Average customer rating:
|
Heartbreak and Vine
Woody Haut
Manufacturer: Serpent's Tail
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Authors
| Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Memoirs
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Adaptations
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Popular Culture
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
20th Century
| British
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1852426780 |
Book Description
Hardboiled in Hollywood tells the story of the tangled relations between the great crime novelists, from Dashiell Hammett to Elmore Leonard, and the Hollywood machine. Haut begins by showing the huge debt Hollywood owed to writers like Hammett, Chandler and James M. Cain, as the film versions of novels like The Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep and Double Indemnity came to define film noir. Almost every significant American crime novelist since has served their time in Hollywood, some, like W.R. Burnett or Donald Westlake, with great success, more often, as with the likes of Jim Thompson and David Goodis, with great disillusion. Haut weaves in anecdote and analysis along with original interviews to provide an invaluable companion for moviegoers and crime fiction fans alike.
Born in Detroit in 1945,
Woody Haut has been a cinema programmer and, as journalist, was the Labour Editor for Rolling Stock magazine. He is the author of Neon Noir and Pulp Culture, published by Serpent's Tail and now lives in London.
Also available by Woody Haut
Pulp Culture
TP $15.99, 1-85242-319-6
CUSA
Neon Noir
TP $16.99, 1-85242-547-4
CUSA
Book Description
These true, fascinating stories of the inspiration, heartache, trials, and faith that inspired some of the greatest Christmas carols, hymns, and popular songs will enrich the joy and celebration of the Christmas season.
Customer Reviews:
Great read - but too small.......2007-01-11
The book and information was wonderful. A very nice read. However - stick to the original size. This miniature edition is a little TOO miniature... only about 1 inch square.
Good for modern songs, bad for older ones........2006-11-05
The author should quote his sources, because others in the future may take his statements for fact, when some of the stories are not backed up by other authors / researchers. I have found conflicting information about some of the music both in print and online. A Google search will lead you to different versions and also different background info on "The Twelve Days of Christmas", for example. Also, though I am no musicologist, I would consider a christmas song as being secular, and a christmas carol as being about sacred topics, i.e. Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. In contrast, The "Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook" is pretty good about (briefly) explaining the backgound / history of the selections (plus it has the music) and almost every one of the popular songs, but it does not always have all of the verses of the songs.
Sloppy research.......2006-03-02
For someone with 50 books to his credit--as per the dust jacket--Collins is highly sloppy in the research of this book. As has been previously noted, he just presented a common story about the origins of "Silent Night" without necessarily having done any deep research. And the comments about "The Twelve Days of Christmas" come straight from a silly internet piece, with no basis in fact.
This is common throughout this book. It seems more often than not, Collins has just done some cursory internet research and then slapped it all together and called it good.
Some other screw-ups: Irving Berlin was worried that "White Christmas" wasn't really a good song. Actually Berlin, upon introducing it to his office staff and musical secretary, refered to it as "not only the greatest song I've ever written, but the greatest song ever written." Berlin at one point had plans to make White Christmas the main production number in a major Broadway revue. In performing it for Crosby and studio execs, Berlin got nervous with himself and choked in performing it. You can read about this in Jody Rosen's excellent book on White Christmas, called "White Christmas."
As for his assertions about the meaning and origin of the term Merry in merry Christmas, he gets it wrong again. Ten minutes in the Oxford English Dictionary, available at any decent public library, would have given him the answers.
Better Books on this subject are Rosen's afforementioned book and "The Penguin Book of Christmas Carols" ed. Ian Bradbury.
Inspire Your Heart and Mind .......2005-12-17
Did you ever wonder how your favorite Christmas hymns and carols came to be written? Where were they first sung and why? Who are the people behind them? What events in their lives, what discoveries of faith, inspired these beloved songs into being? Ace Collins has complied a lovely little book to help you find out.
For instance, here you will find everything from "Angels from the Realms of Glory" to "White Christmas". (Yes, there are some popular songs sprinkled in among the hymns and carols!). Do you know...
...What favorite hymn was written the Christmas that the church organ conked out? (Yes, I know some of you know the tale, but it is here for those who don't).
...Which one was a faithful Christian's response to the carnage of the War Between the States?
...Which hymn was penned with a visit on horseback to the village of Jesus' birthplace fresh in the writer's memory?
