Search results for ""scarecrow press""

Hungarian-born Stefan Lorant's work as a visual and literary editor allowed him to pioneer and develop the genré of picture-based journalism at a period that saw the emergence of modern mass communications. Lorant became a guiding force on an international scale, disseminating his ideas and political knowledge throughout Europe in the late-twenties and thirties by working in Hungary, Germany, and England. His innovative layouts, his "exclusive" interviews and his thirst for knowledge became a familiar part of millions of everyday lives, largely through the pages of his own creations and in particular the legendary Picture Post. Eventually his sphere of influence spread to America where he introduced the concept of the pictorial biography. His vision of photography as a documentary medium inspired Life and Look magazines and paved the way for the eventual emergence of the television documentary. For this he has become recognized as "the godfather" of photojournalism. Lorant's work enlightened the world - yet his own world was shrouded with darkness. His secret past, hidden throughout his lifetime, reveals the changing attitude of sexual politics as it evolved throughout the century. His serial womanizing and scandalous love affairs provide insight into the unhappy alliance between his sexual fulfillment and intellectual frustration, his searching in others for what he could not find within himself. Michael Hallett first interviewed Stefan Lorant in late 1990 and spent the following years researching and interviewing his subject. Hallett examines Lorant's public image, his huge ego, his manipulative nature, and his devious love of subterfuge and confusion. Hallett also reveals Lorant's warmth, his generosity, his callousness, his passions and his extraordinary humanity. This biography encompasses the 20th century, while focusing on the emergence of modern mass communications throughout Europe and the United States. Additionally there is a small but key section that highlights Lorant's pl

Read more less

Pepper Adams' Joy Road is more than a compendium of sessions and gigs done by the greatest baritone saxophone soloist in history. It's a fascinating overview of Adams' life and times, thanks to colorful interview vignettes, drawn from the author's unpublished conversations with Adams and other musicians. These candid observations from jazz greats about Adams and his colleagues reveal previously unknown, behind-the-scenes drama about legendary recordings made by John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Pearson, Thad Jones, David Amram, Elvin Jones, and many others. All types of sound material—studio recordings, private tapes and broadcasts, film scores, audience tapes, and even jingles—are listed, and Adams' oeuvre is pushed back from 1956 to 1947, when Adams was 16 years old, before he played baritone saxophone. Because of Carner's access to Adams' estate, just prior to its disposition in 1987, much new discographical material is included, now verified by Adams' date books and correspondence. Since Adams worked in so many of the great bands of his era, Pepper Adams' Joy Road is a refreshing, sometimes irreverent walk through a large swath of jazz history. This work also functions as a nearly complete band discography of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, the most influential big band of its time. Adams was a founding member and stayed with the band until a year before Jones left to relocate in Denmark. Finally, Carner charts the ascent of Adams as an original yet still underappreciated composer, one who wrote 43 unique works, nearly half of them after August, 1977, when he left Jones-Lewis to tour the world as a soloist. Pepper Adams' Joy Road, the first book ever published about Pepper Adams, is a companion to the author's forthcoming biography on Adams.

Read more less

Dave Liebman is one of the leading forces in contemporary jazz. Prominently known for performing with Miles Davis and Elvin Jones, he has exerted considerable influence as a saxophonist, bandleader, composer, author, and educator. In addition to his recent recognition as a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, he has received the Order of Arts and Letters from France and holds an honorary doctorate from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. He has mentored many of today's most notable young jazz musicians worldwide and is a prolific writer on jazz. In What It Is: The Life of a Jazz Artist, friend, pianist, and noted jazz scholar Lewis Porter conducts a series of in-depth interviews with Liebman, who discusses his professional, personal, and musical relationships with Davis and Jones, as well as such notable musicians as Chick Corea, Richie Beirach, Michael and Randy Brecker, and many others. Through the interviews, Liebman discusses such personal matters as contracting polio as a child and the difficulties it caused as an adult during his rise as a jazz musician. He offers insights into the life of jazz performers of his generation, particularly the tumultuous period of the 1960s and 1970s. The book also features rare photos from Liebman's personal collection. A fascinating and witty storyteller, Liebman's stories in What It Is will appeal to jazz fans and scholars by providing a firsthand look into the creative life of one of America's leading jazz musicians.

