Editorial Review

One of The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of the Year

For more than four hundred years, the art of ballet has stood at the center of Western civilization. Its traditions serve as a record of our past. A ballerina dancing The Sleeping Beauty today is a link in a long chain of dancers stretching back to sixteenth-century Italy and France: Her graceful movements recall a lost world of courts, kings, and aristocracy, but her steps and gestures are also marked by the dramatic changes in dance and culture that followed. Ballet has been shaped by the Renaissance and Classicism, the Enlightenment and Romanticism, Bolshevism, Modernism, and the Cold War. Apollo’s Angels is a groundbreaking work—the first cultural history of ballet ever written, lavishly illustrated and beautifully told.

Ballet is unique: It has no written texts or standardized notation. It is a storytelling art passed on from teacher to student. The steps are never just the steps—they are a living, breathing document of a culture and a tradition. And while ballet’s language is shared by dancers everywhere, its artists have developed distinct national styles. French, Italian, Danish, Russian, English, and American traditions each have their own expression, often formed in response to political and societal upheavals.

From ballet’s origins in the Renaissance and the codification of its basic steps and positions under France’s Louis XIV (himself an avid dancer), the art form wound its way through the courts of Europe, from Paris and Milan to Vienna and St. Petersburg. It was in Russia that dance developed into the form most familiar to American audiences: The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker originated at the Imperial court. In the twentieth century, émigré dancers taught their art to a generation in the United States and in Western Europe, setting off a new and radical transformation of dance.

Jennifer Homans is a historian and critic who was also a professional dancer: She brings to Apollo’s Angels a knowledge of dance born of dedicated practice. She traces the evolution of technique, choreography, and performance in clean, clear prose, drawing readers into the intricacies of the art with vivid descriptions of dances and the artists who made them. Her admiration and love for the ballet shines through on every page. Apollo’s Angels is an authoritative work, written with a grace and elegance befitting its subject. ... Read more

Reviews

A good history of ballet with a sour aftertaste, December 6, 2010
Jennifer Homan's book is really two separate books in one. The first is a long, fairly comprehensive history book about ballet. Even if more seasoned balletomanes are already familiar with the basic storyline, Homans is still an excellent historian with a sharp eye for detail. The book is best when talking about the history of ballet: as a court dance in the French royal court, Marie Taglioni's dancing on the tips of her toes to give her an eternally ethereal look, the great era of Petipa at the Mariinsky Ballet, and of course, the giant of 20th century ballet, George Balanchine. Homans is a real historian -- every page is filled with interesting but somewhat arcane facts that shows that she has indeed done her research. What I like about her book is that she doesn't just focus on the big names (Louis XIV, Bournonville, Petipa, Ivanov, Diaghelev, Balanchine, Ashton). Her book is filled with tidbits on the lesser-known figures of ballet. For instance, she devotes quite a bit of space to Ivan Vsevolovsky, the man mainly responsible for bringing together Peter Tchaikovksy and Marius Petipa. Homans also includes a very funny section on the excesses of the Italian spectacle warhorse, Excelsior, which was a huge popular hit but "all but killed Italian ballet." Her description of Excelsior: "boasted a cast of more than five hundred, including twelve horses, two cows, and an elephant." Homans is also careful to link ballet to society at the time, pointing out, for instance, that Marie Taglioni had such a hoarde of Victoria-female admirers because she was plain, demure, yet able to transmit the romantic yearning that females felt into her dancing.

Part of the joy of the book is the exquisitely chosen pictures and thoughtfully written captions. She shows us the original "five positions" in Louis XIV's court. She includes the original notations of the Italian spectacle ballet Excelsior. She compares the original Mariinsky snowflakes with the Snowflakes Balanchine made for his Nutcracker. By the caption, Homans writes: "The similarities are striking, Balanchine made one important addition: his snowflakes are crowned, emphasizing their Imperial lineage." For this careful, loving overview of the history of ballet, "Apollo's Angels" is to be treasured.

The second part of the book is a lengthy epilogue in which Homans declares that "ballet is dead." Even though this part if obviously much shorter than the first part, its tone is so different from the previous part of the book that it might as well be a separate book. Homans' careful, academic study on ballet is thrown out the window for Homans' theory that ballet is dead. Not just going through a dry spot choreographically, but dead. Homans decries the lack of exciting choreographers on the horizon (has she seen Ratmansky's work, one wonders). Not just that, but Homans declares of today's performers: "For performers, things are no easier. Committed and well-trained dancers are still in good supply, but very few are exciting or interesting enough to draw or hold an audience. Technically conservative, their dancing is opaque and flat, emotionally dimmed. And although many can perform astonishing stunts, the overall level of technique has fallen. Today's dancers are more brittle and unsubtle, with fewer half-tones than their predecessors." Moreover, Homans declares that ballet is out of step with today's culture: "Today we no longer believe in ballet's ideals. We are skeptical of elitism and skill, which seem to us exclusionary and divisive. Those privileged enough to obtain specialized training, so this thinking goes, should not be elevated above those with limited access to knowledge or art. We want to expand and include: we are all dancers now. Ballet's fine manners and implicitly aristocratic airs, its white swans, regal splendor, and beautiful women on pointe (pedestals), seem woefully outmoded, the province of dead white men and society ladies in long-ago places."

The arguments are familiar: today's dancers are losing their links with great choreographers and pedagogues. There has been no real great choreographer since Balanchine's death. Yet such a long, bitter epilogue after such a loving history of ballet leaves a sour taste in one's mouth, even if I can agree with some of her points. First of all, I hate to think that such a painstakingly researched book was just to prove a point that ballet is dead. Second of all, I dislike declaring any art form dead. Wasn't it the great works of Marius Petipa in Russia that rescued ballet from the excesses of Italian ballet? It seems narrow-minded, knee-jerk conservative, and somehow deeply mean to declare an art form dead. The author assumes that if people enjoy ballet today, they are somehow ignorant, and that kind of elitist attitude doesn't help anybody. The other issue is that somehow I wonder if the epilogue was tacked on to sell more books, as a lengthy history book about ballet might not garner nearly as much controversy, and thus publicity. Homans is a former dancer, which I suppose gives her opinions weight, and she obviously loves ballet. That is evident in the care in which she writes about ballet history. Yet I can't give this book five stars, simply because of the epilogue, which has now become more well-known than the entire book.

Gift for the Ballet Lover, November 27, 2010
Put everything down and read this book! It will hold you spellbound. A beautifully written and produced history of ballet, this is a book that will be treasured by the ballet lover. The author covers ballet's earliest history in 16th century court dance up to the present. There are plentiful illustrations and photographs, and the author's commentary (she is dance critic for The New Republic) is incisive and informed. She writes glowingly of Balanchine and describes his major work. Though I knew much of the history of ballet through my reading, the author's critical lens casts a new light on this evanescent art form. I give my wholehearted appreciation to Jennifer Homans for transmuting the beauty of dance to the printed page.

Glorious!, November 10, 2010
I just finished Apollo's Angels and I can't say enough in praise of this book. As a dance enthusiast, I have never read a more complete, intriguing, and accessible history of ballet. Ms. Homan's writing is lucid, fresh, and at times astonishing. I fully recommend this book. And, it would make a great Christmas present for any balletomane.

If You Love Ballet, This Is A MUST READ!, November 10, 2010
A much-needed, gorgeously written, eminently readable, thoroughly researched story of four hundred years of ballet. Much is being made of Ms. Homans' final chapter, which includes an assessment of the current state of the art form. Whether or not you agree with her, that should not detract from what is a major work of performing arts scholarship. Highly recommend!

misjudged, December 24, 2010
From everything I heard and read prior to receiving and reading this book for myself I expected to be irritated by it. It is extremely well written and some obscure details the author brings out with great clarity. I enjoyed everything except the epilogue and even that is not as bad as what I'd feared. The author clearly thinks that the present moment in ballet is the final death knell. Print matter is supposed to be dead, the theatre is supposed to be dead, classical music is supposed to be dead... It is just to facile an assumption. Some of the points I agree with but cannot see them in such dire terms. Dancers have become universal in their technique and lots of "cookie cutter" dancers are manufactured. Some of this is very regrettable but it is the world we live in now. Globalization is not restricted in dance or anywhere else. Choreography certainly is not at the low ebb she suggests. There will not BE another Balanchine or Ashton. Get over it. So many interesting choreographers are working just now it is impossible to see enough to actually judge. Someone else will come up that grabs everyone's attention and for awhile everyone will love them and then think after that nothing they do is any good any longer. That is our fault as critics in not allowing them to develop freely and being patient in their choreographic life. Everyone wants the next great ballet!!! Great choreographers makes bad ballet sometimes but if even one is good that is enough.

The actual danger of this book is that someone might not know enough to think for themselves and let the author tell them ballet is dead. More people will go to dance performances than will read this book. When this changes, then worry. Go out and see a ballet.

Mind numbing detail!, December 10, 2010
At the end of this book you will find 52 pages of notes and bibliography. Homans has done her homework unearthing every scrap of letters, essays, and commentary and cramming them into this book. What she hasn't done is edit them into anything especially readable or meaningful. This is an example of pedantic writing at it's very best (or worst!) If you are willing and able to do the work that should have been done by the author or editor, then you will find much here that is of value -- and more -- and more -- and more...!

If you love ballet, you're out of luck, November 2, 2010
The author has pronounced ballet a dying, if not already dead art form. She clearly needs to get out more, and see how hard it is to get a ticket to ABT, Royal, POB, or Kirov. Rest assured ballet is alive and well, whether measured by box office receipts, number of little kids taking ballet class around the world, movies made with a balletic theme, or new works being commissioned. A truly dreary piece of academic "scholarship." ... Read more

Editorial Review

'How I survived beauty pageants, Elvis, sex, Bruce Willis, lies, marriage, motherhood, Hollywood, and the irrepressible urge to say what you think.'

From wholesome beauty queen to saucy cover girl, from heartbreaking movie star (THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, TAXI DRIVER) to one of television's most loved comediennes (MOONLIGHTING, CYBILL), Cybill Shepherd is renowned as sassy, shocking and sexy. In CYBILL DISOBEDIENCE, she opens her heart with the wit and honesty of a star who's seen and knows it all. ... Read more

Reviews

A Genuine Cybill Fan
I have to say that I truly loved this book. I laughed out loud many times. I really enjoyed Cybill's frankness and honesty about her past experiences. I have been a fan of Cybill Shepherd since her Moonlighting days. Even back then, there was always something that I admired about her. I couldn't put my finger on it until I read this book. Cybill reveals many secrets about her life over the years, especially her various sexual encounters. She also writes about her many experiences in movies and TV. I am a young woman and could very much relate to her tales of love, lust and betrayal. Cybill states clearly that she always did what pleased her and what pleased her was sex. Only a woman like Cybill could make a comment like that. She is so candid and such a real person. Some of us feel might feel this way but don't have the guts to say so. It's very hard to take an honest look at yourself and then reveal your soul to everyone. You can see how she has grown and realized the mistakes that she has made along the way but more importantly how she has learned from them. I admire her courage and strength for that. So, Kudos to Cybill for such an honest and humerous look at her very interesting life. I am an even bigger fan now than I was before.

Moonlighting with Cybill
Yes, Cybill jumps in and out of bed with quite a few men, but the world used to be more carefree back in the seventies and eighties. At least she wasn't a drug addict or alcoholic. Being a blue-eyed blonde myself, I identified with some of the catty things she went through with other women. I was intriqued reading the parts about her shows Moonlighting and Cybill. She had a rough time of it, but hung in there and I am sure she is stronger for it. Christine Baranski, I was surprised to read, was a little stinker! I couldn't put the book down and I am more of a fan of hers now than I was before I read the book. She has raised three gorgeous children and done a heck of a job of it. She has nothing to be ashamed of. All you ladies need to read this! A great story and inspiration for single moms with kids to raise alone. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeat it.

From the Stone Age to the information age, the undead have threatened to engulf the human race. They’re coming. They’re hungry.

Don’t wait for them to come to you!

