An introduction to the history of British hip-hop as it finally escapes its reputation as the poor cousin of the American variant with a succession of hugely successful releases by the new stars of 'grime'. Alex Ogg, a notable author in this field having previously written The Hip Hop Years (and been a consultant on the accompanying BAFTA nominated documentary strand), The Men Behind Def Jam and Rap Lyrics: From The Sugarhill Gang to Eminem, is a long-term commentator on the global breakout of hip-hop. His latest book explores the unique factors at play in the development of this subculture, tracing it right back to the first key releases in the early 80s, to the false dawn of the early 90s, and finally the spectacular success of grime in the last two years. Key landmarks are addressed along that timeline, and important recordings and incidents appraised, including many first-hand quotes. The ill-defined and much misunderstood 'grime' genre is placed in a specific historical context, as well as sections on trip-hop and other contributory/parallel British musics. As well as offering a comprehensive foundation for those who wish to investigate this phenomenon, Ogg provides a recommended listening list as well as snapshots of the new heroes of grime, from Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Snyder to Tinie Tempah.

So you think you know all about Lady Gaga from her early successes through to her current domination of the world music scene? But do you know her real name or how she got started in the music business? What about the lyrics to her songs or the influences behind her distinctive fashion choices? Find out how much you really know about the unique Ms Gaga with the 100 challenging questions in this brilliant quiz book. This book is packed with fascinating facts that cover all aspects of the singer-songwriter's life from chart topping hits, memorable lyrics, awards and accolades to less well known personal details, so you are sure to learn something new about your favourite pop star. The Lady Gaga Quiz Book is a fitting tribute to the woman who has taken the music industry by storm and in 2010 was dubbed by Forbes as one of the most powerful celebrities in the world today. There is only one Lady Gaga and this is the must-have reference guide for all of her fans.

Are you a Kylie Minogue fan? Have you followed the pint size pop princess's long and successful career from Neighbours actress to chart topping singing sensation? Can you name all of her albums? Were you aware that Kylie had written a children's book and can you reel off the title of her autobiography? Do you know exactly how tall she is? If so then this quiz book is just what you need to find out how much you really know about Kylie. This fun tribute contains 100 thought provoking questions about the multi award winning superstar and covers all aspects of Kylie's life, including TV and film appearances, world tours, chart positions, accolades and personal details. You are certain to find out something new about your favourite songster so be prepared for one or two surprises. Packed with fascinating facts, The Kylie Minogue Quiz Book is as informative as it is entertaining and is a must have for all music fans. If you like Kylie you will love this book.

Are you an expert on Take That? Have you followed every twist and turn in the amazing Take That story? Do you know all there is to know about the multi award winning, chart topping band? Then what better way to put your knowledge to the test than with the 100 questions in this quiz book, each one designed to challenge your memory of the events that have shaped the most popular UK boyband of all time. This book covers the phenomenal success of the early years to the band's break up and subsequent reunion as a four piece right through to Robbie Williams rejoining in 2010 to complete the original Take That line-up. The Take That Quiz Book is packed with information about your favourite group, including career highlights and low points, the many unforgettable hits, awards and accolades along with personal details of all the band members. This handy reference guide is must-have for all Take That fans and anyone interested in finding out more about one of the biggest success stories in recent music history.

The sitcom has proved to be one of the most enduring genres in British TV history, reflecting the social changes and national concerns of the time, and has brought many memorable and much-loved characters to our screens. Who can forget iconic figures like Frank Spencer, Basil Fawlty and Reggie Perrin or the antics of the Trotters, the Meldrews and the staff of Grace Brothers' department store, to name but a few? The 1,000 questions in The British TV Sitcom Quiz book will test your knowledge of your favourite series from yesteryear to the current day. From Steptoe and Son, Dad's Army and Porridge to Absolutely Fabulous, The Office, and My Family, this book is bulging with facts that will refresh your memory and help you to recapture some of those magical moments in situation comedy. With a fitting foreword by Brian Murphy from the hilarious '70s TV show George and Mildred and Nicholas Parsons OBE, this is a must-have book for all sitcom fans.

Are you a fan of world famous girl band The Saturdays? Do you want to know everything there is to know about Frankie, Mollie, Una, Rochelle and Vanessa? If so, then this is the book for you.Contained within are over one hundred amazing facts about everything from the girls' upbringing to the band's formation, their love lives, award nominations and much more. Get the facts you want quick!

