Cititorul l rentlnete pe acelai Cezar Ivnescu agitat, polemic, necrutor nainte de toate cu sine nsui, ca s aib ndreptirea de a pretinde i altora rigoare maxim i fr rabat, n judecarea formelor sensibile, de a aprecia, dup normele grele ale destinului scriitoricesc predispoziia confrailor de a se angaja cu toat fiina n aventura fr seamn a creaiei de tip genial. Legea acceptabil i de aur se deduce din preceptul motenit dup textele sacre: muli chemai, dar puini alei. Cezar Ivnescu se dorete a fi printre acetia din urm. i chiar este (!) dac i se identific semnele i rnile. Nu trebuie s ne neliniteasc, prin urmare, cuvintele grele, cu rost n fond, i cu hotrrea omului, la adresa impostorilor, a criticilor de ocazie, a meseriailor de duzin. Pe corabia argonauilor muli s-au ncumetat s urce la plecare, dar puini s-au nvrednicit s poarte cununa de legend la ntoarcere. Urcuul pe scara lui Iacob, pn la ntlnirea cu lumin, ngerii i poezia adevrat, nu-i este accesibil oricui.“ – Petru Ursache

A ncerca experiena rentoarcerii ctre firescul ce a fost nainte, adic o recuperare n registru postmodernist, o sprtur n cuirasa metatextului, spre o reevaluare a resurselor poetice, o revigorare natural, fr acea automacerare sisific, a te elibera de capcanele pe care i le-ai ntins singur n desiul textului, a evada din ngrdire zidindu-i alt cas a poeziei, iat direcia derulat contient de Rodica Braga, cu o implicare tonifiant […]. Contribuia poetic a Rodici Braga n aceast carte este fundamental, ntruct intrrile ei (s-ar putea scrie un studiu aparte despre organizarea muzical programatic a acestui Commentarius perpetuus..., organizare ce ar pune n eviden mai exact principiul tonal care st la baza ntregii construcii poetice) umplu material un spaiu rarefiat de eul autoscopic al lui Mircea Ivnescu…“. (Marin Mincu)Rodica Braga este o scriitoare deplin, cu acces egal la mai multe modaliti ale expresiei literare. […] Poemele cresc paralel cu proza nvluie concentric acelai miez tare al analizei: trecerea. Proza vibreaz nu de puíne ori poematic, iar poemele au o poveste discret n fundal.[…] Poezia Rodici Braga are un timbru propriu, modulat volum dup volum, cu un elegant echilibru ntre cntecul nalt-reflexiv al modernitii i frngerile de ritm ale postmodernitii dezvrjite“. (Irina Patra)Rodica Braga scrie o literatur oarecum special, cu sonoriti dramatice vtuite, cu vibraii de afectivitate […] ce se practic puin la noi i pe care am numi-o, mprumutnd termenii muzicali, de camer. O poezie de interior, dar un interior al fiinei, al sufletului ce reverbereaz n sine, profund, la zgomotul tumultuos din afar, capabil a nregistra, cu finee, ns cu fineea unui seismograf sentimental, seismele produse n omenescul vital de scurgerea implacabil a timpului...“. (Constantin Cublean)

The life of William Shakespeare, arguably the most significant figure in the Western literary canon, is relatively unknown. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1565, possibly on the 23rd April, St. George's Day, and baptised there on 26th April. Little is known of his education and the first firm facts to his life relate to his marriage, aged 18, to Anne Hathaway, who was 26 and from the nearby village of Shottery. Anne gave birth to their first son six months later. Shakespeare's first play, The Comedy of Errors began a procession of real heavyweights that were to emanate from his pen in a career of just over twenty years in which 37 plays were written and his reputation forever established. This early skill was recognised by many and by 1594 the Lord Chamberlain's Men were performing his works. With the advantage of Shakespeare's progressive writing they rapidly became London's leading company of players, affording him more exposure and, following the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603, a royal patent by the new king, James I, at which point they changed their name to the King's Men. By 1598, and despite efforts to pirate his work, Shakespeare's name was well known and had become a selling point in its own right on title pages. No plays are attributed to Shakespeare after 1613, and the last few plays he wrote before this time were in collaboration with other writers, one of whom is likely to be John Fletcher who succeeded him as the house playwright for the King's Men. William Shakespeare died two months later on April 23rd, 1616, survived by his wife, two daughters and a legacy of writing that none have since yet eclipsed.

