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Book SynopsisDiscover how to embrace your best basic self in this instant New York Times bestselling, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and “refreshing to read” (The Cut) guidebook from the breakout star of Bravo’s hit reality show Vanderpump Rules.Millions of Vanderpump Rules viewers and podcast listeners know Stassi Schroeder as a major defender of Basic Bitch rights. There’s nothing more boring than people who take themselves too seriously. Stassi champions the things that many of us are afraid to love publicly for fear of being labeled basic: lattes, pugs, bubbly cocktails, millennial pink, #OOTD (outfit of the day, obvs), astrology, hot dogs, the perfect pair of Louboutins, romantic comedies...the list goes on and on. “There’s something for everyone under Schroeder’s big basic umbrella” (Elle) and in Next Level Basic, the reality star, podcast queen, and ranch dressing expert gives you hilarious and pointed lessons on how to have fun and celebrate yourself, with exclusive stories from her own life and on the set of Vanderpump Rules. From her very public breakups to her most intimate details about her plastic surgery, Stassi shares her own personal experiences with her trademark honesty—all with the hope you can learn something from them.Trade Review““She’s a bestselling bitch!” —Lisa Vanderpump "Next Level Basic, to its great credit, does the not-easy task of translating Stassi’s on-screen personality to text; you genuinely can hear her on the page…refreshing to read.” –The Cut “In “Next Level Basic” and her podcast, “Straight Up With Stassi,” before it, Ms. Schroeder aims to connect with her audience over things the culture at large has dismissed as unimportant and uncool. If you’d rather watch “90-Day Fiancé” than “True Detective,” who cares?” –The New York Times “There’s something for everyone under Schroeder’s big basic umbrella.” –Elle “Everything it promises to be and more.” –The Observer

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Book SynopsisStar Wars®: The Jedi Mind takes quotations and lessons from Star Wars and pairs them with practices such a breathing, posture, and meditation. The Jedi Code is focused on peace, knowledge, serenity, and balance—principles that readers can engage in their own lives. The philosophical tenets are applicable not just in the galaxy far, far away, but also in our own galaxy, here and now. • Quoted wisdom offers day-to-day life lessons • An accessible pop culture spin on the Star Wars universe • Features 20 color illustrations to illuminate the book's thoughtful advice "Trust your feelings."—Obi-Wan Kenobi Star Wars: The Jedi Mind is the perfect gift for Star Wars fans looking for balance, and seekers of inner calm open to learning from the Jedi Masters. • Perfect gift for Star Wars fans who love self-care, reflection, and mindfulness • An enjoyable and useful primer for Star Wars lovers who are seeking inner calm • Add it to the shelf with books like Star Wars: Be More Yoda: Mindful Thinking from a Galaxy Far Far Away by Christian Blauvelt and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back So You Want to Be a Jedi? by Adam Gidwitz. Copyright © 2020 by Lucasfilm LTD. and ™. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.

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Book Synopsis From New York Times bestselling author and Lucasfilm Ltd.’s executive editor J. W. Rinzler, Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy is a behind-the-scenes look into the creative vision of the pop culture phenomenon that changed the art and craft of filmmaking  Foreword by Joe JohnstonIntroduction by Nilo Rodis-Jamero   For the first time, Lucasfilm has opened its archives to present the complete storyboards for the original Star Wars trilogy—the world-changing A New Hope and its operatic sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi—as well as never-before-published art from early conceptual and deleted scenes.   From the opening chase above Tatooine in A New Hope to the Battle of Endor in Jedi, this book presents the visual inspiration behind now-iconic moments. Readers can finally see a full set of storyboards by lTrade Review“Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy shows just how much pre-planning went into the original iconic trilogy.” * The Week Magazine online *“Star Wars fans, take note . . . the book offers a glimpse into the detailed planning and rounds of story revisions that went into the original films.” * Parade Online *Star Wars fans, rejoice — today is the big day that Lucasfilm opens up the archives and bestows upon you Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy. * Flavorwire *The book contains fantastic insight into how the films' stories and characters were conceived… * Esquire.com *Nerd out over how Star Wars might have been. * Wired *Every Star Wars fan should get this Star Wars Storyboards book. * Gizmodo *

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Book SynopsisFrom the wildly popular podcast Giggly Squad, best friends Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo share hilarious and heartwarming advice on how to take life a little bit less seriously.Finding joy and laughter in the mundane can be challenging at times, but Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo have mastered the art of not taking life too seriously. Brought together under the bright lights of reality television, these best friends bonded in incredibly intense circumstances. They quickly came to realize that one of the bedrocks of their friendship is their shared experience with social anxiety. As their friendship deepened, they found themselves constantly devolving into laughter, earning them the nickname “The Giggly Squad,” and with that, their superpower—laughing through life’s hardest moments—was born. Their podcast, Giggly Squad, feels like calling your best friend for a long overdue catch-up. No topic is off limits. No subject too small. And, most importantly, nothing is so serious that you can’t find a way to make it seem less scary by poking fun at it. How to Giggle covers topics like: -Overcoming awkward situations -Red flags in female friendships and romantic relationships -Using delusion and manifestation to achieve your goals -Decentering men from your life -And more! Sprinkled with inside jokes and Hannah and Paige’s riotous humor, How to Giggle feels like you’re at a slumber party with your besties giving you juicy advice on sex, flirting, and social media etiquette. You’ll find the nostalgia of your teen magazines with fun, interactive quizzes, and tips like finding your personal style and wellness hacks. If you’re a longtime Giggler or are simply craving some unfiltered advice to get you through hard times, look no further than How to Giggle.

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Book SynopsisContemporary cultural style boosts transparency and instantaneity. These are values absorbed from our current economic conditions of "disintermediation": cutting out the middleman. Like Uber, but for art. Immediacy names this style to make sense of what we lose when the contradictions of twenty-first-century capitalism demand that aesthetics negate mediation. Surging realness as an aesthetic program synchs with the economic imperative to intensify circulation when production stagnates. "Flow" is the ultimate twenty-first-century buzzword, but speedy circulation grinds art down to the nub. And the bad news is that political turmoil and social challenges require more mediation. Collective will, inspiring ideas, and deliberate construction are the only way out, but our dominant style forgoes them. Considering original streaming TV, popular literature, artworld trends, and academic theories, Immediacy explains the recent obsession with immersion and today's intolerance of representation, and points to alternative forms in photography, TV, novels, and constructive theory that prioritize distance, impersonality, and big ideas instead.Trade ReviewThis brilliantly written, wild ride of a book is an enthralling, gloves-off critical intervention urgently needed in this moment. -- Jonathan Crary, author of 24/7 and Scorched EarthKornbluh offers a swift -- and much needed -- kick to one of the most insidious symptoms of our time: the demand for the now, the immediately felt, the one-off. Armed with a strong imperative: "Think!" which she reiterates in an uncommonly rich vocabulary and from a variety of perspectives, she succeeds at the very least in holding up this runaway trend. Together with her previous critiques of capitalism, Immediacy establishes Kornbluh as one of the most inventive new voices in the field. -- Joan Copjec, Brown University, author of Read My DesireAnna Kornbluh brilliantly reinvigorates critique for an age drowning under the deluge of self-presentation. Embracing structure over style, representation over personalization, and collectivity over narcissism, she creates a space for thinking -- the necessary space for politics. -- Jodi Dean, author of The Communist HorizonThe sensation of reading Anna Kornbluh's Immediacy is of someone turning on the light in a dark room. Suddenly one beholds a world one had only been stumbling through and can begin, with Kornbluh's help, to trace a whole new set of relations between the disparate phenomena that define contemporary culture. The shocking conceptual clarity and rightness of its dialectical reversal of everything we thought we knew about life lived under conditions of postmodern hyper-mediation should make this book the starting point of future discussions of the nature of the present. -- Mark McGurl, Stanford University, author of Everything and Less: The Novel in the Age of AmazonTo the things themselves! Fuck no, that's precisely the problem. In this book on the poetics of social forms, Kornbluh has expertly diagnosed the contemporary yen for immediacy and immanence, presence and reality, the indistinct blurs and liquid flows of seemingly authentic experience. Taking it all as a kind of social pathology, she reads contemporary style through the deterritorializations of hyper capitalism, and the crushing lateness of an economic logic that insists on no alternative for society and no future for the planet. What results is a plea for the labor of mediation, and an insistence on dialectics as the central mechanism of art and culture. -- Alexander R. Galloway, author of Uncomputable: Play and Politics in the Long Digital AgeImmediacy masterfully exposes the common core of many different problems and phenomena that we do not necessarily think of as related. The imperative of immediacy and its suffocating logic are the hallmarks of what Kornbluh calls "too late capitalism". Drawing on philosophy, psychoanalysis and art she makes a vivid, passionate, and most compelling case for mediation that creates the much-needed capacity to imaginatively break with the merely given. An extremely precious book that goes far beyond purely academic concerns. -- Alenka Zupancic, author of Let Them RotAnna Kornbluh simply nails it in this fearless, witty, and conceptually powerful indictment of contemporary capitalist culture's desire to annihilate negation-while also "negating the negation" by showing how things might be otherwise. A stunning and unignorable book. -- Sianne Ngai, author of Theory of the Gimmick: Aesthetic Judgment and Capitalist Form

