With the first publication, in this edition, of all thesurviving letters of Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961), readers will forthe first time be able to follow the thoughts, ideas and actions ofone of the great literary figures of the twentieth century in hisown words. This first volume encompasses his youth, his experiencein World War I and his arrival in Paris. The letters reveal a morecomplex person than Hemingway's tough guy public persona wouldsuggest: devoted son, affectionate brother, infatuated lover,adoring husband, spirited friend and disciplined writer. Unguardedand never intended for publication, the letters record experiencesthat inspired his art, afford insight into his creative process andexpress his candid assessments of his own work and that of hiscontemporaries. The letters present immediate accounts of eventsand relationships that profoundly shaped his life and work. Adetailed introduction, notes, chronology, illustrations and indexare included.

'It had happened again. Dad had shouted and yelled, thrown things and smashed things up. And then he had quietly cleaned everything away'. Leo's dad has changed. Since Mum died, his drinking is worse and now he's a different person, someone Leo doesn't recognize. The truth is that Leo is covering up for him and when things get bad Leo escapes into his own head, pretending everything's OK. Things need to change, but what can Leo do? No one understands, except maybe his friend Flora. Leo wants his old dad back so they can be happy again - because Dad is all he has left...

Through the lives of four xceptional sisters an intimate account of China in the last century…

Audrey Hepburn's exquisite style and grace is much documented-her debut in Roman Holiday in 1953 redefined perceived notions of Hollywood glamour and ushered in an age of sophistication and elegance, Hepburn's legacy on screen and in fashion is undisputed, her image attaining that rare feat in cinema of becoming as synonymous with her fame as her films. Audrey Hepbum: The Pdrdmount Years collects together for the first time those memorable billboard images which established her iconic status. Featuring the golden period of Hepburn's film career, this sumptuous book includes never-before-seen poster artwork for Roman Holiddy; Sobrina, Funny Face and Breakfast At Tiffony's along with magazine covers from the period, lobby cards, stunning costume designs and rare behind-the-scenes stills from her Paramount films. With a foreword written by Sir Christopher Frayling, Chair dArts Council England and Rector of the Royal College of Art, this book shows, film by film, how Hepburn's classic image was created th

In this riveting work of narrative nonfiction, journalistGraham Bowley re-creates one of the most dramatic tales of deathand survival in mountaineering history, vividly taking readersthrough the tragic 2008 K2 ascent that claimed the lives of elevenclimbers, severely injured two others, and made headlines aroundthe world. With its near-perfect pyramid shape, the 28,251-foot K2—theworld's second-highest mountain, some 800 feet shorter than thelegendary Everest hundreds of miles to the south—has lured seriousclimbers for decades. In 2008, near the end of a brief climbingseason cut even shorter by bad weather, no fewer than teninternational teams—some experienced, others less prepared—crowdedthe mountain's dangerous slopes with their Sherpas and porters,waiting to ascend. Finally, on August 1, they were able to set off. But hindered bypoor judgment, lack of equipment, and overcrowded conditions, thelast group did not summit until nearly 8 p.m., hours later thanplanned. Then disaster st

Climb into the saddle of one of Marco Polo's pack-horses,and begin an epic journey across the wilds of Central Asia. Brave jagged mountains,deep ravines,haunted deserts,bandits and high way men as you travel along the ancient silk road. Pay homage at the court of Mongol emperor Kublai Khan,the greatest rulet in the world. Follow Marco Polo's expedition stage by stage,and read about his many true-life adventures.

His debut album has already gone platinum. His YouTube videos have received over 10 million hits. He's sung for the president of the United States. His screaming fans have stormed TV studios and shut down shopping malls. Justin Bieber is a global superstar and now, for the first time ever, he's going to tell all in his very own book. In this book, Justin tells the story of his amazing journey from small-town schoolboy to global superstar. Stunningly designed and jam packed full of exclusive unseen photos of Justin on and off stage, plus private captured moments, the awesome story of Justin's phenomenal rise to superstardom is a must-have for any true fan.