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, War Horse, Star Trek: Into Darkness, The Hobbit trilogy, Twelve Years a Slave, August: Osage County, The Fifth Estate; Hedda Gabler, After the Dance, Frankenstein; Hawking, To the Ends of the Earth, The Last Enemy, Parade's End, and, of course, Sherlock. For most actors, these stellar cinematic, theatrical, and television events would be the highlights of a lifetime's work. On Benedict Cumberbatch's resume they are only a few of many entries. Especially since 2010, his performances have garnered a plethora of best actor awards, both in the theatre (Evening Standard Theatre Award, Critics Circle Theatre Award, and Olivier Award), by playing the dual roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature in the National Theatre's Frankenstein, and on television (Broadcasting Press Guild Award, Critics Choice Television Award, Crime Thriller Award, and TV Choice Award), by starring as the titular Holmes in the BBC's Sherlock. Add these and other recent accolades to nearly a decade's nominations and awards (such as the Golden Nymph as best actor in Hawking), and it's easy to see why Benedict Cumberbatch is often hailed as the actor of his generation. Cumberbatch's body of work further includes indie films, radio plays and series, television documentaries, live dramatic readings, multimedia advertisements, and even the occasional stint as a fashion model. He often shares an intriguing perspective on his profession, as evidenced in sometimes controversial interviews. He has become so much in demand that online box offices crash when tickets for his performances go on sale, and, before a Cheltenham Literature Festival Q&A session, fans overwhelmed Twitter when so many responded immediately to a call for questions. Cumberbatch consistently is a top name on lists ranging from sex appeal to global influence. In 2012 he beat David Beckham in the former and U.S. President Barack Obama in the latter. Increasingly, part of Cumberbatch's job involves the role of celebrity. Benedict Cumberbatch is at a pivotal point in his profession, and his career trajectory especially as documented in entertainment media permits a closer examination of just what it means to be a celebrity or star in Britain or the U.S. and how an actor may be perceived very differently in London or Hollywood. This performance biography is an analysis of a man in transition from working actor to multimedia star, as well as the balance between actor and celebrity. It looks at what makes this actor so well suited to play one of popular culture's iconic characters, Sherlock Holmes, and how Sherlock is so well suited to propel Cumberbatch toward greater global fame.

The A-Z of Sinclair ZX Spectrum Games: Volume 2 features reviews of three different games for each letter of the alphabet. The games range from the very earliest releases at the start of the eighties to the modern homebrew games of today. This book shows you just how diverse the library of titles is for the ZX Spectrum and how it became one of the popular computers of all time.

Are you the world's biggest One Direction fan? Do you know everything there is to know about the world's best-loved boy band? Then this is the book for you! In this easy-to-digest eBook are 101 facts about your favourite group - do you know all of them?Test yourself and your friends with these handily-packaged facts easily organised into categories for maximum enjoyment. Show everyone that you are the master of One Direction mania!

Are you an expert on music from the 1960s through to the present day, whilst stopping off at Motown and knowing all about Christmas songs? Then this excellent quiz book is perfect for you! It will test you, your friends and families with your total knowledge of pop music.Split into sections covering the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, Motown, and Christmas, the book has 725 questions covering all genres of pop music. The answers are also split into the same sections at the rear of the book.

Pointless conversations: a selection of daft, ridiculous and utterly pointless meanderings from the mind of Scott Tierney. If you've ever wanted to know the answers to why Superman is a coward, why Spiderman should technically be deformed, and if Superdog caused the death of Krypton, then these bite-sized comics will reveal all. The discussions may be insane, and most of what is said is rambling, but despite this, you may find yourself agreeing with most of what is said. It's a fair point: where does Spiderman store all that web?

How well do you know your 2000s Movies? This Quiz book will test even the most avid fan, with questions that span the 2000s films of all genres! Test yourself and your friends with this 2000s Movies Quiz Book.

Are you a snooker fan? Do you play regularly? Are you familiar with the rules and terminology of snooker? Would you like to know more about the professional players who make the game look so easy? If you answered yes to any of these questions you won't want to be without 101 Things You May Not Have Known About Snooker.Do you know how snooker got its name, who is the only player so far to have won the world title at junior, amateur and professional level or which five players have achieved a maximum 147 break at the World Professional Snooker Championships? This fascinating new book has the answers, along with everything you ever wanted to know about snooker, including all the top snooker players past and present, their nicknames, history of the game, championship winners and losers and much more.This book is a must-have for all those who enjoy watching or taking part in this game of skill and would like to learn more about the professional circuit.

Are you a fan of John Newman? Have you followed his progress through the charts from the release of his debut single to receiving three Brit award nominations? Would you like to find out more about the talented singer and musician? If so, The John Newman Quiz Book is definitely for you. The trademark streak in John's hair was originally a tribute to which soulful female artist who had a similar blonde streak? How did John celebrate 'Love Me Again' reaching number 1 in the UK singles charts? At what overseas festival did John headline in July 2014? The answers to these questions and more can all be found in this fun quiz book. John has been steadily building up a dedicated following ever since he featured on Rudimental's chart-topping single 'Feel the Love'. Since then, John's popularity has continued to rise so make sure that you are the first to find out all about the distinctive artist. With 100 questions all about your favourite singer, this is a must-have book for John's growing fanbase.

