Entertainment
Everything about the media, show business, music and entertainment industries, from media tie-ins, memoirs of actors, famous personalities, and musicians, to guides on films and other performing arts.
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Sarah Warren, Geneva Bowers |
Clarion
Books
Beyonce: Shine Your Light
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Goodreads rating: 3.75
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Beyonce: Shine Your Light is a must-read for any fan of the legendary superstar. Through beautiful illustrations and empowering words, readers are inspired to embrace their unique talents and follow their dreams, just like Beyonce did. This book serves not only as a biography of Beyonce's rise to fame, but also as a reminder to readers that they too can overcome obstacles and become the best versions of themselves.
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Peter Ackroyd
|
Nan
A.
Talese
Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life
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If the magic of old Hollywood fascinates you and you're drawn to the enigmatic figures who shaped it, then Ackroyd’s concise biography of Charlie Chaplin is something you should consider. In the sea of extensive biographies, this one is a gem for delivering a potent narrative without overwhelming you with details, perfect for an authentic glimpse into the Little Tramp's world and beyond the silver screen.
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Aerosmith
|
Virgin
Books
Walk This Way: The Autobiography Of Aerosmith
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Goodreads rating: 4.04
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Worn dust jacket has a short tears to the edges, page edges tanned. Orders received by 3pm Sent from the UK that weekday.
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Roxane Orgill, Francis Vallejo |
Candlewick
Press
Jazz Day
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Goodreads rating: 4.22
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What happens when you invite as many jazz musicians as you can to pose for a photo in 1950s Harlem? Playful verse and glorious artwork capture an iconic moment for American jazz.When Esquire magazine planned an issue to salute the American jazz scene in 1958, graphic designer Art Kane pitched a crazy idea: how about gathering a group of beloved jazz musicians and photographing them? He didn’t own a good camera, didn’t know if any musicians would show up, and insisted on setting up the shoot in front of a Harlem brownstone. Could he pull it off? In a captivating collection of poems, Roxane Orgill steps into the frame of Harlem 1958, bringing to life the musicians’ mischief and quirks, their memorable style, and the vivacious atmosphere of a Harlem block full of kids on a hot summer’s day. Francis Vallejo’s vibrant, detailed, and wonderfully expressive paintings do loving justice to the larger-than-life quality of jazz musicians of the era. Includes bios of several of the fifty-seven musicians, an author’s note, sources, a bibliography, and a foldout of Art Kane’s famous photograph.
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Ricky Martin
|
Celebra
Me
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Goodreads rating: 3.57
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A highly recommended read for Ricky Martin's fans who wish to delve deeper into his life journey and understand how he grappled with fame, his sexuality, and identity, all while simultaneously making some of the most memorable music in pop culture history.
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Nicolas Slonimsky, Richard Kostelanetz |
Schirmer
Trade
Books
The Portable Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians
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Goodreads rating: 3.0
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Book by Slonimsky, Nicolas
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Tony Barrow
|
Andre
Deutsch
Ltd
John, Paul, George, Ringo and Me
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Goodreads rating: 3.66
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This is not merely a biography of The Beatles but a unique and vividly personal, first-hand account by a Liverpool-born author who knew John, Paul, George and Ringo as friends throughout the height of their fame. As The Beatles' Press Officer, he worked within the group's closest circle for six breakneck years during the Beatlemania era of the Sixties. Few were closer to The Beatles than Tony Barrow, and here, for the first time, he holds a mirror up to the Fab Four and offers his own insider's perspective on that four-way dynamic that spawned the greatest pop group the world has ever seen.