The play was originally attributed to John Fletcher & Francis Beaumont and printed in their early folios. However, though there is some minor work by Fletcher the play, in modern times, has been now attributed to Middleton & Rowley.Thomas Middleton was born in London in April 1580 and baptised on 18th April. Middleton was aged only five when his father died. His mother remarried but this unfortunately fell apart into a fifteen year legal dispute regarding the inheritance due Thomas and his younger sister.By the time he left Oxford, at the turn of the Century, Middleton had and published Microcynicon: Six Snarling Satirese which was denounced by the Archbishop of Canterbury and publicly burned. In the early years of the 17th century, Middleton wrote topical pamphlets. One - Penniless Parliament of Threadbare Poets was reprinted several times and the subject of a parliamentary inquiry.These early years writing plays continued to attract controversy. His writing partnership with Thomas Dekker brought him into conflict with Ben Jonson and George Chapman in the so-called War of the Theatres. His finest work with Dekker was undoubtedly The Roaring Girl, a biography of the notorious Mary Frith.In the 1610s, Middleton began another playwriting partnership, this time with the actor William Rowley, producing another slew of plays including Wit at Several Weapons and A Fair Quarrel. The ever adaptable Middleton seemed at ease working with others or by himself. His solo writing credits include the comic masterpiece, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside, in 1613.In 1620 he was officially appointed as chronologer of the City of London, a post he held until his death. The 1620s saw the production of his and Rowley's tragedy, and continual favourite, The Changeling, and of several other tragicomedies. However in 1624, he reached a peak of notoriety when his dramatic allegory A Game at Chess was staged by the King's Men. Though Middleton's approach was strongly patriotic, the Privy Council silenced the play after only nine performances at the Globe theatre, having received a complaint from the Spanish ambassador.Middleton for his part was exonerated but it is the last play recorded as having been written by Middleton.Thomas Middleton died at his home at Newington Butts in Southwark in the summer of 1627, and was buried on July 4th, in St Mary's churchyard which today survives as a public park in Elephant and Castle.William Rowley is thought to have been born around 1585 but an exact date is not known.As an actor his early forte was playing 'clown characters' thus helping to carry the low comedy of the play. He began his career working for Queen Anne's Men at the Red Bull Theatre. In 1609. Along with several other actors he founded the Duke of York's Men, which, in 1612, became known as Prince Charles's Men.From here on Rowley's career was spent almost exclusively writing and clowning for this company. It was located, in its time, at several playhouses, including the Curtain, the Hope, and the Red Bull. Although when writing one of his main contributions was to provide the comic sub-plot on several other plays, including The Changeling, A Fair Quarrel, and The Maid in the Mill, he wrote substantial portions of the main narrative as well.Only two surviving plays are generally accepted as solo works by Rowley: A Shoemaker, a Gentleman (circa 1607-9) and All's Lost by Lust (1619). Evidence exists that three other works were authored solely by Rowley: Hymen's Holidays or Cupid's Vagaries (1612), A Knave in Print (1613), and The Fool Without Book (also 1613) but unfortunately none have survived to be further examined. In conjunction with other writers including Thomas Middleton and John Fletcher he wrote several other plays.The exact time and nature of his death is unknown but records show that William Rowley was buried on 11th February 1626 in the graveyard of St James's, Clerkenwell in London.

The partnership between William Schwenck Gilbert and Arthur Seymour Sullivan and their canon of Savoy Operas is rightly lauded by all lovers of comic opera the world over. Gilbert's sharp, funny words and Sullivan's deliciously lively and hummable tunes create a world that is distinctly British in view but has the world as its audience. Both men were exceptionally talented and gifted in their own right and wrote much, often with other partners, that still stands the test of time. However, together as a team they created Light or Comic Operas of a standard that have had no rivals equal to their standard, before or since. That's quite an achievement. To be recognised by the critics is one thing but their commercial success was incredible. The profits were astronomical, allowing for the building of their own purpose built theatre - The Savoy Theatre. Beginning with the first of their fourteen collaborations, Thespis in 1871 and travelling through many classics including The Sorcerer (1877), H.M.S. Pinafore (1878), The Pirates of Penzance (1879), The Mikado (1885), The Gondoliers (1889) to their finale in 1896 with The Grand Duke, Gilbert & Sullivan created a legacy that is constantly revived and admired in theatres and other media to this very day.

Robert Louis Stevenson. In the Scottish canon to be placed alongside Burns for your poems is high praise indeed but it's a rightful place for one of Scotland's finest novelists. Born in 1850 he managed to cram much into his 44 years travelling widely to France, the United States, Samoa and the South Seas. Of course he is widely feted for his classics Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde, Treasure Island and poetry volumes such as A Child's Garden Of Verses and short storeis such The Body Snatchers. All offer compelling examples of narration superbly reduced to their essence. This volume 'Admiral Guinea' is another distinctive facet to his works. And yes, superbly written.