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Book SynopsisThoroughly updated and revised, the ninth edition of the highly regarded British Civilization: An Introduction continues to be the ideal textbook on Britain, its country and people, religion, politics and government, international relations, legal system, economy, education, media and culture for students of British studies.Examining central structural features of British society, the book provides an introduction to British civilization that highlights its history of cultural, geographical and human diversity. The book includes: Expanded discussion of Britain's current political climate and international relations through an examination of the 2016 Brexit referendum, the subsequent general election and Brexit negotiations up to April 2019 Discussion of the ever-shifting economy from a global perspective Opinion polls and surveys that provide an insight into the attitudes of British people to the conditions in which they live and operate todaTrade Review"British Civilization provides the most profound introduction to contemporary Britain … Oakland presents the most recent information in a very concise and easily accessible writing style. Due to the additional resources, exercises and essay questions the book is perfect for teaching and learning." Isabell Große, Leipzig University, Germany "British Civilization: An Introduction is an excellent overview of a number of elements which students will need to know in order to understand British society. It is well-written, concise, and has attractive full-colour pictures and illustrations. It is especially strong on recent developments in British culture." Mark Marston Norris, Grace College, USA Table of ContentsList of plates List of figures List of tables Preface and acknowledgements Chronology of significant dates in British history 1 The British context 2 The country 3 The people 4 Religion 5 Politics and government 6 International relations 7 The legal system 8 The economy 9 Social services 10 Education 11 The media 12 Leisure, sports and the arts

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT GIFT for people who ride their Harleys to work while wearing guyliner and winklepickers, even in freezing temperatures.__________________________________Jason''s mid-life crisis started one Sunday morning in B&Q when he spotted a tub of boat varnish.''I will never own a boat,'' he thought to himself.Jason has never wanted to own a boat. But now, not owning one is all he can think about.''__________________________________''Sally has tried lots of things to make herself feel younger: running, glamping, Pilates, adult colouring books, a ''mummy make-over,'' Bikram planking, Platonic irrigation and having an inappropriate relationship with a rangy twenty-something intern called Zeb, who has three beards and a Lego earring.Sally has given up and is now thinking of joining the National Trust.''__________________________________This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups to think they have taught themselves to cope. Featuring original Ladybird artwork alongside brilliantly funny, brand new text. ''Hilarious'' Stylist Other new titles for Autumn 2017: How it Works: The Brother How it Works: The Sister The Ladybird Book of the Ex The Ladybird Book of the Nerd The Ladybird Book of the New You The Ladybird Book of Balls The Ladybird Book of the Big Night Out The Ladybird Book of the Quiet Night In People at Work: The Rock Star Previous titles in the Ladybirds for Grown Ups series: How it Works: The Husband How it Works: The Wife How it Works: The Mum How it Works: The Dad The Ladybird Book of the Mid-Life Crisis The Ladybird Book of the Hangover The Ladybird Book of Mindfulness The Ladybird Book of the Shed The Ladybird Book of Dating The Ladybird Book of the Hipster How it Works: The Student How it Works: The Cat How it Works: The Dog How it Works: The Grandparent The Ladybird Book of Red Tape The Ladybird Book of the People Next Door The Ladybird Book of the Sickie The Ladybird Book of the Zombie Apocalypse The Ladybird Book of the Do-Gooder

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Book SynopsisA lively history of British nightclubs and music venues, from earliest days through to rock n' roll, Northern Soul and rave culture to the present day

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Book SynopsisProviding information not found in standard guides about daily interactions, cultural dos and don'ts, etiquette, and the ways business is conducted Culture Smart! Israel marks the nation's 70th year of independence in a concise cultural guide that enables readers to get to the heart of this diverse, dynamic and paradoxical country and enable you to make the most of your visit. Independent since 1948, this edition provides important insights into the complexities of Israeli society so that you will know what to expect and how to behave in different circumstances, avoid misunderstandings and form good relations both socially and in business. While Israel is a modern and largely secular country, it is one steeped in biblical history and in which religion still plays an active role in public life. In seventy years it has grown from a sparsely populated strip of land into a vigorous democracy and regional superpower. Often called the Startup Nation, Israel is a world leader in a number of Hi-tech industries. Its democratic institutions, despite a political and social polarization in recent years, are among the most enlightened in the world. This pocket guide will help readers understand the country and its people beyond the headlines, ensuring for greater understanding and a far more valuable travelling experience, whatever the reason for visiting.Trade ReviewCulture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers...' Sunday Times Travel, ' the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries.' Global Travel, ' full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas.' Observer, ' as useful as they are entertaining.' Easy Jet Magazine, ' offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world.' New York TimesTable of ContentsBrief History Politics - Economic Life Traditions - Friendships & Family Relationships Bureaucracy Religion Humour - Local Holidays Taboos Invitations Gifts Dress - Business etiquette - Punctuality & Appointments - Team working Communication Negotiating - Women in Society Tips - Eating Out - Traditional Food - Dos and Don t - Making Friends

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Book SynopsisThe thrilling story of Cairo's decadent nightlife in the early 20th century, told with women at the centre.Trade Review'A spectacular parade of the extraordinary, bold and brash Egyptian women who shot to fame in the early years of globalised celebrity culture.' The Times; 'A revelation ... in this tremendous act of historical discovery, Cormack has unearthed the regal figures and buried treasures of Cairo's golden age. He is the Howard Carter of the demi-monde.' The Telegraph; 'Midnight in Cairo delivers a place, time and people you'll wish you'd personally known. ... Cormack deftly outlines the shifts in political mood and popular tastes that Cairo's entertainment scene both responded to and inspired.' TLS ;'A captivating journey through [Cairo's] bars, cafes, cabaret clubs and music halls during a magical era when some of its biggest stars were women.' The Herald; 'Fascinating ... Midnight in Cairo is a fizzing tale of an underexplored period ... [These female performers] changed the terms of Egyptian popular culture and blazed a path for women.'David Gardner, Financial Times; 'An utterly unique book, teeming with vividly recounted stories, at times hilarious and at times tragic. These were true feminists avant la lettre who defied the societal norms and authorities of their time, both in Egypt and abroad. This inspiring gem of a book gripped me from beginning to end.' Hanan al-Shaykh, author of Women of Sand and Myrrh; 'Important, insightful and fascinating ... Cormack highlights an important period in Egypt's modern history - almost unknown in the West - when its cosmopolitan culture was characterized by a tolerance of all races and religions ... This is a must-read.' Alaa Al Aswany, author of The Yacoubian Building; 'A book full of surprises. A lively story of women shaping gender, class, money and national liberation issues from the music halls and cabarets of early twentieth-century Cairo.' Ahdaf Soueif, author of Cairo: Memoir of a City Transformed; 'An unexpected story of powerful women and their no less powerful voices ... Beguiling and original.' Marina Warner, author of Forms of Enchantment; 'Packed with pizzazz and fizzing with naughtiness ... a thrilling reminder of the richness and wonder of Egyptian culture in the roaring twenties.' Justin Marozzi, author of Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood;