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David Archuleta
|
Celebra
Chords Of Strength : A Memoir of Soul, Song, and the Power of Perseverance
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Singing sensation and American Idol favorite David Archuleta tells his inspiring personal story. Includes full-color photos!A runner-up on American Idol and successful music artist, David Archuleta was named one of the "breakout stars of 2008" by Forbes magazine and landed the number two spot on the Billboard charts.In Chords of Strength David shares his unexpected and inspiring journey, including how he overcame vocal cord paralysis to achieve his dream of being a singer. He reveals insecurities he felt about his voice-before he realized that he loved the way singing made him feel more than he disliked the way he sounded. In this personal memoir, David opens up about the strength he draws from his unshakable faith and unyielding family. He pays tribute to those who continue to inspire him and through their example help him believe in himself, his talent, and his abilities.Intimate and uplifting, Chords of Strength allows a unique glimpse of the man behind the music and offers hope to anyone with a passion and a dream.Watch a video of David Archuleta at the printing of his new book Chords of Strength. Watch a Video
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Paul Johnson
|
Phoenix
Creators : From Chaucer to Walt Disney
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Goodreads rating: 3.67
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Creators: From Chaucer to Walt Disney can be a great read for those who are interested in the behind-the-scenes creative process of well-known individuals. The book celebrates the courage and self-confidence that these figures possessed, along with their emphasis on excellence. While some creators like Turner and Victor Hugo possessed recognition and sales throughout their careers, others such as Jane Austen were not recognized until after their death. The book highlights the importance of luck, and how it can play a crucial role in achieving success. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read which enables readers to witness the celebrated lives of creatives who put excellence before any other consideration.
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Keith Dowman
|
Pilgrims
Book
House
The Divine Madman : The Sublime Life and Songs of Drukpa Kunley
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Goodreads rating: 4.3
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Recommended for those interested in Tibetan Buddhism and seeking a witty and unconventional perspective on a revered spiritual figure. The book provides a unique outlook on Drukpa Kunley's life, songs, and teachings, making it a great read for those looking to learn more about the Tibetan spiritual tradition.
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Meryle Secrest
|
Knopf
Leonard Bernstein - A Life
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Goodreads rating: 3.83
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If you're fascinated by the figures who've left a lasting impact on the arts, "Leonard Bernstein - A Life" is a book you shouldn't miss. Meryle Secrest deftly explores the profound depths of Bernstein's world, from the echoes of a Hasidic upbringing to his crescendo as a legendary conductor and composer. His story isn't just about music—it's an intimate sonata of his entire life.
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K. Robert Schwartz
|
Phaidon
Press
Minimalists
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Goodreads rating: 3.72
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If you're drawn to the clean, meditative soundscapes of minimalist compositions, this book delves into the cultural and musical intricacies that define the genre. K. Robert Schwarz provides an accessible yet comprehensive guide that enriches the listening experience for new fans and seasoned aficionados alike. With this read, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the subtleties and innovative spirit of minimalist music.
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Charles Barber
|
Scarecrow
Press
Corresponding with Carlos: A Biography of Carlos Kleiber
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Goodreads rating: 4.68
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If Kleiber's enigma fascinates you, "Corresponding with Carlos" could offer an unexpectedly personal perspective on the maestro. Charles Barber's unique access through years of correspondence sheds light on Kleiber's approach to music, humor, and perfectionism, providing a rare, friend's-eye view that both demystifies and celebrates the conductor's legendary career. Whether you're a musician or a classical music aficionado, this biography promises a deeper understanding of Kleiber's profound impact on musical performance.
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Dan Kennedy
|
Harvill
Secker
Rock On - How I Tried To Stop Caring About Music And Learn To Love Corporate Rock
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Goodreads rating: 3.38
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Rock On offers a humorous take on the music industry through Dan Kennedy's experiences working for a major label. With cameos from various music icons, readers are taken on a journey that unveils the less glamorous side of the music business. Recommended for those interested in a lighthearted but insightful look into the workings of the corporate music world.
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Stig Bjorkman
|
Faber
&
Faber
Woody Allen on Woody Allen
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Goodreads rating: 3.98
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If you find yourself captivated by the quirky, neurotic world of Woody Allen's movies, this book is like being invited to an intimate conversation with the man himself. It's for anyone looking to delve deeper into the mind behind the movies, understand his craft, and learn what drives his unique cinematic vision. You’ll find it especially revealing if you're interested in the backstory of his classics and his personal favorites.
