The dominant motives in Calderon's dramas are characteristically national: fervid loyalty to Church and King, and a sense of honor heightened almost to the point of the fantastic. Though his plays are laid in a great variety of scenes and ages, the sentiment and the characters remain essentially Spanish; and this intensely local quality has probably lessened the vogue of Calderon in other countries. In the construction and conduct of his plots he showed great skill, yet the ingenuity expended in the management of the story did not restrain the fiery emotion and opulent imagination which mark his finest speeches and give them a lyric quality which some critics regard as his greatest distinction. Of all Calderon's works, "Life is a Dream" may be regarded as the most universal in its theme. It seeks to teach a lesson that may be learned from the philosophers and religious thinkers of many ages—that the world of our senses is a mere shadow, and that the only reality is to be found in the invisible and eternal. The story which forms its basis is Oriental in origin, and in the form of the legend of "Barlaam and Josaphat" was familiar in all the literatures of the Middle Ages. Combined with this in the plot is the tale of Abou Hassan from the "Arabian Nights," the main situations in which are turned to farcical purposes in the Induction to the Shakespearean "Taming of the Shrew." But with Calderon the theme is lifted altogether out of the atmosphere of comedy, and is worked up with poetic sentiment and a touch of mysticism into a symbolic drama of profound and universal philosophical significance. LIFE IS A DREAM DRAMATIS PERSONAE Basilio King of Poland.Segismund his Son.Astolfo his Nephew.Estrella his Niece.Clotaldo a General in Basilio's Service.Rosaura a Muscovite Lady.Fife her Attendant. Chamberlain, Lords in Waiting, Officers,Soldiers, etc., in Basilio's Service. The Scene of the first and third Acts lies on the Polish frontier: of the second Act, in Warsaw. As this version of Calderon's drama is not for acting, a higher and wider mountain-scene than practicable may be imagined for Rosaura's descent in the first Act and the soldiers' ascent in the last. The bad watch kept by the sentinels who guarded their state-prisoner, together with much else (not all!) that defies sober sense in this wild drama, I must leave Calderon to answer for; whose audience were not critical of detail and probability, so long as a good story, with strong, rapid, and picturesque action and situation, was set before them. about author: Pedro Calderon de la Barca was born in Madrid, January 17, 1600, of good family. He was educated at the Jesuit College in Madrid and at the University of Salamanca; and a doubtful tradition says that he began to write plays at the age of thirteen. His literary activity was interrupted for ten years, 1625-1635, by military service in Italy and the Low Countries, and again for a year or more in Catalonia. In 1637 he became a Knight of the Order of Santiago, and in 1651 he entered the priesthood, rising to the dignity of Superior of the Brotherhood of San Pedro in Madrid. He held various offices in the court of Philip IV, who rewarded his services with pensions, and had his plays produced with great splendor. He died May 5, 1681. At the time when Calderon began to compose for the stage, the Spanish drama was at its height. Lope de Vega, the most prolific and, with Calderon, the greatest, of Spanish dramatists, was still alive; and by his applause gave encouragement to the beginner whose fame was to rival his own. The national type of drama which Lope had established was maintained in its essential characteristics by Calderon, and he produced abundant specimens of all its varieties. Of regular plays he has left a hundred and twenty; of "Autos Sacramentales," the peculiar Spanish allegorical development of the medieval mystery, we have seventy-three; besides a considerable number of farces.