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Book SynopsisThis beautiful, fully illustrated book presents a compendium of artworks throughout history which have been inspired by myth, fantasy and the unreal. Artists have explored imaginary worlds and fantastical creatures for centuries, expressing the unreal and impossible, the mystical and mythical, via the medium of paint. But what draws them to the imaginary, the uncharted and the unknown? Is it merely an escape from reality? Or are they seeking a greater understanding of the human experience, or perhaps the very meaning of life itself? With myriad styles and methods of expression, what links artists through the ages? And how have these visual flights of fancy and imagination changed over the course of time? The Art of Fantasy is a visual sourcebook of all that is fantastical – from fine art to illustration, and from surrealists and symbolists to the creatives working in undefined territories. WTrade Review"Profusely illustrated with museum quality, full color artwork, The Art of Fantasy: A Visual Sourcebook of All That is Unreal is an impressively informative and truly inspiring collection." * Midwest Book Review *"The Art of Fantasy is an absolute winner, a beautiful curation of fantastic art which brings together the mythical and modern, the beautiful and the scary, and the revelatory with the damning...I can't wait to see what S. Elizabeth brings us next!" * Juli Witte, A Universe In Words *"This is an excellent publication for those who run with the creatures of our dreams and play in the wonderlands of our imaginations." * San Francisco Book Review *Table of Contents Introduction PART ONE Beasts & Beings I. Creatures Great & Small II. Almost Human III. Impossible Monsters PART TWO Quest for Knowledge IV. In Our Dreams V. Magic is Real VI. Faith & Philosophy PART THREE Worlds Apart VII. Forgotten Realms & Wonderlands VIII. Time Travel, Alternate Histories & Parallel Universes IX. How to Save the World Further reading Index Picture credits Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewAs seen on The Today Show, Live with Kelly and Ryan, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and more. — “’The Office BFFs: Tales of the Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There’ is an enjoyable complement to the series, filled with behind the scenes anecdotes that help explain what made NBC’s hit click. … If there’s any lesson to be learned from the show’s nine-season run and this book, it’s that a lot of teamwork goes into making an office look this dysfunctional.” — Associated Press “Bound to have you giggling… Heart = warmed.” — The Skimm "Reading the book makes you feel like you're out to lunch (at The Ivy, if we can get a patio table!) listening to your two close friends gab. And it's clear those two friends have such warm regards for their show, their cast and crew, and each other." — Mashable “Can you think of a better gift for The Office lover in your life (even if it’s you?)” — AV Club A smart, sweet look from inside The Office about how the show spawned enduring friendships and unexpected careers. — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisThe Joy of Sheds is a shed miscellany that chronicles man’s need for a small space on his own. It’s a humorous look at every aspect of the shed experience, mixed with shed facts and some practical information too. Many famous people have created in sheds. Inventor Trevor Baylis thought up the clockwork radio in a shed, George Bernard Shaw wrote Pygmalian in one and Dylan Thomas would compose poetry in his. The average UK male does not tend to devote his shed to poetry, though. Along with chapters on how to customize your shed into an exotic creation, "Pimp Your Shed", there are "Shed Facts": Almost a fifth of men have had an accident in a shed, it’s the single most dangerous place in the home after the kitchen. Other chapters include "Shed Vision", on the typical items stored in sheds, and "The Genus Shed", which places the shed in the Linnaean order of buildings. "Shed Experience" pulls in shed stories from around the world, but particularly Australia, and there are also tales of the "Euro-Shed". There are chapters on "Sheds in Literature" (Lady Chatterly’s Lover and Cold Comfort Farm), "Sheds at the Movies", and "Sheds in Music".

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Book SynopsisChris, also an investigative news-writer, has written for Rolling Stone, Details, the Telegraph and The Sunday Times amongst many others. His subjects have varied from Madonna and Lisa-Marie Presley to politicians, murderers and artists. Chris and Robbie have spent nearly two years working on this book.Trade ReviewThe definitive book on Robbie Williams * Heat *A phenomenal piece of journalism... an absorbing essay on fame and the music industry * Observer *Perceptive, sympathetic and sometimes shocking. It is also - because Williams is a genuinely amusing man - wonderfully funny * Sunday Telegraph *The most lustrous and scrupulously observed anatomy of the madness of top-flight 21st century celebrity existence that it has ever been my deep joy to read * Independent on Sunday *It's all there, the inside story that the fans have guessed at and the tabloids have done their best to invent...Until Mrs Williams finally does appear, nobody is going to get closer to Robbie than this * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisWINNER of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2015In the last two decades football in Britain has made the transition from a peripheral dying sport to the very centre of our popular culture, from an economic basket-case to a booming entertainment industry. What does it mean when football becomes so central to our private and political lives? Has it enriched us or impoverished us?In this sparkling book David Goldblatt argues that no social phenomenon tracks the momentous economic, social and political changes of the post-Thatcherite era in a more illuminating manner than football, and no cultural practice sheds more light on the aspirations and attitudes of our long boom and now calamitous bust. A must-read for the thinking football fan, The Game of Our Lives will appeal to readers of Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby and Inverting the Pyramid by Jonathan Wilson. It will also be relished by readers of British social history such as Austerity Britain by David Kynaston. ''Brilliantly incisive. Goldblatt is not merely the best football historian writing today, he is possibly the best there has ever been. Goldblatt''s book could hardly be more impressive'' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewBrilliantly incisive. Goldblatt is not merely the best football historian writing today, he is possibly the best there has ever been. Goldblatt's book could hardly be more impressive -- Dominic Sandbrook * Sunday Times *Offers an enlightening, enriching experience. It is based on a formidable range of sources, personal observation and a pleasingly sardonic turn of phrase. Not all football writers know their stuff, let alone the socio-economic context, but Goldblatt does. Altogether this is an exceptional book -- David Kynaston * Guardian *Not just the best soccer book in many years but an exemplary account of the changing character of British society in the post-Thatcher era -- David Runciman * Wall Street Journal *David Goldblatt examines [English football] peerlessly ... A superb history of a sport and of a nation * Evening Standard *Goldblatt is a trusted guide ... Rich with statistics, this is an admirably balanced account of the beautiful game * Daily Mail *Prodigious research and a fluent writing style ... this is a fine book which should have an appeal much beyond the game -- Mihir Bose * Independent *An encyclopaedic portrait of English football stripped of all the non-stop hype. The beautiful game is, after all, a dirty business * Financial Times (Life & Arts) *An intensely readable socioeconomic study of English football in the age of globalisation * New Statesman *A book that informs and inspires, a truly great piece of writing * Philosophy Football *The best pub talker of a book for years * Sunday Sport *Goldblatt has a gift for exploring the way the game holds a mirror up to our lives ... His deconstruction of the modern game could hardly be bettered * Observer *[A] bold analysis of Britain's economic and social change refracted through football * The Times *A salient overview of the past quarter-century * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review'Kids of Cosplay celebrates the unique community spirit that exists within this charming – and, the more you look, surprisingly moving – parallel universe of glorious, generous pageantry' - Vogue'A vibrant glimpse into the detail, flair and effort cosplayers put into their characters' - HUCK'In a kaleidoscope of colours and imagination, Kids Of Cosplay invites readers on a vibrant journey through the world of cosplayers' - Daily MailTable of ContentsForeword by Katie Grand To the Reader by Thurstan Redding Heart Not For Sale by Tom Rasmussen The Plates The Diaries An Interview with Thurstan Redding by Sara McAlpine Visual Index Index

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Book SynopsisHenry Chalfant's photographs in the classic Subway Art inspired graffiti writers around the world; now read the stories behind those iconic images in the words of the pioneers of the graffiti movement in the late 1970s early 1980s.Trade Review'Lively stories excitingly told … a thorough account that avoids the trap of being over-academic' - Art Book ReviewTable of ContentsPreface by Henry Chalfant • Introduction by Sacha Jenkins • Interviews with twelve graffiti writers: Bill Rock, Breeze, Daze, Jon One, Kel, KR, Lady Pink, Sak, Sharp, Skeme, Spin and Team.

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Book SynopsisMod defined an era and created a lasting impression on the world of fashion. This book presents a richly illustrated celebration of all things Mod; from the suits and the scooters, to the music, movies, riots and revivals.Trade Review'A lavish labour of love that details the rise, fall, rise and final levelling out of the British movement in words and stunning pictures.' RECORD COLLECTOR 'Strong on illustrations and first hand anecdotes from assorted '60s faces - a good chapter on scooters.' MOJO

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Ed Yong, Brian Cox and Carl Zimmer: a dazzling scientific and cultural adventure through our ideas about extraterrestrial life.Trade Review'An entertaining and instructive rumination on both earthbound existence and the prospect of extraterrestrial encounter' TLS'Ostensibly a book about aliens, The Possibility of Life is really a treatise about how we think about the world—and the ways in which our discoveries fuel our imaginations, and vice versa... It had me hooked from the first page' Ed Yong, bestselling author of An Immense World‘A fascinating and thoughtful reminder of the fact that we may not be alone. Highly recommended’ Jeff VanderMeer, New York Times-bestselling author of Annihilation'Jaime Green’s The Possibility of Life takes the reader on an utterly gripping, endlessly surprising voyage from the “hopeful monsters” of early multicellular organisms to the records of human existence hurtling beyond the edge of our solar system. Green’s voice is rigorous, curious, tender, and often rightfully bemused. She is the best company I could imagine for this journey to the limits of what we can imagine, and a thrilling ruminator on what these acts of imagination might teach us about ourselves' Leslie Jamison, New York Times-bestselling author of The Empathy Exams‘Jaime Green casts her gaze deep into the universe for the possibilities of extraterrestrial life but, at the same time, looks deep into us, too, into our humanity and our history and into why we even want to look for that life in the first place. What results is an accessible, weird, funny and ultimately illuminating look into the search for life beyond our world’ Chuck Wendig, bestselling author of Star Wars: Aftermath‘A rivetingly good read… Even the most basic questions about extraterrestrial life have no meaningful consensus at all. With such a lack of consensus, the field is wide open for “what if”-type speculation – and that’s what this book is all about. Fascinating and enjoyable, intelligent and well-informed’ Andrew May, author of Astrobiology: The Search for Life Elsewhere in the Universe‘The Possibility of Life left me dizzy with awe and brimming with hope. Jaime Green elegantly uncorks our tiny patch of the universe and takes us on a tour of our best and worst approximations of aliens—unearthly heptapods, a manipulative ocean, and blue humanoids—and explains why the most likely aliens may be more like a platypus than a Klingon. Although The Possibility of Life asks us to fathom the unfathomable, Green is a steadfast, witty, and charming guide through this cosmic murk. I found myself yearning for a signal in the cosmos and this book acutely reminded me of how all life on Earth is already more than enough’ Sabrina Imbler, author of My Life in Sea Creatures‘The Possibility of Life is both a delight and a marvel, widening the imagined potential of life on Earth, in the cosmos, and in our art and stories. Every page of this book makes our shared universe feel larger and more interesting than ever before, a true gift of fascinating science and engrossing storytelling’ Matt Bell, author of Appleseed

