A fantastic look at the life of seven historical singers: Faustino Bordoni Catarina Gabrielli Sophie Arnould Elizabeth Billington and Her Contemporaries Angelica Catalani Giuditta Pasta Henrietta Sontag

A fascinating look at the history and development of opera as an art form, looking at many famous examples.

The Future Revisited examines Hollywood adaptations of Jules Verne stories and is an interdisciplinary study that offers a fresh perspective on film history, French literature, science fiction and America in the 1950s. It is a fascinating and authoritative account of how the stories of Jules Verne, a distinguished French novelist better known around the world as the father of science fiction and an accurate predictor of much of the twentieth century, found particular resonance with US filmmakers in the 1950s. Schiltz looks at four of the most popular films - Around the World in 80 Days, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth and Mysterious Island - and argues that there were many parallels between Verne's technological adventures and postwar America, with its themeparks, shopping malls, Levittowns and plethora of consumer goods. Just as nineteenth-century readers of Verne's books could experience travel from the comfort of their seats, viewers of these films could be swept away on an imaginary flight, a voyage in a submarine, or a trek to the earth's core, all in spectacular widescreen and with ground-breaking special effects. Yet the pleasures offered were ambivalent: encounters with exotic places and cultures might have led the audience to question common assumptions such as gender roles; seeing futuristic domestic spaces could highlight the confusion of attitudes to private and public life in suburbia, and the films' blending of nostalgia and progress might draw attention to society's tug-of-war between innovation and conformity.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to work on a film set? Are you curious to know what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite TV series? If so, you are certain to enjoy this 'fly-on-wall' account of life as a film and TV extra. Written by Harry 'Aitch' Fielder who spent over 30 years working in the film and TV industry, appearing in over 800 productions, this book will give you an insight to the life of an 'extra'. Over the years, the author has been involved with some of the UK's best-loved TV programmes from Z-Cars and The Saint through to Silent Witness and EastEnders as well as many blockbuster films such as Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. In this candid account Harry spills the beans about some of the well-known characters he has worked with including Alfred Hitchcock, Laurence Olivier and the great James Cagney. Extra, Extra, Read All About It is a must-have book for all film and TV fans and anyone interested in finding out what really happens on set.

Are you the world's biggest Nicole Richie fan? Or do you want to know everything there is to know about the fashion designer, author and reality TV star? If so, then this is the book for you! Contained within are over one hundred facts about everything, from her unusual upbringing to her on/off friendship with Paris Hilton, her relationships, fashion lines and much, much more. The book is easily organised into sections so you can find the information you want fast and is perfect for all ages!

Are you the world's biggest Sam Smith fan? Or do you want to find out everything there is to know about one of the world's greatest singer-songwriters of modern times? If so, then this is the book for you! Contained within are over one hundred facts about Sam, from his life before making it big in the music industry to his relationships, likes, dislikes plus much, much more. The book is easily organised into sections so you can find the information you want fast and is an unmissable addition to any fan's bookshelf.

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.

Mayflower Street runs between Jamaica Road and the Thames in Bermondsey, South London. In 1939, 34 houses and 121 residents occupied the street. Between 1940 and 1941 bombs fell on 7 of these houses and at the end of war, the street – with its corner shop, was demolished. Using personal testimony, physical theatre and the combined skills of a cast of contemporary Londoners the project aims to share some of the experiences and events that made our city into the place we know today. Blackbirds is the play that emerged from the London Bubble Theatre's research and interviews of South Londoners who lived through the Blitz between 1940 and 1941.

Classic Plays by Women: an anthology of the best plays by female dramatists from 1600-2000 Staged in theatres by successive generations and proving relevant to contemporary audiences, the plays demonstrate the wit, theatrical skill and innovation of their creators in exploring timeless topics from marriage, morality and money to class conflict, rage and sexual desire. An essential resource for students, playwrights, colleges, universities and libraries, this collection also provides theatres with the opportunity to programme a range of theatrical classics by women. Plays from: Hroswitha’s Paphnutius (extract); Elizabeth Cary’s The Tragedy of Mariam(extract); Aphra Behn’s The Rover; Susanna Centlivre’s A Bold Stroke For A Wife; Joanna Baillie’s De Montfort; Githa Sowerby’s Rutherford and Son; Enid Bagnold’s The Chalk Garden; Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls (extract); Marie Jones’ Stones in his Pockets. ?