AUTHOR OF "POOR BOYS WHO BECAME FAMOUS," "GIRLS WHO BECAME FAMOUS," "STORIES FROM LIFE," "FAMOUS AMERICAN AUTHORS," "FAMOUS AMERICAN STATESMEN," "SOCIAL STUDIES IN?ENGLAND," "FROM HEART AND NATURE,"?"FAMOUS MEN OF SCIENCE," ETC. "Do not act as if you had ten thousand years to throw away. Death stands at your elbow. Be good for something while you live, and it is in your power." —Marcus Aurelius. "Every line, every road, every gable, every tower, has some story of the past present in it. Every tocsin that sounds is a chronicle; every bridge that unites the two banks of the river, unites also the crowds of the living with the heroism of the dead."The beauty of the past goes with you at every step in Florence. Buy eggs in the market, and you buy them where Donatello bought those which fell down in a broken heap before the wonder of the crucifix. Pause in a narrow by-street in a crowd, and it shall be that Borgo Allegri, which the people so baptized for love of the old painter and the new-born art. Stray into a great dark church at evening time, where peasants tell their beads in the vast marble silence, and you are where the whole city flocked, weeping, at midnight, to look their last upon the dead face of their Michael Angelo. Buy a knot of March anemones or April arum lilies, and you may bear them with you through the same city ward in which the child Ghirlandaio once played amidst the gold and silver garlands that his father fashioned for the young heads of the Renaissance. Ask for a shoemaker, and you shall find the cobbler sitting with his board in the same old twisting, shadowy street-way where the old man Toscanelli drew his charts that served a fair-haired sailor of Genoa, called Columbus." Florence, Shelley's "Smokeless City," was the ardently loved home of Michael Angelo. He was born March 6, 1475, or, according to some authorities, 1474, the Florentines reckoning time from the incarnation of Christ, instead of his birth. Lodovico Buonarotti, the father of Michael Angelo, had been appointed governor of Caprese and Chiusi, and had moved from Florence to the Castle of Caprese, where this boy, his second child, was born. The mother, Francesca, was, like her husband, of noble family, and but little more than half his age, being nineteen and he thirty-one. After two years they returned to Florence, leaving the child at Settignano, three miles from the city, on an estate of the Buonarottis'. He was intrusted to the care of a stone-mason's wife, as nurse. Living among the quarrymen and sculptors of this picturesque region, he began to draw as soon as he could use his hands. He took delight in the work of the masons, and they in turn loved the bright, active child. On the walls of the stone-mason's house he made charcoal sketches, which were doubtless praised by the foster-parents.

Danny Boyle is one of contemporary filmmaking's most exciting talents. Since the early 1990s he has steadily created a body of work that crosses genres and defies easy categorisation, from black humour (Shallow Grave), gritty realism (Trainspotting), screwball comedy (A Life Less Ordinary), cult adaptations (The Beach), and horror (28 Days Later), to science fiction (Sunshine), children's drama (Millions), love stories (Slumdog Millionaire) and tales of personal redemption (127 Hours). Unlike many of his peers, Boyle seems most comfortable when working with modest budgets, relying on acting ability rather than special effects, and surrounding himself with a trusted team of writers, cinematographers and production designers. His restless energy, vitality and drive find their expression in the celebratory tone of his films - their lust for life.In this book, Mark Browning provides a rigorous but highly accessible analysis of Boyle's work, discussing the processes by which he absorbs generic and literary influences, the way he gains powerful performances both from inexperienced casts and A-list stars, his portrayal of regional identity, his use of moral dilemmas as a narrative trigger, and the religious undercurrents that permeate his films.

Are you a fan of British boy band Rixton? Can you name the individual band members? Have you watched the music videos that the band has uploaded to YouTube? If so, you will be familiar with Rixton and enjoy their music but how much do you really know about the up and coming band? Find out exactly what Rixton has been up to with this new quiz book. What was Rixton previously known as? Whose tour titled 'The Honeymoon Tour' did the band support, kicking off in February 2015? How did Rixton celebrate the success of the single 'Me and My Broken Heart'? These are just some of the questions to be found inside The Rixton Quiz Book. Packed with information, this book details Rixton's journey from young hopefuls to chart topping success and includes sections on each of the band members as well as facts about their music, tours, singles and album. With 100 questions all about your favourite band, this is a must-have book for Rixton's rapidly growing fan base.

Award-winning playwright Jonathan Moore has been described as a “singular voice for his generation: furious, nihilistic, poetic…” (Time Out). This anthology brings together three of his critically acclaimed plays, including: This Other Eden, Fall From Light, and Treatment. ? The Plays This Other Eden?(Guardian Critics’s Choice): A story of passion. A wife and a mother. Her son and daughter. Her husband. The London Irish. Limboland. The hunger for a sense of a real culture. The desire for freedom… A tough play about a woman’s soul, told with beauty, humour and hope. “… the play burns with passion and indignation.”?Daily Telegraph Fall From Light: A young composer writes a new opera. The Director rejects it, but his lover, a young Diva, takes him to the council estate, where she and the composer grew up. There they meet Girly and his gang… A tale of art, savagery and redemption. Treatment?(Fringe First): Liam is part of a violent street gang but wants to escape. Trapped between two worlds, he has to choose between the dark allure of violence and the healing power of love.