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT GIFT for the Do-Gooder in your life. (Don''t you just hate them?)_________________________________________________The do-gooder does all sorts of crazy things. It can be something as easy as running a marathon, or as difficult as dressing up.To make this eccentric behaviour seem less like a cry for help or the beginnings of a substantial personal crisis, the do-gooder does it for charity._________________________________________________ Vernon has a job as a street fundraiser for the R.N.L.I. He wears a high-visibility jacket, a high visibility and high visibility trousers.Everybody on the street still pretends they cannot see him._________________________________________________This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent re

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Book SynopsisFocusing on one album rather than an artist's entire output, the books dispense with the standard biographical background that fans know already, and cut to the heart of the music on each album.Trade Review...he advances, word by word, through the centerpiece of the disk, "Lost Someone," he tracks the cries emitted from the audience by a mysterious "little old lady," and then he speaks very well about the knees, the microphones, and the capes of James Brown the tragedian. Written in clear and precise language, the book is ideal while listening to the recording in, for example, the Deluxe edition brought out last year with notably improved sound. * Soul Bag 178 *...slim, elegant volume. * Observer (Music Monthly) *Wolk breaks down the show minute by minute, song by song, to get at what made it such a transformative event. * Washington Post 2/13/05 *...exemplary analysis of James Brown's legendary LP... * MOJO *The highlight is Douglas Wolk's examination of James Brown's Live at the Apollo, which reads like a hypertext book. He moves moment-by-moment through the recording of the album, stopping every few paragraphs to elaborate, explain or digress. In the process, he opens up not only the particulars of Brown's live shows at the time, but how the Apollo show fits into Brown's legendary career, how Brown and his material fit into the history of R&B, and how the album fits into American culture, being recorded on the eve of the Cuban Missle Crisis. -- Alex Rawls * Gambit Weekly (New Orleans) 10/26/04 *...slim, elegant volume * Observer (UK Music monthly) November 2004 *James Brown's Live at the Apollo is famed as the best concert recording of his raw showmanship. Taped in the fall of 1962 at the venerable, and even legendary, showcase for black performers, the Apollo Theater of Harlem, the recording captured Brown when he was still something of an underground phenomenon. With a series of hits on the R&B charts to his credit, he was poised to move in on the pop charts. The show recorded was Brown's twenty-fourth that week--testimony in itself that he was indeed, as his publicity claimed, "the hardest working man in show business." Wolk neatly assesses the record's context and its function as the fuel for Brown's ascent to the pop stratosphere. -- Mike Tribby * Booklist, Sept. 15, 2005 *The setup's a stretch--'Most of the audience thought they'd be dead within the week'--but Wolk makes the case that the then-brewing Cuban missile crisis had something to do with why this is the most explosive live album ever. Wolk's writing is so evocative and his observations on Brown as the artist who becomes the art are so keen that you'll have the CD blaring in the background before he goes into his meticulous cut-by-cut analysis. And you'll hear things you never noticed before. A * Austin American-Statesman, 10/17/04 *James Brown's Live at the Apollo has often been cited as the first live album to make the concept commercially viable. Author Wolk races through the record like Brown through a set, splitting his ideas into very small sections, often barely a paragraph long, and capturing the electricity of the recording. He links to aspects of Brown's wider career "one of the strangest is 'The Knees of James Brown'), but these breaks don't interrupt the flow. -- Jason Draper * Record Collector (UK) Feb. 2005 *Live recordings are something we often take for granted. We forget that what we're hearing is more than music. That it's an event, something that happened in a specific time, at a specific place. Douglas Wolk, through piecing together the events of the evening in 1962 where James Brown recorded his classic Live at the Apollo performance, brings the event, the place, the music to life. If you haven't heard Live at the Apollo, do so now--it's essential. Then read this book, which promotes an even deeper love for James Brown's landmark album. -- Zack Adcock * The Hub Weekly, 1/13/05 *This dissection of James Brown's Oct. 24, 1962, show at the Apollo and the resulting album is a resplendent work for both the amount of research and the passion Wolk provides. This short album history is not only a vivid recollection of Brown, but a colorful illustration of the time. -- Mark Baumgarten * Willamette Week, 1/5/2005 *According to Pitchfork contributor Douglas Wolk’s careful reconstruction of the making of Live at the Apollo, nuclear annihilation may have been averted by sheer force of Brown’s will. Of course, the hardest-working man in show business had nothing to do with foreign relations, but Wolk shows how those fears of mass obliteration stoked Brown’s showcase, pushing him to give even more to his crowd and prodding his audience to scream and shout as though their lives depended on it. Fortunately, humanity not only survived a nuclear standoff, but we got one of the greatest live albums ever. -- Stephen M. Deusner * Pitchfork *

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Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERNATIONAL BESTSELLERFrom pop culture podcaster and a voice of a generation, Kate Kennedy, a celebration of the millennial zeitgeistOne In a Millennial is an exploration of pop culture, nostalgia, the millennial zeitgeist, and the life lessons learned (for better and for worse) from coming of age as a member of a much-maligned generation.Kate is a pop culture commentator and host of the popular millennial-focused podcast Be There in Five. Part-funny, part-serious, Kate navigates the complicated nature of celebrating and criticizing the culture that shaped her as a woman, while arguing that great depths can come from surface-level interests.With her trademark style and vulnerability, One In a Millennial is sharp, hilarious, and heartwarming all at once. She tackles AOL Instant Messenger, purity culture, American Girl Dolls, going out tops, Spice Girl feminism, her feeli

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Book Synopsis''The best non-fiction book I''ve ever read. It''s magical. Stunning'' Dan Schreiber, No Such Thing As a Fish''A pop biography for people who don''t read pop biographies'' Dorian Lynskey, Guardian''Brilliant, discursive and wise'' Ben Goldacre''Utterly irresistible and totally brilliant'' The Quietus''A thing of endlessly fascinating, utterly demented genius'' Alexis PetridisThey were the bestselling singles band in the world. They had awards, credibility, commercial success and creative freedom. Then they deleted their records, erased themselves from musical history and burnt their last million pounds in a boathouse on the Isle of Jura. And they couldn''t say why.This is not just the story of The KLF. It is a book about Carl Jung, Alan Moore, Robert Anton Wilson, Ken Campbell, Dada, Situationism, Discordianism, magic, chaos, punk, rave, the alchemical symbolism of Doctor Who and the special poweTrade ReviewThe best non-fiction book I've ever read. It's magical. Stunning -- Dan Schreiber * NO SUCH THING AS A FISH *The best non-fiction book I've ever read. It's magical. Stunning * NO SUCH THING AS A FISH *A pop biography for people who don't read pop biographies. Higgs approaches the short career of the early 90s top 10 provocateurs like Adam Curtis brainstorming with Thomas Pynchon, exploring all manner of magical thinking and conspiracy theories. Touching on Dada, Doctor Who and Discordianism, it's as playful and sui generis as the KLF themselves, which is saying something * GUARDIAN *A pop biography for people who don't read pop biographies. Higgs approaches the short career of the early 90s top 10 provocateurs like Adam Curtis brainstorming with Thomas Pynchon, exploring all manner of magical thinking and conspiracy theories. Touching on Dada, Doctor Who and Discordianism, it's as playful and sui generis as the KLF themselves, which is saying something * GUARDIAN *Might well be the best music book of the 2010s . . . eccentric, bizarre, confusing, hilarious and more than a little pretentious but utterly irresistible and totally brilliant -- Cay McDermott * THE QUIETUS *Might well be the best music book of the 2010s . . . eccentric, bizarre, confusing, hilarious and more than a little pretentious but utterly irresistible and totally brilliant * THE QUIETUS *The book brilliantly captures the anti-establishment attitude of Drummond and Cauty, and makes you wish the pop charts were full of such madness these days * THE BIG ISSUE *The book brilliantly captures the anti-establishment attitude of Drummond and Cauty, and makes you wish the pop charts were full of such madness these days * THE BIG ISSUE *This wildly entertaining thesis speculates on how the KLF arrived at a crowning act of transgression even they did not understand, drawing together threads including practical magic, strange patterns of coincidence and punk * MOJO *This wildly entertaining thesis speculates on how the KLF arrived at a crowning act of transgression even they did not understand, drawing together threads including practical magic, strange patterns of coincidence and punk * MOJO *Succeeds by ignoring music for much of the story, in favour of the group's philosophical and psycho-geographical underpinnings in Discordianism, situationism, art and magic. Sometimes, the music is just a means to an end - in their case, a million-quid bonfire that Higgs suggests may be "a magical act that forged the 21st century". Well, maybe . . . * INDEPENDENT *Succeeds by ignoring music for much of the story, in favour of the group's philosophical and psycho-geographical underpinnings in Discordianism, situationism, art and magic. Sometimes, the music is just a means to an end - in their case, a million-quid bonfire that Higgs suggests may be "a magical act that forged the 21st century". Well, maybe . . . -- Andy Gill * INDEPENDENT *Book of the Century. Most pop biographies are a dull patchwork of clippings - this is something elseBook of the Century. Most pop biographies are a dull patchwork of clippings - this is something elseBy far the best book this year, brilliant, discursive and wiseBy far the best book this year, brilliant, discursive and wiseI am going to bang on about THE KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band who Burned a Million Pounds rather a lot. Fascinating . . . Enthralling'I am going to bang on about THE KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band who Burned a Million Pounds rather a lot. Fascinating . . . Enthralling'John Higgs's book about the KLF is - like its subject - a thing of endlessly fascinating, utterly demented geniusJohn Higgs's book about the KLF is - like its subject - a thing of endlessly fascinating, utterly demented genius