Read more less

Exploring U2: Is This Rock 'n' Roll? features new writing in the growing field of U2 studies. Edited by Scott Calhoun, with a foreword by Anthony DeCurtis, Exploring U2 contains selections from the 2009 inaugural gathering of "The Hype and The Feedback: A Conference Exploring The Music, Work and Influence of U2." In keeping with U2's own efforts to remove barriers that have long prevented dialogue for understanding and improving the human experience, this collection of essays examines U2 from perspectives ranging from the personal to the academic and is accessible to curious music fans, students, teachers, and scholars alike. Four sections organize sixteen essays from leading academics, music critics, clergy, and fans. From the academic disciplines of literature, music, philosophy, and theology, essays study U2's evolving use of source material in live performances, the layering of vocal effects in signature songs, the crafting of a spiritual community at live concerts, U2's success as a business brand, Bono's rhetorical presentation of Africa to the Western consumer, and readings of U2's work for irony, personhood, hope, conservatism, and cosmic-time. Official band biographer Neil McCormick considers U2 as a Dublin-shaped band, and Danielle Rhéaume tells how discovering and returning Bono's lost briefcase of lyrics for the album October propelled her along her own artistic journey. This thoughtful and timely collection recognizes U2's music both as art and commentary on personal journeys and cultural dialogues about contemporary issues. It offers insights and critical assessments that will appeal not only to scholars and students of popular music and culture studies but to those in the fields of theology, philosophy, the performing arts, literature, and all intellectually curious fans of U2.

Read more less

The importance of the Civil War and Reconstruction in the history of the United States cannot be overstated. Many historians regard the Civil War as the defining event in American history. At stake was not only freedom for 3.5 million slaves but also survival of the relatively new American experiment in self-government. A very real possibility existed that the union could have been severed, but a collection of determined leaders and soldiers proved their willingness to fight for the survival of what Abraham Lincoln called "the last best hope on earth." The second edition of this highly readable, one-volume Historical Dictionary of the Civil War and Reconstruction looks to place the war in its historical context. The more than 800 entries, encompassing the years 1844-1877, cover the significant events, persons, politics, and economic and social themes of the Civil War and Reconstruction. An extensive chronology, introductory essay, and comprehensive bibliography supplement the cross-referenced dictionary entries to guide the reader through the military and non-military actions of one of the most pivotal events in American history. The dictionary concludes with a selection of primary documents. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Read more less

Animation was once a relatively simple matter, using fairly primitive means to produce rather short films of subjects that were generally comedic and often quite childish. However, things have changed, and they continue changing at a maddening pace. One new technique after another has made it easier, faster, and above all cheaper to produce the material, which has taken on an increasing variety of forms. The A to Z of Animation and Cartoons is an introduction to all aspects of animation history and its development as a technology and industry beyond the familiar cartoons from the Disney and Warner Bros. Studios. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, photos, a bibliography, and over 200 cross-referenced dictionary entries on animators, directors, studios, techniques, films, and some of the best-known characters.

Read more less

Skiing is one of the oldest modes of transportation known, predating the wheel with dated artifacts to prove its pedigree. Skiing for sport, however, did not become common until about 150 years ago. The first Winter Olympic Games, held in Chamonix, France in 1924, were the first to introduce skiing as a competition. Events were held in both ski jumping and cross-country skiing. With advances in technology and increased leisure time, the popularity of skiing as a sport has risen exponentially since it was first introduced. The Historical Dictionary of Skiing relates the history of the sport through a comprehensive alphabetical dictionary with detailed, cross-referenced entries on key figures, places, competitions, and governing bodies within the sport. Author E. John B. Allen introduces the reader to the history of skiing through a detailed chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes and an extensive bibliography. This book is an excellent access point for researchers, students, and anyone interested in the history of skiing.