Explores the incredible story of Annie Besant’s relationship with India and the boy who went on to become one of India’s greatest teachers and thinkers – Krishnamurti. 1916: India is simmering with discontent against the Raj. Enter English proto-feminist Annie Besant, notorious at home for the match-girls’ strike, political, charismatic. In India she finds a new family and a new cause. Gandhi hails her as the leader of the Congress Party after she courts imprisonment for promoting Indian Home Rule. She admires him – but can rulers ever befriend the ruled? Can Annie’s great love affair with India last? … or is she mistaken in her beliefs, politics and adoptions? ? ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rukhsana Ahmad‘s stage plays include: Song For Sanctuary, The Gate-Keeper’s Wife, Black Shalwar, River On Fire?(shortlist Susan Smith Blackburn Prize 2002), The Man Who Refused to be God, Last Chance and Partners in Crime. Radio plays and adaptations include:?Song for a Sanctuary?(CRE award, runner-up),?An Urnful of Ashes, The Errant Gene,?Nawal El Saadawi’s?Woman At Point Zero,?Jean Rhy’s?Wide Sargasso Sea?(shortlist CRE and Writers’ Guild Award for best adaptation), R.K Narayan’s?The Guide?and Nadeem Aslam’s?Maps For Lost Lovers. She also wrote for Westway and helped to create?Pyaar Ka Passort?for BBC World Service Trust. Her fiction includes a novel;?The Hope Chest?(Virago) and several short stories have been published internationally. Her translations from Urdu include?We Sinful Women, and Altaf Fatima’s novel,?The One Who Did Not Ask. Currently she is working on?Letting Go, a new play for Pursued by a Bear, and an adaptation for the BBC of Salman Rushdie’s?Midnight’s Children.

From Charles Bronson himself:It's back. It's crazy. It's mind blowing. It's on the edge. It's total bonkers! It's dark. It's brain explosive material. Hell ... it's me ... I'm back!I never really disappeared ... I'm always here. You just can't see me in the darkness. I live in a box in the shadows. I only slip out to create my dreams; then slip back away unseen, unheard. It's like sticking your tongue into a bear's ear ... you know you shouldn't, but you can't help yourself. It's like jumping off a cliff with the next doors cat ... it's not good. Half way down you wish you had gone to bed with a mug of hot chocolate and a copy of 'Born Again Artist' with some fig rolls.Hells bells, enjoy!

Are you a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest? Do you follow all the pre-show build-up and eagerly tune in to watch the contest on television when the big night arrives? Can you remember all the past winners, and losers, who have provided so many golden Eurovision moments? If so, you won't want to be without 101 Interesting Facts on the Eurovision Song Contest. Find out when and where the very first Eurovision Song Contest was held, how many countries took part and what the contest was originally called. Gen up on which country has finished in first and last place the greatest number of times and all the famous artists who have participated in the contest through the years. This book is full of fascinating Eurovision trivia about the performers, compares and participating countries as well as all statistics about the contest, to delight even the most knowledgeable Eurovision fans. If you enjoy the annual singing spectacular that is the Eurovision Song Contest, this book is for you.

Can you remember Hilda Ogden, Annie Sugden and Dirty Den or are you more familiar with the current soap stars who keep us hooked with the ever changing dramatic events that shape their onscreen lives? All your favourite characters from yesteryear can be found in this quiz book alongside those more contemporary villains television audiences just love to hate. The 1,000 testing questions in this book will have you arguing with family and friends about the many memorable moments that have defined the history of soap. Gripping plots, bad guys and girls, heroes, happy events and dark moments, loves and losses are all covered in The Soap Quiz Book and will refresh your memory of all the essential viewing moments from the soaps down the years. Packed with fascinating facts this book is guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment for soap fans of all ages. So whether you are a dedicated follower of Coronation Street, have never missed an episode of Neighbours or have just discovered Hollyoaks this quiz book is sure to prove a fun read.