Ace Collins relates the stories, both familiar and fresh. He helps the reader not only wonder as they wander through the holidays but also figure out who Good King Wenceslas was and why he is worth singing about after all these years. Collins is the author of over fifty books including "Turn Your Radio On" and "The Cathedrals". All of these stories are accompanied by the words of the carols and hymns, so you can sing or hum along as you read about them.
This book would be a great devotional book or family conversation starter to use throughout the Advent season, with 31 different stories to inspire your heart and mind throughout the wondrous season. It is small enough to serve as a great stocking stuffer and lovely enough to be a stand-alone gift for any number of people on your Christmas list.
Big disappointment.......2005-01-20
I was expecting accurate information regarding the history of Christmas songs and carols. Instead, Ace Collins has taken some facts about the carols and woven fairytales around them. In some cases he has taken a few facts and assumed results that are erroneous.
Having personally researched "Silent Night" in Austria, I can say for certain that Collins has presented another fanciful story based on some facts and some misconceptions about the world's best-loved carol.
The tale about "The Twelve Days of Christmas" being a secret catechism for Catholics in the period when they were oppressed in England doesn't make any sense. The "secret" Catholic beliefs it supposedly hides are identical to the Protestant beliefs of that era. Therefore there was no reason to keep them secret from Protestants -- 1 = one God, 2 = Old and New Testament, 3 = gold, frankincense, and myrrh -- and so on.
Sadly, it's just another feel-good Christmas book when it could have been a valuable resource for people wanting accurate information.
Book Description
Ace Collins helps you uncover the background of thirty-two favorite Christmas songs. Learn the surprising tale of how each song was created. Explore specific times and places that gave birth to each message. Hear these familiar melodies with new understanding as their stories find their way into your heart.
Book Description
The history of our best-loved carols, including Silent Night; God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen; Ave Maria; and many more. Gorgeously illustrated throughout with Renaissance art. The enclosed high-quality CD has melodious renditions of the carols,with complete lyrics provided to help you sing along.
Customer Reviews:
For an accurate history of carols, this is the book to own.......2005-01-20
"The Spirit of Christmas" by Virginia Reynolds, is a well-researched and quite accurate account of the history of Christmas carols
Having done extensive research in Austria on the background of "Silent Night," I can say that this book contains the most accurate story of the carol ever published in the United States - only one small error. Reading through the rest of the carols, it's obvious that the author didn't depend on popular legends and fairytales about the composers and their songs. She obviously did her homework.
The book has beautiful artwork and also comes with a CD of the carols.
History of Carols?? DON'T buy THIS one!.......2004-12-09
I've taught and researched music education and the history of music for 35 years. If you want to know about the history and background of Christmas songs, there is ONLY one book I highly recommend: "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas" by Ace Collins; published by Zondervan. The book by Mr. Collins is thorough and coincides with my own research on carols. This book, on the other hand, relies on half told stories and the use of the "Free CD". Hey, I know about all the 4 and 5 star ratings this might have received, but how many of those reviewers have read more than 5 books on the subject and taught music history for over 35 years. You can purchase the great book by Mr. Collins right here at Amazon--as I did. You will not regret it. On the other hand, if you wish to purchase a nice looking gift of a CD with traditional carols and brief paragraphs about the carols (some of which leave out much information), purchase this book. The artwork is attractive: that is the ONLY reason why I rated it two stars instead of one.
musical magical inspirations.......2001-07-14
The book A HISTORY OF BEST-LOVED CAROLS THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS by Virginia Reynolds is beautifully put together as a hard bound book. Just to look at it is inspirational. The pictures are spell binding, the written history of the songs are captivating, so very informative and easy to read. The music lifts you to a higher level. The fonts used in the making of the book makes for such a elegant vision to look at. The CD to listen to, is so spirtual that you feel you are in a gothic cathedral. The music gives you chills of spiritual bliss within. It is a sincere gift of heartfelt angelic magical inspiration.
Book Description
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly.” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” “Good King Wenceslas.” These are just three of the beautiful, enduring Christmas carols featured in this lavish book and CD set—and every one has become an integral part of the holiday. Exquisitely illustrated pages showcase fine art from the world’s great museums and libraries, along with fascinating information on each carol and its lyrics. The audio recordings come from widely renowned musical ensembles, and a superlative introduction provides historical perspective, with background on the origin of carols, the influence of medieval guilds and Mystery plays, and carols from different eras.
