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William Shakespeare: Facts and Fictions (Historical Facts and Fictions)
by Douglas J. KingBased on solid research and clear explanations, this book provides a thorough and up-to-date analysis of 10 key facts and fictions regarding the life and works of William Shakespeare.Shakespeare is perhaps the most famous author in world literature. His works have attracted tremendous critical and historical attention, and the world in which he lived has been the subject of hundreds if not thousands of books. But for all the attention given to Shakespeare and his world, arguments continue about what we can say for sure concerning his life and works. This book brings a unique perspective to the ongoing fascination and debate over the life and works of the most renowned writer of all time.The book focuses on 10 separate key issues, including Shakespeare's sexuality, his religion, his marriage and family, his education, and the vexing "authorship question." Each chapter treats a particular topic and provides a section on what people think happened, how the story developed, and what we now believe is the historical truth. This book looks objectively and closely at evidence to provide the most likely explanations for questions that cannot be definitively answered. Using historical primary source documents, it gives readers the clearest possible view of endlessly fascinating topics.
William T. Sherman: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Robert P. BroadwaterThis book tells the life story of William T. Sherman, one of the Civil War's most accomplished generals and an American military professional who changed how wars were fought.William T. Sherman: A Biography provides readers with a glimpse into the life of one of America's foremost military leaders and a top Union general in the Civil War. From his early life and military education, to his Civil War service and beyond, this book examines the career of a military professional who changed the way wars were fought. Prolific military history author Robert P. Broadwater follows Sherman's early development in the war and examines his most famous campaigns: the Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea, and the Carolinas Campaign. An engaging read, the book details how the iconic leader hailed as the first "modern" general achieved the military successes that enabled the North to achieve victory and bring the war to a close.
The Wire, Deadwood, Homicide, and NYPD Blue: Violence is Power
by Jason P. VestThis book offers the only examination of the television writing of David Milch and David Simon as significant contributions to American culture, literature, and social realism.David Milch and David Simon are two of the most prolific and successful television drama writers in the last 30 years. These talented writers have combined real-world knowledge with wild imaginations and understandings of the human psyche to create riveting shows with realistic environments and storylines. Minch and Simon's writing have resulted in television series that have earned both critical acclaim and millions of viewers.The Wire, Deadwood, Homicide, and NYPD Blue: Violence is Power is the most comprehensive text yet written about Milch and Simon, and documents how television dramas of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s mirrored American culture with unprecedented sociological accuracy. The author explains how both individuals are not only capable dramatists, but also insightful cultural critics. This book also examines the full range of Milch's and Simon's authorial careers, including Milch's books True Blue: The Real Stories behind NYPD Blue and Deadwood: Tales of the Black Hills and Simon's Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets and The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood.
The Words and Music of James Taylor (The Praeger Singer-Songwriter Collection)
by James E. PeroneA valuable resource for James Taylor fans and a fascinating read for anyone interested in autobiographical popular music of the past 50 years.What kinds of unusual musical forms and lyrical structures did American singer-songwriter James Taylor incorporate into his songs? What role did Taylor play in the introspective singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s? How did Taylor write and record songs that were inspired from his own experiences in life that touched so many other people? The Words and Music of James Taylor explores these specific topics and provides detailed critical analysis of the songs and recordings of this well-known musical icon, examining his melodic writing, his use of harmony, and his often-unappreciated tailoring of musical form to enhance his lyrical messages. The book is organized chronologically, primarily around Taylor's studio albums from 1968 to 2015, and offers an introduction, a summary of Taylor's career and importance, as well as an annotated bibliography and discography. The final section of the book presents an overview of Taylor's importance and lasting impact, an analysis of themes that run through his songs, and an explanation of how Taylor's treatment of these themes changed over the years as he matured and as the world around him changed.
The Words and Music of Taylor Swift (The Praeger Singer-Songwriter Collection)
by James E. PeroneThis scholarly analysis of the music of Taylor Swift identifies how and why she is one of the early 21st century's most recognizable and most popular stars.By the age of 13, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift had already inked a development deal with a major record label. This early milestone was an appropriate predictor of what accomplishments were to come. Now a superstar artist with an international fanbase of millions and several critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, Swift has established herself as one of the most important musicians of the 21st century. This accessible book serves Taylor Swift fans as well as students of contemporary popular music and popular culture, critically examining all of this young artist's work to date.The book's organization is primarily chronological, covering Taylor Swift's album and single releases in order of release date while also documenting the elements of her music and personality that have made her popular with fans of country music and pop music across a surprisingly diverse age range of listeners. The chapters address how Swift's songs have been viewed by some fans as anthems of empowerment or messages of encouragement, particularly by members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been bullied or been seen as outsiders, and emerging artists. The final chapter places Swift's work and her public persona in the context of her times with respect to her use of and relationship with technology—for example, her use of social media and songwriting technology—and her expressions of a new type of feminism that is unlike the feminism of the 1970s.