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES NO. 1 BESTSELLERDiscover the hilarious memoir written by the most relatable woman in the world - Daisy May Cooper, creator and star of BBC''s award-winning comedy This Country''Thank goodness for gloriously silly Daisy May Cooper. Joyful, irreverent and totally uplifting'' THE TIMES''Hilarious. A riot from start to finish'' DAILY EXPRESS''Bloody brilliant, like the woman herself'' HEAT______I''ve always had an over-active imagination and felt the urge to be a massive f**king show-off so acting seemed like the obvious choice of career. There was never anything else I wanted to do more. But fulfilling my ambition wasn''t going to be easy . . .I grew up battling rural poverty which was a struggle enough but my family were completely insane to boot. Together with my brother Charlie, I staggered my way through adolescence from one drama to the next until finally, afTrade ReviewBrilliant. A joy and a delight - I laughed out loud! An absolute cracker -- Zoe BallHilarious, brutally honest and very entertaining. Bloody brilliant, like the woman herself * Heat *She writes very well on the humiliations of poverty, without losing her sense of humour . . . It's a riot from start to finish * Sunday Express *Cooper is casual and caustic as she looks at the bright side and the darker underbelly of showbiz * The Times *This book proves it's absurd for anybody to think they know more about being funny than Daisy May Cooper. A riot from start to finish * Daily Mirror *Hilarious. A riot from start to finish * Daily Express *Perfect for anyone who loved This Country or wants to learn about how Cooper got her break in comedy * Funny Women *Memoirs are often described as 'honest' but it's rare that someone would write as honestly as Cooper * Funny Women *The funniest book of the year * Sunday Express *Hilarious * Sun *Hilarious * Daily Star *Hilarous * YOU Magazine *Thank goodness for the gloriously silly Daisy May Cooper. Joyful, irreverent and totally uplifting * The Times *The lockdown comedy queen * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisA ROUGH TRADE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023A GUARDIAN MUSIC BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023The Cure are arguably the biggest alternative rock band in the world. Between 1985 and 2000 every album they released went to at least Gold in the UK, the US or both. In America they have earned four Platinum albums, and they are estimated to have sold 30 million albums worldwide. Their iconic status as elder statesmen of Alternative Rock remains undiminished - if anything, their tireless touring has ensured that it has grown with every passing year - and lead singer Robert Smith is an endlessly fascinating figure to successive generations of fans. The Cure''s influence reverberates through genres including Emo, Goth, Industrial and Indie Rock.The book is an encyclopaedic A-Z of The Cure examining and riffing on miscellaneous trivia, biographies of the band members past and present, summaries of each album and selected songs, details of the band''s various tours and filmTrade ReviewA ROUGH TRADE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023A GUARDIAN MUSIC BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023It will be hard to find a more all-encompassing repository of Cure wisdom than this one * Record Collector *Simon Price is a goth aficionado, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of The Cure was a pleasure to study and absorb - highly recommended for superfans or anyone with an interest in one of our most treasured bands of the past four decades * Tim Burgess *An extraordinary piece of work * Elis James *Price's immersion in their story is impressive, and his writing is always lively... a goldmine of information * Irish Times *Beautifully written and meticulously researched, Price's passion for his subject is obvious... a stunning tribute to the alt-rock icons * Classic Pop *An essential compendium of Cure-lore * MOJO *Simon Price is a goth aficionado, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of The Cure was a pleasure to study and absorb - highly recommended for superfans or anyone with an interest in one of our most treasured bands of the past four decades * Tim Burgess *

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Book SynopsisUS history gets the star treatment with this essential guide to the Smithsonian''s first permanent exhibition on pop culture, featuring objects like Muhammad Ali?s training robe, and Leonard Nimoy?s Spock ears, and Dorothy?s ruby slippers, oh my!Winner of thePopular Culture Association''sRay and Pat Browne Best Edited Reference/Primary Source Workin Popular Culture AwardEntertainment Nation is a star-studded and richly illustrated book celebrating the best of 150 years of US pop culture. The book presents nearly 300 breathtaking Smithsonian objects from the first long-term exhibition on popular culture, and features contributors likeBillie Jean King, Ali Wong, and Jill Lepore. Entertainment Nation offers the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the passion and grit of star athletes, the limelight of the music industry and theater, and the amazing entertainers we love to watch, with dazzling cultural touchstones like:Music and TheaterLin-Manuel Miranda?s Hamilton costumeJohn Coltrane?s saxophoneSelena''s leather outfitFilm and TelevisionCaptain America?s shieldMr. Roger?s sweater Seinfeld?s puffy shirtSportsMia Hamm?s Olympic jerseyKristi Yamaguchi?s ice skatesBabe Ruth autographed baseballThe book includes essays that contextualize the objects? place in time and history, exploring how entertainment sparks conversation and debate, reveals social tensions and political power, and dictates who gets to be the hero or the villain. Taking a nostalgic look at old favorites and an exhilarating glimpse of contemporary attractions, Entertainment Nation is a love letter to pop culture.

