some of the most notable firsts by women in hip-hop history and their importance. Factual firsts like Queen Latifah becoming the first rapper to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Lauryn Hill making history as the first rapper to win the coveted Album of the Year Award at the GRAMMYs, April Walker being the first woman to dominate in the hip-hop fashion game, and Da Brat being the first solo woman rapper to have an album go platinum, not to forget metaphorical firsts like Missy Elliott being the first woman rapper to go to the future. Legends like Nicki Minaj, Lil' Kim and Mary J. Blige are in here too. FIRST THINGS FIRST is a celebration of the achievements of women in hip-hop who broke down barriers and broke the mould.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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