Read more less

Alex North's A Streetcar Named Desire: A Film Score Guide examines the acclaimed score for Elia Kazan's much-celebrated adaptation of Tennessee Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire (1951). Situating the score within the context of Alex North's life and career, the book begins with an overview of North's musical training and his works up to his first scores for Hollywood in 1950, demonstrating how his experience in writing music for stage, concert hall, dance, and documentaries each contributed to the skills necessary for film composition. Annette Davison uses examples from North's film career to identify and describe his scoring techniques. Using manuscript and archival research, Davison explores both the play's debut stage production and the film's production process, with a particular emphasis on the genesis and development of the music heard in the film. Considering the influence and changes imposed by the film's studio (Warner Bros.), the Production Code Administration, and the Catholic Legion of Decency on the film, Davison explores the impact of these changes on the interpretation of this finely balanced drama, comparing the different versions of the film and its scores. The book concludes with a full and detailed analysis of the jazz-inflected score, taking a holistic approach and using both musicology and film studies to investigate the ways it gives a dynamic shape to the film as a whole.

Read more less

Sarah Caldwell: The First Woman of Opera is the first biography of this significant musician, conductor, and director and documents Ms. Caldwell's genius as an indomitable force for opera in America. Caldwell mounted many U.S. premieres and brought rare editions of standard works to her audiences. At the height of her career, she raised her baton over four of the top five orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and conducted orchestras in such cities as Pittsburgh, St. Louis, San Antonio, Atlanta, Mexico City, and Puerto Rico. She conducted ensembles in Canada, Sweden, South Africa, and Russia; was a musical director for Wolf Trap; and was the first woman to conduct at the Metropolitan Opera. She founded the renowned Opera Company of Boston, as well as the outreach effort Opera New England and a nation-wide touring enterprise, the American National Opera Company. Caldwell's undeniable zeal was evident in whatever she undertook, and her accomplishments invite reflection, showing what an opera company could and should be in America. Daniel Kessler presents Ms. Caldwell's life in flashbacks and explores her 1978 landmark production of Gaetano Donizetti's Don Pasquale, which serves as a prime example of how she engaged with her creative Muse. He describes her personal and professional life, including her experience with the impresario Boris Goldovsky, her ability to create her own brand of 'stage wizardry,' and her moments of overreaching and hubris, such as her unorthodox fundraising methods and her experience with Imelda Marcos. Complete with several illustrations, a bibliography, an index, and the comprehensive annals of her three opera companies, Sarah Caldwell demonstrates what one person of genius, imagination, and passion can accomplish single-handedly.

Read more less

For almost three thousand years Mexico was the site of some of the most advanced Indian civilizations, most notably the Aztec and Mayan. In many ways, these civilizations were more advanced than their European contemporaries, especially in such spheres as astronomy, mathematics, and city organization. Upon seeing the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, for the first time, Spanish explorer Bernal Díaz del Castillo was awed by its beauty and confessed he had never seen a city in Spain that could match it. However, Díaz del Castillo's arrival coincided with that of Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conqueror of Mexico who captured the Aztec capital in 1521. Since then, it has been known as Mexico City. Mexico's struggle—and eventual success—through the subsequent years to become an independent country is chronicled in the second edition of Historical Dictionary of Mexico. It covers the history of Mexico from its great Indian civilizations to the controversial election of Felipe Calderón in 2006. This is done through a detailed chronology, an introduction, a map, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on some of the more significant persons, places, and events; institutions and organizations; and political, economic, social, cultural, and religious facets.

Read more less

Mission Impossible: My Life in Music is the engaging autobiography of Lalo Schifrin, the musician, conductor, and composer of more than 60 jazz and classical works and over 100 film and television scores including Mission Impossible.

Read more less

With the opening of Russian and communist-bloc archives dating from the Soviet-era, there has been a significant increase of scholarly writings pertaining to Joseph Stalin. Widely considered to be among the most influential historical figures of the twentieth century, Stalin continues to be a source of intense study. In the absence of a comprehensive compilation of periodical literature, the need for Joseph Stalin: An Annotated Bibliography of English Language Periodical Literature to 2005 is conspicuous. Ranging from editorials and news reports to academic articles, the more than 1,700 sources cited collectively cover the full range of his life, the various aspects of his leadership, and virtually all facets of the system and practices traditionally associated with his name. The coverage in this bibliography extends beyond the person of Stalin to include the subjects of Stalinism, the Stalinist system, the Stalin phenomenon, and those policies and practices of the Communist Party and Soviet state associated with him. This volume also provides a record of scholarly opinion on Stalin and sheds light on the evolution and current state of Stalinology. An effort has been made to list only those articles in which Stalin figures prominently, but, in some instances, articles have been included which do not center on Stalin but are worthy of listing for other reasons. The book is divided into fourteen main sections: General Studies and Overviews; Biographical Information and Psychological Assessments; The Revolutionary Movement, October Revolution and Civil War; Rise to Power; Politics; Economics; Society and Social Policy; Nationalism and Nationality Policy; Culture; Religion; Philosophy and Theory; Foreign Relations and International Communism; Military Affairs; and De-Stalinization. Including a subject index of several hundred headings and even greater number of subheadings, this comprehensive annotated bibliography should be of benefit to those individuals who, for the purpose of research or classroom