This is the graphic novel the fans demanded: major zombie attacks from the dawn of humanity. On the African savannas, against the legions of ancient Rome, on the high seas with Francis Drake . . . every civilization has faced them. Here are the grisly and heroic stories–complete with eye-popping artwork that pulsates with the hideous faces of the undead.

Organize before they rise!

Scripted by the world’s leading zombie authority, Max Brooks, Recorded Attacks reveals how other eras and cultures have dealt with–and survived–the ancient viral plague. By immersing ourselves in past horror we may yet prevail over the coming outbreak in our time. ... Read more

Reviews

Excellent appetizer for Brooks' other work (or a dessert!), October 13, 2009
Unlike a lot of the negative reviews, I knew what I was getting in the post when I ordered this (so if you can't read a product description, why are you giving a bad review?)...The graphic novel is a really fun read, especially for hardcore zombie fans.
It's exactly what the title states, a collection of short stories of recorded zombie attacks during several different times and places. Most are only about 9 or 10 pages, so you get through the book quite quickly. The art is fantastic, depicting gory details of the different attacks. The dialogue is a bit light however. I just wish that Max Brooks dove a bit deeper into each event, adding a bit more depth to them.
If you're already familiar with Max Brooks' other zombie books, you'll find this a nice accompaniment to the other tales. And if you're not, well this is a nice introduction to the world to zombie attacks! Also, if you like what you've read and what to read something a bit more detailed and character driven, try The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman.

Just Not Worth It, December 24, 2009
A worthy effort - I can truly see a product like this being fantastic, if the time had been taken to create original, engaging stories rather than merely license old ones. Even just the premise of applying the same methodical, historical/geopolitical thinking Brooks does to "World War Z" to stories of zombie attacks throughout history seems to write itself. Brooks would not even have been needed. An anthology of writers and artists would have been more than fine.

What you have in this product is instead some sparse accounts taken from the back of "World War Z" and illustrated. No dialogue. No flavor. You'll read the whole thing in about fifteen minutes and none will provide you with any real satisfaction. They're really just scenes, not stories in any sense.

Can only really recommend this for the hardest of hardcore Max Brooks fans or zombie fans. Not much in it for anyone else.

But if knowing that this seems like you're sort of thing, please enjoy.

NOTE: I think one of the reasons I was so annoyed by this product is that it's not advertised as what it is. The term "graphic novel" is so insanely misused that I can hardly blame them for it, but this isn't even a narrative at all. I was expecting a collection of short stories and it's not even that.

Nice companion to the other two Brooks books, October 21, 2009
An illustrated account of zombie attacks throughout the history of mankind, Recorded Attacks shows you in chilling black and white the best chapters of The Zombie Survival Guide. As a fairly serious fan of quality Zombie films and stories (I've been to the Monroeville Mall), I highly recommend this to anyone that is interested in Zombie lore. The only reason I gave it 4 stars out of 5 is because it's fairly light on dialogue, even for a graphic novel, but that is the only (minor) drawback to an otherwise great addition to the zombie mythology.

way to cash in, July 26, 2010
If you already have the fabulous zombie survival guide. Then you already have these stories.
If on the other hand you have no imagination then you may need this picture book.

A must-have book!, October 28, 2009
I loved this new book by Max Brooks. It is incredibly detailed with the illustrations popping off the pages. I have to say that the pictures were a bit scary but that is partly what I love about Zombies. The imagery is unforgettable and the dialogue perfectly paced. It is very engrossing and I would definitely recommend it. Just don't read it right before going to sleep (YIKES). I think this book would make a great gift and a terrific addition to your Zombie library.

Fabulous read for even the most squeamish, October 24, 2009
I'm not a big reader of horror-related books, but I couldn't pass up the ingenius humor of the Zombie Survival Guide when I first saw it in the bookstore years ago. I'm now a committed Max Brooks fan. His meticulously committed writing style soon had me convinced that zombies were lurking over my shoulder ready to take a bite out of my unsuspecting body at any moment. I couldn't help but reassure myself by quickly taking inventory of any possible bludgeoning item in the immediate vicinity. Even more intriguing were the Recorded Attacks detailing previously unknown zombie attacks throughout history. I waited anxiously for the release of The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks graphic novel and quickly devoured the contents when it arrived. Roberson does not disappoint. Each story was rendered to transport the reader to the historical era in which it occurred and leaves the reader with no doubt that our history teachers omitted extremely important events in history that would prepare us for fending off the zombie hordes. Recorded Attacks is visually disturbing as any zombie-related graphic novel should be, but not so disgusting that non-horror readers, like myself, would be repelled. Unfortunately, the book was limited to illustrating the accounts in the original. Understandable, but it left me wanting more. Guess it's time to re-read World War Z.

Max Brooks: The Authority on All Things Zombie, October 14, 2009
Max Brooks is clearly a gifted and talented writer and it is clear that his Zombie series has captivated a wide range of readers. I am not your average Zombie maniac and I must admit this genre generally does not appeal to me. But the graphic novel version of the Zombie Survival Guide is superb. For all those fans of everything Zombie, this book is definitely a must read. The illustrations in the text really help bring the story to life in a way that's far more interesting than when you read the book. Brooks made a smart decision by writing this graphic novel and i'm looking forward to reading more of his work.

In the great words of Mr. Brooks himself, "Not funny, nothing new, and no main character", October 11, 2009
"Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks" is a fantastic aide to his zombie series. It is a graphic novel, and brings a new and welcomed element to "The Zombie Survival Guide". The story represents "historical accounts" ranging from 60,000 years ago to 1992. Brooks' stories themselves transport the reader into a world where zombies have always been present and even offers mockingly-serious explanations of why certain things were done in the past. It is a graphic novel, and the keyword being graphic. Ibraim Roberson created a dark world, perfect for a land infested with the undead. There are some parts that may not be suitable for younger audiences, but I personally liked the added touch.


Whether you're a zombie fanatic, a graphic novel fan, or obsessed Max Brooks: chances are you'll enjoy "Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks". And I'd like to stress one more time, before Max hunts me down - "It isn't funny. There's nothing new. And there's no central character." If you can see past that, which I'm sure most can (and will!), this is a book for you. It is a fantastic escape and is well worth the cost.

cool pictures but thats about it, November 1, 2010
Let me start off by stating Im a huge Brooks fan. Overall the pictures where cool, but I read the same stories in Zombie Survival Guide. Not sure if it was worth the money, I finished it in about 30 mins and that included looking at the drawings in detail.

Good Introduction to Brooks' Work, But An Average Graphic Novel, October 4, 2010
Zombies are making a major comeback and will soon be as popular as vampires and werewolves are now. I've always had a semi-interest in zombies and find the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD to be one of the most frightening movies ever made. I have heard of Max Brooks two zombie books, THE ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE and WORLD WAR Z, but I haven't read either of them. When I saw THE ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE: RECORDED ATTACKS for a sale at a local bookstore, I thought it might be a good introduction to Brooks' work.

The book is written in a graphic novel format and chronicles 12 "historical" zombie attacks from the "written record". The first takes place in approximately 60,000 B.C. in Africa and the last in 1992 just outside of Los Angeles. In between there are battles between zombies and the Romans, Japanese, and Russians. Some instances of these attacks are started by military and scientific experiments. The book seems to suggest that the virus that reanimates the dead arose in Africa. Except for one or two instances, how the virus spread from one continent to the next is never explained. The book is illustrated in detailed and graphic black and white.

From what I gather, the book is a good introduction to Brooks' two previous zombie books. The events in THE ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE: RECORDED ATTACKS are actually taken from the end of THE ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE and some of the events are referred to in WORLD WAR Z. However, as a graphic novel, the book doesn't really offer much. The illustrations are detailed and graphic, but other than the changes in clothing and facial characteristics, one zombie attack looks the same as any other. The virus infects reanimates someone who is recently deceased, they go off looking for living flesh to eat, more people are infected, an outbreak occurs, the living survivors find themselves trapped and have to either fight their way free, survive a siege until help comes, or outwit the undead hordes.

There isn't very much writing to the book. What little writing there is is fairly simple to understand so the book can be finished in a short time. I read the entire graphic novel in about 30 minutes.

I enjoyed the concept and the book has piqued my interest in exploring Brooks' other works. However, though the details of the illustrations are impressive, there's really nothing outstanding in terms of a graphic novel.

Recommended for zombie fans, people who are interested in Max Brooks' work, and fans of horror (particularly historical horror) comics. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Nominated for a whopping 10 Tony Awards in 2005, Wicked is an undeniable Broadway smash! A prequel to the all-American classic The Wizard of Oz, this new musical is a character study of Elphaba and Glinda, school roommates who grow up to become the Wicked Witch and the Good Witch, respectively. We are very proud to offer several songbooks featuring this delightful music, including a Vocal Selections book which contains the vocal line with piano accompaniment (00313268), and a Piano/Vocal Selections book, in standard piano/vocal format with the melody in the piano part (00313267). Songbooks feature a special section of color photos from the production, a note from composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz, and these fantastic tunes: As Long as You're Mine * Dancing Through Life * Defying Gravity * For Good * I Couldn't Be Happier * I'm Not That Girl * No Good Deed * No One Mourns the Wicked * One Short Day * Popular * What Is This Feeling? * The Wizard and I * Wonderful. ... Read more

Reviews

Great score, arrangements! (melody in the piano part), July 8, 2004
After waiting for so long to finally get this book, I've discovered it to be well worth the wait.

Stephen Schwartz is releasing two versions of vocal selections for wicked, this version containing the melody interpolated into the piano part, and another book that is billed as a professional acompaniment without the melody necessarily built into the piano arrangement. This led many to speculate that the "with melody" version would therefore be much easier and less true to the music. Although I haven't seen the other book yet as it has yet to be released as I write this, you should definitely know that this book has not one "easy" arrangement. The arrangers have done a really excellent job of keeping the parts interesting while building in the melody. For instance, "Defying Gravity," the amazing Act-One closing number, is particularly well done, and if you can work through the key-- (it remains, as in the show, in Db) you will be VERY satisfied with the richness and fullness of the sound.

Schwartz has adapted the songs for use as solos or (where applicable) duets, removing longer instrumental breaks, trimming ensemble sections, and providing some new lyrics and endings to make the songs work really well for this new format. This in my opinion is yet another reason to purchase the book, as it gives fans of the show a way to interpret small sections of some of the songs differently.

Sometimes I do wish some cuts could have been avoided (notably I miss the wonderful "We deserve each other" theme that appears on the cast album intersecting "Dancing through Life" and the counterpoint melody "Who's that mage..." in "One Short Day"), but Schwartz is right, it would have impeded the creation of solo pieces to put those in.

The score for Wicked is definitely not to be missed, it really is a must have-- (especially while I wait patiently for the imminent release of the other version of the score!)

Overall, the music is wonderful, the arrangements remain challenging, but are extremely well edited and contain chord diagrams to help you along as well. Well done.

Great arrangments of great music, October 1, 2004
The piano arrangements in this book are very faithful to the orchestrations. If you're like me, you ordered this book because you are familiar with the recording; you will not be disappointed with the accompaniments. A couple of the songs have been edited down, presumably to avoid the selections becoming too long. Very good buy.

Wicked Piano/Vocal Selections, April 23, 2006
I bought this book because a friend gave me the Wicked CD and I fell in love with the show. This book is a selection of the most popular songs from the show, in a format where a singer could perform them with only piano accompaniment. Most of the songs are pretty close to the versions that you hear on the CD, but some have been altered to make them easier to perform as solos or audition pieces. Most of the speaking and chorus parts (like in "Popular" and "One Short Day") have been removed and some of the songs have new endings. In "Dancing Through Life", the second half of the song has been cut so the entire song can be sung by only one person. Also, the part in "The Wizard and I" where Elphaba has a vision also appears in "Defying Gravity". Lastly, "For Good" is written so it can be sung as a duet or a solo.

This book is good for anyone looking to sing these songs as a solo, duet or for an audition. The piano part is a simplified version of the orchestral score with the melody line usually occurring in the right hand and it is easy enough for almost any accompanist to play. However, if you are looking for an exact translation of the songs from the show, you will be disappointed. Otherwise, this is a good buy for any Wicked fan who wants to perform their favorite songs from this fantastic show!

