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Story of the Century
A PRESTO BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024
'Gripping.' FINANCIAL TIMES
'Breathtaking.' SIMON CALLOW
'Vivid.' BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE
A colourful and concise telling of the fascinating story behind Richard Wagner’s extraordinary masterpiece, Ring of the Nibelung.
The Ring is one of the most epic and compelling stories of the nineteenth century, created by a composer who was, alongside Dickens, Tolstoy and Victor-Hugo, also one of the century’s master storytellers. But the story of how Wagner created the work is one full of intrigue and triumphs against unlikely odds – as well as controversy, due to the composer’s anti-semitic views and popularity with the Nazi party.
In Story of the Century, Michael Downes combines cultural history and biography to offer this accessible and insightful introduction to The Ring and its mythology. He tells the story of how and why this extraordinary masterpiece came into being, why it takes the form it does, why it fascinates and obsesses so many and horrifies others, and why it matters.
Surf's Up: Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys
‘Particularly poignant ... tasteful and compassionate’ Shindig
Capturing all the pain and glory of this incredible family saga, Surf’s Up is the definitive tribute to a remarkable band - and the genius who made it all possible.
If any man in pop history deserved the tag of genius, it was Brian Wilson. As leader, producer and chief composer of the Beach Boys, he displayed an instinctive command of melody, harmony and arranging skills. The result was a run of hits that included many of the most sparkling and creative records of the 1960s.
But there was a dark side to this seemingly effortless success, rooted in his tortured family background. No sooner had Brian masterminded such gems as the Pet Sounds album and Good Vibrations than his psychological demons began to derail his life.
The Beach Boys were left struggling for survival, grasping for salvation from such bizarre figures as TM guru the Maharishi and cult leader Charles Manson. Their story could have ended there, but somehow the band survived. Ahead lay decades of trauma, triumph and tragedy, as the band members all developed as songwriters but also found themselves increasingly at odds with each other. Through it all the music survived, as Brian’s younger brother Dennis Wilson emerged as an equally creative but troubled presence.
Surf’s Up sees lifelong Beach Boys fan Peter Doggett capture all the glory and pain of this complex family saga. He celebrates the band’s array of musical gems, and also explores many of their passionate obsessions , from surfing and cars to politics and food.
Filled with drama and pathos, Surf’s Up is the ultimate tribute to a remarkable band - and the genius who made it all possible.
Taylor Swift by the Book
From a Robert Frost poem on her debut album to the myth of Cassandra on The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift’s lyrics are filled with literary connections.
Make sure you're catching them all with this expert guide to the novels, poems, and plays that influence her songwriting.
Let a literature professor and a musical theater artist guide you through the Taylor Swift canon—from Shakespeare to the Brontë sisters to Daphne du Maurier!
- Learn what "New Romantics" has to do with the old Romantics
- Get to know the Gothic monsters haunting Midnights
- Spot Taylor's many Great Gatsby references
- Discover what Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson have in common
- And find your new favorite tortured poet!
Packed with fun facts, entertaining analysis, and literary-themed playlists that fans will love, Taylor Swift by the Book will turn anyone from a Taylor Swift lover into a Taylor Swift scholar.
With full-color illustrations highlighting the literary eras of Dr. Swift (yes, she has an honorary PhD), it’s a perfect gift for the Swiftie in your life. Lees meer
Taylor Swift Chronicles
There has never been a phenomenon like Taylor Swift. But it is not just her music that makes her one of the most compelling figures in entertainment today. It is her big reputation full of generosity, compassion, connection to her fans, and business acumen that have made her so adored. Now, for the first time, Taylor’s life is explored through all of these hats (including the 22 hat!)—as a singer, songwriter, musician, businesswoman, philanthropist, and friend—to create a chronicle of someone who is not just talented, but also clever and kind. Dear Readers can follow Taylor’s journey through intriguing sidebars about her many kindnesses, infographics about her collaborators, and timelines following her tours and albums, as well as a fascinating and in-depth biography. Lavishly illustrated with rare images, original ephemera, and exclusive artwork, this book is a treasure for Swifties of any age, both OG and newly anointed tortured poets.
A GREAT APPRECIATION: Whether you know her entire discography and have obsessively watched every single interview ever recorded, or you are a newly anointed Swiftie, you’ll find a deeper appreciation for Taylor through sidebars and deep cuts, celebrating her as both an artist and a person.
