Amazon.com
You may not recognize James Whale, but you surely recognize his most prominent contribution to American popular culture: Frankenstein's monster, as portrayed by Boris Karloff. Whale, a British expatriate who made his way to Hollywood just as films were making the transition to the talkies, directed both the original Frankenstein (1931) and its sequel, The Bride of Frankenstein (1936), for Universal Pictures. Afraid of being pigeonholed as a horror director (he also made The Invisible Man and The Old Dark House), he eventually insisted on more mainstream projects, including the musical Show Boat and The Road Back, a sequel to All Quiet on the Western Front that flopped at the box office. Today, The Bride of Frankenstein is considered to be his best film, a work that combines moments of genuine suspense with a thoroughly macabre sense of humor.
In 1982, film historian James Curtis wrote his first biography of Whale. James Whale: A New World of Gods and Monsters is not a revision of that book, however, but a substantial reworking involving much in the way of new research. Whale's life story is emblematic of an entire generation of European émigrés who made critical artistic contributions to American film only to find themselves in ultimate obscurity. Although recent fictional and truthful accounts of Whale's life have emphasized his homosexuality--even the jacket cover of this book cites it as the reason for Hollywood's eventual rejection of Whale--Curtis himself tells a more nuanced tale. Certainly, Whale made no attempts to hide his preference for men; at the same time, he made his sexual orientation neither a prominent feature of his personal life nor his movies. While it's possible that he was fired from Columbia Pictures in 1941 because of homophobia on the part of studio owner Harry Cohn, it should also be noted that it didn't take much to get on the bad side of Harry Cohn and that, perhaps more to the point, Whale hadn't had a significant commercial hit in five years.
Curtis's biography is filled with fascinating anecdotes from David Lewis, Whale's longtime companion, and several of the actors who worked with Whale, including Peter Cushing and Gloria (Titanic) Stuart. It also has a rich appreciation of the artistic qualities of Whale's work. It is, in short, the sort of critical biography that any film director would hope to have. --Ron Hogan
Book Description
The definitive biography of James Whale, the stylish and innovative British director of Frankenstein who virtually invented the genre of the classic horror film but who only a few years later was no longer making films, living instead on the fringes of the closeted homosexual culture of 1950s Los Angeles, virtually forgotten by Hollywood.
Customer Reviews:
A Good Solid Biography.......2006-10-29
James Whale made one great film, "The Bride Of Frankenstein", and a number of other very good ones, like "The Invisible Man". This is a thorough and sympathetic biography of the director and of the social climate that allowed gay filmmakers like Whale to prosper in Hollywood under a cloak of mandatory discretion. Drawing on good solid research, including interviews with many people who knew and worked with Whale, the book also incorporates a balanced assessement of Whale's artistic achievement.
Solid Biography.......2006-08-16
When I saw the movie "Gods And Monsters," I was intrigued enough to look for the book that it was based upon. I felt betrayed, however, when I found out that it was a fictionalized version of James Whale's life. Then I found James Curtis's biography.
Mr. Curtis neither demonizes nor deifies his subject. What he presents is a solid biography of a director who is all but forgotten today. He clearly shows that some of the flops such as The Road Back were butchered by timid executives and the German government and were not the fault of James Whale.
James Whale came to Hollywood at just the right time, when filmmaking was "by the seat of your pants." Filmmakers, like him were literally making it up as they went. Unfortunately, he became not only the victim of his own success (Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Old Dark House and The Invisible Man), but a victim of the Hays office and the Production Code Administration as well as interfering studio heads. He retired at the relatively young age of 52 and slid into obscurity.
James Curtis provides a well rounded, honest view of James Whale, both publicly and privately (such as showing us that James Whale was openly gay without dwelling on that fact to the point of being lurid.) He also provides just enough film history and citations of the predictable ordeals and problems of Hollywood in the early years to get an idea of what James Whale had to face. This should be a `must read' for all film students (and many directors.)
Objective, Insightful Biography.......2004-03-15
Written with detail, candor and insight, this seems to be the definitive biography of the interesting and eccentric film director. A highly readable account of the man and his movies.
A Definitive Biography.......2004-02-18
After seeing the film "Gods and Monsters" I was anxious to read a biography of James Whale. This book by James Curtis certainly fits the bill of a complete biography of its subject. Mr. Curtis was a close friend of David Lewis, who lived with James Whale for several years and saw to it after the director's death that his memory lived on.