Wonderful!, January 19, 2007
I am very pleased with this product. As a beginner, I am playing the vocal piece and will move into the piano piece once my skills improve. Although I'm not a singer, I enjoy having the lyrics to all the songs. The wonderful photos (most in color) are also a plus. Many of them are the same as those included in the Wicked CD booklet, but here they are full-sized and look fantastic. This is a great product for anyone who's a fan of the show or who simply enjoys playing or singing show tunes.

Wicked is Wicked, October 17, 2005
I bought this for my girls, because they are currently obsessed with Wicked. My oldest is taking piano lessons and is going to sing one of the songs for a talent show. She says this is the best book in our collection.

Wicked, June 13, 2005
Wicked is my favorite musical. The music is inspiring. And although at times the music can be dificult to master, it's nothing that a little practice can't solve.

So good, but so hard!, May 4, 2007
Five stars to this book because the songs are beautifully adapted and true to the musical. However, I bought this book so I could tinker with it on my piano, and it is way too hard for me to get anywhere! I played piano for 8 years as a kid, and am now just a rusty beginner/intermediate player. I thought I could eventually get these songs down by playing them over and over, but after flipping through everything I think the only near-manageable song is "For Good." My favorite, "No Good Deed," is completely impossible and I'll just have to listen to my CD. I would suggest this book for the highly advanced pianist. As for me, I'm going to go check out that easy piano version.

Note: The songs are edited to make more sense when sung by just one or two people. This significantly changes some parts though - I was disappointed to find that the entire "we deserve each other" and "I hope you're happy" segments were deleted from "Dancing Through Life" and "Defying Gravity," respectively.

Wicked Piano Music, January 4, 2007
The piano book is fun to look through - with photos from the original Broadway cast. The songs are well laid out and seem to be easy enough for an intermediate piano player. They also include the chords for guitar and the melody line. Very weel laid out.

Good Arrangement, October 16, 2005
Its a good arrangement and extremely challenging. I'm enjoying learning the music immensely BECAUSE it is so very difficult. I highly reccommend this piano book to those that know what they're about musicall, but don't mess with this if you're just a beginner.

Wicked vocal arrangement, October 15, 2009
I was looking for the entire vocal arrangement, the way it was written for the musical. This arrangement is revamped so that the songs make sense outside of the musical. That's great, if that's what you're looking for. If you want the actual score, this is not for you. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Broadway Musical Quiz Book includes nearly 80 quizzes on every aspect of the Broadway musical, including sections devoted to the careers of major Broadway stars, songwriters, directors, and producers, ranging from Ethel Merman to Stephen Sondheim. It also features thematic quizzes - such as musicals set in France, adaptations from literature, food and drink, British shows, references to sports, biographical shows, and jukebox musicals - and quizzes covering each decade from 1900 to the present. With over 700 shows mentioned, and over 1200 questions, The Broadway Musical Quiz Book is detailed and thorough: the answer section doesn't merely list the answers, it provides further information on the quizzes' subjects (and often on wrong answers, too!). The Broadway Musicals Quiz Book is more than just a compendium of trivia; it's a anecdotal history of musical theatre, with something for everyone who loves The Great White Way! ... Read more

Reviews

REALLY HARD but really fun., September 9, 2010
This book is not for someone who is only a passive fan of musicals. I consider myself very learned on the subject and I find myself getting half the questions wrong!! But still it's a very fun trip and I find I'm learning a lot. Just beware that you have to be a BIG fan to even begin to do well on these things:) ... Read more

Editorial Review

Wicked is not just a musical, it is a phenomenon. Every week 15,000 people pack New York+s Gershwin Theatre to see the show. The most successful musical on Broadway in 2004, Wicked is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. It tells the story of Elphaba, the headstrong Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the good witch, growing up in the Land of Oz. The show has cast a spell on fans, many of whom return for second and third viewings. In 2005, the show begins an extensive tour across the United States and Canada, hitting major cities such as Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and many more.This beautifully packaged, whimsical keepsake is designed to resemble the Grimmerie, an ancient book of spells that Elphaba uses in the show. Wicked: The Grimmerie offers fans a behind-the-curtains peek at the musical, profiles of the cast and creative team, and inside stories, with full-color photographs throughout. Some of the irresistible special features include an -Ozian+ glossary, spells, an illustrated family tree, and a step-by-step look at how Elphaba gets green before each show-everything fans need to relive the Broadway experience day after day. ... Read more

Reviews

Wicked: The Grimmerie, October 25, 2005
Finally, after months of waiting (and a whole week early!). Wicked: The Grimmerie is here. Some may be wondering if they should buy this book, and I'm here to tell you.

The Good News: The cover and design of the book is amazing. The cover looks old and worn and is even padded. The intricate designs are textured and the book is nice and heavy and thick. The inside design is incredible. Each page (printed on very heavy paper) is made to look old, worn and stained and it's wonderful to look at. As for the actual contents... wow. The production photos are brilliantly printed and include photos from the following casts: Original Broadway Cast, 2nd Broadway Cast (Jennifer Laura Thompson and Joey McIntyre), Original Tour Cast (Stephanie J. Block and Kendra Kassebaum), and the 3rd Broadway Cast (Shoshana Bean and David Ayers). There are very few new photos but there are some. Most of them are from the tour cast (most of Kendra and some of Stephanie and one small one of Carole Kane). There are many interviews with every cast member and many from Gregory Maguire (writer of Wicked the novel) and Stephen Shwartz and Winnie Holtzman (writer of script). There is a step-by-step page of how Stephanie gets green before each show. They have a page dedicated to the dance Elphaba does in "Dancing Through Life" and they teach it to us step-by-step. They have many photos of props and sets and wigs, as well as original costume and set sketches. There is a handwritten page from the book and an early version of Defying Gravity. There is commentary on each song by Mr. Shwartz and this isn't even all of it. So much information to soak up!

The Wicked News: Unlike what some people are saying, the book DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FULL SCRIPT. There are bits of dialogue and a lot of it is summed up in a few sentences. (The Cornfield Scene is completely gone) They cut whole scenes (which is dumb, they are all spoiler free about it, even though they talk about the same parts in interviews). I was so hoping they would make a huge deal about the script and splash the libretto with tons of photos from each scene... It's very, very disappointing, yes. Very. But... ah, well. They also didn't include Elphaba's spells like they said they would. There is also a sad lack of production photos. There are so many wonderful photos and they don't use NEARLY as much as they should have... You should also know they don't include the 4th Broadway cast (Megan Hilty, Ben Vereen) or ANY of the Chicago cast (Ana Gastyer and Kate Reinders)... that really bites. The Chicago sit-down cast is only mentioned and that is a shame. If you are an Original Cast fan you may be slightly disappointed. Instead of using only the original cast photos (like the RENT "bible") they mix and match all the different casts. This would be fine except that if you are a big fan or the Chicago cast or the current Broadway cast (as of Fall 2005) you will be disappointed.

But over all, an AMAZING book. Buy it! It's a must for every Wicked fan. A MUST. This is also a wonderful gift.

Could Be Better, Could Be Worse...meh, December 30, 2005
I got this book for a good friend of mine, who, like me, is a big fan of Wicked. I'm not the candle carrying-Idina worshipping type, but I like it alot.
Anyways,
I was somewhat impressed and somewhat disappointed by the book.
Good things:
There are some great interviews, and being a fan of stage make-up techniques, the "greening of elphaba" was pretty interesting to me. Also, the book is very nicely put together, but I would say wait until it goes down to $20 or $15 before you buy it.
The Bad things:
There was a deffinate lack of new material: any big fan of Wicked has seen most of these photos before, and the information has been either read or seen on television specials. I hate to say it, but I think this was put together 'just in time for christmas' to cash in on the Wicked fans.
Summary:
I am still up in the air: I own the Lord of the Rings behind-the-scenes-book, and not only is it an interesting read, it's also a reference for costuming, make-up, special effects, ect. I find that this book is nice...but that's about it. If you want to give a nice gift to a Wicked fan, this might be what you're looking for, but if they are a HUGE fan, I think that in the long run, you'll be somewhat disappointed.
By the Way:
I've noticed a dissatisfaction with the lack of the libretto: It can be found (for free) at this website:

http://libretto.musicals.ru/text.php?textid=609&language=1

and can be printed, with a laser printer, in about 7 1/2 minutes and bound in about 3 at your local Kinko's for about $5.

A must for Wicked lovers, September 21, 2006
I read the book and saw the Broadway Play recently, so I was dying to get my hands on the Grimmerie. I was not disappointed. The photos are fabulous and all the information is even better. If you want to know all the behind-the-scene tricks of the play, more about the characters in the play, and how it was adapted from the book, then you definately need this book. My favorite part is the script in the back of the book. As a teacher, I plan on using the story along with the music to teach my kids about personal strength, friendship, and the consequences of bullying. I LOVE this book!

The good and the bad, October 25, 2005
I am a HUGE fan of Wicked the musical and couldn't wait for this book to come out. When I finally got it, I was blown away by how cool the cover looked and at all the behind-the-scenes info (including the interviews with all the women who've played Elphaba). If you're getting the book for information on the genesis and success of the musical you can't do much better than this book. Unfortunately, there were hardly any new pictures, backstage or during the show, here to see. You could pretty much find any of them with ten minutes on Google, and with such a visually beautiful show as Wicked that was a major letdown for me. Also, the reviewer below is right- there is not a complete libretto here. Still, the design and production of The Grimmerie is very well done, but it just could have used a lot more rare pictures.

The 2nd Bible (I give it really 4.5), November 1, 2005
If you are a WICKED fan, this is your bible. Here are the goods:
Pros:
1. REALLY cool pictures, graphics and the cover
2. How to do the 'Elphaba' from the Oz Dust ballroom
3. How they make Elphaba green

Cons:
1. Not a full libertto (just because the book doesn't have that doesn't mean it should only get 1 star)
2. The fan letters are stupid
3. Spoilers (for when fans wh show their friends who haven't seen the show.)

Otherwise, it is my second bible. :)

I highly recommend this book!!, November 9, 2006
I bought this book for my 15-year-old daughter who has seen Wicked the play and who already has several of the books. She absolutely LOVED this book! Everything about the book is awesome. The distressed look of the cover of the book adds so much to the book in making it have the appearance of a spell book. I highly recommend this book to anyone. She has been through this book over and over again and loves to show it off to her friends. What a great book!!

Wicked Fun!, August 25, 2006
Being a rather HUGE fan of Wicked, I have been anxious to purchase the grimmerie for some time. I have never seen the musical, however I listen to the CD religiously and have watched the play [...]. Today I finally got the book at 2.30, it is now 8.15, and I have read through it twice. The Grimmerie includes how the writers were able to write the script, the set designers, the wig and costume directors, as well as a chapter about the various cast members on playing their characters (it has the original cast, as well as members from the national tour and the cast that took over on Broadway).

The book does not include the full liberatto, which was dissapointing, as the musical includes songs that are not featured on the soundtrack. However, the short script that is included is sufficient to answer most questions one might have about the plot.

I am more than pleased with this companion to Wicked, which I am absolutley in love with. The pictures in the book include the National Tour Cast.

If you have any doubts about this product please feel free to email my amazon account!

Wicked fans will love this, unless they are looking to reinact the musical, in which case it is illegal, and the full script is not included.

Wicked Good, January 15, 2006
The Wicked Bible! A must have for any Wicked fan. Especially if you have only seen it on Broadway. I didn't read the book. It tells you all the things you need to know about it. It shows you not only the orignal cast but the later cast as well! I've seen Wicked 3 times and I couldn't put this down!

