- Table View
- List View
Jesse Owens: A Life in American History (Black History Lives)
by F. Erik Brooks Kevin M. Sr.A compelling resource for sports enthusiasts, Jesse Owens: A Life in American History places the life and athletic accomplishments of Jesse Owens within the context of race and American history in the early 20th century.The year 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest track and field athletes in intercollegiate and Olympic history. This book examines Jesse Owens' upbringing, religious and spiritual life, and collegiate years and includes an examination of race, politics, and Nazi Germany as a backdrop to the 1936 Olympics. It also considers Owens' personal economic hardships after his triumph at the Olympic Games, his death, and his legacy. This biography series title will appeal to general readers, history buffs, and sports enthusiasts. Chapters are organized around the major developments in Jesse Owens' life, from his birth in Oakville, Alabama in 1913 to his death in Tucson, Arizona in 1980, and all of his groundbreaking athletic achievements in between. Primary source documents, sidebars, a timeline, and a bibliography provide valuable additional information for readers. The final chapter, "Why Jesse Owens Matters," explores his cultural and historical significance.
John Lennon: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Jacqueline EdmondsonThis biography tells the complete story of John Lennon's life, including the controversial influence of his music, art, and philosophy upon the world.John Lennon was a singer, songwriter, activist, artist, and writer whose life and work left an indelible mark on rock music and the world. Lennon first became famous as the founding member of The Beatles, and his songwriting partnership with bandmate Paul McCartney remains legendary in the history of pop music. Lennon's creative work, which extended well beyond his years as a Beatle and lasted until his final days, still provides enjoyment and inspiration to millions around the world.This biography provides a comprehensive account of John Lennon's life for students and general readers, integrating information from interviews conducted during his life with published accounts of Lennon from a range of perspectives. It covers the time from his birth in Liverpool in 1940 to his murder in New York City in 1980.
John McCain: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Elaine S. PovichA rebel and risk-taker from childhood, John McCain—son and grandson of admirals—nevertheless chose to follow the traditional path marked out for him in the military. Nearly six years in a North Vietnamese prison tested his resolve and proved his extraordinary resilience and will to survive. Coming to Congress, McCain found that making his way in politics demanded a different set of survival skills, and he grew accustomed to the corridors of power while striving to keep his independence. This lively biography traces McCain's unlikely ascent to the verge of attaining the nation's highest office while never ceasing to challenge himself and others to serve a cause greater than self-interest.
Justin Timberlake: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Kimberly Dillon SummersThis revealing biography of pop star Justin Timberlake documents his background, childhood career, achievements, and disappointments.From his first taste of fame as an 11-year-old contestant on the TV show Star Search to making it big with the boy-band 'N Sync and his subsequent solo career to the notoriety following the 2004 Super Bowl halftime performance "incident" with Janet Jackson, this biography presents an accurate overview of Justin Timberlake's life and impact on popular culture.Justin Timberlake: A Biography gives students access to unbiased insight into how Timberlake achieved stardom. The narrative tone and manageable length make this book easy to read, while the accurate presentation of the historical context of his life's events makes it engaging and relevant for young readers. This title will appeal to teen readers due to their natural interest in pop icons. In addition, the enviable success of Timberlake's career path can serve as a source of inspiration and hope for young adults.
Kanye West: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Robert C. Jr.A revealing biography of Kanye West explores the artist—and the man.Kanye West is a star. His music has jumped from sensation to staple in the rap industry, while his personality, his philosophies, and his willingness to speak out for what he believes in regularly place him at the center of controversy. Kanye West: A Biography traces the star's life from his birth through the present day to paint a detailed picture of the artist and the man.Raised by a single mother who was an English professor in Chicago, West admits he came from "the wrong side of the mall" rather than the wrong side of the tracks. His name, his style, and the way he conducts his business are unique. His thoughtful reflections in interviews reveal a complex man few have taken the time to understand. This biography looks at that multifaceted star, exploring his career as singer and producer, but also looking at the forces that prepared him to chase his dreams—and chase off anyone who stood in his way.