Are you Union J fan? Have you followed their career from performing together for the first time as a band on The X Factor to the release of their first studio album? Would you like to know a bit more about George, Josh, JJ, and Jaymi? If so, 101 Interesting Facts on Union J will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the four band members. What is George's favourite film, Josh's shoe size, what type of food does Jaymi enjoy and what performer most inspires JJ? Find out the answers to these questions and more inside this new book all about pop sensation Union J. Full of information about your favourite boy band, including many personal details, this book covers the boys' journey from four unknown artists, to forming the band, releasing an album and going on tour. Find out about life before and after The X Factor for the boys with 101 interesting facts all about Union J, a must-have book for the band's many fans.

Jonny Texas came from an unconventional but close-knit Midlands family and developed a fascination with all forms of gambling from a young age. He grew up learning how to be a wheeler dealer and in his twenties, with a young family to support, the challenge of beating the odds to make large sums of money became even greater. As he grew older, his life was to become a rollercoaster of highs and lows as he moved from one wild money spinning venture to another, making huge amounts and then losing them, unable to resist any gambling opportunity. The two constants in his life have been his family and poker and, at times, they have made uneasy bedfellows. But somehow, Jonny has managed to pull off the unimaginable, repeatedly pulling himself back from the brink of disaster and turning himself into a winner, appearing on TV and in the public eye. From Sixpences to Dollars documents the extraordinary story of one man's obsession with gambling and how he has ultimately turned it to his advantage.

The Epsom Derby, established back in 1780 for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies, is today considered to be the most prestigious of the five Classics of the racing calendar, but there was nothing noble about the notorious Derby held in 1844. Marred by horse switching allegations, false age declarations, devious ownership transferrals and nobbling, it was set to become the most scandalous event in the history of the Turf. Drawing on a wide range of publications, newspaper articles, Jockey Club inquiry documentation and court evidence records, this book traces the web of deceit surrounding the original but subsequently disqualified 1844 Derby winner, Running Rein, and the audacious plan orchestrated by a certain Abraham Levi Goodman to ensure, by any underhand means at his disposal, that the Derby victory would be his, not for the glory of winning but as a monstrous betting coup. Twists and turns abound in the claims, counter-claims and conflicting witness statements when the case goes to trial, as attempts are made to determine the age and identity of the horse purported to be Running Rein, and this intriguing story provides a fascinating insight into the world of horse racing and betting, where the stakes are high and the unscrupulous are prepared to do anything to protect their own interests, with little regard for the impact of their actions on the reputation of the sport.

This fantastic classic text is Pater's graceful collection of essays discussing the achievements of Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and other artists. The book concludes with an uncompromising advocacy of hedonism, urging readers to experience life as fully as possible. His cry of "e;art for art's sake"e; became the manifesto of the Aesthetic Movement, and his assessments of Renaissance art have influenced generations of readers. This version has been specially formatted for today's e-readers by Andrews UK.

Does a member of your family have Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or is someone close to you showing signs of being affected by it? Do you know what traits to look out for and how to respond to people with ASD? Would you like to gain a better insight of the problems associated with the disorder? If so, this book has been written with you in mind. How long do the effects of ASD last and can it be accurately diagnosed? Is ASD more common in boys or girls? What are the traits peculiar to people with ASD? 101 Interesting Facts on Autistic Spectrum Disorder has all the answers and is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to understand the characteristics of ASD and how to recognise them. Written in a positive, easy-to-understand format, this book is the ideal reference for anyone who looking for a fast way to learn the basics of ASD. This is an invaluable guide that you won't want to be without.

People love cute and cuddly puppies, but have you ever wondered why so many are abandoned, often within a day of purchase? The answer is because the new owner never realised just how much is actually involved in looking after a young puppy. The aim of this book is to give the prospective owner an honest idea of what is involved in rearing a young puppy into adulthood and to get an idea if the experience is for them.

