Search results for ""author nigel rodgers""

The legacy of the ancient Greeks has shaped our world. Classical Greece's military prowess, political sophistication and cultural innovations continue to influence modern society. The first half of the book focuses on political and military history, from Mycenae and the Golden Age of Athens to the campaigns of Alexander the Great. The second half concerns ancient Greece's buildings, sculptures, mythology and dramas, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheum and the works of Aristophanes and Euripides. This is an outstanding exploration of the world of the ancient Greeks and an indispensable resource for both the general and specialist reader.

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Split into two parts, the book first traces the origin of the artistic achievements of Greece, describing the rise of Greek architecture through the Doric, Ionian and Corinthian styles. It also discusses and beautifully illustrates the sculptures, vase paintings and mosaics that adorned Greek buildings. The second section looks at how the ancient Greek belief system and philosophy underpinned its great achievements. Religion and mythology; the theatre; literature; philosophy, science and technology; athletics and sport; and work and leisure are all discussed, detailing the many wonders of Greece. Over 500 fine-art illustrations and photographs of temples, archaeological sites, sculptures, paintings and vases make this an indispensable source for anyone wanting to discover the rise and fall of ancient Greece for themselves.

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This is an illustrated exploration of the artist, his life and context, with a gallery of 300 of his greatest works. It is a lively but expert account of Edouard Manet, one of the greatest French artists, whose striking realism has led to him being called the first modern painter. It is a vivid biography explores his life and career, including his break with established institutions and his links with artistic pioneers such as Monet, Cezanne and Degas. It features an extensive gallery of all Manet's most important works, accompanied by an analysis of his aims, style and technique. It focuses on how Manet turned the focus of artistic interest back to real life and away from the conventions of academic art. It is superbly illustrated with 500 pictures covering his life and art, along with works by his main contemporaries, including Monet, Renoir and Gauguin. Born to a wealthy conservative family, Edouard Manet became one of art's greatest revolutionaries, hailed by the Impressionists as their 'king'. While such works as Olympia or Music in the Tuileries struck contemporaries as shockingly candid, he himself revered the Old Masters.Manet's was the first great painter of modern Paris, the artistic capital of the 19th century. The first half of the book details Manet's life and his role as leader of the Batignolles group that included Renoir, Cezanne and Degas. The second half is a wide-ranging gallery of his finest works. With a total of 500 illustrations, this book gives a superb overview of one of the world's greatest and most original artists.

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Is this the right book for me?Understand Existentialism breaks down a complex mode of thought into more manageable sections, enabling you to get to grips with the key concepts within the movement. Chart the origins and development of existentialism in a variety of disciplines and learn about significant thinkers from Sartre and De Beauvoir to Beckett and Camus. Whether you are a newcomer or more experienced student, this book will enhance your understanding of a brand of philosophy designed to give meaning and direction amongst the uncertainties of modern life.Understand Existentialism includes:Chapter 1: Introduction to existentialismChapter 2: Living dangerously: the roots of existentialismChapter 3: Between birth and deathChapter 4: Existence precedes essenceChapter 5: The authentic lifeChapter 6: Freedom, choice and responsibilityChapter 7: The individual, art and societyChapter 8: Existentialism and religionChapter 9: Authenticity and the absurd: the fiction of Sartre and CamusLearn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.Author insightsLots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.Test yourselfTests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.Extend your knowledgeExtra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.Five things to rememberQuick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.Try thisInnovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

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The legacy of Ancient Rome shapes the world we inhabit today. The history of Rome - as a tiny primitive kingdom, as an ever-growing republic, as a world-ruling empire dominating the known world - is still influential. The first half of this book focuses on the political and military history of Rome. The assassination of Julius Caesar, Nero fiddling while Rome burns, the building of Hadrian's Wall - the truth behind these and many other events are revealed in this account of the rise and fall of a mighty empire. The second part of the book focuses on Rome's influence on the development of world art, architecture and society. Detailed drawings of the Colosseum and other World Heritage buildings reveal Roman techniques and architectural styles. Ancient letters, records and artworks are used to show how real people lived and worked during one of the cultural peaks of world history. With its magnificent combination of photographs, plans and illustrations, and an authoritative and absorbing text, this is the perfect reference guide for any student of history, archaeology and the classical world. It will provide inspiration for anyone planning to visit Italy or other sites in the once-great Roman Empire.

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