Book Description
This book of essays looks at the multitude of texts and influences which converge in Ridley Scott’s film Blade Runner, especially the film’s relationship to its source novel, Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Essays consider political, moral and technological issues raised by the film, as well as literary, filmic, technical and aesthetic questions. Contributors discuss the film’s psychological and mythic patterns, importance political issues and the roots of the film in Paradise Lost, Frankenstein, detective fiction, and previous science fiction cinema.
Customer Reviews:
Essays that , like, prove it's amazing and stuff.......2005-05-26
For the ignorant fools who didn't know what they were watching the first 168 times around, this book has essays with subtexts and subconcious imagary that will blow your mind.
A box office failure shined to gold by looking-back critics and an army of fans, Blade Runner is now the requisite sci-fi inspiration film. It's still a stylish but bleak, cold film and has rightfully earned its supercult status. A lot of people responded to it in their own way.
The book has plenty of food for thought, but it gets to be much after a while. Authors compare the various themes in Blade Runner and use this as a springboard for ruminations on Frankenstein, feminism, film noir, you name it, Blade Runner has it. Slave narrative, horror film, it's in there. And there's room for an updated version as plenty of published material has appeared since this book did in the early 90s. Recommended for the obsessed Blade Runner fan--and there is no other kind.
Fascinating and Exhaustive.......2001-08-30
I thought my 10 year career as Blade Runner appreciator would have overturned all the 'stones' of interest - and yet this book yields countless articles many of which containing subtleties and revelations totally new to me. Of course, if you're not a major blade runner fan you'll want to become one first.
Oxygen for any Blade Runner fan.......2001-08-21
A must have for any die hard BR fan. Well crafted essays and opinions covering every angle a fan could ever hope for. Reads similar to a textbook. If only Scott could release a DVD version of BR this detailed.
A difintive analysis of 'Blade Runner'........2001-06-18
This book is a must-have for Blade Runner fans. Wonderfully written essays. Desser's article comparing the film to John Milton's poem/novel Paradise Lost and Frankenstein is a writing at its mind-bending best.
One of the finest books about this amazing film.......2000-07-17
If you are looking for info about the making of BLADE RUNNER you'd best look elsewhere, but if like me you want to read intelligent analysis of this amazing film then this book is one of the finest you'll find. The range of the essays is wide, looking at every facet of the film; the script, music, symbolism and much more. I've read many books on the subject of BLADE RUNNER and this one was one of the most enlightening and informative. There is more to BLADE RUNNER than you might think - and this book will show you in considerable detail. Highly recommended for fans of the film.
Average customer rating:
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A Beginners Guide to the Opera
Jeremy Nicholas
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Opera
| Musical Genres
| Music
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General
| Music
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General
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ASIN: 0517103249
Release Date: 1994-03-22 |
Customer Reviews:
Great for beginners.......2005-10-22
I'm new to opera, and this book was recommended by a family member as a good introduction. It's very thorough, and written in an accesible tone. The best thing about this book is that David, while clearly expressing which operas are his favorites, gives details on all different kinds of Opera so that the reader may decide where to start. I appreciated the descriptions of different voices (although a more thorough description of current singers would have been appreciated) and the discography was very helpful. David also provides the story lines of several operas at the end of the book, with comments on famous arias. I appreciated the descriptions of how opera styles have evolved, and the comparisons between them. David is good at providing short, humorous anecdotes about singers, performances and composers. My favorite anecdote is the one that tells of Toscanini at a performance of Wagner's Tristan and Isolde. In the middle of a very long duet, Toscanini turned to the person next to him and said "If they were Italian, they'd have seven children by now." These types of quips are not only a humorous addition to David's book, but he places them well as to accentuate the points that he is trying to make (in this case, the difference between Italian and German opera.) If you are looking for a quick, informative introduction to opera, this book is for you. I give it four stars instead of five, because I feel that some of the cartoonish side-comments are superfluous, and became a little annoying after awhile.
NOT Just for Beginners.......2000-07-29
This is an absolutely delightful little book. Much is covered in a highly readable and enjoyable style. Those who know nothing about opera, but would like to learn, will find this a fun and interesting introduction. Those, like myself, who love opera with a passion will also find Ron David's book to be a fun and interesting read -- not to mention "reference". I find that I turn to it often just to check on something. Mr. David's irreverent style is refreshing since I, too, believe that opera is for everyone. True soul music.
An extremely irreverent introduction to opera........1996-05-19
Opera for Beginners is, as the title says, for people who know nothing
about the subject. But the book is really for folks who want to learn one guy's opinion of it
(Ron David). Mr. David gives a concise and entertaining
history of the form, a review of 20th century opera singers,
and synopses of his 30 favorite operas. The book is about half
text, half cartoons. Always amusing, Mr. David tries to link
opera to gospel, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. You may
not agree with his view that Mozart is an "overrated" composer
--I happen to think his operas are among the finest ever
written. But, he gives you something to think about. And,
a fine place to begin your exploration of opera. Just don't
think you're getting an exhaustive tome here--you can read
Opera for Beginners in an hour or two.