Katy Perry: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Kimberly Dillon SummersThis biography reveals the life story, musical style, personality, lyrics, and fashion of Katy Perry—the elements that have catapulted her to stardom and made her a 21st-century pop music icon.Katy Perry: A Biography examines who the young woman behind the hit songs, explicit lyrics, racy album covers, unconventional dress, and sometimes odd behavior really is. Through this nine-chapter narration of Perry's life, readers will gain insight into all stages of her development as a person and as a performer, from her early childhood, to her attempts to break out within the Christian music genre, to her pop music stardom and acting career.The book can be used as both a source of information for an essay or report, and as an easy-to-use guide to find answers to specific questions. It will also be of great interest to any reader who appreciates pop music and wants to know more about Katy Perry—where she came from, who she is today, and the fascinating journey and inspirational tale of her rise to becoming one of the hottest female pop stars of the 21st century.
Killing the President: Assassinations, Attempts, and Rumored Attempts on U.S. Commanders-in-Chief
by Willard M. Oliver Nancy E. MarionThis book offers an analysis of every American presidential assassination and various attempted assassinations, examining the events surrounding each event and the people involved.The assassinations and attempted assassinations of American presidents were pivotal events that reverberated throughout the nation, even in cases where the murder was botched. The individuals behind each plot are often fascinating studies in obsession and distorted perception of reality—like President James Garfield's assassin, who spent an extra dollar on the gun he chose for the act simply because it would look better in a museum display after the event.For the first time under one cover, this text offers a concise study of every presidential assassination, attempt, and rumor. Each chapter focuses on a single American assassination, providing an analysis of the president, the assassin, and the events that shaped their arrival at that place in time. The chapter then describes the assassination or attempt itself and the long-term impacts of the crime. Accounts of the more contemporary incidents involving Presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush especially demonstrate the evolution of the monumental task of protecting the U.S. president in a free and open society.
Lady Gaga: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Paula JohansonThis biography details Lady Gaga's life from all angles, documenting her family background; the events before and during her meteoric rise to success as a songwriter, singer, and performance artist; her deft use of social media; and her political commentary.Lady Gaga: A Biography details Lady Gaga's life from birth to 2011. Readers will learn about her personal background—where she was born, who her parents were, what her early school years as a "weird girl" with "rabbit teeth" were like—as well as her pre-fame years where she gained an education in music and "paid her dues" as a small-time professional in small performance venues. The many milestones of her wildly successful career so far are documented in detail, as are Haus of Gaga, the artistic collective that supports her performances; her ongoing activities as a performer; her presentation in couture and accessories; and her stated intentions for the future.This book will be an engrossing read for fans of Lady Gaga as well as anyone interested in popular culture or the entertainment industry. Its inclusion of chapter endnotes containing quotations and controversial points along with a bibliography of print and electronic resources make it an authoritative research tool for students as well.
The Life and Work of John Edgar Wideman
by Keith E. ByermanChallenging. Successful. Controversial. All terms used to accurately describe African American novelist and autobiographer John Edgar Wideman. This book examines his life and work—and the connections between them.The Life and Work of John Edgar Wideman is ideal for readers who might not be familiar with Wideman's work or those who may have been intimidated by descriptions of his writings. Through its coverage of Wideman's life from several generations back to the present and explanations of how Wideman makes use of life experiences, this book breaks down barriers for new readers and enables them to better relate and connect to his writing. Author Keith E. Byerman discusses Wideman's book-length works of fiction and nonfiction, as well as some of his shorter, journalistic pieces. The book emphasizes how Wideman integrates family and personal experience into what is typically labeled postmodern writing, and explains how he has evolved as a public intellectual who supplies shrewd commentary on subjects such as the prison system, terrorism, and the role of sports in American society.