"So you lied to them." "Only verbally.", October 29, 2005
Upon receiving this book, I was absolutely elated. The cover was so beautiful, and flipping through the book was spectacular. However, while this book was initially flawless, I feel a victim of false adveritising. True: this book has some nice behind-the-scenes stuff (drafts of the novel and of "Defying Gravity" as well as set and costume designs) and a step-by-step of how Elphaba gets green (of course, you can find this online); it does not include the full libretto or any spells, both of which were why I so desired this book! Yes, it includes the lyrics for "Wicked Witch of the East" and includes snippets of the book: if you've seen the musical, it's nothing impressive. Some of my favourite scenes they just glance over with a few sentences, barely even managing to explain the scene. For example: What precedes "Defying Gravity" and the Elphaba/Glinda confrontation near the end.
Regardless, if you (like me) are absolutely obsessed with this musical, you will probably still appreciate the book. It does have some nice pictures (though many of them are repeated from online sources and the program) and some good comments.
I must say though: why do they think we'd care about their fan letters? I'd much rather have a full libretto.
In conclusion, if you are a true Wicked fan, get this book of course! If you are merely mulling it over as a way to spend a spare $25 bucks, well then, I couldn't tell you. (I keep telling myself: "at least I didn't pay full price.") If you are an Idina fan, I gotta say, this might not be the book for you. It seems to have much more of Stephanie J. Block.

(Just to end on a good note: one sort-of nifty thing that is included that wasn't advertised is a step-by-step for "The Elphie.")

Anything but grim - in fact a real delight!, May 12, 2007
Being an Australian and with only access to the broadway cast album of Stephen Schwartz's "Wicked" . . . .the show has yet to make it to Oz (Australia that is, not the magical...... you know what I mean). I was more than eager to know more of this smash hit. "The Grimmerie" does not disappoint. Hard cover with a purposely "distressed" binding, this over 192 page book abounds with vivid color shots of the production, profiles of the characters by the actors who starred and most helpful for one who is yet to enjoy the show face to face, a condensed script linking the lyrics of each song. Whether you've seen the show, have only caught the cast album, or just heard on the grapevine; The Grimmerie, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical is a must have. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Perhaps best known for his classic movie lines, such as Fill your hands, you sons-a-bitches from True Grit, the late actor John Wayne often displayed a spontaneous and biting wit away from the screen as well. This gem of inspiration contains Wayne anecdotes on God and country, the old West, friends and family, acting, and quotes from others about John Wayne the actor, and John Wayne the man. ... Read more

Reviews

John Wayne a True American Icon, December 12, 2007
This book has real American Ideals from a True American Icon, from a time when being a proud American was a good thing. This book has come out at a perfect time to remind Americans that it is okay to be patriotic.
This is something that any fan of John Wayne, westerns or American Ideals, should have on their shelves.
I highly appreciate Carol Mueller for reminding us that John Wayne was a True American and publishing it in time for John Waynes 100 year anniversery.

Father-in-law thrilled with it, January 7, 2008
The John Wayne fanatic in our family (who, by the way, has nearly everything John Wayne) was excited to receive this as a gift.

Gotta love the Duke, August 30, 2008
What else can be said about John Wayne? The quotes in this book are wonderful. They really reflect the genuine hero that Wayne was. If you listen really hard while you enjoy these bits of his wisdom, you can almost hear the magical voice of The Duke. If you are a fan, you must have this book!

The Quotable john Wayne: The Grit and Wisdom of an American Icon, March 7, 2008
Great book full of common sense and insight into the man. Proof that when you look up American in the dictionary, it says 'see John Wayne'. Why didn't we ever make this man President?

A Fresh new look at John Wayne, March 4, 2008
I've been a fan of "Duke" for over 30 years and I've read a lot about him, and I can say that "The Quotable John Wayne - The Grit And Wisdom Of An American Icon" by Carol Lea Mueller is one of the finest. Not simply another boring biography like many other books, this book succinctly gets to the 'True Grit'...the spirit behind the legend of the man. Chock full of interesting anecdotes,memorable quotes and tasty tidbits regarding Duke's attitudes about God, America & family values, it's all here. Good job Ms. Mueller!

A "True" American, October 19, 2010
John Wayne was my "Hero" when I was growing up. And as you know, all kids needed heroes, at least they used to. The heroes of kids nowadays aren't worth a hill of beans. John Wayne was a hero to more than just kids. He was also a true American. He instilled the values and morals in me, that it took to join the military during one of the craziest wars this country ever seen. John Wayne will be missed. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Created with their full cooperation, The Beatles Anthology is, in effect, The Beatles' autobiography. Like their music, which has been a part of so many of our lives, this landmark release is warm, frank, funny, poignant and bold. At last, here is The Beatles' own story. Each page is brimming with personal stories and rare, vintage images. Includes over 340,000 words and over 1300 images, including unseen photographs and personal memorabilia. ... Read more

Reviews

The Definitive Chronicle At Last, October 14, 2000
Hundreds of books have been written about The Beatles, but it is
crushingly obvious when reading this Anthology volume that by far the
best one would naturally come from the bandmembers themselves. [The
price] seems like an incredible bargain considering the size and
quality of this work, which covers the years 1940 (the birth of Ringo
and John) to the breakup in 1970. At 368 coffee-table sized pages
it's already huge, but the small print makes it almost double that
size.

The book would be worth it just for the photos alone, which
are beautifully reprinted--many from the early years are actually in
color--chronicling dozens of previously unpublished, intimate moments
taken straight from the group's personal archives. But what really
makes this one essential is the text itself, which is taken from
interviews conducted with Paul, George and Ringo in the 90s and an
exhaustive compilation of Lennon quotes from all points in his life (I
recognized many, but there were also some I've never seen before).
Even after the dozens upon dozens of biographies which have recounted
the group's earth-shattering tale ad nauseum, you feel like you're
reading it for the first time. All four bandmembers speak with a
thousand times more wit, frankness and detail than all of their
previous biographers combined; in fact, they manage to offer up
juicier tales, and more interesting spins on already known events,
than anything you've read before even in the most gossipy bios--and
you get it this time knowing that it's honest (you know it's honest
when you hear conflicting memories about certain events!).

"Anthology" is especially revealing when it comes to the
childhoods and Hamburg era: you get to hear about the first time
George got laid (right in front of the other three bandmembers!), or
when Ringo was a member of the Dingle gang, or what they did at
teenage parties. The detail is so thorough and vividly recalled for
the early years (and butressed by the photos) that you feel like
you're living it as it actually happened. No stone is left unturned
about the famous years, either: George and Ringo philosophize about
their first LSD trips and the meaning of "Tomorrow Never
Knows", the Maharishi controversy is finally put to rest (hint:
he never made a pass at anybody), and new insight is shed on the
evolution of the friendships between John and the other three. More
is made about the breakup than was on the "Anthology"
videos, including Yoko's presence and the business hassles, as well as
the making of "Abbey Road". Finally, all of this is told
with such an elegant sense of Beatle humor that even the heaviest
moments are a joy to read. Also included are excerpts from Stu
Sutcliffe and Brian Epstein's personal diaries. With this volume now
finally released, the only other essential Beatle books to get are
Lewishon's "Beatles Chronicle" and Miles' "The Beatles:
A Diary", both of which give exact reference dates and
descriptions for every live show, radio, recording and filming session
(as well as more great photos).

A joyful book!, October 28, 2000
How can any Beatles fan not be delirious over the arrival of this book? I spent four hours glued to it, lovingly turning each page, laughing, smiling and astounded over so many previously unseen photos. I have 400 Beatles books in my collection in many different languages. This book beats them all in content, style, text, arrangement and producing pure bliss in the reader. Some of the early photos from the Cavern and Hamburg years have appeared before in Mike McGear's 1977 book, but there are other new photos when the boys were so young it's almost piercing to look at them.

My only slight criticism is that much of the text was lifted directly from the Beatles Anthology series. This was disappointing, but the soaring positives of this weighty book cancel out any whining. For all of us Beatles fans, this is the apex of what will be offered for a long time. You will cherish this book and get endless hours of fascination and enjoyment from it. John, Paul, George and Ringo...still producing powerful emotions. They always will.

As Good as it Could Get For the Best of All Time, November 21, 2000
The book is packed with photos, memories, ads, and trinkets of all varietie, and not just the ones Beatles fans have seen forever - some are pretty rare. It's sure to feed the appetite of Beatles fans for years. Well worth the price, and a great gift. It's both a comprehensive encyclopedia on the band, and a great coffee table book with its beautiful silver cover. Recommended to any serious Beatles fan. It's more enjoyable with each passing day.

Got to Get This Into Your Life..., October 5, 2000
Just got the "Anthology" yesterday, and let me throw a few words at you:

Hefty. Dense. Comprehensive.

Pictures? It's crammed with them.

Is it readable? While most books made up of interview quotes can be frustratingly Helter Skelter, the quotes in "Anthology" are edited so that the book flows in a highly readable narrative style.

I feared that this book might be a cheap cashing-in. Rather, it's a beautifully mammoth effort.

The "War and Peace" of Beatles Biographies, November 20, 2000
Wow. First off, one can't help but marvel at the fact that this book is HUGE! This makes every other Beatles biography look rather pathetic in comparison. The sheer number of superbly reproduced, and more often than not never-before-seen, photographs is mind-boggling. This is the absolute definitive story of the Beatles, as told by them, so all the speculation and conflicting stories that have surfaced in previous books is completely irrelevant. If you are a Beatles fan, then this book is an absolute MUST. And believe me, once you buy this book, you will be able to retire any and all of your existing Beatles biographies for use as coasters, placemats, puppy training papers or the like. I also strongly encourage you to look into the new CD, "Beatles 1." All 27 of the original number 1 singles have been digitally remastered (spectacularly, I might add!) and the sound is unbelievable.

Informative and Personal, October 5, 2000
With the wealth of info already out there on The Beatles, one may ask "Do we need more?" In some cases, the answer would be... "No." In this case, I say "Welcome."

This book is huge for one thing. There are a lot of pictures you've seen before, but a lot of personal pics seen for the first time. Like the video Anthology, we get to see a more personal side to The Beatles in this book. One drawback is that you'll notice some of the same images from the video as you do in here. Also, in terms of content you'll often just see written quotes from the video. Regardless, there is plenty of new material here to make this a "5 star" effort. Having read almost every Beatle book out there, I would have to say this is a definite buy.

Final Note: Once again, only drawback is some overlap with the video Anthology which is expected.

Fabulous!, November 21, 2000
I was going to give this book 4 stars, until half-way through I was struck by the pure genius of it all. Why? It's like a cover song - when someone else plays a Beatles song, does it ever really sound as good as the original? Rarely. "Anthology" is a huge tome of a book comprised entirely of interviews and snippets from the Fab Four themselves, with a very few extras from their manager, studio producer, etc. It seems like a coffee table book, but it certainly isn't - over 350 large pages of fine print.

The reason why this book ALMOST got 4 stars is because of the inherent nature of a book made entirely of quotes - natural conversation doesn't translate well onto the printed page, especially when so many people are quoted from different periods in their lives. The book never says "In 1964, the Beatles recorded Rubber Soul" or anything like that. Instead, the quotes gradually roll around to telling you, until you realize "Oh, we're in the studio again". Often this book is disjointed and hard to follow, especially if you don't anything about the Beatles.

However, few people know nothing about the Beatles! After the first 30 pages, you get used to the style of presentation, and later on you realize the beauty of it all - these boys are down-right inspiring. Worked in with all the tours and stories and pranks and bad rumors and other nonsense are wonderful descriptions of their music and how it was written, what its inspiration was, and the trials that were faced to create it. The Beatles didn't idolize themselves, not like their fans do, so the words just flow out effortlessly and pure, just like their music did. This was their lives, no big deal, this is what they did. The creativity is catchy.

If you are a die-hard Beatles historian, I'm positive that nothing new is said in this book. There is no "myth-making" in these pages - their fights and disagreements are very bluntly presented - but you can see a "No Big Deal" kind of attitude formed. It's is only natural, the survivors are turning 60, after all. Like the video series and the CDs, this version of Anthology is a warm revisit of a wonderful little rock'n'roll band. Check it out.

GET BACK, November 20, 2000
As the Beatles are one of the most enduringly popular bands ever, still selling albums at full price (in the UK anyway), yet another Beatles book has to offer a great deal to stand out. And this book does. The quality and quantity of what is inside is outstanding. As to authenticity, it is difficult to argue with the words of the Four themselves, with the three living members making contributions from their personal archives.