Average customer rating:
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Introducing Wagner (Beginners)
Michael White
Manufacturer: Totem Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Wagner, Richard
| Composers
| Classical
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Opera
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Voice
| Instruments & Performers
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Music
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General
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History & Criticism
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General
| Classical
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General
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Wagner, Richard
| ( W )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
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General
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Accessories:
-
philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer
-
Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
ASIN: 1874166277 |
Book Description
An illustrated introduction to one of the most controversial figures in the music world.
Customer Reviews:
Facile, but fun........2000-03-29
There are three unavoidable truths about Wagner: that he was one of the most repellent men who ever lived; that he was one of the greatest geniuses that ever lived; and that people either love him or hate him.
Michael White's highly entertaining introduction to this horrifying figure concentrates mostly on the first 'fact' - it is, after all, easier to list someone's biographical failures than explain why the closing symphony of the Gotterdammerung sounds both like the terrible end of the world and the unaccountable essence of sublimity (I'm afraid he gets you talking this way).
And so, amusingly, we are told about Wagner's cruelties, caprices, infidelities, and, of course, his anti-Semitism; and given an interesting guide to some of the more sensible influences (eg Schopenhauer, Proudhon) on Wagner's loony philosophies, and a sound cultural and political background.
This proper emphasis on the man rather neglects the artist, and while White quite rightly argues the impossibility of separating both, you don't get much sense of the sheer magnitude of Wagner's achievement (using the odd big word isn't enough), or what it means for us, the listener, to be entranced by the works of such an ogre.
That said, the sheer readability and cheek of this book, as with all others in this series, is great fun, even if it doesn't achieve its aim (to make you master of the subject) as the book on Post-Modernism did.
The chief joy of this series, however, is the illustration, and Kevin Scott keeps up the remarkably high standard, fusing dada, colage, pop art, with some astonishing pastiche and cartoon work, which means every page, even if you are dissatisfied with its contents, is a pleasure to read.
Customer Reviews:
Even Opera Haters Will Love This Delightful Book.......2001-12-20
My children, ages 5 and 2, and I, a musician mom, love this book. The pictures are colorful and beautiful. The first page of each story is a picture of all the main opera characters with their names underneath, so the children can refer to this page if the story begins to confuse them. This is followed by a synopsis of the opera, a blurb about the composer and then the opera itself. The text is simply magnificent. The stories are interesting all on their own, and even if you don't like opera you will love this book.
"Child-Friendly" Opera.......2000-07-02
This book would be a good choice for introducing children to the stories from operas. The author does a nice job of retelling in simple terms, the often-time complicated stories from seven different "child-friendly" operas. Some of the stories will be new to children and are sure to hold their interest. A couple of the operas are based on fairy-tales the children already know and they will be interested to see the differences in these versions. My only complaint was that I did not feel that the illustrations lived up to the same high quality as the stories.
Average customer rating:
- Good idea with a major flaw...
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French for Beginners (""Listen and Learn a Language"" Series)
Kim Mitzo Thompson , and
Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand
Manufacturer: Twin Sisters Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
General
| Children's Books
| Books on Cassette
| Audiobooks
| Formats
| Books
Languages
| Children's Books
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| Audiobooks
| Formats
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French
| Languages
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German
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French
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German
| Instruction
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General
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ASIN: 1882331303 |
Customer Reviews:
Good idea with a major flaw..........2002-01-11
If you're looking for French resources to learn the language with your children, I can't recommend French For Beginners without reservation. Many of the songs are cute and catchy (with the exception of the highly irritating alphabet song), and teach common vocabulary like numbers, food, colors, days of the week, animals, and greetings. One side is mostly French to English; the other side has the same songs - English to French.
However, the children on the recording (with one possible exception) are NOT native French speakers, and don't even sound as if they were well coached. The pronunciation of many sections is so bad, it sounds like a person with no knowledge of French saying the words for the first time. This ruined it for me - catchy tunes are of no benefit if they can't pronounce the words right! What a shame, because this would be a lovely resource otherwise.
Customer Reviews:
25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know.......2007-09-29
The publication is well written, quite informative and, by far, the best book on bridge conventions that I have read.
Excellent Book.......2007-06-10
The book is easy to read and the examples are easy to follow.
It is a must read book for beginning and intermediate bridge players
25 Bridge Conventions.......2007-05-18
Very easy to follow. Describes with examples how to use each convention. Has made a big change in my playing! I recommend it if you have any uncertainties about any convention.
25 bridge conventions you should know.......2007-03-20
The book is well orginazed into beginning, intermediate, and advanced conventions and also tells you what to do as the bidding continues.