Listen to Punk Rock!: Exploring a Musical Genre (Exploring Musical Genres)
by June Michele PulliamListen to Punk Rock! Exploring a Musical Genre discusses the evolution of punk from its inception in 1975 to the present, delving into the lasting impact of the genre throughout society today.Listen to Punk Rock! provides readers with a fuller picture of punk rock as an inclusive genre with continuing relevance. Organized in a roughly chronological manner, it starts with an introduction that explains the musical and cultural forces that shaped the punk genre. Next, 50 entries cover important punk bands and subgenres, noting female punk bands as well as bands of color. The final part of the book discusses how punk has influenced other musical genres and popular culture. The book will give those new to the genre an overview of important bands and products related to the movement in music, including publications, fashion, and films about punk rock. Notably, it pays special attention to diversity within the genre, discussing bands often overlooked or mentioned only in passing in most histories of the movement, which focus mainly on The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Ramones as the pioneers of punk.
Love in Vienna: The Sigmund Freud–Minna Bernays Affair
by Barry G. GaleFor many decades, critics and supporters of Freudian theory have debated the exact nature of Freud's relationship with his sister-in-law. This book examines the arguments pro and con in light of recently exposed evidence—the first study to do so in depth.For many decades, controversy has surrounded the exact nature of famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud's relationship with Minna Bernays, his sister-in-law. Why did Freud and Bernays travel alone together on many occasions? Why did she seem to be so much closer to Freud than his own wife, Martha? The idea that Freud and Minna Bernays had a long-standing affair—an allegation that Freudians typically deny—was first mentioned by Carl Gustav Jung, an early supporter of Freud's and later a critic. Love in Vienna: The Sigmund Freud–Minna Bernays Affair provides the first comprehensive look at the relationship and offers conclusions as to its nature and the implications for Freud's life and work.Organized logically, the book provides background information regarding the two chief antagonists in the story, Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung. It then presents and critically analyzes arguments for and against there having been an affair. Finally, it looks closely at Freud's relationships with both Minna Bernays and his wife Martha, Minna's sister, and offers conclusions as to the exact nature of Freud's relationship with Bernays.Beyond fascinating those studying Freud or his theories, this work's subject matter and insights will appeal to readers interested in the history of psychology, psychoanalysis, and psychiatry; the intellectual history of Europe; the history of sex and manners; the history of ideas; the fin de siècle period in Vienna; and the history of medicine.
Michelle Obama: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Alma Halbert BondThis book details the fascinating life story of Michelle Obama, emphasizing her own personal and professional accomplishments, her life partnership with President Barack Obama, and her distinctive approach to the role of First Lady.Independent and supportive, elegant and down-to-earth, an accomplished professional and family anchor as her husband rose to the presidency, Michelle Obama is to many the consummate life partner in politics and the epitome of the 21st-century working mom. Michelle Obama: A Biography offers an unprecedented look at one of the most captivating women of our time, one who is sure to add her own distinctive legacy to the tradition of presidential wives.Ranging across the full arc of Michelle Obama's life, this revealing biography tells the story of her family background—her great-great-grandfather was a slave—her modest Chicago upbringing, her education and well-established legal career, and her relationship with her husband before, during, and after he reached the pinnacle of American politics.
Miley Cyrus: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Kimberly Dillon SummersThe enchanting story of the real life Hannah Montana and her stunning success as a film, television, and music superstar.This biography tells the story of the real-life Hannah Montana, the daughter of country music superstar Billy Ray Cyrus, who has become an international phenomenon in her own right.Miley Cyrus details the star's life from her Franklin, Tennessee, childhood to snagging the role of Hannah Montana from over 1,000 other hopefuls. The book also follows Cyrus' transition from a wholesome Disney icon to a more mature actress and musician, covering both her efforts to be a positive teen influence, and controversies such as Cyrus' photo shoot for Vanity Fair with her father. As an added bonus, the book offers a complete Hannah Montana episode guide as well as a complete discography of Cyrus' recordings as both Hannah and Miley.