Given the competition with published works on the band, this book does stand out for its look and feel, which is tightly packed with images and quotes. Graphically, the style might be called `busy', so I don't suppose I could read it cover to cover in one go. Their career is cover year by year, my favourite being the fateful 1970 with the live rooftop Apple Studio performance as they look so contemporary.

You may well come away from this book as I do, humming the songs.

it made bestseller before it hit the shelves, November 1, 2000
In my mind.... rather in my reality and in the reality of others this book is merited the award for Best book ever (if I said so myself). This book offers more than just a good read and amazing rare photographs....it offers the hard work solely belonging to the beatles themselves, achieving a rather important stage in their life together and apart from each other. this book made me buy two copies at once never having a doubt in my mind that I wouldn't regret this. the Beatles giving their words, their pictures and their lifes to us goes to show how important it is that this book must be read by all.

the book is like others, but only because it tells the story about the Beatles from beginning to end. recounting their number one hits, their incounters with love-peace-drugs-spirituality and politics and because it demonstrates a peculier sense in telling the story it self. But in nowhere can you ever find the complete works of all four Beatles + george Martin, Mal evens, derek taylor and brian epstein all together in one writing. the pictures themselves could take on the honour of representing the beatles in a fashion never before witnessed.

the book was great and deserves for billions to be bought.

thank you beatles I hope we read from you again.

THE Best Book - How could you not like it???, December 6, 2000
First of all, I would like to say that I was not a huge Beatles Fan before I read this book. I mean, I liked the Beatles and I had a couple CD's, but the thing was I didn't really know enough about them to like them. This book changed all that.

I actually purchased this book for a speech that I had to do in school on "The Musical Journey of the Beatles." I started out using it like a refrence book. You know, look in the index, then go the page and read about the subject you want to put in your speech. I soon found, however, that this was impossible. It was so interesting that I just kept on reading after I had found the topic I was looking for. And reading and reading and reading and.... well, you get the idea.

There are so many little factoids here that you can't find anywhere else. Like, where Sgt. Pepper came from. "The orginal idea for Sgt. Pepper came from Paul. While on a trip to the West Coast, he encountered a trend of long group names. 'People were no longer The Beatles or The Crickets, they were suddenly Fred and his incredible shrinking greatful airplanes' as John explains in THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY" That's a line from my speech, and there are tons more like that.

So, it doesn't matter if you are or if you are not a Beatles Fan. If you have even gotten to this page, you have some intrest in them, so go ahead, spend that $36.OO (it's a 40% discount!!), and invest in the single most useful tool to prevent Beatles ignorance.

(By the way, just in case you cared, I got an A on my speech!) ... Read more

Editorial Review

The remarkable, unprecedented biography of the Hammersteins, Broadway's greatest and most influential family, as told by Oscar Andrew Hammerstein

The Hammersteins is the story of one of Broadway's most creative and productive families. It is a story that begins in 1864 when Oscar Hammerstein I emigrates to America, establishes himself as a successful cigar merchant and turns his attention to the business of music and theaters. He builds many theaters including New York's most majestic opera house. He turns Times Square (then Longacre Square) into the theater capital of the world. His sons, Willie and Arthur carry on the tradition and nurture such talents as Will Rogers, W.C. Fields, Al Jolson, Houdini, and Charlie Chaplin. Willie's son Oscar II becomes the most successful lyricist of all time, writing the story and words to the Broadway shows Showboat, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Carousel, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. The accomplishments of this family are monumental. Their tale is enchanting.

Written by Oscar "Andy" Hammerstein (Oscar II's grandson), The Hammersteins presents a multi-layered portrait of the Hammerstein legacy, complete with personal and professional highlights, as well as the scandals and tragedies. The book also draws heavily upon the family archives, presenting a rich collection of photographs, theatre blueprints, letters, programs, patents, and more, much of which has never been seen before. The Hammersteins is at once a deeply personal story of an American family living the American dream and a celebration of musical theater in this country.
... Read more

Reviews

Music and the city, October 24, 2010
Anyone with even a passing interest in musicals, early films, or the New York theater district should read The Hammersteins: A Musical Theater Family, to learn some of the crucial history of these parts of the entertainment industry. I found this book fascinating, including many personal perspectives and information only a family like Oscar Andrew Hammerstein would know or have access to, respectively. He also seems to have inherited at least enough of the family flair for good storytelling to keep this entire work of history interesting to read.

I was amazed by how widespread the influence of the Hammerstein family was in the development of American musicals and theaters even before the time of the Rogers and Hammerstein team made their permanent place in entertainment history. The early section of this book spends a lot of time on the theater building efforts of the first Oscar Hammerstein throughout the New York City area. Most of the performers mentioned in this section and onwards read like a who's who of the famous actors of each period.

This is especially true when it comes to Oscar Hammerstein II, who is the main focus of the book after the background is laid. His musicals, and some of the stars, like Julie Andrews, seem to only become greater over time. Of course, not all of his musicals were thus, and Oscar Andrew is not afraid of addressing the moments of failure in his grandfather's career. In fact, the Hammersteins is almost a biography of Oscar Hammerstein II, once the book begins to cover his life directly.

Generally, though, it is a pretty good history piece, with plenty of photos of everything covered. Some of them are a bit pixilated, however, this may only be a problem with my copy of the book. It follows a basically chronological sequence of events, with plenty of background information on what the theater world was like at each point in time being covered, as well as explaining what made some of the Hammerstein contributions had such lasting and unique effects on the industry.

I would probably say this book is at least at high school reading level, both for the length and mention of affairs and divorces of characters. I would have loved to read this in any college course that could allow its inclusion, such as American history post civil war, theater classes, literature, or media and popular culture in the twentieth century. That being said, it certainly makes for good recreational reading, as well. Really, I recommend The Hammersteins to just about anybody. You know, except for people who don't like to be entertained.

All the things they were., December 12, 2010
I bought this book after hearing the author give a combined reading and talk. The talk was intelligent and entertaining, but the extracts sealed the deal. This is largely a family history, relying on family papers and interviews, but it's a family at the center of American mass entertainment for three generations. From immigrant cigar-maker, inventor, operetta composer, and mainly theater-builder and impresario Oscar Hammerstein I to his sons, producers Willie and Arthur, to his grandson Oscar II, this family, as much as anybody, created Broadway theater. The two Oscars, of course, dominate the book, but Willie and Arthur were far from negligible players in the development of American operetta and vaudeville. Indeed, Oscar II owes his career to his uncle Arthur.

For some, Oscar II's theater work has faded. His reputation survives in individual songs - "All the Things You Are," "Ol' Man River," "Make Believe," "Bill," "Can't Help Lovin' That Man," "It Might as Well Be Spring," "The Last Time I Saw Paris," "Lover, Come Back to Me" - not even including the songs he wrote for the hit Rodgers & Hammerstein Broadway musicals and the standards that came out of the non-hits ("The Gentleman Is a Dope," "Love, Look Away," for example). His grandson shows us how mistaken that view is. Oscar II was primarily a dramatist, certainly one of the finest "book writers" the theater has ever known. His songs are not exactly unthinkable without their plot, but they certainly gain meaning from their context (the dramatic situation also means more because of them). I happen to be a huge admirer of Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers's other great lyricist. His poems are generally more sophisticated, formally and emotionally, than Hammerstein's, but they also don't range as widely. Hammerstein could come up with both "Surrey with the Fringe on Top" and "Grant Avenue." I think Hart incapable of the range Hammerstein travels in Carousel's "Soliloquy." Also, Hart's great songs exist largely in their own vacuum. Does anyone really know (or care) where "Manhattan" comes from? On the other hand, the situation of Show Boat clings like barnacles to "Ol' Man River."

Oscar Andrew Hammerstein concerns himself mainly with the larger picture of the family's role in the creation of Broadway. However, he goes into detail about his grandfather's apprenticeship and his development as a writer - how Oscar II strove for ever-greater dramatic point to his work. He also shows how the Rodgers & Hammerstein masterpieces reflected cultural shifts and attitudes in the country far wider than the several blocks of the Broadway theater district - why, for instance, a family in Odessa,Texas, or Lima, Ohio, might bind a chunk of their emotional selves to Oklahoma, Carousel, and South Pacific, or why these shows might have become important cultural facts in their lives. Although the author's technically an academic, his prose is not, thank goodness. His discussions illuminate. Above all, he makes a really good case for taking another look at these incredible show folk. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Finding LOST in my mailbox made me oh-so-happy!, October 28, 2010
My season 6 guide arrived in the mail a few days ago, and I was over the moon with excitement, and so ready to start my rewatch of Season 6, with a fabulous guide by my side.

I have all 5 of Nikki Stafford's fantastic Finding LOST books. They are a great companion to what is one of the most brilliant, and complex, shows ever made for television. Her books are informative, well researched, even more well-written, and a lot of fun. This one is the best yet! LOST may be over, but fans old and new, are still talking about it, and I have a feeling we will be for years to come. With the help of Nikki's guides, we will be talking about it, its characters and themes and mysteries, in a highly-informed way. Thank you, Nikki, and Namaste!

Missing LOST? Then, Nikki Stafford's FINDING LOST series is for you., November 4, 2010
The six-season television phenomenon so beloved of the fandom (and dissected endlessly by fans and critics alike) aired its final episode in May 2010. It's legacy remains strong however, and with the recent release of the final season (and the complete series) on DVD and blu-ray, fans old and new will be savoring its pleasures for years to come. Author, blogger and LOST-expert Nikki Stafford has written the definitive guides to each successive season of the show throughout its run and here presents the eagerly anticipated final volume in her successful and popular FINDING LOST series.

All of the elements that fans the world over have enjoyed in her previous books are here to delight: a guide to each episode in detail with highlights, character arcs and 'easter eggs' for the dedicated fan, analysis of the overarching themes of the show including discussion of its mythology and links to world religions, insight towards the cultural impact of the series and in turn, how fan response shaped the evolution of the show itself, and in-depth examination of literature, scientists and philosophers whose influence on show-runners and writers revealed itself in character names, plot development, Island backstory and the ultimate meaning of the show as unveiled during its final season and climactic final episode.

While she is an unapologetically passionate fan of the series, Stafford is no mere sycophant; she also points out nitpicks in each episode, enumerates mistakes/continuity errors, takes issue with unanswered questions and grapples with the controversy swirling around the conclusion to a show whose confounding mysteries and narrative choices during its six-season run ramped up expectations for ultimate resolution to stratospheric proportions. Throughout, Stafford's wit and style ensure an enjoyable and satisfying read for casual fans and devotees alike. A more well-rounded treatment of the series and its fandom is not to be found among the voluminous outpouring of material generated by its popularity and pop-culture significance.

In short: buy this book (and its predecessors) and expand your understanding of the LOST phenomenon. In Nikki Stafford, you will find the friend and colleague with whom you've been dying to discuss your fascination with this singular TV series.

Finding Lost is the authority on all things LOST, October 29, 2010
I've been following Nikki's blog and reading her other LOST books since the beginning. If you have a lingering question about the final season, or the entire series as a whole, this is the book for you. Nikki is one of "us," us being true fans of the show, as shown by her extensive research and her ability to find things within episodes that we may have missed.
Her uncanny insight has revealed things to me that I would have never picked up on. Her in depth observations connect things from this final season to things that have happened in the past. Her write ups on books and pop culture references that appear on the show let you know how they are interrelated.
Nikki knows her stuff. She's always been my go-to authority on the show, and will continue to be. If you love LOST, you need this book. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Leave no urban myth untested.

Could you kill someone by dropping a penny from a skyscraper? Can an unsuspecting scuba diver be sucked out of the water by a firefighting helicopter and get spit out in the middle of a forest fire? Can you save yourself in a plummeting elevator by jumping just before it hits bottom?