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Book SynopsisBanned after promising research in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s, the use of psychedelics as therapeutic catalysts is now being rediscovered at prestigious medical schools, such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins, NYU, and UCLA. Through clinical trials to assess their use, entheogens have been found to ease anxiety in the dying, interrupt the hold of addictive drugs, cure post-traumatic stress disorder, and treat other deep-seated emotional disturbances. To date, results have been positive, and the idea of psychedelics as powerful psychiatric--and spiritual--medicines is now beginning to be accepted by the medical community. Exploring the latest cutting-edge research on psychedelics, along with their use in indigenous cultures throughout history for rites of passage and shamanic rituals, Neal Goldsmith reveals that the curative effect of entheogens comes not from a chemical effect on the body but rather by triggering a peak or spiritual experience. He provides guidelines for working with entheogens, groundbreaking analyses of the concept--and the process--of change in psychotherapy, and, ultimately, his own story of psychedelic healing. Examining the tribal roots of this knowledge, Goldsmith shows that by combining ancient wisdom and modern research, we can unlock the emotional, mental, and spiritual healing powers of these unique and powerful tools, providing an integral medicine for postmodern society.Trade Review"In terms of both academics and activism, it is the most comprehensive and readable book on this subject that I've come across." * Anna Jedrziewski, New Age Retailer, October 2010 *“Psychedelic Healing is full of knowledge and wisdom, psychologically sophisticated, and up-to-date. It contains important lessons for those wishing to work with psychedelic plants and substances, which are powerful and tricky tools for accessing the psyche. Neal Goldsmith makes a well-reasoned plea for society to use them once again because they are important tools for healing inside, healing relationships, and healing society. I enjoyed his speculation about the post-postmodern synthesis of tribal and modern. Written bravely and with open eyes, this is an important, mature book” * Jeremy Narby, Ph.D., author of The Cosmic Serpent and co-editor of Shamans Through Time *“In synchronous timing with the publication of Jung’s precious personal vision, Neal Goldsmith presents his own Red Book of self-discovery and organizes it into a useful road map to the mystery within each of us--of who we are and why . . .” * John H. Halpern, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School *“Neal Goldsmith is one of the leading architects of the emerging paradigm of psychedelic therapy. In this book he shares the personal story of his own process of growth and transformation as both a drug policy analyst and a psychotherapist and boldly calls for the acceptance and integration of psychedelics into psychiatry and society as the powerful catalysts for self-exploration and healing that they are.” * Dennis McKenna, Ph.D., assistant professor, Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minne *“Neal Goldsmith’s comprehensive, wise, and timely guide explores the impact of psychedelics throughout history and today at the level of the individual, the society, and the collective consciousness. Psychedelic Healing addresses salient theoretical questions pertinent to policy, therapy, spirituality, and philosophy and offers a bountiful harvest of hardearned insights to every reader interested in the transformative power of psychedelics. Neal has made a major contribution to ensuring the continued expansion of the psychedelic research renaissance. Psychedelic Healing will enable motivated readers to work more effectively to create a world where the mature use of psychedelics for spiritual, psychological, and medical purposes is both accepted and appreciated.” * Rick Doblin, Ph.D., executive director, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies *“In this lively and provocative book, Neal M. Goldsmith, Ph.D., makes the case for a ‘Psychedelic Renaissance,’ one in which LSD-type substances would be rescheduled in the United States, permitting their applications in psychotherapy and medicine. Psychedelic Healing presents considerable evidence from the research and clinical literature, as well as from Goldsmith’s own experiences, that psychedelics can relieve pain, change personality, foster spiritual growth, and promote community harmony. After reading this book, many of his readers will be persuaded that this renaissance cannot come a day too soon!” * Stanley Krippner, Ph.D., Alan Watts Professor of Psychology, Saybrook University, and coauthor of Pe *“Written with personal warmth and passionate engagement, Psychedelic Healing makes a compelling case for the medical and social benefits of a therapy practice that encompasses substance-induced experiences of transcendence. With scrupulous care, Neal Goldsmith explores the great promise of this reemerging field, while proposing a path forward that avoids the mistakes made a generation ago. This book is valuable reading for those who would like to see a crucial new chapter open in consciousness studies and the mental health field.” * Daniel Pinchbeck, author of Breaking Open the Head *“What a brave and wonderful book! Neal Goldsmith beautifully integrates personal experience and reflections with thoughtful analysis of psychedelics: their history, prohibition and regulation, and potential for transforming our psyches, spirits, and lives.” * Ethan A. Nadelmann, J.D., Ph.D., executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance *“A wonderful blend of psychedelic history. Goldsmith has written a radical, wise, and compassionate rethinking of the nature and purpose of psychotherapy. This is the direction psychology needs to go in order to stay relevant and valuable.” * James Fadiman Ph.D., author of The Psychedelic Explorers Guide and Personality and Personal Growth *“A thoroughly researched and engaging discussion of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, profiling not just the drugs, but many luminaries in the psychedelic research field. Goldsmith emphasizes the importance of set, setting, and ritual on outcome. By chronicling his own growth and transformation he answers the question, ‘Is fundamental personality change possible?’ with an emphatic ‘Yes!’” * Julie Holland, M.D., editor of Ecstasy: The Complete Guide and The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Can *“When we look back at the extraordinary cultural transformations of the past forty years, there is one ingredient in the recipe of social change that is consistently and inexplicably expunged from the record. And that is the fact that countless thousands, indeed millions, of young at some point in their lives lay prostrate before the gates of awe having taken a psychedelic. Neal Goldsmith’s insightful book suggests that perhaps we might do well by doing the same.” * Wade Davis, award-winning anthropologist, ethnobotanist, filmmaker, author, and photographer *“Neal Goldsmith’s comprehensive analysis of the healing power of psychedelics puts the medical, spiritual, and legal status of these soul medicines in a passionate, well-informed voice.” * Alex Grey, author of Sacred Mirrors and Transfigurations *“Psychedelic Healing is a comprehensive contextualized guide for harnessing psychedelics to assist in personal evolution. Neal Goldsmith introduces you to all the key players at this exciting moment in the long history of human interaction with psychedelic plants. Goldsmith’s clinical yet revealing and accessible narrative is as reassuring as it is instructional. Not since The Tibetan Book of the Dead has there been such a useful companion to the amazing array of spiritual medicines that are nature’s gift to humanity.” * Allan Badiner, adjunct professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies, contributing edito *“Written with authority and scholarship, this book is intended for the therapeutic mental health community and will find readers at any academic institution with a psychology department. However, the wider audience of seekers and free thinkers make this appropriate for most public library collections as well.” * Janet Tapper, Univ. of Western States Lib., Library Journal, February 2011 *“An analysis that looks deep into history as well as the true medical effects of the drug, Psychedelic Healing is a fascinating analysis into a taboo avenue of medicine.” * The Midwest Book Review, February 2011 *“Dr. Goldsmith proposes how psychedelic healing can be incorporated into a new, integrated psychotherapy that harnesses the emotional, mental and spiritual healing powers of these entheogenic gives guidance on safe “tripping” and on handling emergencies. . . This is a visionary approach towards a whole new reality.” * Nexus Magazine, May 2011 *“By calling on insights from personality development, Goldsmith enriches our understanding of how psychedelics can lead to a richer, more mature self and at the same time help people re-identify with the true, inner transcendent self: the path of personal, psychological growth persisted in long enough becomes a path of spiritual growth. Then, using this expertise in a large-scale institutional and social change, he proposes a number of careful steps to beneficially fit psychedelics into society. Thus Psychedelic Healing moves forward both personal maturity and institutional growth for their combined benefits” * Thomas B. Roberts, Ph.D., is co-editor of Psychedelic Medicine: New Evidence for Hallucinogenic Subs *“. . . ideal combination of facts, personal experiences and most importantly, hope for the future of psychedelics. Their time has come and Neal tells us why and how to make that happen.” * Erowid, October 2011 *“Psychedelic Healing offers the reader a wondrous journey, capturing within one volume a guide for the use of psychedelics by therapists and patients as well as a contemporary summation of relevant research and points of history. Goldsmith bravely goes where few dare to tread, especially in his autobiographical vignettes that make clear how what is learned through psychedelic-assisted therapy can usefully be applied and integrated into everyday life. This book is highly recommended to anyone interested in learning how psychedelics may contribute to a healthier, richer, and more rewarding life rather than just assuming that these substances must be categorized as drugs of abuse. There is more to these substances than their pejorative categorizations within a Drug War: Psychedelic Healing offers an easy-to-read path to these deeper waters.” * John H. Halpern, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School *Table of Contents Foreword Why This Book Matters by John H. Halpern, M.D., Harvard Medical School Acknowledgments Preface Introduction The Questions That Led to This Book 1 Set and Setting The Mother of All Trips Who I Am How I Became Interested in Consciousness and Psychedelic Therapy How I Got to Be Who I Am Now A True Intellectual-Religious Revelation 2 Is Fundamental Personality Change Possible? The Concept of Change and Its Action The Developmental Psychology of Spiritual Emergence Personality Development as Immature Strategy Psyche: The Core Concept Psycheology: The Study of the Soul The Psycheology Approach to Psychotherapy 3 The History of Psychedelic Research The Major Psychedelics The First Research on the Clinical Applications of Psychedelics Psychedelic Research in Countries beyond the U.S. Psychedelic Research Finally Resumes The Use of Psychedelics with the Dying The Safety and Efficacy of Psychedelics 4 The Ten Lessons of Psychedelic Therapy, Rediscovered Lesson 1. Each Drug Has a Specific Effect Lesson 2. Setting Can Strongly Influence State of Mind and Thus Outcome Lesson 3. Mind-set Can Scuttle a Beautiful Context or Transcend a Hellish One Lesson 4. In General, Dose Determines a Mild or Extreme Experience, Although It Can Be Less Important Than Set and Setting Lesson 5. Preparation and Knowledge Can Enable Lasting Value Lesson 6. Ritual Can Transmit Prior Wisdom and Guide Successful Practice Lesson 7. Support from Experienced Guides Reduces Fear and Increases Benefit Lesson 8. Reentry in to a Supportive Community Context Aids Retention Lesson 9. Accompanying Depth Psychotherapy (If Needed) and Ongoing Spiritual Practice Offer the Main Opportunity for Lasting Growth Lesson 10. A Revised Worldview Is Both a Requirement for and a Result of Integrated Psychedelic Practice 5 Many Thorny Theoretical and Methodological Questions Remain Why Does Psychedelic Research Require Self-Experimentation? How Will We Train a New Generation of Psychedelic Researchers and Therapists? Why Redo Psychedelic Research Already Conducted in the ’50s and ’60s? How Should Psychedelics Be Rescheduled? Why Do Psychedelics Provide Pain Relief for the Dying? Can Psychedelics Provide Lasting Change? Can Psychedelics Induce Real Spirituality? 6 The Development of an Integral Clinical Approach Transcendence Vs. the Frontal Assault Catharsis, or How I Completed My Childhood at Burning Man A Revised View Conclusions: What Have We Learned? 7 Implications for the Future The Catalytic Role of Psychedelics in the Emergence of an Integral Society Unity “Versus” the Frontal Lobes An Integral Approach to Reality Epilogue Appendix 1 How to Put Science into Action to Change the World Work to Change the Drug Laws Changing Psychedelic Policies and Bureaucracies Practice “Right Action”: Buddhism and Psychedelics Policy Appendix 2 Standards for Safe and Effective Psychedelic Journeys and Procedures for Handling Psychedelic Emergencies Preparation: Creating a Safe Space for Psychedelic Journeys The Session: Guidelines for Safe and Effective Psychedelic Journeys Dealing with Psychedelic Emergencies (or Spiritual Emergence) Recommended Reading Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA funny thing happened on the way to the digital utopia. We've begun to fall back in love with the very analog goods and ideas the tech gurus insisted that we no longer needed. Businesses that once looked outdated, from film photography to brick-and-mortar retail, are now springing with new life. Notebooks, records, and stationery have become cool again. Behold the Revenge of Analog.David Sax has uncovered story after story of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and even big corporations who've found a market selling not apps or virtual solutions but real, tangible things. As e-books are supposedly remaking reading, independent bookstores have sprouted up across the country. As music allegedly migrates to the cloud, vinyl record sales have grown more than ten times over the past decade. Even the offices of tech giants like Google and Facebook increasingly rely on pen and paper to drive their brightest ideas.Sax's work reveals a deep truth about how humans shop, interact, and even think. Blending psychology and observant wit with first-rate reportage, Sax shows the limited appeal of the purely digital life - and the robust future of the real world outside it.