Aphra Behn was a prolific and well established writer but facts about her remain scant and difficult to confirm. What can safely be said though is that Aphra Behn is now regarded as a key English playwright and a major figure in Restoration theatre. Aphra was born into the rising tensions to the English Civil War. Obviously a time of much division and difficulty as the King and Parliament, and their respective forces, came ever closer to conflict. There are claims she was a spy, that she travelled abroad, possibly as far as Surinam. By 1664 her marriage was over (though by death or separation is not known but presumably the former as it occurred in the year of their marriage) and she now used Mrs Behn as her professional name. Aphra now moved towards pursuing a more sustainable and substantial career and began work for the King's Company and the Duke's Company players as a scribe. Previously her only writing had been poetry but now she would become a playwright. Her first, "e;The Forc'd Marriage"e;, was staged in 1670, followed by "e;The Amorous Prince"e; (1671). After her third play, "e;The Dutch Lover"e;, Aphra had a three year lull in her writing career. Again it is speculated that she went travelling again, possibly once again as a spy. After this sojourn her writing moves towards comic works, which prove commercially more successful. Her most popular works included "e;The Rover"e; and "e;Love-Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister"e; (1684-87). With her growing reputation Aphra became friends with many of the most notable writers of the day. This is The Age of Dryden and his literary dominance. From the mid 1680's Aphra's health began to decline. This was exacerbated by her continual state of debt and descent into poverty. Aphra Behn died on April 16th 1689, and is buried in the East Cloister of Westminster Abbey. The inscription on her tombstone reads: "e;Here lies a Proof that Wit can never be Defence enough against Mortality."e; She was quoted as stating that she had led a "e;life dedicated to pleasure and poetry."e;

Wayne shows you how to make the leap from traditional employment and create the business and income to pursue your dreams outside of work. The book provides the tools that a new entrepreneur needs in straight talk, no fluff. This is based on the experience with his own lean startup venture. Includes many personal notes from the journal that he kept during his startup phase. This hands-on book will launch you on your way. ?Easy to use guide ?Avoid the mistakes that sink startups' ?Locate customers: how to capture, keep and grow customers ?Learn which advisors you need and the ones to avoid ?Make more intelligent decisions ?Elevate your startup to repeatable profits

‘If you had not already realised it, this is a very strange house you are come to.’ The Scions of the House of Werth are all born normal. It is what happens afterwards that sets them apart. It is not easy being the most supernatural family in England. Nell talks to the dead; Lord Werth is too often to be found out in the churchyard at the dead of night; and the less said about Lord Bedgberry, the better. Only Miss Gussie Werth has missed out on the family curse. She sups on chocolate, not blood; she's blissfully oblivious to spectres (except for Great-Aunt Honoria, of course); and she hasn't the smallest inclination to turn into a beast upon the full moon, and go ravening about the countryside. But there's more to the Wyrde than meets the eye. When a visit to a neighbouring family goes spectacularly, deliciously wrong, Gussie's ideas about her own nature undergo a swift and serious change. Far from being the most ordinary of the bunch, she may just prove to be the most disastrous Werth of them all... Refined Regency sensibilities meet gothic comedy to delightfully absurd effect in Wyrde and Wayward, a fresh new series from the author of Modern Magick and the Malykant Mysteries.

After suddenly receiving custody of his five year old son, Ben must learn how to be a dad. The fact that he'd even fathered a child was news to him. Not only does this mean restructuring his sixty-hour workweek and becoming responsible for another human being, but also Kyle has autism. Enter the school system and a shaky beginning. Under the guidance of a gifted teacher, Ben and Kyle take tentative steps to becoming father and son. Teacher Melanie Nicols sees Ben as a deadbeat dad, but grudgingly comes to admire how he hangs in, determined to learn for his son’s sake. Her admiration grows to more as father and son come to rely on Melanie being a part of their lives. When parents receive the news that their child has autism, they spend countless hours researching the subject, usually at night, after an exhausting day. Teachers, when they hear that they'll have a student with an autism spectrum disorder, also try to learn as much as they can. This novel was written for such parents and teachers - an entertaining read that offers information on autism and strategies that work. Dr. Sharon A. Mitchell has worked in schools as a teacher, counselor, psychologist and consultant for decades. Her Master's and Doctorate degrees focused on autism. She has delivered workshops and seminars to thousands participants including at national conferences. She continues to write and teaches university classes about students who learn differently.