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Christopher Andersen
|
Simon
&
Schuster
Michael Jackson : Unauthorized
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Goodreads rating: 3.92
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Michael Jackson: Unauthorized is a must-read for fans who want a deeper understanding of the enigmatic Michael Jackson. The book sheds light on the impact of his dysfunctional and often abusive family on his adult life and explores the controversies that surrounded his career and personal life. It offers an intriguing and thought-provoking insight into the life of the King of Pop that is sure to captivate readers from start to finish.
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Michael Heatley
|
Headline
Michael Jackson: Life of a Legend 1958-2009
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Goodreads rating: 4.08
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Michael Jackson was one of those rare human beings who can truly be described as a legend. As with Elvis and John Lennon, everyone will remember where they were when they heard about the death of Michael Jackson. He was just 50 when he died, yet had become a superstar by the time he was 11, ensuring his music was part of the fabric of everyone’s life. Though his days of greatest success were behind him, Jackson was standing on the threshold of what could well have been one of the biggest comebacks in showbiz history. It wasn’t to be, but the music, sales figures, and the number of current stars who lined up to pay tribute to his influence underlined the fact that, for all his controversial personal quirks, Michael Jackson was indeed one of the greats. This picture-packed tribute charts the life of a legend, from his earliest days as a hyperactive child protégé fronting family group the Jackson Five, to the assured superstar looking out from the cover of Thriller , still the bestselling album of all time. It analyzes the magical stage moves like the Moonwalk that made him a sensational live act, celebrates the intoxicating music that made him the King of Pop, and follows his life right through to the comeback that was cruelly cut short before the curtain could rise.
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Wayne Koestenbaum
|
Vintage
The Queen's Throat: Opera, Homosexuality, and the Mystery of Desire
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Goodreads rating: 3.94
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If you're intrigued by the cultural intersection of opera and gay identity, "The Queen's Throat" offers a unique perspective that might resonate with you. Wayne Koestenbaum blends scholarship with personal narrative in a style that's both profound and approachable. This book could be a delightful journey through music, sexuality, and the nuances of desire for anyone interested in these themes.
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Edward Garden
|
Oxford
University
Press
Tchaikovsky
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Goodreads rating: 3.47
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Celebrating its 100th anniversary, this extraordinary series continues to amaze and captivate its readers with detailed insight into the lives and work of music's geniuses. Unlike other composer biographies that focus narrowly on the music, this series explores the personal history of each composer and the social context surrounding the music. In a precise, engaging, and authoritative manner, each volume combines a vivid portrait of the master musicians' inspirations, influences, life experiences, even their weaknesses, with an accessible discussion of their work-all in roughly 300 pages. Further, each volume offers superb reference material, including a detailed life and times chronology, a complete list of works, a personalia glossary highlighting the important people in the composer's life, and a select bibliography. Under the supervision of music expert and series general editor Stanley Sadie, Master Musicians will certainly proceed to delight music scholars, seriousmusicians, and all music lovers for another hundred years.In this edition, Edward Garden assesses the operas, ballets, and other works against the background of Tchaikovsky's eventful life; his ill-judged marriage, his curious pen-friendship with his patron Nadezhda von Meck, and his relationship with Balakirev and other Russian composers. Garden also examines the conflicting theories on the manner of Tchaikovsky's death and has updated the bibliography and other appendices.
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Alanna Nash
|
Panther
Dolly : Biography of Dolly Parton
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Goodreads rating: 3.66
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Based on interviews with the flamboyant country singer, her friends, and her fellow artists, this biography traces her career from her arrival on the Nashville scene to her recent shift into popular music
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Martin Roach
|
Omnibus
Press
"Blur" : The Whole Story
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Goodreads rating: 4.13
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The first full biography of one of the biggest success stories of the 90s. Author Martin Roach has dug deep into their past, interviewed many of their friends and colleagues, to come up with the definitive story behind their rise to fame. Fully illustrated with many previously unseen photographs of the band.