Napoleon Against Great Odds: The Emperor and the Defenders of France, 1814
by Ralph AshbyThis revisionist history offers a fresh analysis of Napoleon and the French army as they defended their empire against the massive Coalition invasion of 1814.French defeat in 1814 is too often shrugged off as the result of obvious and understandable factors. Napoleon Against Great Odds: The Emperor and the Defenders of France, 1814 challenges the widely accepted notion that war-weariness and internal political opposition to Napoleon were the decisive and direct causes of French defeat. At least as important, it argues, were material shortages, diplomatic missteps, and even faulty strategic planning on Napoleon's part. The book not only traces the narrative of Napoleon's 1814 Campaign in France, but explores the formation of the French army tasked with defending France against the Coalition invasion. Diplomatic, political, and social factors are taken into account and the issue of war-weariness is analyzed carefully and critically. Each branch and arm of the French forces is examined, as are military mobilization under difficult circumstances and partisan and guerilla warfare. Designed to encourage fresh debate about the 1814 campaign, the book offers thought-provoking reading for scholars and general readers alike.
A New Biology of Religion: Spiritual Practice and the Life of the Body
by Michael SteinbergThis study provides a fresh look at the debate between science and religion that documents how the experiences produced by spiritual practice are surprisingly consistent with the findings of modern biology, despite the difficulty in reconciling scientific theories and religious dogma.This book is unique in its focus on bodily experience as an independent source of knowledge and insight, an important aspect of recent discoveries in neurology and psychology. By rethinking what it is to be human and what role self-consciousness plays, it finds striking points of intersection between science and religion and challenges readers to rediscover their spiritual connections to the physical world.Combining scientific rigor with the spiritual quest, A New Biology of Religion: Spiritual Practice and the Life of the Body reframes the science-religion debate. This profound work examines how all things are connected—both scientifically and spiritually—and shows how religious practices mirror the biological processes of life.
The Nobel Peace Prize: What Nobel Really Wanted
by Fredrik S. HeffermehlIn this groundbreaking and controversial critique of the selections of Nobel Peace Prize winners, an eminent Norwegian lawyer and peace activist calls for its return to legal and moral compliance with the will of Alfred Nobel who wished to support disarmament to prevent war.The Nobel Peace Prize is the world's most coveted award, galvanizing the world's attention for 110 years. In recent decades, it has also become the world's most reviled award, as heads of militarized states and out-and-out warmongers and terrorists have been showered with peace prizes. Delving into previously unpublished primary sources, Fredrik Heffermehl reveals the history of the inner workings of the Norwegian Nobel Committee as it has come under increasing political, geopolitical, and commercial pressures to make inappropriate awards. As a Norwegian lawyer, Heffermehl makes the case that the Norwegian politicians entrusted with the Nobel peace awards have brushed aside the legal requirements in Scandinavian estate law using the prize to promote their own political and personal interests instead of the peace ideas Alfred Nobel had in mind. Evaluating each of the 119 Nobel Peace Prizes awarded between 1901 and 2009, the author tracks the ever-widening divergence of the committee's selections from Nobel's intentions and concludes that all but one of the last ten prizes are illegitimate under the law.
Osama bin Laden: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Thomas R. MockaitisThis concise biography of the world's most notorious terrorist tells the fascinating story of the evolution of a wealthy businesman's son to the 9/11 mastermind who declared war on America.Osama bin Laden: A Biography offers a concise, fact-based portrait of a man whose rise from obscurity to notoriety coincides with some of the most traumatic events of the 21st century. It follows bin Laden's story from his life in Saudi society in the 1960s and 1970s to his religious conversion, his emergence as a jihadist leader, his horrifying terrorist attacks, and his near-mythic status in parts of the Muslim world today.Drawing on a wide range of sources, Osama bin Laden finds the political and religious roots of a worldview that combines devout faith with a belief in violence and terrorism. The book pays particular attention to the spread of radical Islam from Egypt to Saudi Arabia and beyond, as well as the development of Al Qaeda and its current scope and capabilities.