The World's Greatest Religious Leaders [2 volumes]: How Religious Figures Helped Shape World History [2 volumes]
by Scott E. Hendrix Uchenna OkejaThis book provides reliable information about important world religious leaders, correcting the misinformation that can be on the internet.Religious leaders have shaped the course of history and deeply affected the lives of many individuals. This book offers alphabetically arranged profiles of roughly 160 religious leaders from around the world and across time, carefully chosen for their impact and importance and to maximize inclusiveness of faiths from around the world. Scholars from around the world, each one an expert in his or her field and all holding advanced degrees, came together to create an essential resource for students and for those with an interest in religion and its history. Every entry has been carefully edited in a two-stage review process, guaranteeing accuracy and readability throughout the work. Not strictly a biographical reference that recounts the facts of religious figures' lives, the book helps users understand how the selected figures changed history. The entries are accompanied by excerpts of primary source documents and suggestions for further reading, while the book closes with a bibliography of essential print and electronic resources for further research.
Writing Dylan: The Songs of a Lonesome Traveler
by Larry David SmithThis study of Dylan's mission-driven music reveals a functional approach to art that not only sustained his 60-year career but forever changed an art form.The second edition of Writing Dylan: The Songs of a Lonesome Traveler examines Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan's historic career, yielding unique insights into a distinctively American artist's creative world. The book opens with a short biography and description of Dylan's artistic method before diving into the seven missions of his life's work. Chapters are supported by song lyrics, of which the author's license agreement with Bob Dylan Music enables a definitive presentation.Since the release of the first edition in 2005, the laureate has produced three albums of original material as well as three widely praised albums of American standards. Columbia Records has issued multiple boxed sets chronicling specific periods of Dylan's career, and several films have been made about him. Dylan himself has also given numerous speeches and interviews, often while accepting prestigious awards. This second edition not only features these new materials but draws on them to recast the first edition, presenting Dylan's music as an indelible art form.
Zora Neale Hurston: A Life in American History (Black History Lives)
by Stephanie LiIn this biography, chronological chapters follow Zora Neale Hurston's family, upbringing, education, influences, and major works, placing these experiences within the context of American history.This biography of Zora Neale Hurston, one of the most influential African American writers of the 20th century and a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, is primarily for students and will cover all of the major points of development in Hurston's life as well as her major publications. Hurston's impact extends beyond the literary world: she also left her mark as an anthropologist whose ethnographic work portrays the racial struggles during the early 20th century American South. This work includes a preface and narrative chapters that explore Hurston's literary influences and the personal relationships that were most formative to her life; the final chapter, "Why Zora Neale Hurston Matters," explores her cultural and historical significance, providing context to her writings and allowing readers a greater understanding of Hurston's life while critically examining her major writing.
Forgotten African American Firsts: An Encyclopedia of Pioneering History
by Hans Ostrom J. David Jr.This book introduces students to African-American innovators and their contributions to art, entertainment, sports, politics, religion, business, and popular culture.While the achievements of such individuals as Barack Obama, Toni Morrison, and Thurgood Marshall are well known, many accomplished African Americans have been largely forgotten or deliberately erased from the historical record in America. This volume introduces students to those African Americans whose successes in entertainment, business, sports, politics, and other fields remain poorly understood. Dr. Charles Drew, whose pioneering research on blood transfusions saved thousands of lives during World War II; Mae Jemison, an engineer who in 1992 became the first African American woman to travel in outer space; and Ethel Waters, the first African American to star in her own television show, are among those chronicled in Forgotten African American Firsts. With nearly 150 entries across 17 categories, this book has been carefully curated to showcase the inspiring stories of African Americans whose hard work, courage, and talent have led the course of history in the United States and around the world.
Martin Luther King Jr.: A Life in American History (Black History Lives)
by Jamie J. WilsonThis accessible, up-to-date, and timely biography of Martin Luther King Jr. offers readers a fresh approach to King's life, achievements,and lasting contributions to civil rights, social justice, and American history. Jamie J. Wilson's richly informed narrative follows King's early life as the son of a noted Baptist preacher in Atlanta, to his adulthood as the most visible, influential, and controversial leader of the civil rights movement in the United States during the 1960s. Going beyond the typical cradle-to-the-grave biography, Wilson situates King within and alongside the major events that King helped define, including the push for desegregation, equal rights for Black Americans, and the antiwar movement. Chapters are organized chronologically, and a supplementary chapter, "Why Martin Luther King Jr. Matters," takes up King's ongoing cultural and historical significance. Additionally, carefully chosen "Cultural Connections" are placed throughout the text to help students draw lines between King's life and the social, political, and intellectual currents with which King was and remains synonymous.
Women in Popular Culture [2 volumes]: The Evolution of Women's Roles in American Entertainment [2 volumes]
by Laura L. FinleyIncluding more than 300 alphabetically listed entries, this 2-volume set presents a timely and detailed overview of some of the most significant contributions women have made to American popular culture from the silent film era to the present day.The lives and accomplishments of women from various aspects of popular culture are examined, including women from film, television, music, fashion, and literature. In addition to profiles, the encyclopedia also includes chapters that provide a historical review of gender, domesticity, marriage, work, and inclusivity in popular culture as well as a chronology of key achievements.This reference work is an ideal introduction to the roles women have played, both in the spotlight and behind it, throughout the history of popular culture in America. From the stars of Hollywood's Golden Age to the chart toppers of the 2020s, author Laura L. Finley documents how attitudes towards these icons have evolved and how their influence has shifted throughout time. The entries and essays also address such timely topics as feminism, the #MeToo movement, and the gender pay gap.
Wilma Mankiller: A Life in American History (Women Making History)
by Tamrala Swafford BlissAn excellent resource for students of Native American women's history, Wilma Mankiller provides an overview of contemporary federal Indian policy and explores how Mankiller negotiated the relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the United States in the late 20th century.Wilma Mankiller's work for the Cherokee Nation helped to create a flourishing economy, an increased sense of pride, and a renewed sense of community for the residents of the nation over the twenty years that followed.This is the first biography of Wilma Mankiller written for an adult audience. Incorporating aspects of federal Indian policy and Cherokee History, chapters explore Mankiller's involvement at the Indian Center, her interactions with other Indian activists, and her participation in the occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969 and the Pit River tribes struggle in the early 1970s. Also covered is Cherokee history from the 1830s concerning the Trail of Tears and its impact on Cherokee identity. Chronological organization allows readers to discover Mankiller's growth and development from a student activist in San Francisco to a Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation in rural northeastern Oklahoma. The book explores the themes of land, education, community, identity, treaty rights and sovereignty, and traditional tribal knowledge.
Barbara Kingsolver's World: Nature, Art, and the Twenty-First Century, Revised Edition
by Prof Linda Wagner-MartinA revised edition of Linda Wagner-Martin's comprehensive study of the novels, stories, essays and poetry of American author Barbara Kingsolver. Now updated so that coverage runs from Kingsolver's first novel, The Bean Trees, through to her most recent, Demon Copperhead. Author of the only biography of Barbara Kingsolver and of a reader's guide to The Poisonwood Bible, Wagner-Martin has become the leading authority on this Pulitzer-prize-wining author. Here she covers every work in Kingsolver's oeuvre, emphasizing the writer's blend of the scientific method in which she was formally trained with her convincing understanding of the human characters that fill her books. What Kingsolver achieves throughout all her writing is a seamless blending of the various parts of human existence. She melds important themes through parts and pieces of the natural world-the African snakes, the Monarch butterflies, the coyotes in Deanna Wolfe's existence. Repeatedly Kingsolver writes to create both characters and the characters' worlds, bringing all these pieces into masterful, and whole, realities.This edition includes two new chapters - one on her 2018 novel, Unsheltered, and the second on her 2022 novel, Demon Copperhead - and is the first study of Kingsolver to publish since she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2023.
Barbara Kingsolver's World: Nature, Art, and the Twenty-First Century, Revised Edition
by Prof Linda Wagner-MartinA revised edition of Linda Wagner-Martin's comprehensive study of the novels, stories, essays and poetry of American author Barbara Kingsolver. Now updated so that coverage runs from Kingsolver's first novel, The Bean Trees, through to her most recent, Demon Copperhead. Author of the only biography of Barbara Kingsolver and of a reader's guide to The Poisonwood Bible, Wagner-Martin has become the leading authority on this Pulitzer-prize-wining author. Here she covers every work in Kingsolver's oeuvre, emphasizing the writer's blend of the scientific method in which she was formally trained with her convincing understanding of the human characters that fill her books. What Kingsolver achieves throughout all her writing is a seamless blending of the various parts of human existence. She melds important themes through parts and pieces of the natural world-the African snakes, the Monarch butterflies, the coyotes in Deanna Wolfe's existence. Repeatedly Kingsolver writes to create both characters and the characters' worlds, bringing all these pieces into masterful, and whole, realities.This edition includes two new chapters - one on her 2018 novel, Unsheltered, and the second on her 2022 novel, Demon Copperhead - and is the first study of Kingsolver to publish since she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2023.
Half in Shadow: The Life and Legacy of Nellie Y. McKay
by Shanna Greene BenjaminNellie Y. McKay (1930–2006) was a pivotal figure in contemporary American letters. The author of several books, McKay is best known for coediting the canon-making with Henry Louis Gates Jr., which helped secure a place for the scholarly study of Black writing that had been ignored by white academia. However, there is more to McKay's life and legacy than her literary scholarship. After her passing, new details about McKay's life emerged, surprising everyone who knew her. Why did McKay choose to hide so many details of her past? Shanna Greene Benjamin examines McKay's path through the professoriate to learn about the strategies, sacrifices, and successes of contemporary Black women in the American academy. Benjamin shows that McKay's secrecy was a necessary tactic that a Black, working-class woman had to employ to succeed in the white-dominated space of the American English department. Using extensive archives and personal correspondence, Benjamin brings together McKay’s private life and public work to expand how we think about Black literary history and the place of Black women in American culture.