Readers of Princess Sultana's extraordinary autobiography, Princess, were gripped by her powerful indictment of women's lives within the royal family of Saudi Arabia. In Desert Royal she continues her story at a period of crisis in her life when she reveals her shameful secret - especially so in a Muslim country where alcohol is forbidden - that she has a drinking problem. The forced marriage of her niece to a cruel and depraved older man, and her discovery of the harem of sex slaves kept by another cousin, makes her more determined than ever to defend the rights of women in her country. Her cause is given an extra sense of urgency against the backdrop of increased dissent against the Al Sa'uds, and the looming spectre of Islamic Fundamentalism.

So much has how been said and written about the life and career of Michael Jackson that it has become almost impossible to disentangle the man from the myth. Recent revelations are only the latest instalments of a saga that began decades ago. This book is the fruit of over 30 years of research and hundreds of exclusive interviews with a remarkable level of access to the very closest circles of the Jackson family - including Michael himself. Cutting through tabloid rumours, J. Randy Taraborrelli traces the real story behind the Michael Jackson we see and hear today, from his drilling as a child star through the blooming of his talent to his ever-changing personal appearance and bizarre publicity stunts. This major biography includes the behind-the-scenes story to many of the landmarks in Jackson's life: his legal and commercial battles, his marriages to Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe, his passions and addictions, his children. Objective and revealing, it carries the hallmarks of all of Taraborrelli's best-

The riveting memoirs of the outstanding moral and political leader of our time, A LONG WALK TO FREEDOM brilliantly re-creates the drama of the experiences that helped shape Nelson Mandela's destiny. Emotive, compelling and uplifting, A LONG WALK TO FREEDOM is the exhilarating story of an epic life; a story of hardship, resilience and ultimate triumph told with the clarity and eloquence of a born leader. 'Burns with the luminosity of faith in the invincible nature of human hope and dignity ...Unforgettable' Andre Brink 'Enthralling ...Mandela emulates the few great political leaders such as Lincoln and Gandhi, who go beyond mere consensus and move out ahead of their followers to break new ground' Donald Woods in the SUNDAY TIMES --This text refers to the Paperback edition. From the Back Cover The riveting memoirs of the outstanding moral and political figure of our time, Long Walk to Freedom is the exhilarating story of Nelson Mandela's epic life; a story of hardship, resilience and ultimate triumph tol

Where Justin Bieber goes, screaming girls follow! This hot young heartthrob is taking the world by storm, and Justin Bieber: Me You explains how he got his big break and what he has planned for the future. Filled with fun quizzes, all the latest gossip, gorgeous photos, and even a pull-out poster, this must-have scrapbook brings Justin's favorite girls closer to their idol than ever before!

Katrina Firlik is a neurosurgeon, one of only two hundred or so women among the alpha males who dominate this high-pressure, high-prestige medical specialty. She is also a superbly gifted writer–witty, insightful, at once deeply humane and refreshingly wry. In Another Day in the Frontal Lobe, Dr. Firlik draws on this rare combination to create a neurosurgeon’s Kitchen Confidential–a unique insider’s memoir of a fascinating profession. Neurosurgeons are renowned for their big egos and aggressive self-confidence, and Dr. Firlik confirms that timidity is indeed rare in the field. “They’re the kids who never lost at musical chairs,” she writes. A brain surgeon is not only a highly trained scientist and clinician but also a mechanic who of necessity develops an intimate, hands-on familiarity with the gray matter inside our skulls. It’s the balance between cutting-edge medical technology and manual dexterity, between instinct and expertise, that Firlik finds so appealing–and so difficult to

In this elegant collection of essays, one of modernliterature's most enchanting masters reminisces about Italy'santifascist resistance and the whirl of ideas that blossomed in thepost-war era. In America, Calvino follows Nixon's election hopeswhile marvelling at colour television and American cars, butdescribes with loathing his first experience of mass racism, whenhe is lucky enough to meet Martin Luther King in Alabama. He alsowrites brilliant short pieces on his Italian dialect, the final dayof the Second World War, and the rich joys of living inParis. A stylish assortment of memoir and wit, Hermit in Paris includesthe very finest of Calvino's superb work.