Read more less

The U.S. military's use of smart bombs and guided missiles has become commonplace in modern warfare. The ability to destroy a single floor of one building in a densely populated metropolitan area, while minimizing civilian casualties stands in stark contrast to the massive bombings that took place during World War II. However, it was from that war that the technology of today's precision munitions programs was first developed. Near Miss: The Army Air Forces' Guided Bomb Program in World War II is a story that has remained untold for over 60 years—indeed, it might be the last major subject of the air war during WWII to remain unexplored in unclassified accounts. Author Donald Hanle outlines the research, development, and combat employment of these early, first generation guided bombs in the first major history of the Army Air Force's guided munitions program in the Second World War. While guided missile histories have occasionally mentioned Operation Aphrodite or the JB-2 jet bomb, Near Miss is the only single volume work that focuses on every major guided bomb designed by or for the AAF during the war. It examines not only the weapons systems, but it also explains why these systems succeeded or failed as combat weapons, as well as why the guided munitions program suddenly ground to a halt after WWII ended. Including never before published combat photos of guided bombs in-flight and hitting their targets, no airpower enthusiast's or WWII air war historian's bookshelf will be complete without Near Miss.

Read more less

Anglo-American relations have been a crucial factor in international relations for over two centuries. For most of that time dealings between Britain and the United States have remained co-operative, cordial, and supportive. In the beginning, however, relations were confrontational and discordant: the two nations waged war against each other twice—in the War of Independence and in the War of 1812—and have often disagreed over trade, finance, and foreign policy. This volume demonstrates the changing nature of Anglo-American relations and focuses, in particular, on the strengths and fragilities of the "special relationship" that developed in the aftermath of the WWII and continues to the present day. The Historical Dictionary of Anglo-American Relations surveys Anglo-American relations from 1607 to the present and covers key events, individuals, and issues that have played a part in its history. Through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, appendixes, and hundreds of cross-referenced entries—with an emphasis on the political and economic relationship between Britain and the United States but also featuring the cultural links between the two—this comprehensive and easily accessible reference tool will delight those interested in the history of these two countries.

Read more less

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716) was one of the first Modern philosophers, and as such, one of the most significant. His contributions were often pathbreaking and his imprint still remains on fields such as logic, mathematics, science, international law, and ethics. While publishing relatively little during his life, he was in regular correspondence with important philosophers and even political leaders. The Historical Dictionary of Leibniz's Philosophy sheds light not only on his philosophical thought but also the impact it had on the thinking of his contemporaries. They, and he, are described in numerous cross-referenced dictionary entries. Also included are other entries that present his writings, explain his concepts, and trace his action in specific fields. The introduction sums much of this up and—along with the bibliography—provides a strong foundation for further study.

Read more less

Having only emerged in the past few decades, Feminist Philosophy is rapidly developing its own thrust in areas of particular importance to feminism-and women more generally-while also reevaluating and reshaping most other fields of philosophy, from ethics to logic and Marxism to environmentalism. It draws not only on feminist philosophers but criticizes, approves, or appropriates the work of the leading philosophers of all times. The introduction to this reference work provides a useful overview of the subject area and the chronology runs the gamut from Ancient Greek philosophers to contemporary feminist ones. The cross-referenced dictionary entries cover both the central figures and ideas from the historical tradition of philosophy, as well as ideas and theories from contemporary feminist philosophy, such as epistemology (the philosophy of science) and topics that have been introduced by the feminist movement itself, like abortion and sexuality. In addition to including entries on Aristotle, Plato, Descartes, Kant, Wollstonecraft, Beauvoir, and Daly, relevant aspects of other fields of philosophy, the major concepts, and prevailing interpretations and conjectures are also covered. A comprehensive bibliography allows for further reading.

