history and criticism

Explains how to use critical theory to analyze the music of Bob Dylan and provides overviews of the songs, albums, and musical periods of the musician as well as critiques of each.

Presents analyses of some of the great works of the musical theater, including "Camelot," "Chicago," "Ragtime," and five additional plays; discussing textual and musical themes, production design, characters, the historical and social context of the action, and other topics.

Discusses the history of Marvel Comics with stories from many insiders behind the company.

Contains over fifteen essays that discuss philosophical topics in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" providing new insights into the characters and plot.

The author examines the literary, artistic, and social movements from the time of Beethoven's unveiling of his Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, which he analyzes as containing themes of equality and redemption as a Romantic challenge to conservatism in Europe at the time; and provides a close reading of the musical score itself, with a description of the social event of its presentation in Vienna.

Presents opposing viewpoints on contemporary issues faced by the music industry, including copyright issues, how it can respond to the changing market, the role of record labels, and the effects of changes in the industry on music.

Examines the origins of jazz and argues that African-American musicians were influenced by a variety of traditions in American culture in creating this art form.

An examination of place and landscape in literature of the American Midwest, relating Midwestern pastoral writers to their local geographies and explaining their approaches.

Discusses how fairy tales educate, support, and liberate the emotions of children.

Profiles thirty-three protest songs that have had a significant impact on world culture from the 1930s through the early twenty-first century.