Special effects experts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, hosts of the Discovery Channel's top-rated MythBusters, use modern-day extreme science to show you what's real and what's fiction. With photographs, illustrations, blueprints, and exclusive interviews to document the mythbusting process, MythBusters: The Explosive Truth Behind 30 of the Most Perplexing Urban Legends of All Time will examine dozens of urban legends, from exploding toilets to being buried alive -- these guys have tested them all. Eye-opening, jaw-dropping, and even laugh-inducing, this book will delight armchair scientists, curious readers, and fans of the show alike. Keith and Kent Zimmerman are the New York Times bestselling coauthors of Hell's Angel and The Best Damn Sports Book, Period, among others. ... Read more

Reviews

A well-done book based on a great show!, January 3, 2007
I've only caught MythBusters a few times on tv, but enjoy it enough to have shelled out for the book. It's fun to be able to read about their efforts without having to go to the effort to remember when the show is on tv ...
Well written, with the same sense of humor and fun that Adam and Jamie display on the air.
(And, for the reviewer who panned the book because she 'didn't know it was based on a tv show,' ... why should you blame the book because you didn't read the description? The summary very clearly states what the book is about, and what it's based on!)

Don't bother if you watch the show on TV, January 7, 2007
If you don't watch TV, then you might find this book vaguely interesting.
But I got this for an XMAS gift and I watch the show on TV. I found this book to be redundant at best.

Other than a bit of background info on the hosts and the producer, there is absolutely nothing in this book that you won't find on the TV shows.

All the info they cover is just a re-hash of each episode from the TV show, and given the choice, the TV show version is much much better than a print version that literally has low-resolution "screenshots" from the episodes to illustrate.

I was also surprised to find the last 11 pages of the book Absolutely Blank!
This was not a mis-print, it was probably cheaper to print the book with those pages left blank than to physically leave them out. The authors could not get enough information to fill in the blank sections?

The book seems to be a rush-job that just capitalizes on the popularity of the TV show.
The TV series this book is based on illustrates everything in the book MUCH clearer than the book itself.

Given the option, buy or rent the DVDs of the TV series and forget about this book.

Great pictures and myths- should come out with more of these, December 30, 2006
This is a fun little book with great color pictures and interesting myths. One could be tempted to skip through all the writing about what they actually did during the show and just read if the myth's busted. Very interesting and easy to just flip through- certainly don't need to read it cover to cover.

Considering these 30 myths were probably from about 20 of their many episodes, they should come out with more books like this so people who don't get the Discovery Channel (like me) and can only catch it occasionally somewhere else can read up on the myths in these nifty books.

Myth Busters, January 25, 2009
I gave both of the Myth Buster books to my son, who is an Industrial Tech teacher in high school. He is really looking forward to using them with his students.

Great gift, January 12, 2008
I try to buy my son a Mythbusters book each year & again he loved it - thanks and nice fast shipping!

BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION, December 4, 2005
This show is in its 4th Season, and Adam and Jamie STILL haven't run out of urban legends to put the scientific test to. Fascinating and fun science. Nice to have 30 of the best myths in book form, but the real way to enjoy "Mythbusters" is to watch the show -- every week on Discovery -- and to buy the DVD collections. And if you love Mythbusters, be sure to pick up all of the books by Jan Harold Brunvand ("The Baby Train", "The Choking Doberman", "Curses! Broiled Again!", "The Urban Legend Encyclopedia", and many more titles). Also, check out the new book "Turn Me On, Dead Man" by Andru J. Reeve. It explores, in depth, the entire story behind the Paul McCartney Death Hoax of 1969. Like the Mythbusters, Reeve gets to the truth behind the myth. Buy all of these books and DVDs right here at Amazon.com and watch "Mythbusters" every Wednesday on Discovery.

Mythbusters a bust, June 28, 2006
I did not realize that this book was based on a television show because I do not watch television. I thought it was about debunking urban legends such as alligators in New York sewers and such; I was not expecting a lot of scientific proofs of how balloons fly and so on. I definitely wasted my money on this one. ... Read more

Editorial Review

When Evita opened on Broadway during the 1979-1980 season, it was (as one of its songs said) "High Flying Adored." But in the 1970-71 season, the producers of Lolita, My Love saw their show (as one of its songs said) "Going, Gone, Gone" after its torturous Philadelphia and Boston tryouts. It didn't even try to brave Broadway, although the bookwriter-lyricist of My Fair Lady had written it. It happens every season. Broadway has one, two, or a few hit musicals, but many, many more flops. Here's a look at the extreme cases from each season of the past half-century. The musicals that everyone knew would be hits - The Sound of Music, The Phantom of the Opera, The Producers - and were. The tuners that sounded terrible from the moment they were announced - Via Galactica, The Civil War, Lestat - and turned out to be even worse than anyone expected. The shows that were destined to succeed - Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Merrily We Roll Along - but didn't. The ones that didn't have a chance - Man of La Mancha, 1776, Grease - but went on to household-name status. Peter Filichia takes a look at 100 shows that met either the most glorious or the most ignominious fates. ... Read more

Reviews

Full of tidbits even YOU didn't know, September 14, 2010
Peter Filichia is one of the few writers who can come up with historical tidbits about the musical theater that even I didn't know. His choices for the "Hits" are rarely all that surprising (although his revelations are often new and entertaining) but his "Flops" will certainly prompt a lot of discussion. Just when you think you've figured out his system (big anticipation, big let-down), he'll throw in a ringer that you've never even heard of. Even one performance disasters are pushed aside by shows that closed in previews or on-the-road. In one remarkable instance he chooses a show that closed before rehearsals even started!!! If your knowledge of musical theater is limited to just the well-known shows, you'll love reading about the Hits and be completely baffled by the Flops, but more passionate musical theater buffs will relish everything. Be prepared, though, to be a little frustrated when Filichia skips over the show you were expecting -- Ken Mandelbaum has already covered that territory. Filichia has other tricks up his sleeve.

Give Our Regards to OLD Broadway, September 17, 2010
For any lover of the Broadway Musical (Yes! CAPS!) this is one of the most marvelous and saddest books available. Sure, one can quibble with some of Filichia's choices, especially in re: flops (where's "Greenwillow", "Ilya, Darling", "Drat, the Cat", "Bravo Giovanni!", and, of course, my "favourite" "Happy Town"?) but one can't escape two very important aspects of the book. First: Unlike all too many critics, when Filichia offers suggestions as to what went wrong with a show and how it could have been fixed, he's invariably right. Second, and this is where the sadness enters: The remarkable mediocrity of the biggest hits as we get closer and closer to the present, makes one despair as to whether it will ever again be commercially viable for anyone to try to write a truly great (or, even better than average) musical. Filichia, himself, seems to address this with his afterword on Stephen Sondheim (who has, in financial terms, rarely had a big "hit"). Moreover, Sondheim at least had the opportunity of starting to make his name in the older musical theater and was an already established icon when the biggest changes occured. Would anyone, today, even give a new Sondheim a chance? Ah well. For those of us who still remember... GET THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!

A Passionate Embrace of Broadway's Great Hits and Flops, September 28, 2010
This is an altogether splendid, spirited, savvy and smart book! Just when you thought you knew every bit of trivia about past Broadway hits and flops, along comes Peter Filichia to open a new window and open a new door. One example only because I hate spoilers. He gets this quote from original "Hello, Dolly!" cast member Randy Phillips about the replacement of the song "Penny In My Pocket" with "Before the Parade Passes By." "What was sadly lost was that Dolly came out with a big bolt of red fabric -- which would turn into the dress that she'd wear to the Harmonia Gardens." Wow! Filichia investigates musicals that everyone assumed would be big hits but turned into big flops [like "Breakfast at Tiffanys"] and shows that surprised everyone with their excellence ["1776"]. He makes an excellent case for each hit and flop he chooses from the past 50 years although you may disagree with him or more than one occasion. If you're reading this review this book is for you.

But You Go On, October 21, 2010
Peter's excellent book has left me humming the great songs from the great shows and frankly the great songs from the shows that somehow just didn't make it into the hit column. (Peter reminds that a hit show makes money- money makes the world go 'round.) There is brilliant work in RAGS, to be sure. His book- modest in size, monumental in achievement, has me recalling the Golden days of a VARIETY review when the paper would have headlined "Filichia Finishes Tome about Fifty Fabulous Years on The Street" or "Peter Picks Hits/ Flops Perfectly." The article may have continued: Filichia's book is a handbook of facts for every baby- boomer who started his treks to Broadway circa 1959. The book has a structure that I haven't seen since we read the Canterbury Tales in high school. He recreates The Street season-by-season, taking us to the famed and fabled tryout of HELLO, DOLLY! and the reunion concert of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. He gives us a FIDDLER lyric that's not on the record and I finally learned if all of 1776 is accurate. A star-in-the-making walked through a biggest hit during the Boston tryout. One year didn't have a hit, but we can always be sure of death, taxes and a flop. He ends the journey where each baby- boomer is now. We can walk by The Stephen Sondheim Theatre, look up at his signature, be thankful for all the shows we have seen, and almost miraculously we realize that we have a few good years left to see more hits and flops. Let's hope that Peter does an update in a couple years: we can't stop the beat in 2009. The book is perfectly marvelous, but you go on. ... Read more

Editorial Review

From Melcher Media, the team that brought you Wicked: The Grimmerie, comes Wicked: A Pop-Up Compendium of Splendiferous Delight and Thrillifying Intrigue, featuring the most arresting and memorable moments from the hit Broadway musical in moveable paper tableaux. From Glinda's dramatical entrance among the Ozians in her bubble machine to Elphaba's gravity-defying maiden flight, each spread puts you in the center of the action. Plus, discover secret artifacts (and artifictions) that you won't find anywhere else: the letters Galinda and Elphaba wrote to their parents, a map of the Emerald City, the Shiz University student newspaper, and a miniature Grimmerie complete with spells. ... Read more

Reviews

A Wonderful Addition for Your Wicked Collection, February 16, 2010
I made this video to show how wonderful the book is. The short video on this page doesn't do the book justice. So you get a page by page view, though I don't read the whole story or give away the plot for anyone who hasn't seen the musical. I hope you enjoy and end up buying this book! It's great for any collection.

A fun addition to "The Grimmerie", November 15, 2009
As an adult who loves WICKED, this book was a pleasant surprise. I ordered it not knowing how complex it is. It is so much fun. The scene where Elphaba learns to fly and when she makes the monkeys fly are particularly exciting in the book!! A must have for every WICKED fan.

Defying Gravity, November 4, 2009
This book is a "must have" for any fan of the musical "Wicked". The pop-ups open and close with ease unlike some other pop-up books I have purchased. The abbreviated stories throughout tell just enough of the story to let the reader know what is going on although anyone who has seen the show/read the book will know the story and thoroughly love this beautiful remembrance of this brilliant show. My friends and family who will be receiving this book as a gift are all adults and I am positive that they will be completely thrillified to receive it.

Tremendous fun!, November 11, 2009
I bought this on a lark when purchasing other "Wicked" related items, and this is clearly a gem. Charming and well executed, this book is great for the young and old, and will grace our coffee table for years to come. I originally purchased this as a gift, but I like it so much I'm going to have to buy more for all the Elphabas and Galindas on my Christmas list.

Who says pop-up books are just for kids?, November 17, 2009
With books quickly becoming a long-lost art, it's cause for celebration when one comes around that really jumps out at you -- or in this case, pops up at you. When was the last time you got excited about a pop-up book?! And who says pop-up books are just for little kids anyway?! This is a great book for anyone (of any age) who loves all things Wicked and knows that books can be much more than just printed text. I love the use of not only elaborate pop-ups, but also windows to open, letters to take out and read, and new discoveries on every page. It's charm is reminiscent of the Griffin & Sabine books of the 1990s. I'm looking forward to sharing this delightful book with my fellow Wicked loving friends. It's going to be a huge hit!

Good, but not GREAT, October 13, 2010
While I agree with previous postings that this is a fun pop up book, I found it a bit lacking. There really aren't that many great "pops." The 'flying monkey' scene the only truly great pop in the book. There are several fun pages and plenty to read. I was hoping for more was was left wanting. I'm not terribly disappointed, just mildly.

However, the book is very well constructed and should last if viewed carefully. The colors are great and it is almost like a story book. There is a definite 'flow' to this book that is sometimes lost in pop up books.