With the power to end the world, would you protect humanity when it broke you or would you take revenge? Meet Ariel: a quiet, unnoticeable girl with an incredible gift… Ariel never had an easy or pleasant life, but the arrival of three gorgeous strangers meant her measured life is turned upside down, as she discovers that angels exist.Now against her will, she’s drawn into an ancient celestial conflict, where her powers will decide the fate of humanity. Deceived, threatened, hunted and now on the run, who can she trust? It's fantastically written using highly descriptive languagethroughout allowing me to feel like I was transported into the story - I couldalmost smell and feel what the characters are experiencing. (Melanie from "Frasier's Fun House"/Book blogger) From the first chapter I found this book scarily addicting.I just wanted more. I was consumed and intrigued. I didn't know where it wasgoing or what was going to happen and was pleasantly surprised. (Emma from "Emma's Chapter"/Book blogger)Once I'm started, I just can't stop myself from reading itand almost constantly think about it while awake, torturing me. Stranger tothis genre, I wasn't aware this book would make my heart race so much and thatmy little imagination wheels in my brain would be on fire! (Kristina from "Books and Dachshunds"/Book blogger)Holy, that was great...I'm speechless by how amazing the story is. (Deekay from "Life of Deekay"/Book blogger)Heavenward by Olga Gibbs was an interesting read. I thoughtthe idea was brilliant. I have not read that many books dealing with angels butI find that I enjoy them. Gibbs took the story of the angels and definitely puther own spin on it. The scenery that she describes in the second half of thebook is just amazing. (Stephanie from "Books in the Skye"/Book blogger)Fantastic page turner! 150 pages were gone in a flash and Ijust wanted more! (Amazon reviewer)Addictive book with a fantastic and vivid world-building! Iwould definitely continue with this series. I need to know what happens next!Well written, well planned out. Reminded me a little of Hush, Hush, so if youlike things like that then you should definitely check this out. (Book blogger)Olga Gibbs has a talent for world-building. From the schoolyard to the heavenly architecture and natural surroundings, her settings andimagery are so vivid and cater to all five senses; it would be hard to tire fromher rich descriptions. (Kelsey from "There's something about KM"/Book blogger)

He was an Iroquois war chief, she was an indentured servant. A careless footprint brought them together. The birth of a child would change their lives forever.

When love becomes your greatest enemy. Part of?The Love and War Series, novels set during the 20th century's darkest years. Moscow, 1935. Stalin is in power. People live in constant fear – fear of each other, fear of being denounced, and fear of Stalin’s secret police, the NKVD. Ordinary citizens live behind a mask – a public face that enables them to toe the Party line and conceal their true feelings and personal thoughts.?One such citizen is thirty-year-old Maria. She has a past – the sort that, if known, would cost her her freedom. So monstrous her crime, she is forced to live a lie. Maria marries Petrov, a Party activist, not out of love, but as a means of forming a new identity, to escape her past. Her existence is safe – but dull. Until the day she meets Dmitry.Dmitry is an artist, whose work allows him a standard of living above the average Muscovite. But Dmitry feels straitjacketed by what he’s allowed to paint. Instead of the state approved rural idyll of his latest commission, he aspires to paint the female form. But when Maria offers to pose for him, he refuses – until he falls in love with her.Dmitry’s artistic aspirations and Maria’s yearning for a new life force them to risk everything in the name of love and freedom.?The Black Maria?is a novel about truth – the distortion of it, and the fear of it. And at the heart of the novel, is Maria’s brutal past. When love comes unexpectedly, it threatens to expose the truth and destroy her.“I'm seriously in awe. It's a remarkable piece of historical fiction. It's dark, gritty, and really quite disturbing. And heartbreaking at the same time. A brilliant achievement!”?“A disquieting, well-told tale in which the author delves deeply and effectively into the minds of his characters. Is it entertaining? Yes. You'll be glad you read this novel.”“Hard-hitting, dark and, at times, unpalatable. It is also honest.”“I don't recall being quite as thoroughly chilled by Solzhenitsyn's works as I was with Rupert Colley's The Black Maria.”“Wonderfully written, this is a novel that lives long in the memory. Highly recommended.”“An absorbing if confronting read, and stayed with me long after I'd finished it.”Rupert Colley is the founder, editor and writer of the highly successful?History In An Hour?series of ebooks and audio, published by HarperCollins.?Historical fiction with heart and drama.

Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 takes viewers back to the story that started it all. Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Slinky Dog, and Hammalongside a surprising cast of new toysreturn to the big screen for a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D. In The Art of Toy Story 3 internationally renowned animation historian Charles Solomon takes readers through the technical challenges, triumphs, and emotional hurdles that faced the Pixar team as they developed the toys' adventure. The Art of Toy Story 3 includes an extended introduction showcasing the story and visual development behind the first two films, as well as a gallery of over 250 pieces of concept art. Featuring storyboards, character studies, color keys, reference photos, environment art, and a special color scripts by art director Daisuke Tsutsumi, this ebook provides a memorable narrative of the entire Toy Story trilogy.

Pixar is proud to introduce the must-have companion to the vibrant new feature film Coco. The creation of Coco's mesmerizing world is explored in detail through colorful artwork, energetic character sketches, intriguing storyboards, and spellbinding colorscripts. Featuring insights from the production team about the making of the film and production art that bursts off the page, The Art of Coco overflows with insights into the creative process behind Pixar's unique and engaging vision.Copyright 2017 Disney Enterprises, Inc. and Pixar. All rights reserved.

Each episode of HBO's Game of Thrones draws millions of obsessed viewers who revel in the shocking plot twists, award-winning performances, and gorgeously rendered fantasy world. This official companion book reveals what it takes to translate George R. R. Martin's bestselling series into a wildly popular television series. With unprecedented scope and depth, it showcases hundreds of unpublished set photos, visual effects art, and production and costume designs, plus insights from key actors and crew members that capture the best scripted and unscripted moments from Seasons 3 and 4. Required reading for the die-hard fan, and the perfect way to catch up on the series before the much-anticipated Season 5 debuts, this special volume offers an exclusive window into cable's highest-rated show.2014 Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. Game of Thrones and related trademarks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.

In the new short film from Pixar Animation Studios, Sanjay's Super Team, accomplished artist Sanjay Patel uses his own experience to tell the story of a young, 1st generation Indian boy whose love for western pop culture comes into conflict with his father's traditions. This art-filled peek behind the curtain of this groundbreaking film is sure to excite Sanjay's legion of fans, and thrill animation lovers around the world.Copyright 2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. and Pixar. All rights reserved.

Jim Henson's iconic puppet characters, fantastic worlds, and warm humor have delighted millions of people of all ages. His incredibly diverse body of work, from the Muppets to the world of The Dark Crystal, reveals his charm and genius to fans old and new. Compiled directly from The Jim Henson Company archives, Imagination Illustrated adapts the diary that Jim faithfully kept throughout his career, supplementing it with a trove of little-seen visual material, including rare sketches, personal and production photographs, storyboards, doodles, and much more. Throughout, archivist Karen Falk delves into the behind-the-scenes details of Henson's life and artistic process. Sure to delight anyone who has enjoyed Henson's creationsseeing early drawings of Kermit and Rowlf is like smiling over childhood photos of dear friendsthis lovely book celebrates Jim's life and his magic.

Bravo's The Real Housewives franchise has taken the country by storm with over 13 million fans and record-breaking new seasons. The Real Housewives Tell It Like It Is captures the best, most outlandish quotes from the ladies of the O.C., New York, Atlanta, New Jersey, D.C., Beverly Hills, and Miami in one deluxe volume so fans can refer to their unique brand of wisdom again and again. Organized by topic and brimming with color photographs, The Real Housewives Tell It Like It Is is a must-have for fans everywhere!

Meet Bolt: dashing super-dog, loyal companion, star of a hit television show. This heartfelt Disney computer-animated film follows Bolt on a cross country journey as he learns his entire life has been fakeand discovers he doesn't need super powers to be a hero. The Art of Bolt is a beautiful collection of more than 250 pieces of concept art created for the film, including storyboards, sketches, color scripts, full-color illustrations, as well as material from the fabled Disney archives. Quotes by the director, producer, and artists contextualize the art, and thoughtful essays explore Disney's past, present, and future in animation.

After Toy Story, Ratatouille, WALL-E, and other award-winning blockbusters, where else could Pixar Animation Studios go but Up? Their film is the heartwarming story of Carl Fredrickson (voiced by Ed Asner), a 78-year-old widower who feels that life has passed him byuntil a twist of fate takes him on a journey across the globe. The Art of Up contains more than 250 pieces of concept art developed for the feature, including storyboards, full-color pastels, digital and pencil sketches, character studies, color scripts, and more. Quotes from the director, artists, animators, and production team reveal the sky-high creativity that elevated this whimsical film to new heights.