Other books that might interest you

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  Selections from the Writing of...

  Lord Dunsany

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  Edward John Moreton Drax Plunkett was born into a very unusual situation in 1878. He was the eldest scion of a family that had lived in the oldest castle in Ireland since its construction in 1180 CE, and became the 18th Baron Dunsany in 1899 at the age of 21, when his father passed away. He was a soldier, lord, military trainer, propaganda writer, activist, and invented Dunsany’s Chess, in which one player has four ranks of pawns and no other pieces. He published mostly first drafts, writing short stories, fantasy novels, plays, and poems, with over 90 publications in his lifetime. A horseman, hunter and pistol champion whose family and friends were deeply involved in what came to be known as The Troubles. A man court martialled for supporting the Irish War of Independence, who raised toasts to the King in years to come, and worked with W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory.The list of those luminaries who acknowledge a debt to Dunsany is absurdly long. Lovecraft saw him on a speaking tour and wrote “There are my 'Poe' pieces and my 'Dunsany' pieces – but alas – where are my Lovecraft pieces?”. Tolkien gave a friend The Book of Wonder in order to help prepare for working on the Silmarillion together. Neil Gaiman, Arthur C Clarke, Ursula Le Guin, Guillermo del Toro, CL Moore, Jack Vance, Michael Moorcock and David Eddings were all influenced by Dunsany’s writings, making him much like the Velvet Underground (“Not that many people listened to them, but everyone that did started a band” – paraphrase from David Bowie)

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  The Power of Sound and The...

  MYLES SHEFTEL, PAUL TANZER,...

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  Dive into the mesmerizing world of music, you'll embark on a sonic journey that explores the profound connection between music and the human spirit, delving into the rich history and evolution of jazz over the past century. 
  What to Expect:Harmonic Insights: Uncover the transformative power of sound as you delve into the intricate world of jazz music. From the origins of the genre to its evolution into a global phenomenon, gain a deeper understanding of how music shapes our emotions, thoughts, and experiences.Improvisation Unleashed: Journey through a century of improvisation and innovation as you explore the dynamic evolution of jazz. From the groundbreaking works of pioneering artists to the contemporary fusion of styles and influences, discover how jazz continues to push the boundaries of creativity and expression.Rhythmic Resonance: Explore the rhythmic heartbeat of jazz and its profound ability to connect us to our inner selves.Cultural Crossroads: Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of cultures and traditions that have shaped jazz music throughout history.Soulful Reflections: Engage in reflective exercises and journal prompts designed to deepen your connection to the music and its profound impact on your life.Harmonious Living: Discover how the principles of jazz improvisation can be applied to everyday life, fostering creativity, resilience, and collaboration. 
  Embark on this transformative journey, and unlock the boundless possibilities of self-discovery, connection, and creative expression. Whether you're a music lover, a cultural enthusiast, or simply a seeker of inspiration, this bundle promises to enrich your life and uplift your spirit through the timeless magic of jazz.

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  The Art and Business of Songwriting

  Larry D. Batiste

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  In this valuable resource guide for both beginners and professionals, veteran songwriter, producer, arranger, vocalist, music director, and educator Larry D. Batiste shares practical advice and tips from his decades of experience in ways that are bound to help all listeners improve their songwriting skills. Through this book, listeners will learn the craft of professional songwriting, including the ins-and-outs of song structure, lyric and melody writing, and the essential elements of a hit song. From the start, Batiste incorporates exercises to help songwriters strike upon ideas for song titles, concepts, and stories that will appeal to their audience. He also discusses critical business aspects of songwriting, such as copyrighting, publishing, royalties, networking, and digital media. In addition to the fundamentals, the listener will learn how to build their songwriting career, generate income, build an online community and fanbase, release music independently, expertly place their songs, and navigate the world of digital music. Throughout the book are interviews with iconic songwriters and producers such as Peter Asher, Lamont Dozier, and Narada Michael Walden, as well as independent recording artists, including Fantastic Negrito, a winner of multiple Grammy Awards, and Meklit Hadero.

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  Pandya Empire - Tamil Kingdoms...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Pandya dynasty was one of the most ancient and influential Tamil kingdoms of South India, with origins deeply rooted in both history and legend. The earliest references to the Pandyas appear in Tamil Sangam literature, which dates back over two thousand years. These texts describe the Pandyas as powerful rulers of Madurai, a city that would become the cultural and political heart of their kingdom. The dynasty’s history is intertwined with mythology, particularly in Tamil literary traditions that claim the Pandyas descended from the gods. Some legends suggest that the first Pandya king was Kulasekara Pandya, a ruler said to be divinely blessed by Lord Shiva himself. 
  Historically, the Pandyas are believed to have established their rule as early as the 6th century BCE, although their presence likely predates this period. The Sangam Age, which spanned from roughly 300 BCE to 300 CE, marks the first well-documented era of Pandya rule. During this time, the kingdom flourished due to its strong trade networks, military strength, and patronage of Tamil poets and scholars. The Pandyas ruled alongside the Chola and Chera dynasties, forming a triad of powerful Tamil polities that competed for dominance in South India. These three kingdoms frequently engaged in alliances, conflicts, and shifting power dynamics that shaped the region’s history. 
  The early Pandyas built their capital in Korkai, an important port city known for its pearl fisheries and maritime trade. However, as their kingdom expanded, Madurai became the political and cultural center of their rule. The Pandyas were known for their patronage of literature and arts, particularly the Tamil Sangam assemblies, where poets and scholars composed some of the most revered works in Tamil history. This period saw the flourishing of Tamil culture, with kings promoting literary works that detailed heroism, love, and governance.

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  Led Zeppelin's Led Zeppelin IV

  Erik Davis

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  In this wickedly entertaining and thoroughly informed homage to one of rock music's towering pinnacles, Erik Davis investigates the magic—black or otherwise—that surrounds this album. Carefully peeling the layers from each song, Davis reveals their dark and often mystical roots—and leaves the reader to decide whether [FOUR SYMBOLS] is some form of occult induction or just an inspired, brilliantly played rock album.Excerpt:Stripping Led Zeppelin's famous name off the fourth record was an almost petulant attempt to let their Great Work symbolically stand on its own two feet. But the wordless jacket also lent the album charisma. Fans hunted for hidden meanings, or, in failing to find them, sensed a strange reflection of their own mute refusal to communicate with the outside world. This helped to create one of the supreme paradoxes of rock history: an esoteric megahit, a blockbuster arcanum. Stripped of words and numbers, the album no longer referred to anything but itself: a concrete talisman that drew you into its world, into the frame. All the stopgap titles we throw at the thing are lame: Led Zeppelin IV, [Untitled], Runes, Zoso, Four Symbols.  In an almost Lovecraftian sense, the album was nameless, a thing from beyond, charged with manna. And yet this uncanny fetish was about as easy to buy as a jockstrap.

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  Two Is Safer Than One

  Kim Mitzo Thompson, Karen Mitzo...

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  “Two Is Safer Than One” is an entertaining story/song combination perfect to teach children the important safety rule that being with a buddy is safer than being alone. Adorable monster friends and bright photographs, coupled with an easy to follow “word-for-word” story, will entertain pre-readers and reinforce early literacy skills. Children and parents alike will enjoy reading and singing along to “Two Is Safer Than One” over and over again!

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