In the end, I'd probably buy it again. I just wish the cost was a little less for what you get.

Thrillifying Book? Only if you're a Wicked fan., July 24, 2010
I'm a Wicked fan and a pop-up collector so I was excited to see that a book had been designed around the musical. The book includes the story of the musical as well as some pop-ups. In all, their are four pop-up pages: The highlight is the flying monkeys with a well constructed pop-up that jumps out of the book. There's a 'defying gravity' pop up which is comparatively simple but still delightful. The pop-up map is just a folded map that opens out and really doesn't rate as a genuine pop-up, but it's interesting for 'Wicked' fans as it provides a close up view of the map that forms the curtain for the show. Glinda descending in her bubble is a simple sliding device with no pop-up aspect. The facing pages include interesting text and lift-the-flap features, including 'The Shiz University Gazette' and Galinda and Elphaba's letters home to their parents. There's also a lift the flap bedroom for the two school friends. The text is written in a style that will appeal to children. In summary, a very satisfying book for fans of the hit musical but not really impressive as a pop-up book. If you're a collector this book will only be of limited interest and certainly doesn't have the sort of complexity you'll see in Ron Van Der Meer or Robert Sabuda's books. It's still a treat for 'Wicked' fans and a great gift for anyone that loves the musical.

Awesome Book, March 3, 2010
After seeing Wicked, I gave my 6 year old granddaughter my copy of the Grimmerie because she fell in love with the musical. Altho' she tried to take good care of my book, it wasn't long before some of the pages were bent and torn. This book is much better suited to young fans of Wicked. She loves it and I bought myself a copy too!

Wicked The Musical: A Pop Up Compendium, February 17, 2010
This book is absolute fun with great pop ups. It is fabulous for reliving the show or as an introduction before seeing it. Young and old will adore this find.

Wicked the Musical: A Pop-Up Compendium, February 17, 2010
Love it, love it, love it! Great item and wonderful service and delivery. Highly recommend! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Following in the footsteps of the popular Hal Leonard Pocket Music Dictionary, this handy pocket-sized book is the most contemporary music theory book on the market! A step-by-step guide to harmony and theory for every musician, it includes thorough, yet to easy-to-understand analysis of: intervals, rhythms, scales, chords, key signatures, transposition, chord inversion, key centers, harmonizing the major and minor scales, extended chords, modulation and much more.Packed with info from the Harmony and Theory course at Musicians Institute! ... Read more

Reviews

Everything you'll ever need to know, clearly written, ridiculously low price, June 22, 2005
I've always liked learning new things about music theory. But most of the books on the market only teach you so much. I found this little book in a music store one day, and decided to buy it. I've bought lots of other general music theory books before, but I've NEVER seen so much packed into such a small volume. On top of that, the book is written so precisely with the performer in mind, and with practicality as its main focus.

I gave 5 stars to another book called "Music Theory Made Easy", and while I don't regret giving it that rating for its own reasons, "Pocket Music Theory" is about the same price yet covers three times as much material, including how all of it relates to the formal structure of sheet music notation. It also swiftly addresses the bogus argument that so many rock musicians use an excuse: the myth that learning music theory will limit your creativity. On the contrary, music theory facilitates communication and lets you better express the creative ideas you have in mind.

Whether you're a beginner or advanced when it comes to music theory, you're bound to pick up something from this book. It starts with the most basic fundamentals of sound, and gradually builds off each previous section until coming to composition methods you might learn in a second or even third year course at a music college. For me, I already long-since knew my scales and modes, but I was still curious about why progressions that go beyond one scale could still sound "right". Why do we use a blues scale over dominant seventh chords? Why do those chord progressions of Beatles songs sound so good even though they go outside of the scale? This book analyzed the situations and answered those types of questions, and more.

This little book is such an incredible reference manual, and no matter what instrument or what kind of music you play, you're bound to pick up something. I'm buying extra copies to give to the guys in my band. Regardless of whatever I reviewed before picking up this book, PLEASE - if you only buy one music theory book in your life, make it this one! $4.95 is an incredibly small price to pay for becoming a more knowledgeable musician!

Simplified!, May 7, 2003
In few words, this book can thoroughly explain some of the most important fundamentals of music composition. I have been searching for a while for a book like this -- this one is great! Cheap and pocket-sized too!

Best thing since sliced bread, July 25, 2009
I had piano lessons for 8 years as a youngster but not much theory stuck to me. Now that I'm retired I'm back into playing - and a much better student may I say. I want to play pieces of my repertoire from memory and was having difficulty memorizing them. I discovered that I didn't have the basic tools to analyze pieces and understand how they are constructed - and that I need to do this for effective memorization. So I began studying theory, especially intervals and chords (I had the scales and key signatures down OK.)

This little gem lays the basics of music theory out in logical sequence in a wonderfully clear and concise way. It is filled with handy little references - such as a table with suggested metronome speed ranges for various tempos, chord and interval look-up tables, etc.

It suggests an exercise to do after explaining each point, including ear training exercises (which I never understood the importance of before.)

Work your way through this little book, take advantage of some of the terrific ear training and theory drill websites and you won't need much else unless you plan to become a professional.

As to the reviewer who gave it only star because it is too simplistic, one has to ask what on earth did he expect from something pocket sized that covers all the elements of music theory in only 130 pages - including exercises and answers?

Adequate overview - somewhat superficial given size, April 19, 2010
It has been nearly 25 years since I even touched music theory. This book - be forewarned - is not for the pure novice or the extremely rusty. In about 170 packed pages, you get everything from notation through harmonics, tonics, melodics, scales, deep seeded theory and application in jazz, blues, the Beatles and everything else. I will admit it was well over my head for the most part, and I really needed to get back to an Idiot or Dummy guide to rebuild the very old foundations of a quarter century ago. However, if you are up to snuff and are looking for a decent pocket guide, this will do just fine. I can see how other reviewers who have some of these basics down and are looking for a reference or augmentation resource would rate the book higher - and why a few have rated it low due to the "superficial" nature of some of the explanations. For the money - tough to beat. For the size - tough to beat.

Music Theory, January 7, 2010
This book is perfect for the musician. It clarifies concepts in music theory, and is the gift that keeps on giving. I gave it to my boyfriend for Christmas, and he literally carries it around with him.
Thanks.

GREAT book, July 15, 2009
Amazingly complete for a small volume. A must for anyone involved in music as a performer or composer/arranger,

LOVE this reference book!!, July 5, 2008
I am 35 yo woman JUST learning piano and music theory..cant tell you how wonderfully easy and helpful this little book has been...I bought this one and the Complete Idiots Guide to Music Theory...I use this one more or as often as the idiots guide..this one doesnt have extra info you dont want or need and thus makes it a handy reference and I love how small it is to carry around. I read it whenever I have to WAIT in line or in a drs office or DMV or other horrible place to sit around and wait. Well put together and easy to read. Would definately buy again, and would definately recommend.

Very Disapointing, December 10, 2007
This book is too simplistic. Every issue is approached superficially. If you are a beginner with very few knowledge about music theory then this book might be appropriate for you since I have detected no mistakes. Otherwise if you're looking for specifics and depth don't get it... ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Spanning several decades and three continents, Modoc is one of the most amazing true animal stories ever told. Raised together in a small German circus town, a boy and an elephant formed a bond that would last their entire lives, and would be tested time and again; through a near-fatal shipwreck in the Indian Ocean, an apprenticeship with the legendary Mahout elephant trainers in the Indian teak forests, and their eventual rise to circus stardom in 1940s New York City. Modoc is a captivating true story of loyalty, friendship, and high adventure, to be treasured by animal lovers everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews

Modoc: A fictional tale of true beauty, February 16, 2007
Let me start off by saying that I do love this book. It's a beautiful story that is well written and filled with emotion. Admittedly, this book had me in tears a few times. It is definitely aimed at tugging the heart strings.

What disappoints me about this book is that it claims to be a true story, when it is indeed mostly fiction. There are only tiny bits of fact in there, and those facts are mostly exaggerated. Things that started tipping me off:
1. The author describes most of the Indian elephants (aka Asian elephants) as having tusks. In reality, tusks on Asian elephants are pretty uncommon.
2. The author describes Modoc as having tusks, even to the end of the book soon before she died. Yet in the pictures in the book, the elephant shown has no tusks at all.
3. A circus owner on the hunt for *years* in a foreign country all for one elephant? I doubt that seriously.
4. No dates are given, and for being a work of "fact", I found it odd that no sources are ever listed except for very vague comments (i.e. saying that newspapers wrote articles, but never naming any specific paper)
5. Most information cannot be found except in reference to this particular book.
6. There is an act of a bull's mating with a cow (bull=male elephant, cow=female elephant) that seems way over the top and incredibly ferocious, quite unlike actual mating "rituals" among elephants.
After some extensive research, including research with the Circus Historical Society, I discovered that many elephants were named Modoc, the most famous being "Big Modoc" owned by the Ringling Bros Circus. In fact, Ringling Bros owned 3 elephants named Modoc, the youngest eventually being owned by Helfer, only years after being passed around from circus to circus. Helfer only owned this elephant for 3 years before she was passed onto another place, where she died at the age of 55, not 70 as the book claims. The elephant pics of one performing in the circus is that of Big Modoc, the elephant Helfer did *not* own. While a wonderful story, the bottom line was that Helfer made up most of what was going on. There is no elephant that went through the life that this fictional Modoc went through, there is no Bram Gunterstein...this is a story made up by a man who took an elephant he owned for three years and greatly exaggerated her life.
I also did take issue with the absolutely unnecessary writing style towards human sexuality. It was too graphic, and served no purpose except to throw in sex. The graphic details could have easily been left out without compromising the tenderness of the romantic relationships described in the story.

As I said, I do love this book. But I love it as a work of fiction, not as one of fact. I do not understand why Helfer would choose to make up a story and then call it true, because in my opinion, that greatly hurts his credibility. Unfortunately most people simply take him at his word without actually researching the truth behind the book. I believe the actual plot, writing style, and emotional depth make it a five star book. However, after my extensive research proved that Helfner fabricated almost all of this yet claimed it to be true, the credibility made me think "three star". Yet I couldn't justify rating such a lovely and romantic story so low, so I compromised and gave it four stars.

Please, do read and enjoy this book. But read it with the thoughts that the "greatest elephant whoever lived" merely lived in someone's imagination. It is a great love story that ultimately teaches that it's love, kindness, and affection that prove to be the best way to care for ANY animal. And even for a work of fiction, that is a lesson that is definitely applicable to real life.

heartwarming, breathtaking, and wonderfully written for all, July 31, 1999
Modoc has to be the most amazing story ever told about one's love for the animal kingdom. I was astonished with the retold accounts throughout the text........always reading on to find out what happened next to Bram and his beloved Modoc. I can honestly say it is my favorite book of all time for it touched my heart and actually did bring tears to my eyes as I completed it aboard an airline. I've handed it down to my sister to be read to my 6-year-old nephew. He's intrigued with the story and loves hearing it aloud. It's a book for all ages indeed!

Wonderful Story of Pachyderm Devotion, May 8, 2000
It's been a while since a book produced the sort of emotive response, upon completion, that Modoc did. The last few chapters were the ones that caught me feeling pain and pathos for the great elephant, and a smiling appreciation of her love for her trainer. This sweeping epic tells the story of a boy and his female elephant, inseparable from their dual births on the same day in turn of the century Germany. Born to the circus, Modoc and Bram forge a career of adventures as they travel the world experiencing metaphysical lessons in life and love. These lessons are taught through their interactions with Bram's two great [human] loves, the bigoted and megalomaniacal circus owner, ship and circus mates, and Indian leaders, spiritual and temporal. It is billed as a love story first, adventure second, and it is plain to see the special, almost supernatural bond the elephant and the trainer hold as they both age well into their 70's. This novel gives one pause thinking about our own interactions with animals, and pets. I chuckled to think of how things would be different if my Siamese cat were suddenly 10 feet tall and 3 tons. Playtime would take on a slightly different dynamic. Yet Modoc was always gentle and a constant lifesaver to Bram, aware of her immense power and always desirous of his happiness. It was also interesting to see that the author Ralph Helfer, was also the same Ralph in the story who found Modoc and employed Bram and her for the last 20 years of their lives. I'm not sure what the target audience age was but it proceeds easily and swiftly, and reminded me of the Black Stallion books I read back in 7th grade. Ultimately a feel-good, slightly embellished, true story that is recommended reading.