Read more less

From the construction of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower to the Fall of the Bastille and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen to Napoléon Bonaparte's defeat at Waterloo to Albert Camus' L'Etranger and the existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre, France has been a part of some of the greatest and most memorable events in human history. Author Gino Raymond relates the history of these events in the second edition of the Historical Dictionary of France. Through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on kings, politicians, authors, architects, composers, artists, and philosophers, a thorough history of France is presented.

Read more less

The lives of many of the nineteenth century's most notable women of science are presented in English for the first time in this companion volume to Ladies in the Laboratory: American and British Women in Science. The present volume bridges a considerable gap in English literature available on women from twelve west European countries and their work in the biological and medical sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. A fascinating analysis of the work of notable women by national group, giving thorough data comparing the contributions of women in choice fields. Among the women presented are more than a few colorful personalities representative of the entire social scale, from a royal princess to the daughter of a Paris slum shopkeeper. Researchers in the field of women's history and science history will find this indexed volume a valuable resource.

Read more less

Madagascar, widely known as the "Great Island," is just off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, but in many ways it hardly resembles its mainland neighbors. Its flora and fauna are quite distinct, and the folkways and culture of its population are intriguingly different from that of the continental countries. This revised and expanded edition fills us in on the changes that have occurred over the past decade while still covering the long and intricate history of the country. It starts with the earliest settlers, continues through the period of French colonial rule, and then describes more intensively the period of independence, with all its aspirations, failures, and renewed hopes. This is done in a broad introduction, an extensive chronology, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, places, and events; ethnic groups and religions; and economic, social, and cultural aspects. Also included is a bibliography offering further reading.

Read more less

New in Paperback! This collection of sixty-three essays provides assistance to the growing number of students, teachers, librarians, and parents who find themselves confronting a censorship situation. The contributors are both authors—of fiction, drama, and poetry for adults, children, and adolescents—and teachers of literature, writing about the books that are most frequently challenged in schools and libraries. Part I provides six authors' perspectives on censorship by omission and commission. Part II provides responses and defenses of individual books. Paperback edition available May 2001.

Read more less

Pop-up and Movable Books (1993) was a pioneering work in the move to document this novel yet ubiquitous format. These fascinating volumes have been a frequent, yet under-scrutinized phenomenon from the Victorian era through to today. This supplement updates the work begun in the 1993 publication. Building upon the first volume, it indexes books published between 1991 and 1997. Books are accessible through three indexes: title, date, and series. The first volume should be consulted for titles older than 1991. Praise for the first edition: "...a pioneering attempt to codify a type of book that has previously slipped by librarians and bibliographers almost totally disregarded." —ANTIQUARIAN BOOK MONTHLY "...an essential tool for collectors...a useful addition to any library with an interest in children's literature or the history of book design. All in all, it is a well-organized, well-indexed, and thoroughly professional reference work." —POPULAR CULTURE IN LIBRARIES

Read more less

This recently enlarged edition focuses on the events of this last momentous decade while the Cuban regime and its subjects struggle, bereft of outside support and subsidy. The author has expanded on the recent as well as earlier periods. New entries include all Spanish governors and captains general, transport and communications, and every present-day municipio, along with Cuba's older administrative divisions. Provides a wealth of information from the earliest human settlement to the difficulties of the last decade. Also includes several maps detailing such aspects of Cuba as its provinces, major highways, natural features and railroads.

Read more less

The projected five volume Handbook of the American Frontier is intended as a work of first reference that provides insights into Indian-white relationships during the first four centuries of our colonial and United States history. Based upon both primary and secondary sources, it includes the Indian viewpoint as well as the white, and provides references to assist the reader to additional information. Volume IV of the Handbook is an account of men and events important in the frontier history of the West from the earliest Spanish explorations to the last Indian battle, fought in 1918. Like previous volumes, it is presented as an historical dictionary with entries relating to the experiences of Indian leaders and tribes, traders, explorers, missionaries, mountain men, military officers, and frontier settlers. Much attention is devoted to warfare, treaties, and alliances between European and Native American Nations. Tribes featured include the Apaches, Navahos, Pueblos, Utes, Paiutes, Shoshonis, Modocs, Yumas, and the proliferation of native peoples inhabiting the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Canada. The other regional volumes cover events and peoples in the Southwest Woodlands, the Northeastern Woodlands, and the Great Plains. The final volume of the set will include a general index, bibliography and chronology.