Mr. Curtis gives us a lot of detail about James Whale's life and I sometimes found myself skimming a bit, particularly in the beginning of his career as an actor. We get a lot of information about the films Mr. Whale directed, including the story behind the fascinating effects in The Invisible Man. The book is illustrated with numerous photographs spread through the book and is well written, particularly when Mr. Curtis speaks of James Whale in his years of retirement. The book is a must for fans of the Frankenstein movies and people interested in Universal Pictures but for the person who knows James Whale only thought his horror films, this book with bring a much needed perspective on his life. I found myself wanting to see the James Whale films as I was reading, including Show Boat and his lesser known films. In sum, this is an interesting portrait of who James Whale was and what Hollywood was like in the 1930s.
Great Biography.......2002-07-28
I bought and read this biography after seeing the film "Gods and Monsters" and reading the novel Father of Frankenstein. I've always been a fan of Hollywood stories--especially from the thirties and forties--and this book gave me tons of interesting information. Whale was quite a character, and I'm glad I got to know him better through this excellent biography.
Book Description
In this collection Oscar Herrero manages to take us into a complete flamenco dimension with a "torrent" of great musical ideas on his guitar. The original recording features Herrero, Victor Monge "Serranito," and David Tavares on flamenco guitar, and Carmen Linares and Gabriel Moreno on vocals. The transcriptions appear in notation and tablature with program notes for each piece.
Customer Reviews:
Oscar's work.......2004-12-04
I have been playing flamenco for about 8 years now, and this is some of the best works I've found, but make NO mistake; you MUST start with the DVD/VHS 'Paso a Paso' series from the beginning to learn, know, and understand these latter books. Once you understand the techniques involved, it will still take time to learn them (unless you are already an accomplished player), but Oscar plays some incredible pieces and shares them to all.
I am playing/performing, and the series has helped immensely. Well worth the investment, over and over.
Book Description
Complete walkthroughs for all of the Digi-Domains
Comprehensive coverage on digivolving your Digimon
Secrets of DNA digivolving
Lists of all Digimon and Digi-Beetle Items
Battle tactics for all Domain Bosses
Customer Reviews:
An awsome guide!.......2003-01-06
This guide is a life-saver, the DNA digi-volution guide was the key to unlocking the fun of the game. Also why is a pokemon fan even writing a reveiw just to make digimon fans angry? I used to think digimon was a little kids show, and then I watched one of the episodes with my son and I loved it! So please poke fans, don't write a "Digimon sucks" review okay!
Great Guide!.......2002-08-15
This guide has everything you need. Digivolvation charts, domain tips for bosses, lists to show the digimon you can catch in each domain. This is the perfect guide for a great game.
Negative-1 Trillion Stars.......2001-10-17
... Before I liked Pokemon I thought Digimon would be better but after seeing 2 Digimon episodes I decided it was weird and gross(The first one I saw showed blood). Then when i gave Pokemon a chance I decided I liked it better because the plot had more to it,it didn't show blood(except when meowth scratchs Jessie and James but nothing major),and the characters were better(including the animals) although that weren't as many people as in Digimon. Also,Digimon is sorta like a copy of Pokemon since they are basicly the same except that Pokemon is better. Like they say:"There's nothing like the original".
Thank the Digi-Gods!!!.......2001-08-23
This is an extrememly helpful guide. The information on Digivolution and DNA Digivolution are well worth the cost. A must have if you like the game.
Overall a good guide.......2001-06-22
I found the book to be extremely helpful with digivolving and the DNA reference page was a godsend. The only problems I found with the book were the typos and occasional mistakes concerning what digimon you'd find in the domains. You should definately get this book; just watch out for the mistakes therein. Be on the look-out for Flym and cross-type digivolution (which isn't clearly stated in the book ie. Zudomon to Preciomon)
Book Description
BradyGames' Digimon World 4 Official Strategy Guide includes the following:
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World Walkthrough â Precise information about each treacherous area!
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Full Side Quest Coverage!
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Comprehensive Monster List â Strengths and weaknesses for every foe!
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Weapon, Item, Spell, and Armor Lists â Stats for every item your Digimon can equip!