Join the world's hottest pop star on his rollercoaster ride tosuperstardom! His debut album has already gone platinum. He's sungfor the President of the United States. His screaming fans havestormed TV studios and shut down shopping malls. Justin Bieber is aglobal superstar and now, for the first time ever, he's going totell all in his very own book. Justin's story is the stuff thatevery kid dreams of. Growing up an only child in Ontario, Canada,Justin had a natural talent for music; he was forever singingaround the house and taught himself to play drums, guitar, pianoand trumpet. He entered a local singing competition and despite nothaving had any vocal coaching, Justin came second aged only 12years old. But it was when he posted homemade pop videos on YouTubethat Justin's dreams really came true: the videos quickly became aword-of-mouth sensation, garnering an astonishing 10 million hits.Months later, Justin was spotted by top music manager Scooter Braunwho later joined forces with superstar Usher to

Steven Gerrard is a hero to millions, not only as the inspirational captain of Liverpool FC, but as a key member of the England team. Here, for the first time, he tells the story of his lifelong obsession with football, in an honest and revealing book which captures the extraordinary camaraderie, the soul-destroying tensions and the high-octane thrills of the modern game as never before. He speaks for the first time about the torturous will-he-won't-he Chelsea rumours and his undying passion for Liverpool. We experience first-hand the highs of winning in Istanbul and elsewhere, as well as the occasional lows of being parted from his much-loved family and friends. And of course, the book contains a full blow-by-blow account of England's world cup campaign in Germany 2006.

In her acclaimed collections Happy Family and Music Minus One,Jane Shore traced her life from childhood to coming of age toparenthood. Now, in A Yes-or-No Answer, Shore etches thepersistence of the past in a life that has moved into a mature newphase as a member of the baby boom generation. Recalling her Jewishchildhood in New Jersey, living in the apartment above the family'sclothing store, Shore lovingly imagines her parents, now gone,reunited with relatives over a Scrabble board in the afterlife. Thepoet's teenage daughter sorts through the "vintage" clothes of hermother's own hippie days. Cherished items left behind -- an addressbook, a piano, an easy chair, a favorite doll -- continue to hauntthe living. The poems in A Yes-or-No Answer dignify memory throughprecise detail, with a voice that will resonate for a generation ata crossroads.

The Pickwick Papers is Dickens’first novel and widely regarded as one of the major classics of comic writing in English. Originally serialJsed in monthly instalments, it quickly became a huge popular success with sales reaching 40,000 by the final number. In the century and a half since its first appearance, the characters of Mr Pickwick,Sam Weller and the whole Pickwickian crew have entered the consciousness of all who love English literature in general, and the works of Dickens in particular.

It's hard to think of a CEO that commands as much respect as Jack Welch. Under his leadership, General Electric reinvented itself several times over by integrating new and innovative practices into its many lines of business. In Jack: Straight from the Gut, Welch, with the help of Business Week journalist John Byrne, recounts his career and the style of management that helped to make GE one of the most successful companies of the last century. Beginning with Welch's childhood in Salem, Massachusetts, the book quickly progresses from his first job in GE's plastics division to his ambitious rise up the GE corporate ladder, which culminated in 1981. What comes across most in this autobiography is Welch's passion for business as well as his remarkable directness and intolerance of what he calls "superficial congeniality"--a dislike that would help earn him the nickname "Neutron Jack." In spite of its 496 pages, Jack: Straight from the Gut is a quick read that any student or manager would do well to consider. High

Partly by chance, partly by design-is there anyone else who so wanted to be different?-there was never a life like Michael Jackson's. Preposterously talented, fronting the Jackson 5 from early childhood, he captivated kids, and more than a few grown-ups, with fancy footwork, effortless high C's and charisma to burn. And that was only prelude. Thriller launched Jackson into a new level of celebrity stratosphere - more media, more attention, more intensity - that even Elvis or the Beatles had never experienced. How he dealt with that fame - how he used it, and how it, arguably, overwhelmed him - became, in later years, the heart of the Michael Jackson story. Remembering Michael looks back at the triumphs, and struggles, of a life like no other.