DARLING EASTER EGGS: What would a book about the Queen of Easter Eggs be if it didn’t also include some for the most eagle-eyed Swiftie to find?
TAKE A DEEP STAGE DIVE with a prolific catalogue spanning multiple genres, explore the discography through stats and awards, deep cut collaborations, the heartbreaking Number 5 tracks, and more.
PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN with a look at Taylor’s style, from her cowboy boots to her Louboutins.
STAY BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED: Original art infographics, rare photography, and illustrations help make this information both beautiful and so simple to understand. Lees meer
Taylor Swift Compleet
Taylor Swift Is Life
Celebrate the new album The Life of a Showgirl and live your best Swiftie life with this gorgeously illustrated, all-encompassing fan book on everything there is to know and love about the modern icon that is Taylor Swift.
From her first vocal lessons at age nine, to learning the guitar at twelve, to becoming the most downloaded women on Spotify, and then breaking the internet with her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift has rocked the music scene and captured the hearts of fans across the globe. Gathering her incredible life story, music, and fan culture all in one place, Taylor Swift Is Life captures her epic achievements, brilliant lyrics, and her incredible ability to connect with her fans like no other musician before her.
This treasure trove of essential Swiftie knowledge includes:
- A full biography capturing her early inspiration and first performances through her through her sensational 2023-2024 Eras Tour
- A full discography of Taylor’s music, including the significance of each album personally and professionally, the meaning behind every Track 5, and all the hidden Easter eggs and symbolism behind the songs.
- Swiftology, or Taylor A to Z, covering significant words, imagery, and people in Taylor’s life that every Swiftie should know, from arm poetry to maple lattes, and polaroids to Zoë Kravitz
- Taylorscopes for every sign, to find out how your stars align with Swift’s music, and learn which Taylor song represents you
Both a tribute to our beloved Tay and a chic showpiece for any well-appointed bookshelf, Taylor Swift Is Life is a must-have title for every true Swiftie.
The Modern Icons series takes you on a journey through the lives and legacies of cultural icons who have shaped our world, from fashion to music to media. With original illustrations and meticulously crafted prose, this series captivates and enlightens, offering a glimpse into the personalities whose unparalleled charm and authenticity have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
The series includes: Beyoncé Is Life, Harry Styles Is Life, Rihanna Is Life, Zendaya Is Life, Lady Gaga Is Life, Adele Is Life, Timothee Chalamet Is Life, and Billie Eilish Is LIfe.
The Beatles Anthology (25th Anniversary Edition)
The landmark international bestseller—The Beatles’ own story, in their own words—reissued on the 25th anniversary of its first publication.
Celebrate a new era of The Beatles Anthology with the global co-release of the 25th anniversary edition book, Disney+ documentary series, and restored and expanded music collection.
The Beatles Anthology tells the complete story of The Beatles, from growing up in Liverpool to their rise to global phenomenon and ultimate breakup. Created originally with the complete support of Paul, George, Ringo, and Yoko Ono Lennon, with the words of John painstakingly compiled from sources worldwide, this 25th anniversary reissue offers the only story of The Beatles by The Beatles.
The innovative oral history format masterfully weaves together The Beatles’ memories and recollections with contributions from close associates and unparalleled archival images.
- Arranged by year, the book compiles a complete history of The Beatles, presenting the words of each band member in turn.
- Brimming with over 1300 images, including photographs, documents, and other memorabilia—most previously unpublished—pulled from Paul, George, Ringo, and Yoko Ono Lennon’s personal archives, along with memorabilia from Apple, EMI, and other Beatles associates.
- Includes contributions from road manager Neil Aspinall, record producer George Martin, and spokesman Derek Taylor.
Delve into the singular story of The Beatles: the first rough gigs, the phenomenon of their rise to fame, the musical and social change of their heyday, all the way through to their breakup. From the time Ringo tried to take his drum kit home on the bus to their much-anticipated audience with Elvis, from the making of the Sgt. Pepper album to their last photo session together at John's house. Each page is brimming with personal stories and rare vintage images.
The Beatles Anthology is a once-in-a-lifetime volume—warm, frank, funny, poignant, and bold—a perfect reflection of the music that has inspired generations.
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The Book of Sea Shanties
