Publisher: Imagination Books
Brazil Beauty Through Watercolors A wonderful collection of watercolor paintings of this beautiful country, showcasing the sublime and amazing sites through the beauty of the brush stroke...Get it now!
Elton John is not only "still standing," he is a living superlative, the ultimate record-breaking, award-winning survivor of the great era of pop and rock music that he helped to shape during his six decades in the music industry. Yet few of his numerous biographies and song guides take him as a historical subject worthy of scholarly study. In contrast, On Elton John approaches the artist seriously and analytically, while still couched in a highly accessible style. Author Matthew Restall offers a new way to explore Sir Elton's career and music within the contexts of other artists and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during his lifetime. Each of the ten chapters is anchored to an Elton song, rooted in its pop culture history, and advances a clear argument, pairing him with figures ranging from Bernie (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist) to Bennie (of the Jets), from "frenemy" David Bowie to artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Dua Lipa, from Diana (the princess) to Jesus (yes, that one). A must-have for fans, On Elton John will appeal to a wide range of audiences interested in music history, popular culture, and the social issues of our era.Show book
The Kushan Empire, one of the most influential powers in Central and South Asia, originated from the nomadic Yuezhi people. The Yuezhi were an Indo-European group that initially resided in the western regions of China, near the Tarim Basin. However, in the 2nd century BCE, they were forced to migrate westward due to conflicts with the Xiongnu, a dominant steppe confederation. This migration led them into Central Asia, where they eventually settled in the Bactrian region, which had previously been under Greek influence following the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Over time, the Yuezhi tribes consolidated their power, and by the 1st century CE, one of their clans, the Kushans, emerged as the dominant force. Kujula Kadphises, the first major ruler of the Kushan Dynasty, is credited with unifying the fragmented Yuezhi groups and establishing the foundation of the empire. Under his leadership, the Kushans expanded their influence, incorporating regions of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. His military campaigns against the remnants of the Indo-Greek and Indo-Scythian kingdoms allowed the Kushans to gain control over crucial trade routes, solidifying their position as a major power in the region. The early political structure of the Kushan Empire reflected its nomadic roots while incorporating elements from the civilizations it encountered. The rulers maintained a centralized authority but allowed local governance to continue in many areas, a practice that helped integrate diverse cultural and ethnic groups into the empire. This pragmatic approach to governance enabled the Kushans to sustain their rule over a vast and multicultural domain.Show book
"American Notes" is a fascinating travelogue written by the renowned British author Rudyard Kipling. In this work, Kipling shares his observations and experiences during his travels in the United States. Let's explore more about this intriguing book: Background: Rudyard Kipling, known for his iconic works such as "The Jungle Book" and "Kim," visited the United States in the late 19th century. His journey inspired him to write "American Notes," which provides a unique perspective on American culture, society, and people. Content: Kipling's travelogue covers various aspects of American life, including politics, landscapes, and social interactions. He offers candid observations, sometimes critical and sometimes appreciative, as he explores different cities and regions. The book reflects Kipling's wit, keen eye for detail, and ability to capture the essence of a place. Legacy: "American Notes" remains a valuable historical document, shedding light on the late 19th-century United States. Kipling's impressions, whether accurate or colored by his own biases, contribute to our understanding of America during that era."Show book
What happens when beauty intersects with horror? In her newest nonfiction collection, Jehanne Dubrow interrogates the ethical questions that arise when we aestheticize atrocity. The daughter of US diplomats, she weaves memories of growing up overseas among narratives centered on art objects created while working under oppressive regimes. Ultimately Exhibitions is a collection concerned with how art both evinces and elicits emotion and memory and how, through the making and viewing of art, we are—for better or for worse—changed.Show book
SubsidenceA daughter longs to guide her mother through the hardest of journeys of memory loss, paving a way with her own remembrance; for memory is an actor’s most powerful tool. Before the settling and subsidence of life, Hayley prepares to perform a show to honour her mother, Joan. Death is never convenient and despite the theatre being booked, posters printed, and tickets sold, it comes for Joan just before opening night. Subsidence gives grace to deep wounds laid bare as memory fails but love endures; deep, fathomless, patient love. A love that has come full circle, filled with hope and promise. The actor strides across grey days of grief, into the all-conquering silver spotlight of centerstage, to share a life well-loved and lived. Endorsement: 'Subsidence is a beautiful and tender rendering of memoir, driven by the author’s need to remember and honour her mother, who lived with dementia. O’Leary pulls the threads of memory together in a mesmerising weave: a gossamer spell. Her lived experience of theatre and her childhood with her mother are woven across timelines both past and present in this stunning experimental work. Subsidence is vital reading for those with loved ones experiencing memory loss.'– Anna Jacobson (Author of Amnesia Findings)Show book
Music has been a part of human culture since the dawn of time. Its rhythms, melodies, and harmonies have not only served as a form of artistic expression but have also played a vital role in rituals, ceremonies, and healing practices across different cultures. This chapter provides an overview of music therapy as a clinical and evidence-based practice, exploring its origins, fundamental principles, and the diverse ways in which it benefits individuals in both physical and mental health settings. Music therapy's roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where music was used as a tool for healing and communication. In Greek and Roman cultures, philosophers like Pythagoras and Plato discussed the healing power of music and its influence on emotions and the body. Indigenous cultures worldwide have long used music, drumming, and chanting as part of their spiritual and healing traditions, recognizing its ability to alter states of consciousness and promote well-being. The modern field of music therapy emerged in the mid-20th century, following World War II. During this time, musicians began to visit hospitals to play for soldiers suffering from physical and emotional trauma. Observing the profound effects that music had on the soldiers’ recovery, doctors and nurses started to incorporate music into their treatment plans. The positive impact on patients led to the formalization of music therapy as a profession, with the first academic programs and certification processes being established in the 1950s and 1960s.Show book