Paris Hilton: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Sandra GurvisThis revealing portrait of the real Paris Hilton gets underneath the hype and hate, the glamour and greed.Unlike other biographies that range from the exposé to the gushing, Paris Hilton: A Biography is both detailed and objective. It covers Paris's checkered family history, her privileged yet surprisingly unassuming upbringing, and her explosion with sister Nicky as "It Girls" on the international social scene. Readers will learn how her family influenced her, why she made the decision to step into the limelight, and why she continues today, despite her many critics and setbacks. Each chapter of the biography provides an in-depth view of a specific aspect of Paris's life: her relationship with men and the media, how she turned herself around emotionally and projected a new image, and what makes her such a smart businesswoman. The book also looks at darker moments, including the sex tape, her jail time, and her publicity faux pas. In the end, readers will understand what makes this complex young woman tick—and have a better sense of what it is like to walk a mile in her Manolo Blahniks.
Paul Newman: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Marian Edelman BordenThis book examines the life of the remarkable Paul Newman—an iconic actor, director, race car driver, political activist, businessman, philanthropist, devoted husband, and father.Paul Leonard Newman was a true Renaissance man who is known worldwide for his performances as an actor and director. His career in the entertainment industry stretched over 50 years, as did his marriage to Joanne Woodward—an unusual and notable achievement in Hollywood. Newman was also a talented race car driver, an influential political activist, a savvy businessman, and a passionate philanthropist who created a food company that has donated more than $280 million to charities. But Newman also suffered many defeats throughout his life; he was human, just as we all are.This biography provides a chronological narrative that documents Newman's long life and myriad contributions. Information regarding his early years in Ohio, his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, his success on the stage and screen, his work with charities and business ventures, and his exploits in auto racing is provided.
Pelé: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Lew FreedmanHow did a young boy born into poverty become not only an international soccer star but a celebrity who visited and dined with kings and presidents? Where did the passion that fueled his success originate? This book examines the life of Pelé to find the answers.Pelé is not simply an extraordinarily talented athlete who achieved incredible success on the soccer field; his performances inspired millions of soccer fans as well as individuals outside the sport around the world. During the peak of his career, Pelé was arguably the most famous person in the world—at a time when there was no Internet or social media to help build sweeping international awareness of a pop star. This work is the most up-to-date examination of Pelé's life, covering his personal history from childhood, his star-studded career as a multi-time World Cup champion playing for Brazil, his experiences in the United States playing for the New York Cosmos, as well as Pelé's more recent, current, and future activities as ambassador for Brazil when it hosts the World Cup in 2014 and the Summer Olympics in 2016. All readers—ranging from the completely uninitiated who do not even recognize Pelé's name, to die-hard soccer fans and players—will gain a full appreciation of the greatest soccer player of all time.
Peyton Manning: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Lew FreedmanThis revealing biography explores Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning as an athlete and as a man.From the moment Peyton Manning arrived in the National Football League at the start of the 1998 season, he has been a numbers machine, completing passes at a dazzling rate and throwing touchdowns at a pinball-machine clip. Fans, teammates, and NFL foes alike have been in awe of what Manning's right arm has wrought.In Peyton Manning: A Biography, sportswriter Lew Freedman chronicles Manning's life, from his childhood as the son of New Orleans Saints' quarterback Archie Manning through the many laurels won during his high school and college careers to his record-setting play with the Colts. The book also covers Manning's off-the-field activities as a product spokesperson, as well as his PeyBack Foundation, designed to help underprivileged children. Finally, it looks at the Manning football dynasty, including brother Eli Manning's success as the Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the New York Giants.