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Eleanor Perényi
|
Little,
Brown
Liszt: The Artist as Romantic Hero
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If you're enthralled by the intertwining of exceptional musical talent and the depth of the romantic era, then "Liszt: The Artist as Romantic Hero" is a melodic expedition you won't want to miss. Eleanor Perényi's rich narrative not only showcases Liszt's legendary prowess as a composer and pianist but also paints an intimate portrait of his life, letting you walk alongside a true virtuoso.
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Nancy Harrison, John O'Brien, Yona Zeldis McDonough |
Grosset
&
Dunlap
Who Was Louis Armstrong?
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Louis Armstrong was a pioneer of jazz music and this book captures his life and career in a simple and concise manner, making it easy for readers to understand and appreciate his contribution to music. This book would be a great read for anyone interested in jazz music, or for young adults looking for an inspiring biography to read.
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Jae-Ha Kim
|
Perennial
Best Of Friends - The Unofficial Friends Companion
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Reasons to read Best Of Friends:
1. This book is a must-have for all die-hard fans of the iconic TV show Friends. It delves deep into the world of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, providing an in-depth look into the lives of each character and their hilarious adventures in New York City.
2. Packed with fun and fascinating trivia, this unofficial companion offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the show, including details about the actors and guest stars who brought the beloved characters to life.
3. Whether you want to relive your favorite Friends moments or discover new tidbits about the show, this book is the perfect companion for any Friends fanatic. Get ready to laugh, cry, and reminisce about the unforgettable six friends who captured our hearts.
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Lorna Luft
|
Atria
Me and My Shadows : A Family Memoir
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Goodreads rating: 3.92
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The daughter of Judy Garland describes how it felt growing up in the shadows of her famous mother and half-sister, Liza Minnelli, as well as the painful experience she endured watching Garland succumb to her drug and alcohol dependence.
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H.C. Robbins Landon
|
Flamingo
1791 Mozart's Last Year
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Goodreads rating: 4.09
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If you're a classical music enthusiast with a penchant for historical narratives, you'll find "1791: Mozart's Last Year" striking a chord. The texture of Mozart's life, his genius, and the mystery surrounding his last days are intricately woven by Robbins Landon, offering an intimate look at a year packed with personal struggle and sublime composition. This is not just a peek into 1791 but an immersive experience into the life of a legendary composer whose music has transcended time.
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John Muir, Michael Patrick Kennedy |
Harpercollins
Pub
Ltd
Musicals
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This book is perfect for musical theater enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and discover new shows. Each entry provides in-depth information on the musical's plot, characters, and production history, making it a great resource for theater lovers.
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Alan Rusbridger
|
Vintage
Play It Again : An Amateur Against The Impossible
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Goodreads rating: 4.14
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Despite the daunting challenge of learning a complex piano piece in a year, Alan Rusbridger, the editor of The Guardian, takes readers on a remarkable journey of personal growth and perseverance. Along the way, he provides fascinating insights from pianists, theorists, and neuroscientists. The book's unique feature is its ability to tie a seemingly personal challenge to world events like the Arab Spring and Wikileaks, making this a great read for anyone interested in music, politics, or both.
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Philip Norman
|
Harpercollins
The Stones - The Acclaimed Biography
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Goodreads rating: 3.82
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This book is a must-read for music enthusiasts who want to delve into the intricate details and history of rock music. The author provides captivating and comprehensive insights into the world of rock, taking the reader on a journey through the music's evolution, its defining moments, and iconic figures. With an accessible writing style that combines humor and depth, this book brings to life the unique energy and impact of rock music on the world.
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Legs McNeil, Gillian McCain |
Abacus
Little,
Brown
Please Kill Me : The Uncensored Oral History of Punk
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Goodreads rating: 4.19
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What Britain refined, America defined. Assembled by two key figures at the heart of the movement and told through the voices o musicians, artists, iconoclastic reporters and entrepreneurial groupies, PLEASE KILL ME is the full decadent story of the American punk scene, through the early years of Andy Warhol's Factory to the New York underground of Max's Kansas City and later, its heyday at CBGB's, spiritual home to the Ramones, Talking Heads, Television and Blondie. PLEASE KILL ME goes backstage and behind apartment doors to chronicle the sex, drugs and power struggles that were the very fabric of the American punk community, to the time before piercing and tattoos became commonplace and when every concert, new band and fashion statement marked an absolute first. From Iggy Pop and Lou Reed to the Clash and the Sex Pistols (the first time around), McNeil and McCain document a time of glorious self-destruction and perverse innocence - possibly the last time so many will so much fun in the pursuit of excess.
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Victoria Mary Clarke, Shane MacGowan |
Grove
Press
A Drink with Shane Macgowan
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Best known as the cofounder of the Irish band The Pogues, Shane MacGowan has become a cult figure on the alternative-music scene. His achingly beautiful lyrics, as well as his legendary lifestyle of excess, have earned him an avid following that packs his shows and buys his albums. One of the most unusual memoirs to come along in quite a while, A Drink with Shane MacGowan is structured as a series of interviews between MacGowan and his wife, Clarke. The singer recounts his experiences growing up on a farm in Ireland, where his family began giving him two pints of Guinness a night at the tender age of five and his father took him to hang out with bookies and drunks at the local pub. He tells of moving to London and becoming part of the London club scene in the mid-1970s, just as punk was beginning to emerge, offering a firsthand portrait of a seminal time and place in music history. MacGowan also provides his own, strongly opinionated views on The Pogues' success and the reasons for his abrupt departure from the band. As he invites us into this fascinating world, MacGowan tells many hilarious stories and riffs on a wide range of subjects, from Irish history and politics to literature, film, religion, his own substance abuse, and much more. Sometimes maddening, sometimes charming, often brilliant, and always honest, A Drink with Shane MacGowan is an enjoyable romp with a truly unique personality. PRAISE FOR SHANE MACGOWAN: "MacGowan can be a dazzling songwriter, channeling his unruliness into rambunctious tales of drinking, sporting, drinking, fighting, and drinking."--Los Angeles Times
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Hunter Davies
|
Ebury
The Beatles : The Authorised Biography
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Goodreads rating: 4.11
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There's only one book that ever truly got inside the Beatles and this is it. The landmark, worldwide bestseller that has grown with the Beatles ever since.During 1967 and 1968 Hunter Davies spent eighteen months with the Beatles at the peak of their powers as they defined a generation and rewrote popular music. As their only ever authorised biographer he had unparalleled access - not just to John, Paul, George and Ringo but to friends, family and colleagues. There when it mattered, he collected a wealth of intimate and revealing material that still makes this the classic Beatles book - the one all other biographers look to.Hunter Davies remained close with the band and as such has had access to more information over the years. This 40th anniversary edition contains new material which has never been revealed before, from the author's archives and from the Beatles themselves, that will bring new insights to their legend.
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Alan W. Petrucelli
|
Tarcherperigee
Morbid Curiosity : The Disturbing Demises of the Famous and Infamous
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"It's shocking and sinful, and I couldn't put it down!" -Joan RiversThe strange, startling, and utterly fascinating stories behind the world's most notorious celebrity deaths.Was Jayne Mansfield really decapitated? Which manly appendage of Napoleon's was cut off during his autopsy? (And where did it go?) What went to the grave (literally) with River Phoenix, Frank Sinatra, and Princess Diana?Death is fascinating. Just think about the last time you slowed down as you passed the scene of a car accident. When a public figure bites the dust, the curiosity only increases. From Attila the Hun to Marie Antoinette, from Heath Ledger to Anna Nicole Smith, the deaths of the rich and famous spark endless speculation and tabloid fodder. Their lives-and deaths-are grave matters.