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Digivolve List!
And Much, Much More!
Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, & GameCube
Genre: Action/Adventure
This product is available for sale in North America only.
Customer Reviews:
my review.......2005-08-14
The strategy guide was perfect.I liked the service.The only problem was that My order did not come when it was supposed to.I called them back and they resent out the item.I recieved only one of the copies of the strategy guide.
Book Description
Seven kids, away at summer camp, are unexpectedly transported to the digital world of File Island. Once there, the kids befriend special Digimon (Digital Monsters) who help them in their quests to find a way home. On their journey through the island, many evil Digimon attack the kids. Through teamwork, the children activate their Digivices to magically digivolve the good Digimon into more powerful monsters to battle the evil Digimon and protect the kids. Now, with
Digimon World: Prima's Official Strategy Guide, you'll get:
Easy-to-follow walkthrough including detailed maps of Digimon World
Bestiary including comprehensive Digimon data
Tips on digivolving your monster to be the best it can be
Tactics for battling enemy Digimon
Detailed evolution charts
Explanatory tables for all skills and items
Customer Reviews:
Great.......2004-11-20
The Maps Tell You Exactally Where To Go
The Charts Are Awsome And Clear With Great Information.
The Downside Is The Beastiary....The Information Is Squished And The Three Top Secret Digimon Are Hard To Get...The Information On Recruiting Is Well Described And In Order
this [is not a good].......2002-09-25
at first when i got this guide it was very helpful. now it confuses me. i'm stuck in the game and i can't do anything about it... i'd give it no stars at all if i could. so buy a different brand of guide.
not very helpful.......2001-07-03
really nothing much to say except that the guide was not helpful in helping me play the game.
Digimon Rules! (the game of course!).......2000-10-10
I bought the game just for a little laugh at Bandai's Pokemon imitation. It turned out to be a whole lot more than I expected! I am definitly bought buy the strategy guide! You get to raise your own cute (or weird!)Digimon.
DIGIMON vs Pokemon vs Monster Rancher.......2000-09-20
You've watched the cartoon, collected the card game and now Prima Games lets you view the game in it's entirty as you play. Like Pokemon and Monster Rancher, DIGIMON incorporates kids very fascinations with Monsters in to a Role Playing Genre. This Strategy Guide helps you with those tough to get Champion and Ultimate DIGIMON. All Items are listed in detail and how to recieve special items. It takes the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How out of playing. So if you like Pokemon, Monster Rancher, and/or RPGs then buy this book. Oh yeah the Game too.
Book Description
Versus Books Exclusive Official Perfect Guide for Digimon World 3 features all the special codes to get rare items and to Code Digivolve. Learn how to customize your Digimon and choose when to Digivolve during battles for strategic superiority. It has a complete Digimon appendix, featuring 20 original Digimon and the remaining Digimon from all three seasons of Digimon: Digital Monsters. Includes FREE poster!
Customer Reviews:
THE BEST BOOK! IF YOU LIKE DIGIMON GET THIS BOOK!.......2003-04-13
THIS IS THE GREATEST BOOK1!! IT HAS a FREEEE POSTER FEUTRING THE DIGIMON. IT TELLS YOU ABOUT THE 8 ROOKIES YOU CAN GET. IT TELLS YOU LOCATIONS TO GET ALL PARTNERS AND WHICH ONE CAN ELVOVE INTO WHAT. IT SPOILS THE GAME SOMETIMES. IT HAS MAPS OF THE MOST CONFUSING AND TOUGHEST AREAS. YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO FIGHT ALL 8 LEADERS:4 GOOD LEADERS AND 4 LEADERS OF THE AoA. IT HAS TONS OF GREAT ART AND SCREENSHOTS. TELLS HOW ITEMS CAN BE EQIUP WITH WHAT PARTNEER.THIS BOOK IS GREAT!!... FOR READING AND HOW TO GET PAST THE GAME OBSICTELS.
The best guide.......2002-07-15
If you're having trouble in the game and are completl stuck, this is the guide for you! It tells you how to complete sidequests and other challenges as well as a guide to the entire game and digivolution trees. You gotta get this if you own Digimon World 3!