Exciting and touching story, but with a few problems, September 26, 2004
This is a really incredible and moving story about how Bram Gunterstein and his elephant Modoc grew up together and shared all of their lives together except for the years when they were separated after the circus they were in sold all of the animals. I love animals, and it's nice to see a story about the bond between a human and an elephant; most human-animal stories feature dogs, cats, horses, ponies, and sometimes birds and small mammals like guinea pigs. It's also told in a very lively and page-turning way, which makes it a quick read. Some reviewers have suggested that there's no way Bram and Modoc could have had all of those adventures, like being shipwrecked, the mystical psychic encounter with the Raja's white elephant in the middle of the night, the war in Burma around the time of WWI, and all of their circus adventures, but many times truth is stranger than fiction, even if Mr. Helfer might have taken artistic license with some of the things he obviously wasn't there for.

My main problem with the story is that dates are only given maybe two or three times. We're not even told what year it is when the story begins. That makes it really hard to keep track of how old the two main characters are over the years and through their many adventures. And where are all of the important world events going on during this time, particularly WWI (which we only see a little of towards the end of their stay in Burma, when the liberation army comes to their village and terrorises everyone) and WWII? Don't they have any impact on the lives of these characters and the events they're taking part in? Also, a lot is made of Mr. North's "racial attitudes," but the only thing Jewish about Bram that I saw in the book is his last name. I know that's enough for some people, but it's like it was made into something much bigger than it really was, unless the true scope of Bram's religious identity was deeper and not mentioned in the book. The other issue I have is the one other people have pointed out, how the elephant pictures don't match. Modoc is described many times as having beautiful long tusks, but none of the elephants in the photo pages have any tusks.

A wonderful heartfelt story about an amazing animal., October 4, 1999
Modoc is an amazing story for people of all ages. It is a very easy story to read. I was able to finish it in one sitting but was unable to keep a dry eye throughout the book. If you can look past proper documentation, as this seems to be the book's greatest critisicm, you will truly enjoy a wonderful story. It will make you think differently about animals and their feelings.

Love the cover, skip the text., June 4, 1999
With one of the most captivating covers I've seen in a long time, the book went downhill once I opened the book. As much as I wanted to believe the story I found it more inventive and it raised more doubt than empathy in my mind. I do believe Modoc existed and there must be a wonderful story to tell but the writer missed his opportunity when he doused his writing with new age philosophy and dialoge out of a 1960's sit-com. I was very disappointed as I respect elephants and wanted to believe what I read as true. White elephant in the jungle? I don't think so. The only white elephant is the writing itself. Perfect for young readers well below the age of fifteen.

An Inseparable Pair, February 5, 2005
This story starts with the birth of a boy and a girl. A human and an elphant. Born at the exact same time on the same farm, from the beginning their futures were together. Modoc tells of the amazing journey of this pair from life to death, beginning to end. Filled with heart-wrenching hi's and low's, before the end you'll have used a full box of Kleenex at least.

Bram (the boy) and Modoc (the elephant) travel all over the world. Their status changes from lowly son of a circus elephant trainer to stowaway, from fugitive to star. It even weaves the author's own part in this epic into the tale of life and death.

Modoc is a fantastic novel from start to finish and definitely worth the read.

an amazing story of the bond between two species, March 12, 2003
i thought this was one of the best stories ever! it covered so much ground, even spiritually. Brams dedication to this animal was remarkable. this is a hartwrenching story, one that both shows the strong bond humans and animals are capable of and one that shows the injustices animals endure everyday. im glad modoc and Bram had eachother in their lives.

Modoc -- a love story, November 21, 2002
Magical and moving... This book touched my heart. I wish I could have met Bram, Mosey, Gertie, etc.. Ralph Helfer did a terrific job making the reader "feel" the story. Best book I have read in years.

A wonderful book, October 16, 2002
Modoc is a wonderful, wonderful book and I am in the middle of reading it for the second time. Last weekend i had just finished my previous book and as I walked by my room i spotted Modoc on the bookshelves. I picked it up and as soon as I started to read I fell in love with it all over again. One of the best parts i think is that it is a true story and these things really did happen. I wish that i could have met modoc becuase I'm sure she was an amazing elephant. The intertwinded story of her and Bram's life is one that i'm sure everyone who reads it will love. This is deffenitly one of the best books i have ever read. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A fully updated edition of the acclaimed and bestselling Broadway Musicals, now featuring an expanded off-Broadway section

 Broadway Musicals is a richly illustrated, and information-packed celebration of the most popular and enduring Broadway shows of all time. Each show is featured in a detailed, photo-filled chapter that includes expert commentary, special features on the creators and performers, plot synopses, cast and song lists, production details, and backstage anecdotes. Also included are sidebars on Broadway flops, advertising posters, the greatest scores, and more. This edition includes several shows not in the original hardcover edition such as Avenue Q, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Wicked. An expanded off-Broadway section showcases beloved shows such as I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and Little Mary Sunshine.

Praise for Broadway Musicals:
"This book is a joy from cover to cover." —Dallas Morning News
"This book is a must for fans of musical theater." —Hartford Courant "A nostalgic treasure trove." —Seattle Times
"For any theater fan or musical buff it is a perfect abridged education." —Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Broadway Musicals is a visual delight." —Palm Beach Post
... Read more

Reviews

Reads for the stage--still hysterical, March 6, 2004
Being a huge "Talent Family" fan, I was excited to see that they had joined forces and written a play. I can understand that if you are used to reading David's books, this might be a different read for some individuals. I was asked by a local theatre producer to search for some new material for possible productions for a season, so that's why I checked it out. I found it hysterical--of course, I was looking at it from a staging point of view. The fact that it is only 50 (+/-) pages makes it "perfect" for a short play--meaning it would run right around an hour to an hour and a half. I guess if you read plays on a regular basis, you will find it enjoyable like I did. If you're used to reading novels or short stories (especially the ones that David is famous for), and play reading isn't your cup or tea, it might not be as entertaining to you. But, you could do much, much worse for your money. I rate it highly.

Wacky fun!!, November 10, 2002
As with some of the other reviewers here, I pre-ordered "The Book of Liz" long before its publication, and I was somewhat surprised to see how short it is (although at that price, I shouldn't have been surprised). However, after reading the play I was ultimately satisfied with my purchase. "The Book of Liz" chronicles a very sweaty and naive Squeamish Sister (an obvious play on the Amish) who decides to leave her job making cheeseballs and venture out into the real world. No, I'm not kidding! The plot is as bizarre as you'd expect from the Sedaris siblings.

It should be noted that the play lists Amy Sedaris as the first author, and it definitely reflects her humor more than David's humor. It's kind of a tame variation of her show, "Strangers With Candy." "The Book of Liz" is different and fun, and it gave me a few chuckles. Not bad for such a short and inexpensive tome.

Laughed so hard I cried, June 16, 2003
I also saw this play performed and thought it was the funniest live theater I've ever seen. Though I agree that when reading a play you lose a lot (the energy of the performers and the audience reactions) I still think this one is worth having in your collection if you are a fan of either Sedaris.

It is an acting edition of a stage play, February 1, 2006
It seems rather odd that several of the below reviewers are not familiar with acting editions of plays---or, for that matter, with stage plays in general. The "Dramatists Play Service" on the front cover certainly tells us that that is what this is! Not a pamphlet! Not a short story! While reading it,you should try to envision it being performed by actors on a stage, live, in front of an audience (if some of you know what that means...) And, as such, it is really quite entertaining. I don't see it as more than that, but, then again, neither was "Strangers with Candy"

nice and cheesy, September 4, 2002
Sister Elizabeth Donderdock is unappreciated in her Squeamish township. (So as not to offend the Amish, the Sedarises replaced the "A" with "Squea". I'm sure no one suspects.) She is the only person who has the secret touch it takes to make the famous Squeamish cheese balls, but the town doesn't realize how important she is until she disappears. Although not David's best work, this play is a lot of fun to read and features a lot of good-natured silliness. On the otherhand, it appears difficult to stage. Make sure you have four good actors who can play male and female roles, Amish as well as alcoholic and can speak Ukranian.

I waited a year for this?, September 13, 2002
Yup. I preordered this over a year ago, just to finally get a cheaply made short, short play. It's not even that funny. Oh, David and Amy, please release another book! Your'e too good for this!

not up to the typical sedaris level, December 16, 2008
I totally love both Amy and David Sedaris, but I have to say this was very disappointing, I'm not even sure why they published this. It seems like it would be the kind of thing you would put together just for family members who were there, get it and love whatever you do because you are family. I would caution anyone else from purchasing this.

Great Play, October 9, 2006
I saw the play in San Francisco a few years ago. It was very funny. The bit about the AA members running the restaurant is very tongue in cheek.

A Quick Chuckle, July 20, 2006
Another Sedaris chuckle fest. This short script is a view into his twisted mind. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Organize and preserve your tickets from special concerts, shows, trips, and sporting events in this handsome Just the Ticket: Ticket Stub Organizer! Makes a great place for your ticket collection. (And makes a nice gift, too!) Organizer includes:

• 20 high-clarity, archival, acid-free plastic pages with lined paper inserts on which you can record your notes and memories
• Handy inside back cover pocket for Playbills, programs, and other keepsakes
• 10-1/2'' wide x 8-1/2'' high
• 2-ring binder
• Holds up to 80 tickets
• Takes standard 8"" x 8"" refill pages

... Read more

Editorial Review

• Written by an Emmy Award–winning director and longtime teacher and actor• Information on unions, recommended classes, a glossary of terminology,television network contact information, bibliography, recommended plays and online resources are included• Aimed at teens age 12–18 and written in a fully accessible style and printed in a handy format

Do you know a teen that's been bitten by the acting bug? Here's just the book they need! Acting for Young Actors, aimed at teens and tweens, lets kids hone their skills and develop their craft. It begins with the five W’s: WHO am I? WHAT do I want? WHY do I want it? WHERE am I? WHEN does this event take place? Sounds basic—but many young child actors are told simply to "get up there and act." This book explores each of these questions, using helpful exercises to allow young actors to work through problems of character identity and motivation. With comprehensive chapters on auditioning, rehearsal, and improvisation, plus a primer on how young actors can break into film, theater, and television, Acting for Young Actors is every kid’s ticket to the big time. ... Read more

Reviews

This is a GREAT book!, September 17, 2006
This book is a fantastic investment for anyone with any interest in acting. Whether you're an experienced actor or one just starting out, this is a GREAT book--so good, after just one chapter of it, I felt like I had been taking acting classes for years. Written with young adults in mind, this book shows what it means to act and all the things you need to know to become a good actor in a way that is both simple and sophisticated, so it's appropriate for any age. It's a book that you can easily pick up and just read a part of when you need help (but it is fun to read all the way through!) I've learned so much from this book and I can't wait to put it all to use!

Awesome Book, January 24, 2009
This is a great book for all beginning actors. It tells the ins and outs of acting and how to be the person you are acting. It gives great advice on different acting unions and how to select an agent. This is truly a must have for all actors.

WOW! thats all i can say. wow, January 26, 2009
Truly the book to get for acting. everything from film to stage auditions to games and technique and stories. Brilliant, never have found anything better.

Great Book for Young Actors, August 31, 2008
This book and Theater For Young Actors: The Definitive Teen Guideby Walter Williamson have helped me a lot in beggining my acting career. The book will help lead you to become an actor.

Excellent and Fun!, June 16, 2007
A welcome addition to all that is acting! This book is Wonderful, and should be in every young actors library!

Not Recieved, April 14, 2009
I have not recieved this Book.
Was it shipped UPS?

I can not give a revue on something I haven't seen,
Martin Beck ... Read more