Read more less

Documents the craft of the organbuilder Gerhard Brunzema (1927-1992) in terms of the organs he built and how his instruments and his approach to organbuilding had an influence on music history. Divided into two parts, Part I contains essays by people who knew Brunzema and his work, and documents his skill both in the restoration of historically significant instruments in Europe, as well as in the building of new organs in his own style throughout the world. Also included in this section are two musical compositions in his memory by Gerhard Krapf and Barrie Cabena. Part II details the organs themselves during the three phases of his career: in Germany (1954-1971) with his partner Jurgen Ahrend; in Quebec, Canada (1972-1979) with Casavant Freres; and in Ontario (1980-1992) in his own workshop. This section features a complete listing of all the organs he built, descriptions of seventy organs, and a complete technical documentation of one of his instruments. Also included are three articles by Brunzema, proposals for organs that were never built, an annotated discography, a listing of the published photographs of his organs, videography, bibliography, 16 black and white photographs and 41 line drawings.

Read more less

Critical essays on children's novels by Louisia May Alcott, Lloyd Alexander Frances Hodgson Burnett, Lewis Carroll, Carlo Collodi, Eleanor Estes, Louis Fitzhugh, Esther Forbes, Kenneth Grahame, Irene Hunt, Rudyard Kipling, Madeline L'Engle, C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, A.A. Milne, L.M. Montgomery, E. Nesbit, Mary Norton, Robert C. O'Brien, Phillipa Pearce, Arthur Ransome, Johanna Spyri, Robert Louis Stevenson, J.R.R. Tolkien, Mark Twain, E.B. White, T.H. White, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Read more less

Ben Johnston is an American composer internationally known for his work with extended just intonation. This is a critical-analytical study of his early compositions, his studies with Harry Partch and John Cage, and his experiments with just intonation, serialism, indeterminacy, jazz, and finally, extended just intonation. Pieces are analyzed and biographical material is included. The main emphasis of the text, however, is on examining Johnston's research about tuning and scalar theory as it relates to just intonation. For a long time Johnston worked in isolation; few people understood why someone would want to change the standard pitch system. But gradually, as his music began to be heard, especially his string quartets, performers and audiences experienced for themselves the kind of clarity and beauty that is possible with just intonation. This book is written for readers of varying musical backgrounds. Thos interested in studying and performing Johnston's music will find the book helpful in understanding his notational system and learning how to listen for just intervals. Many examples and figures document the musical analyses, which explain his compositional techniques. With a foreword by John Cage, a catalog and discography of Johnston's music, and a bibliography of the composer's writings.

Read more less

Provides a cross-section of contemporary American film criticism from 1896-1960. The volumes reprint reviews in their entirety from periodicals such as Photoplay, Film Reports, The Moving Picture World, Variety, and The New York Times. Of immense value for gauging contemporary reaction—both popular and serious—to the best-known films of the past.

Read more less

The Conservatoire Américain, the French musical institution at the Palais de Fontainebleau, was responsible for training generations of American musicians. Its students and faculty are among some of the most influential musical figures of the twentieth century, including Aaron Copland, Nadia Boulanger, and Elliott Carter. Within its walls, students were introduced to great French composers like Maurice Ravel, Jean Françaix, and Darius Milhaud, many of whom wrote works specifically for Fontainebleau attendees. It brought performers into the recording age and encouraged women to pursue solo musical careers at a time when such a thing was exceptionally rare among Americans. The Conservatoire Américain: A History is the first full-length narrative of this institution. Drawing on rare materials from the Conservatoire's archives, combining them with personal correspondence, interviews, and first-person narratives with students and faculty, author Kendra Preston Leonard discusses a variety of topics important to the institution. These topics include—among others—the dissemination of French repertoire during the twentieth century, the pedagogical approaches used in teaching American music students, the impact of training Americans abroad, and the influence their French training had on performance, interpretation, and composition. The book concludes with several appendixes offering comprehensive reference information on the school's practices, the courses offered, awards and diplomas given, and notable students, faculty, and guest artists who attended the institution.

Read more less