history and criticism

Christopher Tolkien chronicles his father's creation of the classic fantasy novel "The Lord of the Rings," presenting early notes, outlines, drafts, and sketches, discussing the story from the chapter "Helm's Deep" to "The Black Gate Opens.".

Chronicles the history of reggae music through interviews with some of the most influential reggae artists of the late twentieth century.

Profiles hundreds of popular songs from Thomas Edison's first cylinder recording through the present day and discusses how these songs have influenced society.

Rock-and-roll artists tell the stories behind the creation of some of their biggest hits.

Chronicles more than forty years of African-American music from the hopeful songs of the Freedom movement to the disco tunes inspired by the Million Man March.

Describes the inspiration behind all the Beatles-written songs on the Beatles twelve original albums as well as those on the "Anthology" and "Live at the BBC," and includes more than two hundred photos.

A collection of eighteen essays in which the authors discuss various aspects of jazz and rap music, focusing on the African and African-American origins of the genres.

Tells the true stories of musicians who have been moved by their convictions to become involved in the civil rights movement, the antiwar movement, political activism, the antinuclear crusade, human rights, and other calls for social change.

Provides biographical, critical, and bibliographical information on the 13 most significant science fiction writers of the golden age.