Three years ago,award-winning actress Angelina Jolie took on a radically different role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees .Here are her memoirs from her journeys to Sierra Leone,Tanzania,where she lived and worked and gave her heart to theose who suffer the world's most shattering violence and victimization.Here are her revelations of joy and warmth amid utter destitution compelling snapshots of courageous and inspiring people for whom survival is their daily work and candid notes form a unique pilgrimage that completely changed the actress's worlview-and the world within herself

Modern views of Columbus are overshadowed by guilt about pastconquests. Credit for discovering the New World, we are told,belongs to its original inhabitants rather than any European, andColumbus gave those inhabitants nothing apart from death, diseaseand destruction. Yet for the Old World of Europe the four voyagesof Columbus brought revelation where before there had been onlymyths and guesswork. People had thought it was only the greatdistance that made it impossible to reach Asia sailing west fromSpain. No one had predicted that a vast continent stood in the way.And indeed, for Columbus himself, the revolution of understandingwas too much to comprehend. He had counted on a new route to Asiathat would bring him glory, riches and titles, and the thought ofan unknown and undeveloped continent held no attractions. Thetrials and disappointments of the great explorer are graphicallydetailed in this biography first published in 1828, when WashingtonIrving was America's most famous writer.

Jack Welch is perhaps the greatest corporate leader of the20th century. When he first became CEO of General Electric in 1981the company was worth $12 billion. Twenty years later it is worth atotal of $280 billion. But Welch was more than just the leader ofthe most successful business in the world. He revolutionised GE'sentire corporate culture with his distinctive, highly personalmanagement style: the individual appreciation of each of his 500managers, the commitment to an informal but driven work style andthe encouragement of candour were all part of the Welch approach.Following John Harvey Jones's "Making It Happen" and"Troubleshooter", "Jack" has already become the businessman's Biblefor the 21st century - an inspiration for a new generation ofcorporate players.

A comprehensive, authoritative, in depth andentertaining biography of one of the greatest and most influentialfantasy authors in modern time, J.R.R. Tolkien. In this informed an entertaining account, renowned biographerMichael White delves into the little-known life of one of the mosttreasured and enduring authors of our time, J.R.R. Tolkien. In absorbing and revealing detail, White describes Tolkien'slife -- from his childhood years and the tragic early death of hisparents; his burgeoning romance with Edith Brett; fighting on thefront lines in WWII; his many years as an Oxford academic, wherethe idea of the Hobbit struck him while marking a term paper; tohis friendship with C.S. Lewis and the founding of the group "TheInklings"; and why The Lord of the Rings became the mostinfluential book in the late sixties counter-culture, one of themost respected and most-read trilogies ever written, and the centerof a major film phenomenon. With 16 pages of black and white photos.

Soon to be a major motion picture Coco Chanel and Composer Igor Stravinsky. Their love affair inspired their art. Their art defined an era. In 1913, at the premiere of Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring," the young couturiere Coco Chanel witnesses the birth of a musical revolution- one that, like her designs, rips down the artifice of the old regime and ushers in something profoundly modern. Seven years later, she invites Stravinsky and his family, now exiled from their Russian homeland, for a summer at her villa, and the powerful charge between them ignites into a deep love affair. As Stravinsky enjoys a new burst of creativity and Chanel brings forth her own revolutionary creation-the perfume Chanel No. 5-their love threatens to overtake work, family and life.