Are you a fan of horse racing? Do the origins of this action-packed sport intrigue you? Would you like to find out more about the horses, riders and trainers involved in the famous races? If so, you are certain to enjoy 101 Interesting Facts on the History of Horse Racing. It's a chronological journey from the earliest days of racing. Read about racing before the days of the thoroughbred; the first recorders of racing; the mystery of the foundation stallions; the origin of grey horses; twins; the early bookmakers and other Turf personalities; the American Godolphin Arabian; the truth behind the origins of the Grand National and who was the real winner of the 1880 Derby. The answers can all be found in this informative new book along with many more fascinating facts about the history of racing. This book is packed with carefully researched, detailed information about all aspects of racing including famous runners, breeders, owners, jockeys and much more, so that you can't fail to learn something new. This is a must-have book for anyone with an interest in racing.

Are you a fan of Ellie Goulding? Have you followed Ellie's steady rise to fame from the release of her debut album in 2010 to current chart success? Would you like to find out more about the talented singer-songwriter and instrumentalist? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you won't want to be without The Ellie Goulding Quiz Book. Can you name Ellie's second studio album, released in 2012? What BRIT award was Ellie nominated for, and subsequently won, in 2010? Do you know how many instruments Ellie can play? The 100 similar questions in this quiz book have been researched and compiled to test your knowledge of your favourite star and so that you can get to know her better. Bringing you up to date with all the music, events and activities of this popular and versatile performer, this book is packed with information. A fun and entertaining book for the whole family and a must-have for Ellie Goulding fans from five to 95.

Were you a fan of the 1980s' cult American series Magnum P.I.? Can you remember the names of the four main characters? Was Magnum P.I. one of your favourite TV shows from yesteryear? If so, you won't want to be without this new quiz book. What was Magnum's iconic Hawaiian shirt called? Who was the original composer of the Magnum P.I. theme song? In which major film was actor Tom Selleck originally cast? The answers to these questions and more can all be found inside The Magnum P.I. Quiz Book. With 300 questions on the characters, the actors who brought them to life, writers, episodes, guest stars, cars and much more Magnum related trivia, this book will take you back in time as you relive all those memorable moments from Magnum P.I. Full of facts about the show that had audiences across the globe glued to their screens, this book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the award-winning, iconic TV series. This is a must-have for Magnum P.I. fans of all ages.

This short biography of the famous composer Richard Wagner details his life, his works and gives the reader an interesting guide to the style that defined this master of operas and other musical works. This version has been specifically edited and formatted for today's e-readers, and makes an excellent addition to any music-related book collection.

This short biography of the famous composer Frederic Chopin (by none other than Franz Liszt!) details his life, his works and gives the reader an interesting guide to the style that defined this master of composing for the piano. This version has been specifically edited and formatted for today's e-readers, and makes an excellent addition to any music-related book collection.

Dennis Loraine died in self-imposed obscurity in South London. During the last three decades of his life he slept with a revolver under his pillow. Dennis's childhood in a Bristol orphanage gave him a thirst for success. The University of Life, however, made him cabin boy, code-breaker and actor. By his early thirties he had married four times and fathered a dozen children. He maintained a lavish lifestyle by preying on older women. He became a trusted friend of the famous and wanted to be like them. With his partner, screen idol and Oscar winner George Sanders, he created the Company of Cads which was to become the driving force behind the greatest financial scandal of the 1960's. Celebrity investors, who included world famous author Graham Greene and silent movie legend Charlie Chaplin, had their careers compromised. The Cads also took millions from the public purse. When the company collapsed Dennis went underground as a US Secret Service mole and was instrumental in bringing to justice those behind the biggest counterfeiting operation in US history. As a consequence of this, and a possible attempt to embarrass a future Prime Minister, the Cads scandal was whitewashed and none of the principals were brought to justice in the UK. As Dennis Loraine's oldest son, I am uniquely placed to tell his story. The intention throughout is to excavate the truth and to reveal something of the world in which my father lived and moved. Significant events are corroborated by solid documentary evidence.

Bob Marley is the world's best known reggae artist. His songs have brought pleasure to millions across the world and his legacy lives on to this very day. This book contains everything you need to know about the great man, from his family to his work with the Wailers, his beliefs and much more. So whether you're a long-term fan or are new to Marley's incredible music, this is the perfect addition to any bookshelf.