Average customer rating:
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Digimon World (UK)
Prima
Manufacturer: Prima Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Video & Electronic Games
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Video Games
| Games & Strategy Guides
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0761534334 |
Book Description
Told from the point of view of Kari, one of the most popular characters on the show, this book gives you a guided tour of the entire Digital World. Kari was the eighth of the Digi destined and Tai¹s little sister! Now she¹s an important member of five new heroes who battle to keep the Digital World safe for their Digimon pals.
Customer Reviews:
What a stupid book.......2005-02-01
they should have added a picture of kari getting her skull caved in HA HA HA HA. Who would want to buy this anyway
Kari rocks!.......2002-10-27
If you like Kari this is the book for you!
Average customer rating:
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Digimon Worlds Greatest Hits
Manufacturer: Prima Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Video & Electronic Games
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Video Games
| Games & Strategy Guides
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0761536361 |
Book Description
In The Winning Attitude John Maxwell shares insights from real life experiences showing how to recognize and attain the winning attitude to overcome life's difficulties, win people over, and turn problems into opportunities.
Developing the Leaders Around You takes personal leadership one step further by showing you how to identify and train potential leaders and foster a productive team spirit.
Whatever your vocation or aspiration, you can increase your impact on others by Becoming a Person of Influence. Learn simple insightful ways to interact more positively with others, and watch you personal and organizational success go off the charts. With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing and Uplifting, .......2007-09-23
I have never read a book that uplifting, when I am on my worst moments for that day I pick up that book and it takes me some where else, even takes me to the bible to look up motivational readings. It has trully changed my way of thinking. I love it.
Excellent resource.......2007-06-02
Do you want to free your mind of bad attitudes, educate other and become a positive influence? Then you must have this masterpieces. Read them, apply and you'll see the results
Best of Maxwell.......2007-05-09
I am reviewing Maxwell's book because he does write insightfully and has given to me useful answers when dealing with organizational or leadership challenges. In this 3-books-in-1 volume, there is repetition of the most-important points of his tenure as a leadership trainer. Favorite quotes: "-In most cases, those who want power probably shouldn't have it, those who enjoy it probably do so for the wrong reasons, and those who want most to hold on to it don't understand that it's only temporary. " And, "Being an influencer means....
modeling integrity with everyone you come into contact with.
nurturing the people in you life to make them feel valued.
showing faith in other so that they believe in themselves.
listening to them so that you can build your relationship with them.
understanding them so that you can help them achieve their dreams.
enlarging them in order to increase their potential.
navigating them through life's difficulties until they can do it themselves.
connecting with them so that you can move them to a higher level.
empowering them to become the person they were created to be.
reproducing other leaders so that your influence continues to grow through others." pg 209.
Simply the best.........2007-01-10
If your looking for some real self improvement then anything from this author is top notch...
Changes/Goals.......2006-11-14
This is an awsome book, it has helped me make changes in my life. I realized that if I want things to change--I must change. This book will help you step in the right direction. If you have a goal in life then this book will help you achieved those goals.
Books:
- Jesus and Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ: The Film, the Gospels and the Claims of History
- Kinsey: Public and Private
- Korean Cinema: The New Hong Kong
- Making Meaning: Inference and Rhetoric in the Interpretation of Cinema (Harvard Film Studies)
- Manhattan on Film Updated Edition : Walking Tours of Hollywood's Fabled Front Lot
- Mighty Movies: Movie Poster Art from Hollywood's Greatest Adventure Epics and Spectaculars
- Mise en scène: cinéma et lecture
- Motion Blur (includes DVD): Graphic Moving Imagemakers Publishers (Onedotzero)
- My Beautiful Laundrette
- Neo-Noir: The New Film Noir Style from Psycho to Collateral
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Annuities
- Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings, 10th Edition
- GENE RODENBERRY: THE LAST CONVERSATION: A DIALOGUE WITH CREATOR OF STAR TREK
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- International Marketing
- Protector of the Flight
- Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich
- Corporate Governance: Responsibilities, Risks and Remuneration
- Ethical Decision Making in Fund Raising
- La Frontera De Cristal/the Cristal Frontier: Una Novela En Nueve Cuentos
The Father of Frankenstein
The Old Dark House
James Whale: A Biography or the Would-Be Gentleman (Lesbian and Gay Studies Series)
Gods and Monsters: A Novel (P.S.)
W. C. Fields: A Biography