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

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Book SynopsisFind inspiration to take charge and become the CEO of your own life.“Boss Beauty […] is great inspiration for women and girls and anyone who loves them. —Lauren Iannotti, Editor-in-Chief of Real Simple Magazine Boss Beauties arrived at the development of web3 to usher women and girls into this exciting new world, and they do it with bold and colorful art that motivates and inspires. —Maya Draisin, Chief Brand Officer at TIME Magazine Lisa Mayer, founder and CEO of Boss Beauties, brings the modern women to the page in Boss Beauty: Inspiration to Be Everything You Want. From Olympic athletes to NASCAR drivers, activists to artists, this vibrantly illustrated book features advice from the world’s most inspiring Boss Beauties, celebrating women all around the world and their empowering contributions. Boss Beauty includes: ICONIC FEMALE

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Book Synopsis'A history that makes perfect sense when the sky is falling down.' - The Sunday TimesBeneath the psychedelic utopianism of the sixties lay a dark seam of apocalyptic thinking that seemed to rupture into violence and despair by 1969.Literary and cultural historian James Riley descends into this underworld and traces the historical and conspiratorial threads connecting art, film, poetry, politics, murder and revolt. The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the Manson Family and Roman Polanski, ley-line hunters and Illuminati believers, Aldous Huxley, Joan Didion and the Beat poets, radical protest movements and occult groups all come together in Riley's gripping narrative. Steeped in the hopes, dreams and anxieties of the late 1960s and early '70s, The Bad Trip tells the strange stories of some of the period's most compelling figures as they approached the end of an era and imagined new worlds ahead.Trade ReviewDense with conspiracies, chaos and apocalyptic death drives, The Bad Trip is a history that makes perfect sense when the sky is falling down. -- The Sunday TimesA fascinating look at one of the most intoxicating eras of pop - when flower power blossomed and then wilted as it gave way to its darker side. -- Mark RadcliffeThe Bad Trip is a good trip: an essay on the power of art in dark times. In our own dark times, half a century later, that's something worth reading. -- The Business Post'Brilliant ... a total trip" -- Paul Ross, talkRADIOA useful guidebook to the self-regarding Sixties counterculture -- Mail on SundayA fresh take on an altogether over-discussed, if rarely very carefully analysed, era. His chapter The Omega Men is particularly good at steering a path through cinema and publications that predicted a bleak future, or suggested how that might be averted. -- The HeraldEssential reading for enthusiasts of 1960s transatlantic counter-culture, written with verve and brio. Riley is an expert tour guide -- Douglas Field, senior lecturer in literature, University of ManchesterA dazzling account of the decline and fall of the 60s dream, forging links between US and UK countercultural practices. -- Mark Goodall, author & senior lecturer in film, University of BradfordWhile the depth of knowledge is impressive ... it's the joining of the (micro) dots linking occult energies to these events which will keep 60s obsessives up at night -- Paul Moody, Classic Rock MagazineSuffice to say this is one timely and captivating tome ... Impressively in-depth, wide-reaching and thought-provoking. ***** -- ShindigRefreshingly deep and provocatively different [...] reinstalling the vanishing art of good writing -- Record Collector Magazine

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Book Synopsis__________________THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERStop searching for the answers - and start delighting in the questions with Pandora Sykes, co-host of The High Low podcast.'Deliciously fascinating' MARIAN KEYES'Refreshing ... thoughtful, considered' STYLIST'Brilliant' EVENING STANDARD'Timely and fulsome' CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS'Joyful and wise' LISA TADDEOModern life is full of choices - but how do we know we're making the right ones? Why, in our attempts to make life easier, do we often make it harder?With a light touch and plenty of humour, Pandora Sykes delves into the myths we've been sold and the stories we tell ourselves, in a timely bid to encourage us to consider the lives we once led, and how they might better serve us. It's time to stop looking for the answers - and start delighting in the questions. __________________'Thoughtful and funny' DOLLY ALDERTON'Like a very clever, lucid, charming friend unpacking all the messy anxieties of modern existence with tremendous intelligence and elan. Read this book. It will help your life' INDIA KNIGHT'Had me cackling. So smart but so well-researched' CANDICE BRATHWAITE'Energetic and compelling' OLIVIA SUDJIC'Navigates complicated issues with great humanity, humour and humility ... [it] left me wanting more' SATHNAM SANGHERA'Self-aware, self-deprecating, relatable, funny, and brilliantly curious' STACEY DOOLEY'Witty and zeitgeisty ... strikes a fresh, honest note' VANITY FAIR__________________Readers love Pandora's first book:'A truly marvellous debut''Insightful and beautifully written''Totally brilliant ... I devoured this masterpiece in one sitting''A bright book in a gloomy year''Feeling a lot better about life after finishing this!''I adored Pandora's book and will be thinking about it for a long time.''So clever and thought-provoking''Pandora is a wonderful writer and I found myself unexpectedly in tears by the end'INCLUDES A NEW PROLOGUETrade ReviewA timely collection of essays from journalist and podcast host Pandora Sykes that touch on everything from happiness to wellness; womanhood to consumerism and the anxieties and agendas that consume our lives ... Sharp and observant writing ... A manifesto for the millennial woman. * Evening Standard *A collection of essays that feel like I'm in a deep and open conversation with the person who peered inside my head and saw exactly what I've been thinking about all these years. Thorough, timely and fulsome. -- Candice Carty-WilliamsSykes's essays, written pre-pandemic, could have read like a relic from a pampered bygone age with nothing bigger to worry about. Yet, instead, it feels like a cleareyed warning of the world to which we may now be returning. -- Gaby Hinsliff * Guardian *Tackles subjects that some might dismiss as trivial (texting, social media, why women increasingly want to dress like one another) with striking intellectual rigour ... refreshing for the depth and breadth of its research. Rather than making generalisations about womanhood based on anecdotes from her own life, Sykes draws on statistics, philosophy, pop culture and more to make thoughtful, considered observations. * Stylist *I absolutely loved How Do We Know We're Doing It Right?. It’s like a very clever, lucid, charming friend unpacking all the messy anxieties of modern existence with tremendous intelligence and elan. Women will recognise parts of the themselves on every page, regardless of their age, whether Sykes is writing about authenticity, social media or the need to always seem busy. I found it deeply interesting and often enlightening: I kept putting it down to think about something the author had said. Read this book. It will help your life. -- India Knight