The Phinehas Priesthood: Violent Vanguard of the Christian Identity Movement (PSI Guides to Terrorists, Insurgents, and Armed Groups)
by Danny W. DavisThis book is centered on the words of leaderless resistors, men labeled as Phinehas Priests or Army of God Warriors who use force to oppose what they consider unrighteous government or ungodly laws.Positioned on America's extreme right, they are guerrilla fighters; clandestine operators who work in small cells or individually against the government and specific laws, such as those that permit abortion. Their beliefs and actions are the subject of The Phinehas Priesthood: Violent Vanguard of the Christian Identity Movement. As the book reveals, individuals who follow the Phinehas model determine that there is a higher cause, a greater good that negates all or some portion of civil law. Based on that determination, they resist perceived evil, acknowledging only the leadership of their God.The first part of this absorbing study examines organizational, resistance, and religious concepts and theories that drive these insurgents. The second part describes the beliefs, motivations, and actions of selected resistors, often using their own words to provide insights into the Christian Identity worldview and the extreme antiabortion movement. Individuals such as Walter E. Thody, Clayton Waagner, and James Kopp are quoted at length, offering firsthand perspective on the facts and events discussed.
Pope Benedict XVI: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Joann F. PriceThis comprehensive biography of Pope Benedict XVI emphasizes his theological positions and contributions as a theologian.Pope Benedict XVI: A Biography is an incisive exploration of the life and career of the current head of the Roman Catholic Church, with an emphasis on his theological positions and contributions as a theologian. Written by a Catholic priest who is an expert on Bavarian theology, the book looks at Benedict's family life, his teen years in Nazi Germany, his rise in the Church, and the beliefs that shape his Papacy.Readers of this biography will learn that, in addition to his native German, Benedict XVI speaks Italian, French, English, Spanish, and Latin fluently, has a knowledge of Portuguese, and can read ancient Greek and biblical Hebrew. They will discover that he plays the piano and is very fond of cats. Perhaps surprisingly, they will find that during the time of the Second Vatican Council, the Pope was viewed as a reformer, and that he continues to regard himself as a supporter of the Council's teaching, holding, however, that those teachings have been widely misinterpreted. All this and more make for a fascinating—and instructive—reading experience.
Presidents and Presidencies in American History [4 volumes]: A Social, Political, and Cultural Encyclopedia and Document Collection [4 volumes]
by Jolyon P. GirardThis innovative encyclopedia explores the life and times of America's forty-five presidents—from the first administration to that of Donald Trump.Forty-five men have served as President of the United States since George Washington swore the oath of office in 1789 in New York City. Some have proved exceptional leaders, and others have not. Some have faced serious crises, both foreign and domestic. Franklin Roosevelt was elected to four terms, leading the country through a major economic depression and a world war, while one held the office for only a single month. Each, however, played a key role in the evolution of United States history. Each of their histories therefore remains a critical civics lesson to consider. This four-volume encyclopedia provides an expansive analysis of the life and times of each United States president in chronological order from George Washington to Donald Trump. Each chapter includes a timeline, a biographical sketch, a historical overview, and an analytical essay concerning the president and his presidency. Each also includes a substantial selection of related primary documents presenting important presidential speeches and correspondence. A suggested reading list for further study of each president rounds out each entry.
Prince William: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Joann F. PriceThis biography examines the life of one of the most charismatic individuals in public life today, in Great Britain and beyond—Prince William.This biography encompasses the life of Prince William of Wales, from the moment of his birth in 1982, through to his current status as an ambassador of the Royal Family and one of the most popular celebrities in his home country and around the globe.In Prince William, experienced biography author Joann F. Price details the prince's life thus far, including his experiences at the prestigious Eton College and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, his global travels with his glamorous and beloved mother and brother, his military service, and his engagement and upcoming wedding to longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton. The book also reveals important aspects of the Royal Family and explains how being born into it—an integral and highly influential part of the history of the British Empire—has molded this man's life. Students can use this book as a major resource in writing papers about Prince William; general readers will find its contents fascinating.