This book is part of a series of 50 quick facts about each of the United States of America. This book covers the state of Arizona. Facts about the major cities, the history of the state, famous people linked to Arizona and many more subjects. This book contains all you will ever need to know about the Copper State.

This book is part of a series of 50 quick facts about each of the United States of America. This book covers the state of Arkansas. Facts about the major cities, the history of the state, famous people linked to Arkansas and many more subjects. This book contains all you will ever need to know about the Natural State.

This book is part of a series of 50 quick facts about each of the United States of America. This book covers the state of Texas. Facts about the major cities, the history of the state, famous people linked to Texas and many more subjects. This book contains all you will ever need to know about the Lone Star state.

The fantastic memoirs of one of the most famous actresses in history, French stage and early film actress Sarah Bernhardt.

Are you the world's biggest Selena Gomez fan? Or do you want to know everything there is to know about the actress, singer and (of course) ex-girlfriend of Justin Bieber.If so, then this is the book for you! Contained within are 101 amazing facts about everything, from Selena's upbringing, how she got started in the music and film industries, her relationships plus much more. The book is easily organised into sections so you can find the information you want fast and is perfect for all ages!

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 inane, and most of what is said is rambling, but despite this, you may find yourself agreeing with most of what is said. In this collection of short (but still pointless) conversations, we learn about fonts, the best part of a chicken, eating alien eggs, bargain DVDs and much more...

Are you the world's biggest Paris Hilton fan? Or do you want to know everything there is to know about the socialite, model, singer, actress and DJ?If so, then this is the book for you! Contained within are 101 amazing facts about everything, from her privileged upbringing to her extensive charity work, from her films to her music and so much more. The book is easily organised into sections so you can find the information you want fast and is perfect for all ages!

Are you the world's biggest Zac Efron fan? Or do you want to know everything there is to know about one of Hollywood's hottest properties?If so, then this is the book for you! Contained within are 101 amazing facts about the heartthrob, from how he got started in the movie business to his love life, awards he has won plus much more. The book is easily organised into sections so you can find the information you want fast and is perfect for all ages!

Are you a fan of 5 Seconds of Summer, One Direction, The Vamps and other similar bands? Do you want to know all the inside info on your favourite music acts, from how they first got together to their relationships, likes, dislikes and interesting facts previously known only to those closest to the bands themselves? If so, then this is the book for you. Containing one hundred facts on each band (plus one final bonus fact on 5SOS) this book will make you the master of all rock and pop knowledge! So whether it's Harry Styles and his mates, Luke Hemmings & co, Brad Simpson and friends or any of the other seven groups featured, this is the perfect book for you!

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 the world's biggest Ariana Grande fan? Or do you want to find out everything there is to know about the actress, singer and songwriter? If so, then this is the book for you! Contained within are over one hundred facts about Ariana, from her childhood and first acting roles through to her emergence as a world-renowned singer with a vocal range to rival Mariah Carey. The book is easily organised into sections so you can find the information you want fast... and is an unmissable addition to any fan's bookshelf!

Maria Lawson rose to fame on the hit TV show The X Factor in 2005 but had already enjoyed some success as a singer/songwriter prior to this, having secured a recording and publishing contract through her own efforts and determination to break into the music industry. Life Starts Now follows Maria's journey from hopeful unknown, through the audition process and beyond to her appearance on a major national television show, taking the reader behind the scenes to find out what really goes on inside the hit show. This fascinating autobiography documents Maria's early life and explains how this ambitious young girl from a humble background fulfilled her dream of TV stardom and recording success. In this honest and heart warming account, Maria explains how she coped with the transition from obscurity to a life in the limelight only to come close to losing everything she worked so hard to achieve. More recently, Maria has emerged stronger than ever, having overcome past setbacks to release an exciting second album Emotional Rollercoaster and has secured a record deal with a new label. The birth of her son has meant that she now has to fit her busy schedule around her most important role as a mother. This book is not only an inspirational story, proving that it is possible for anyone to achieve their dreams, it is also a practical self help guide offering pregnancy and life skills advice based on Maria's own experiences as an artist, businesswoman and new mum.