history and criticism

"Songs such as the 'Star-Spangled Banner,' which students may recognize from sporting events, memorialize significant events in American history. With this . . . text full of . . . facts about American songs, students will learn about the valuable role songs play in helping express American pride. Photographs enhance the . . . text which compliments elementary social studies curricula. A glossary also helps readers strengthen vocabulary skills as they learn about the significance of songs in American life"--Provided by publisher.

"[This book] examines the fantastical world of this phenomenal show with a philosophical lens. This is important precisely because the show rests so heavily on a complex and thought-provoking mythos based around secretive government experiments and a parallel dimension that darkly reflects readers' own. The series as a whole has asked more questions than it has delivered answers, and the chapters in this volume will explore these topics"--Provided by publisher.

"As one of the most famous faces of silent cinema, Buster Keaton was and continues to be revered for his stoic expressions, clever visual gags, and acrobatic physicality in classics such as Sherlock Jr., The General, and The Cameraman. In this spirited biography, every aspect of Buster Keaton's astonishing life is explored, from his humble beginnings in vaudeville with his parents to his meteoric rise to Hollywood stardom during the silent era. Based on vigorous research of both Keaton and the film industry, it also delves into the dark sides of fame, such as Keaton's ill-advised businesses deals and alcoholism, to his unexpected resurgence in the 1940s as his contributions as both an actor and director were finally celebrated. This is a fascinating and uniquely astounding look at both the classic era of Hollywood and one of its most beloved stars"--.

"Charles (otherwise known as Sparky) Schulz always loved drawing from the time he was a young child, and as he grew older, he turned this passion into a . . . successful career. His early doodles of a shy boy and of his mischievous dog inspired two of his most familiar and beloved characters, Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Here's the story about the Peanuts gang and Charles's life that's sure to excite those who love the classic cartoon series"--Provided by publisher.

"The Encyclopedia of Black Comics, focuses on people of African descent who have published significant works in the United States or have worked across various aspects of the comics industry. The book focuses on creators in the field of comics: inkers, illustrators, artists, writers, editors, Black comic historians, Black comic convention creators, website creators, archivists and academics--as well as individuals who may not fit into any category but have made notable achievements within and/or across Black comic culture"--Provided by publisher.

Discusses the history of the musical including "The Phantom of the Opera," "The Sound of Music," "Les Mis?rables," and "Hamilton.".

"This A-Z encyclopedia is a one-stop resource for understanding the history and evolution of the national anthem in American politics, culture, and mythology, as well as controversies surrounding its emergence as a lightning rod for political protests and statements"--Provided by publisher.

"Journalist, speaker, and early civil rights leader Ida B. Wells was one of the most outspoken and famous women in the United States. Her powerful speeches on the injustices of lynching in America meant she was subjected to threats on her own life. Her 1909 speech to the newly formed National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) addresses the social and political circumstances that led to lynching. Her fact-based analysis dispels contrary arguments in clear tones and sets out why this race-based crime was a stain on the nation"--Provided by publisher.

"Equal parts musicology, biography, and cultural history, 'Dilla Time' chronicles the invention of a new kind of beat by the most underappreciated musical genius of our time"--Provided by publisher.

"From one of the preeminent cultural critics of her generation, a radiant weave of memoir, criticism, and biography that tells the story of black women in music--from the Dixie Cups to Gladys Knight to Janet, Whitney, and Mariah-- as the foundational story of American pop"--.