A terrific reference book for the intermediate bridge player.......2006-06-22
Barbara Seagram has a winner here! I am a bridge teacher in Arizona and have recommended the book to all of my students because it is written in a clear and logical manner. Enthusiastic beginning and intermediate players are playing duplicate bridge because of this book. Many are now quoting the author when discussing bridge hands. I highly recommend this book to bridge players who are looking to improve their game.
Customer Reviews:
Contents (I just got this book.).......2006-02-11
Section 1 Learn these first
Chapter 1 Cappelletti Defense to 1NT
Chapter 2 Flannery Two Diamonds
Chapter 3 Bergen Raises
Chapter 4 Responding to Three-bids
Chapter 5 Four-Suit Transfers
Chapter 6 Gambling 3NT
Chapter 7 D.O.N.T. Defense to a Strong 1NT
Chapter 8 Namyats
Section 2 More complicated
Chapter 9 More About Stayman
Chapter 10 Exclusion Blackwood
Chapter 11 Ingberman
Chapter 12 Weak Jump Shifts
Chapter 13 Support Doubles
Chapter 14 Fit-showing Jumps
Chapter 15 DOPI, ROPI and DEPO
Chapter 16 Puppet Stayman
Section 3 Sophisticated stuff
Chapter 17 Inverted Minor Raises
Chapter 18 Leaping Michaels
Chapter 19 The Forcing 1NT
Chapter 20 Ace-and-King (Italian) Cuebidding
Chapter 21 Unusual over Unusual
Chapter 22 SOS and other Redoubles
Chapter 23 Pick-a-slam 5NT
Chapter 24 Snapdragon Doubles
Chapter 25 Multi-colored Two Diamonds
Advanced Conventions.......2006-01-04
Terrific reference book. Covers Forcing No Trump, responding to preempts, Snapdragon Doubles, Unusual v. Unusual, Puppet Stayman, 1430 RKC, Q bidding, and many others. The good thing about this book is that it covers ALL aspects of each convention, from the first bid to all follow-up bids and responses.
What's in this book????.......2005-10-14
I'm considering whether to buy this book since I enjoyed the earlier book but there is NO information provided. This is NOT like Amazon. Clicking on the Table of Contents brings up a supposedly earlier version of this book that has nothing to do with advanced bridge conventions.
If anyone knows how to find out which conventions are described in the book, you would do a great service by letting the rest of us know.
Good overview of essential bidding conventions - but shallow.......2003-10-29
I suppose this book fulfills its purpose of providing an exposure to basic bidding conventions, and, from this perspective, its a good starting point. However, since it does cover so many conventions, the explanation and examples and not as in depth as a serious bridge player would like to see. I gave this book 4 stars because I think that it is a good reference book that should be in your bridge book library because it serves as a starting point for developing a bidding system. Serious players will want to go into more depth regarding the conventions that they decide to employ and should refer to other, focused books for comprehensive explanations.
Average customer rating:
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Discerning Eyes: Views on Violence
Julie Firmstone
Manufacturer: University Of Luton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Television
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
History & Criticism
| Television
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Sociology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Violence in Society
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Media Studies
| Social Sciences
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General
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General
| Performing Arts
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ASIN: 1860205658 |
Book Description
Reviewing recent studies of viewers' perceptions of screen violence, this complete account of the research field covers all aspects of television programming, including news and current affairs, documentary, crime reconstruction, and crime drama. This book also provides an analysis of similar research on children and violence in video games. It gives attention to specific areas of research into screen violence such as women's perceptions of television violence, the contribution of screen violence to fear of crime, and perceptions of screen violence by relatives and survivors of violence.
Books:
- Round Up the Usual Suspects: The Making of Casablanca : Bogart, Bergman, and World War II
- Sams Teach Yourself Adobe Premiere 6.5 in 24 Hours
- Screen World Volume 56: 2005 Paperback Edition (Screen World)
- Screenplay Workbook: The Writing Before the Writing
- Shakespeare in Love: A Screenplay
- Shock! Horror!: Astounding Artwork From The Video Nasty Era
- Shooting to Kill
- Silent Players: A Biographical and Autobiographical Study of 100 Silent Film Actors and Actresses
- Slayer: A Totally Awesome Collection of Buffy Trivia
- Special Effects: An Oral History--Interviews with 37 Masters Spanning 100 Years
Books Index
Books Home
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- The Dream of the Poem: Hebrew Poetry from Muslim and Christian Spain, 950-1492
- Making It in Hollywood: Behind the Success of More Than 50 of Today's Favorite Actors, Screenwriters
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- The Land of My Fathers: A Son's Return to the Basque Country
Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner
Blade Runner (BFI Modern Classics)
The Blade Runner Experience: The Legacy of a Science Fiction Classic
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Blade Runner: The Inside Story
