20th century

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Topical Term
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y
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20th century

The mythmakers

the remarkable fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien
"The Mythmakers is the illustrated story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and how each came to write their masterworks-neither story can be told without including the other, they are so intertwined. Through narrative and comic panels, the book chronicles their near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men's horrific tour of the trenches of WWI to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of WWII. This nonfiction graphic novel follows the shared story of their friendship and creative fellowship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn't scholarly writing but considered the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith. The book also shows the camaraderie and the importance of the social/literary circle of friends called the Inklings, and how the friendship of these two great men fell apart and came together again. Hendrix concludes describing how the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had re-enchanted the 20th century, after two World Wars. In writing aimed at scholars, adults, and young people, these two tweedy academics altered the course of storytelling and embraced the concept that fantasy writing for an adult audience was an accepted form of literature. The format is similar to The Faithful Spy, prose interspersed with images and narrative comics. The narration is often conversations between a knowledgeable wizard and a comical lion. Through brisk conversation between these two friends, they explain some of the bigger ideas in an approachable and entertaining way. Throughout the story, there are "gateways" that lead readers to the back matter where certain themes, such as how myth/fantasy evolved or the art of world-building, are discussed more fully. This device keeps the main story flowing quickly and smoothly for those readers not interested in the more academic ideas behind the narrative. Among the ideas covered in the narrative and back matter: - Tolkien's world building - The "Theology of Creation" linking their faith to their writings - The meaning of real friendship - Notions of modernity and mythology - The value of fantasy - The power of a creative community - An exploration of the different kinds of storytelling in Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, both relying on "The Myth" as a story-telling device, but differing in the use of allegory vs. symbolism - The creative differences of Lewis and Tolkien: the high standards of Tolkien's fiction and the faster and more immediate approach of Lewis's - Logos vs. Mythos: Lewis created from images, Tolkien created from language - The mixing of mythologies Also included are an author's note, endnotes, bibliography and index"--Provided by publisher.
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The lady from the Black Lagoon

Hollywood monsters and the lost legacy of Milicent Patrick
"A true-life detective story and a celebration of a forgotten feminist trailblazer, Mallory O'Meara's The Lady from the Black Lagoon establishes Patrick in her rightful place in film history while calling out a Hollywood culture where little has changed since." - Amazon.
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Eclipse

how the 1919 solar eclipse proved Einstein's theory of general relativity
"British astronomer Arthur Stanley Eddington photographed the 1919 solar eclipse to prove Einstein's theory of general relativity by demonstrating that the sun's gravity could pull and bend light"--Provided by publisher.
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The Dust Bowl

"Winds whipped dark clouds of dust across the dry, open croplands of the Great Plains. How did this tragedy begin and what took the country through the worst of this extreme drought in the Dust Bowl? Learn about this trying time with easy-to-understand content tied to the curriculum of upper-elementary and middle school students written at a 2nd to 3rd grade reading level. Dyslexia friendly font and design make learning accessible and a recap at the end promotes checking for understanding that aids comprehension. It's key U.S. history curriculum made approachable for all"--.
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Speed read F1

the technology, rules, history and concepts key to the sport
2017
Presented an illustrated guide that looks at Formula 1 racing that focus on the racers, rivalries, manufacturers, and more.
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American life in the 1990s

2024
"[This book] takes a look at the major events that occurred throughout this decade and offers information on the demographics of the United States at the time. Readers will gain an understanding of the politics, conflicts, science, inventions, pop culture, fashion, and sports of the decade, and they will learn about the legacy the 1990s left behind"--Provided by publisher.
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American life in the 1980s

2024
"[This book] takes a look at the major events that occurred throughout this decade and offers information on the demographics of the United States at the time. Readers will gain an understanding of the politics, conflicts, science, inventions, pop culture, fashion, and sports of the decade, and they will learn about the legacy the 1980s left behind"--Provided by publisher.
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American life in the 1970s

2024
"[This book] takes a look at the major events that occurred throughout this decade and offers information on the demographics of the United States at the time. Readers will gain an understanding of the politics, conflicts, science, inventions, pop culture, fashion, and sports of the decade, and they will learn about the legacy the 1970s left behind"--Provided by publisher.
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American life in the 1950s

2024
"[This book] takes a look at the major events that occurred throughout this decade and offers information on the demographics of the United States at the time. Readers will gain an understanding of the politics, conflicts, science, inventions, pop culture, fashion, and sports of the decade, and they will learn about the legacy the 1950s left behind"--Provided by publisher.
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American life in the 1930s

2024
"[This book] takes a look at the major events that occurred throughout this decade and offers information on the demographics of the United States at the time. Readers will gain an understanding of the politics, conflicts, science, inventions, pop culture, fashion, and sports of the decade, and they will learn about the legacy the 1930s left behind"--Provided by publisher.
Cover image of American life in the 1930s

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