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Book Synopsis'A smart and rich compendium of what is going on within and without our bodies today ... in this brave and significant book, Orbach does battle with a full quiver of her own fire-tipped arrows, her blazing firebrand levelled at self-hatred in all its forms.' the Times In the past decades, the pressure to perfect and design our bodies has been unprecedented. Men are encouraged to surgically pump up their pecs, breast enhancement is a sweet sixteen birthday present in the suburbs of America, and eating problems - from bulimia to obesity - are growing daily, affecting children as young as six. In China, women are having their legs broken and extended by 5cms. In Iran there are 35,000 cosmetic nose reconstructions a year. The body is no longer a given and to possess a flawless one has become the ambition of millions. In her years of practice as a psychoanalyst, Susie Orbach has come to realise that the way we view our bodies is the mirror of how we view ourselves: our body becomes the measure of our worth. In this updated edition of Bodies, she addresses the modern challenges to body-image, exposing how social media has exacerbated existing issues and creates new ways we relate to our bodies. In the past decade, despite campaigns promoting body positivity, often unproven and unregulated dietary products have proliferated throughout the world. Meanwhile, movements such as #MeToo have revealed what has changed in our attitudes to bodies and what has, unfortunately, remained the same.Trade ReviewThis is a serious book - and one of the saddest I've read in a long time. It is grounded in compassion, righteous anger and practical good sense ... I came away having learnt something. We are at war with our own bodies, and both sides are losing. * Daily Mail *A terrifying, terrific read * Scotland on Sunday *Could make you rethink starting that post-Christmas diet. A 2010 must-have if you want to understand your body issues. * Now *Original in her diagnoses and sympathetic in her treatment, she comes across as the intellectual lovechild of Freud and Trisha. How could this not be compulsive reading? -- Laura Silverman * Daily Mail *Combining heartfelt polemic with heartbreaking case studies, Bodies unpicks the tangle of influences that conspire against a "stable body" -- Victoria Segal * Guardian *A timely counterblast against our harsh new visual culture, obsessed with the perfection of the physical self. * the Times *[A] superb analysis of the range of ways one can change one's body and the number of images of the body one encounters. -- Lesley McDowell * Herald [Glasgow] *A smart and rich compendium of what is going on within and without our bodies today ... in this brave and significant book, Orbach does battle with a full quiver of her own fire-tipped arrows, her blazing firebrand levelled at self-hatred in all its forms. * The Times *

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Book SynopsisA SUNDAY TIMES BEST FILM AND THEATRE BOOK OF 2022 'Anyone in love with the arts will fall in love with this beautifully written and fascinating book' Kathy Burke Astonish Me! is an adrenaline-charged rollercoaster through history's seismic first nights, exploring how individual artists can change and shape the story of culture - and allow us to see ourselves in new ways. It tells of times when 'the air between people seems to alter' as art achieves profound change, across the globe and across history. Dominic Dromgoole has created a radical and fresh canon. He begins in New York in 1963, as Lorraine Hansberry remakes American theatre and a nation's perception of race. And then, as the lights go up, we find ourselves in Renaissance Florence, watching Michelangelo's David being hauled into the Piazza della Signoria. The dust settles and we are transported to the birth of theatre in fifth-century Athens - and then to Paris to meet with Diaghilev and Stravinsky for the Rite of Spring. We witness kabuki's creation, as a radical women's performance, in Kyoto; the Sex Pistols shattering Thatcherite Britain at Manchester's Free Trade Hall; and watch as Hitchcock directs Psycho.Trade ReviewAstonish Me! is both a book of revelations and a witness to change: it has all the tension of a thriller and the see-sawing highs and lows of a romance novel. At its heart, however, is an enduring fascination with what makes art and why we need it -- Maggie O'FarrellFantastic -- Roger AllamWritten with verve and wit ... Astonish Me! encourages us to reflect not only on the communality of art but to appreciate its invaluable social utility * The Times *A keen cultural history primer - and a ringside seat to the electric thrill of witnessing great art -- 'Paperbacks Read This Week' * Daily Telegraph *Full of insight as well as terrific stories ... a book that celebrates the shock of the new, those moments in artistic history when the dial shifted and something radical emerged ... enjoyable * Sunday Times *Fascinating ... dazzling in its enthusiasm ... unexpected * Times Literary Supplement *The result is a richly eclectic set of essays ... Mr Dromgoole shows a capacity to bring a major cultural event to life ... offers an erudite, wide-ranging and heart-warming tribute to artistic innovation -- Michael Billington * Country Life *Exquisite ... greatly stirring ... Imagine what it would be like to be present at the arrival of some of the most momentous works of art in history; to witness the birth of the new. That's what Dominic Dromgoole does in his latest book * Daily Telegraph *[Dromgoole] writes with such generous, broad-brush panache ... on every page he comes across as a red-blooded enthusiast, an erudite polymath and a bit of a preacher with an urgent message too * Mail on Sunday *A celebration of the artistic achievements that overcame the odds to change the story of culture, and whose effects rippled out to change the world * Spectator *Earthy, eclectic and shot through with personal insights * The Week *Anyone in love with the arts will fall in love with this beautifully written and fascinating book -- Kathy BurkeDominic Dromgoole takes moments from our cultural history and shines a new light on them. Astonishingly vibrant, bristling with energy, wit and wisdom -- Hugh BonnevilleFirst-rate, varied and very enjoyable * Mature Times *Absorbing ... accessible and chatty ... you will always be entertained by Dromgoole's slightly waspish sense of wit, his sense of invention and ... a sense of care and understanding -- Louise Penn * Lou Reviews *On Hamlet: Globe to Globe: 'His love of language is contagious ... the storytelling segues into scholarship with extraordinary skill as he ricochets the modern world with a 400-year-old text.' * The Times *Dromgoole's witty account offers insight about the play and its enduring appeal ... Compulsively readable. * The New York Times (100 Notable Books) *Erudite and fascinating ... truly compelling. * Observer *Exhilarating ... he succeeds in making the familiar unfamiliar. -- James ShapiroOn Will and Me: How Shakespeare Took Over My Life 'A superbly written, infectiously high-spirited narrative ... a hard book to put down.' -- Terry Eagleton * The Irish Times *Friendly, inclusive, I warmed [to it] immediately. A terrific book. -- William Leith * Evening Standard *His book is an absolute delight ... The outstanding quality is his sheer, overwhelming love for Shakespeare. * Sunday Times *This book is clearly a triumph. -- Jonathan Bate * Spectator *

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Book SynopsisIf the Punisher became a valuable piece of intellectual property during the closing decades of the twentieth century, he has become a global icon in the twenty-first. In this pathbreaking study, Kent Worcester explores the sometimes ridiculous and often socially resonate storyverse of the most famous rageaholic in popular culture: Frank Castle, aka the Punisher. Worcester pays particular attention to nearly five decades' worth of punishment-themed comics and graphic novels published between the 1970s and the present day. These texts provide the material resources for a close reading of the Punisher's distinctive and extreme form of justice discourse. Punishment, after all, is a political and social construct. Violence does not imply or claim legitimacy. Punishment does. To talk about punishment is to ask who deserves to be punished, who decides who deserves to be punished, and what form the punishment should take. All costumed heroes have their political moments; the Punisher is political. Frank Castle inhabits the most politically engaged corner of the entire Marvel Universe. His adventures should attract our interest for precisely this reason.Trade Review“Kent Worcester has put together a hard-hitting, street-wise, in-depth look at the life and times of Frank Castle. His analysis is trenchant and fascinating, taking into consideration all the myriad aspects of the character and how they have changed over time. This is a rich, important study of a character whose violent ethos and iconography are so much a part of today's cultural zeitgeist.” -- Andrew J. Friedenthal, writer and arts critic'I detest The Punisher. I mean, I ordinarily have no use for the character. But this book? Whoa. Excellent writing: trenchant, provocative, at times jaw-dropping. The arguments are needle-sharp, the contexts surprising yet persuasive. Worcester deftly steers clear of defensiveness, righteous dismissal, handwringing, and the oh so many pitfalls that could easily trip up a project like this. In the process, he makes the whole "Marvel Universe" look different.' -- Professor Charles Hatfield (co-author of Comics Studies: A Guidebook and author of Hand of Fire: The Comics Art of Jack Kirby)“Deep-diving into a publication history spanning multiple decades, Kent Worcester's precise study helps explain the enduring fascination with the Punisher against the backdrop of an evolving sociopolitical climate. This long overdue examination of Marvel's most controversial yet iconic character will provide valuable insight to scholars, students, and fans alike.” -- Peter Vignold, author of Das Marvel Cinematic Universe – Anatomie einer Hyperserie and Superhelden im Film – Zur post-patriarchalen Utopie des Marvel Cinematic UniverseTable of ContentsList of Figures vii Preface ix Introduction 1 1. Trauma Culture 29 2. Trigger Happy, or Grim and Gritty 64 3. The Universe Pushes Back 97 4. Negative Dialectics 134 5. The Narratological Impasse 169 6. From Print to Screen to Icon 202 Conclusion: Those Who Need Hurting 235 Appendix 245 Bibliography 249 Index 257

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Book SynopsisThe Self-Help Industry critically examines how the self-help genre promises transformation but often delivers superficiality, exploiting socioeconomic and cultural realities while advocating for community-driven change.

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Book SynopsisJulia Murray is an award winning multi-disciplined illustrator with many years' experience in the creative industry. Classically trained in graphic design and illustration, Julia began her career illustrating at Huffer before spending a decade in London working as an art director where she managed the Ink Global creative department, working for publishers such as Harper Collins and Hardie Grant. This experience has given her a versatility of style, a strength in combining typography with illustration, and a designer's eye for composition and detail. Julia's work reflects a love of colour with a touch of femininity.

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Book Synopsis

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