Are you a devoted fan of Cheryl Cole? Have you followed her career from the early days of Girls Aloud through to chart topping solo artist and glamorous X Factor judge? Do you consider yourself to be an expert on the woman who has become a trend setting style icon and global megastar? If so, now you can test your knowledge with the 100 probing questions in this quiz book. Every aspect of Cheryl's life is well documented in the press, from her marriage break up and relationships to her fashion choices, but how much do you really know about the woman behind the public image? What is Cheryl's favourite film, what job did she do before finding fame as a singer and what are her political views? The answers to all these questions and more can be found inside The Cheryl Cole Quiz Book. Packed full of information, this book is certain to reveal some previously unknown fact about the Geordie 'girl next door' who went on to become an international star. This is a must-have read for Cheryl Cole fans everywhere.

Are you an expert on Rod Stewart? Have you followed every twist and turn in the veteran of pop's long and successful career? Do you know all there is to know about the chart topping star's personal and professional life? Then what better way to put your knowledge to the test than with this exciting new quiz book? With 100 thought provoking questions, this book is sure to challenge your memory of the events that have shaped the career of one of the most enduring singer-songwriter's in the music business. The book covers early successes, unforgettable hits, memorable lyrics, number one albums and many personal details as well as information about recent highlights in Rod's life. The Rod Stewart Quiz Book is packed with fascinating facts you never knew about one of the all time best selling artists of the music industry. As informative as it is entertaining, this is a must-have book for all Rod Stewart fans and anyone interested in finding out more about the man behind the legend.

Brief Description: Are you knowledgeable about pop music? Can you reel off the names of groups from years gone by and their lead singers? Can you recall chart topping hits from the past and who sung them? If so, this exciting quiz book will quickly uncover how much you really know about the history of pop music. Which year did Elvis Presley have a UK hit with 'Way Down'? What was the name of Kate Bush's debut album released in 1978? Which year did The Animals have a transatlantic number 1 with 'House of the Rising Sun'? The answers to these questions and more can all be found in The Mix 'n' Match Pop Music Quiz Book. This book takes the reader on a nostalgic journey from Bing Crosby to Katy Perry with 300 questions about the groups, songwriters, hits and individual artists that have shaped the music scene over the years. Packed full of information this book is guaranteed to entertain and inform and there is no better way to test your knowledge of pop culture. This is a must-have book for music fans of all ages.

The A-Z of PC Engine ＆ TurboGrafx: Volume 1 features reviews of three different games for each letter of the alphabet. The games range from the very earliest releases in 1987 to the modern homebrew games of today. This book shows you just how diverse the library of titles is for the PC Engine and TurboGrafx and how they became so popular with retro gaming collectors.

Are you a wine connoisseur? Do you prefer to try different makes and vintages or do you have a firm favourite? At the weekend, do you like to open a bottle (or two!) to enjoy with family and friends? Whatever your wine drinking habits, if you like wine, you are certain to enjoy this new trivia book. Do you know how the American 'Starboard' wine came to be named? What did the eminent scientist William Lemeck discover about champagne? Who said, "e;Whether wine is a nourishment, medicine or poison is a matter of dosage."e;? The answers can all be found in Wine - 101 Truths, Myths and Legends.With sections on names of wines, champagne, colour, history, labels, quotes, cost, and much more, you can't help but find out some fascinating new facts about wine and the myths and legends surrounding it. Whether red, white or rose is your tipple, and even if you only ever drink champagne, if you like wine and are interested in the facts and figures associated with its production, you won't want to without this book.

Is Fulham your local football team or the one you have chosen to support? Do you go to every match? Are you clued up on all the events, people and places that have shaped the club's long history? Then why not find out how much you really know about The Cottagers with this fun quiz book?With 250 thought-provoking questions about all aspects of the club, including the top players and managers, nationalities and playing positions, worthy opponents, club honours, and all those memorable matches from days gone by, this book can't fail to turn up one or two surprises alongside all the well known facts.Packed full of information, The Fulham Quiz Book is certain to score a hit with football fans of all ages, whether you want to impress family and friends with your knowledge or simply find out more about the club. This tribute to the Cottagers is an indispensable guide for all fans of Fulham FC and anyone who is interested in learning about London's oldest professional football team.