history and criticism

Explores beauty-themed poetry, including famous American and European poets and their poems, as well as literary criticism, poetic technique, explication, and prompts for further study.

Provides research material for the study of "The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett. Includes a biographical overview of Hammett; coverage of his years as a detective; information on the composition of the novel; and critical responses to the novel. Also discusses the movies, radio shows, and other spin-offs from the novel.

Can a song change a nation? In 1964, Marvin Gaye, record producer William "Mickey" Stevenson, and Motown songwriter Ivy Jo Hunter wrote "Dancing in the Street." The song was recorded at Motown's Hitsville USA Studio by Martha and the Vandellas. Released on July 31, the song was supposed to be an upbeat dance recording--a precursor to disco, a song about the joyousness of dance, the song of a summer. But events overtook it, and the song became one of the anthems of American pop culture. The Beatles had landed in the U.S. in early 1964. By that summer, the '60s were in full swing. 1964 was the Mississippi Freedom Summer, the Berkeley Free Speech Movement, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Act, and the lead-up to a dramatic election that completely changed American politics. As the country grew more radicalized in those few months, "Dancing in the Street" gained currency as an activist anthem. The song took on new meanings, multiple meanings, for many different groups that were all altered as the country changed. Told by the writer who is legendary for finding the big story in unlikely places, Ready for a Brand New Beat chronicles that extraordinary summer of 1964 and showcases the momentous role that a simple song about dancing played in our nation's history.--Publisher's description.

A study guide to "Oliver Twist," the story of a London orphan who runs away from the workhouse and joins up with a gang of pickpockets; providing biographical information about the author, chapter summaries and commentaries, character sketches, critical notes, review questions, theme topics, and a selected bibliography.

Taking in the full sweep of national fiction, this title explains why this supposedly antiquated idea continues to thrive. It shows that four G A N "scripts" are keys to the dynamics of American literature and identity - and to the myth of a nation perpetually under construction.

Traces the history of pop music from the 1950s to today, highlighting essential songs, bands, musical scenes, and styles.

Provides information on every Beatles song, arranged chronologically, including the inspirations behind the songs, the instruments and equipment used, and where the recordings took place.

A collection of essays about nineteenth century Russian literature.

"This narrative biography describes more of the details of the young Laura's real life as a young pioneer homesteading with her family on many adventurous journeys. This biography...points out the differences between the fictional series as well as the many similarities"--Provided by publisher.

Explores the origin and history of R&B and soul music, discussing the contributions and influences of singers like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin.