Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  Heian Period - The Golden Age of...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Heian Period, spanning from 794 to 1185 CE, marks one of the most culturally rich and politically significant eras in Japanese history. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the historical context, political dynamics, and societal structure that defined the early stages of the Heian era. The period officially began when Emperor Kanmu moved the imperial capital from Nara to Heian-kyō, present-day Kyoto. This relocation was intended to establish a new seat of power free from the influence of powerful Buddhist monasteries that had grown too entwined with politics in Nara. 
  The move to Heian-kyō signified more than a change in geography—it was the beginning of a new political and cultural identity. The city was meticulously planned, modeled after the Chinese capital of Chang’an, with a grid-like structure that reflected a vision of order and centralized authority. However, over time, the influence of the emperor waned as powerful aristocratic families, particularly the Fujiwara clan, rose to prominence. By marrying their daughters into the imperial family and acting as regents, the Fujiwara effectively controlled the court, shaping policy and governance from behind the scenes. 
  The political landscape of early Heian Japan was one of ceremonial grandeur and subtle manipulation. Real power resided in the hands of a few elite families, and the imperial court became increasingly detached from the provinces. This created a division between the cultured, refined life of the capital and the often turbulent realities of rural Japan, where local warrior clans began to assert their own authority.

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  Cheryl Fergison: Behind the Scenes

  Cheryl Fergison

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  Beloved Eastenders actress Cheryl Fergison brings her life to paper for the first time, 
  detailing the highs and lows of her career from her iconic portrayal of Heather Trott to 
  appearing on numerous panels and reality TV shows from Loose Women to Celebrity 
  Big Brother. But it's her life off screen which is truly extraordinary.

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  Rebel With a Cause - Roots...

  Darcus Beese

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  'Essential reading' RECORD COLLECTOR'Darcus Beese is a formidable cat' CHUCK D'An inspiration' ANNIE LENNOXThe must-read memoir from Darcus Beese - the first black president of Island Records and one of the greatest A&Rs of his generation. From growing up as a teenager on the streets of West London to running one of the biggest record labels in the world in New York - this is a truly remarkable rags to riches tale. Rebel With a Cause is the story of how a teenage apprentice hairdresser from Fulham worked his way up from teaboy to head one of the UK's biggest and most successful record labels, Island Records, signing and nurturing some of the greatest artists of the twenty-first century - from Amy Winehouse and Jessie J to U2 and Florence and the Machine.But this is also the story of a young man raised in musically fertile and politically febrile times. His activist parents Darcus Howe and Barbara Beese were tireless campaigners for racial equality at a time when racism was rife, not only on the streets, in schools and on the terraces, but also in the highest institutions of power. Fighting for equality - for himself and for his artists - has therefore been a key part of Darcus's life. This is the incredible tale of an indomitable leader, an industry pioneer and rebel with a true cause.

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  The Redhead Gets The Gig - A...

  Linn Lorkin

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  The world's first auto-song-ography! Linn Lorkin sat at a piano so that she could read her memoir playing and singing as she went. The result is an audiobook that will make you laugh and cry ... and tap your feet. It’s the fabulously entertaining tale of a farm-girl from New Zealand, a country with no show-business culture whatsoever (at the time), who forges her own path and ends up playing and singing in some of the glittering capitals of the world. A colourful, funny, at times almost unbelievable, story – witness her first professional gig singing for prostitutes and sailors in Copenhagen and her stint in a dire Naples prison – is brought to life by this born performer’s own voice and snippets of her own songs. Prepare to fall in love with Linn Lorkin, her story and her music. 
  https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/linn-lorkin 
  linnlorkin.bandcamp.com 
  www.pianobarlady.com

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  Sir Arthur Bliss - Standing out...

  Paul Spicker

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  Arthur Bliss (1891–1975) was one of the most important British musicians of his age. Born into a family where music played a highly significant role, his talent emerged early. He served with distinction in the Great War, in which he was both injured and gassed. After the War he set the musical world alight with ultra-modern works, earning himself the soubriquet enfant terrible and leading to his first major work, the Colour Symphony. His dual American/British birthright led to a close connection with the USA and marriage to an American girl, Trudy Hoffman, who would be a mainstay of his life. Before long he became the most performed British composer abroad and his portfolio of works included ballet, film (H.G. Wells's Things to Come remains one of the finest film scores), opera, orchestral, chamber, choral works and song. He was a diplomat, a skill that was recognized in many appointments from the Government to travel using music as soft power, notably to Russia in 1956. He served as Director of Music at the BBC from 1942–4, was knighted and soon after appointed Master of the Queen's Music. Bliss was a private figure who stated that the only way to get to know him was through his music. Paul Spicer takes this as his starting point for this pioneering biography, which underlines the timely importance of a complete reappraisal of this important composer's music.

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  The Italian City-States -...

  Harris Ropes

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  The Italian city-states emerged as powerful economic, political, and cultural centers during the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. Unlike the feudal kingdoms of northern Europe, Italy developed a unique system of independent cities, each governed by its own political structure. These city-states, including Florence, Venice, Milan, and Genoa, thrived due to their strategic locations, economic prosperity, and the weakening of feudalism. Their rise laid the foundation for the Renaissance, a period of unprecedented artistic and intellectual achievement. 
  One of the key factors behind the growth of the Italian city-states was the decline of feudalism. In much of Europe, feudal lords controlled vast territories, but in Italy, urban centers gained power as trade and commerce flourished. The weakening of the Holy Roman Empire’s authority in the region allowed cities to assert their independence. Many city-states established their own governments, often ruled by merchant families or oligarchies rather than hereditary monarchs. This shift created a political climate that encouraged innovation, diplomacy, and economic expansion. 
  Geography also played a crucial role in the rise of these city-states. Italy’s position in the Mediterranean made it a central hub for trade between Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Cities like Venice and Genoa developed extensive maritime trade networks, importing luxury goods such as silk and spices while exporting textiles and banking services. The wealth generated from commerce enabled these cities to fund artistic and architectural projects, further elevating their cultural status.

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