Customer Reviews:
Great Background on Popular Christmas Carols.......2007-02-06
I saw the author of this book interviewed on EWTN's Bookmark and was interested in reading the book based on his insights. The book delivers, not only do you get a great overview of each carol's history, but a cd is included that has an excellent version of the carol--so you can listen and read at the same time!
This would make an excellent Christmas gift (early) for a school teacher who might be looking to give his or her students some background on the origins of popular Christmas carols.
Average customer rating:
|
Best Loved Christmas Carols
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Christian
| Religious & Sacred Music
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Religious & Sacred Music
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Songbooks
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Anthologies
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Inspirational & Religious
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Music
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Songbooks and Chorale Music
| Music
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0007190182 |
Book Description
This is an ideal Christmas gift, and is packed full of all of your favourite Christmas poems, carols and readings - both traditional and modern. 150 much-loved poems, carols and readings have been hand-picked, and arranged alphabetically so that they can be easily found. Each item is introduced with a brief history to the piece and its author, helpfully placing it in context. The pieces are also accompanied by a complete set of indexes which detail first lines, themes, Bible references (where applicable) and authors so that the much-loved works are thoroughly cross referenced and can be found with ease.
Product Description
Words and music for Auld Lang Syne, Away in a Manger, Deck the Halls, The First Noel, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Go tell it on the Mountain, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Here we Come a-caroling, I Saw three Ships, It came upon the Midnight Clear, Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Tannenbaum, Silent Night, We Three Kings of Orient Are, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
Product Description
For piano, guitar, organ. Easily adapted to any treble clef C instrument. Fairly easy fingering. Selections include: Auld Lang Syne; Away in a Manger; Deck the Halls; The First Noel; God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen; Good King Wenceslas; Go Tell It on the Mountain; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; Here We Come A-Caroling; I Saw Three Ships; It Came Upon the Midnight Clear; Jingle Bells; Joy to the World; O Come, All Ye Faithful; O Holy Night; O Little Town of Bethlehem; O Tannenbaum; Silent Night; We Three Kings of Orient Are; We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Average customer rating:
|
Best-Loved Carols
Manufacturer: Judson Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Christmas
| Holidays
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Songbooks and Chorale Music
| Music
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0817013261 |
Book Description
THE MILLENNIA COLLECTION
Vol. # 1 - Best-Loved Christmas Carols
One of the most exquisite collections of Christmas carols produced in the last one hundred years!
HIGHLY EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINING.
Increase your knowledge about Christmas music with this lavishly illustrated history about our the origin of carols from the 13th to 19th period and the fascinating stories behind 25 favorite carols.
BEAUTIFUL TREASURY OF ART.
Experience the color of magnificent works of art by Rembrandt, Bottecelli, Peter Paul Rubens, Edward Burne-Jones, Fra Angelico, Jan Steen and other famous artists.
TRATIONAL FAVORITES.
Enjoy the classical sounds of Joy to the World, Silent Night, Adeste Fideles, O Tannenbaum, Hark! The Herald Angels, Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly, and other best-loved carols performed by world renowned choirs and orchestras, such as the Vienna Boys Choir, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus.
FAMILY HEIRLOOM.
Part of the planned ground-breaking series of Christmas music products titled THE MILLENNIA COLLECTION,this first volume helps to explain in part the development of Christmas music since the early centuries of Christianity.
HOLIDAY CUSTOMS.
Learn about the evolution of the Christmas tree from the days of the Roman Empire, the significance of the holly and the ivy, the remarkable tale of Silent Night, and more interesting facts about Christmas.
BONUS SONGBOOK.
Participate in a favorite holiday pastime of carol singing with an easy-to-use Songbook and its stylishly designed music scores. A nice touch for home enjoyment.
SUMPTOUS GIFT PACKAGE.
Here's an opportunity to own one of the most important collection of Christmas carols, one which combines History, Art, Carol and Song Lyrics, and Music CD in a creative package.
FEATURES:
* Delightful collection of images, many in full-page color, including magnificent Fine Art from the Western World, including works by Fra Angelico, Rembrandt, Bottecelli, Peter Paul Rubens, Edward Burne-Jones, and Jan Steen, and illustrious Christmas cards from the Victorian Era, ancient manuscript illuminations from a Book Of Hours, and images from reputable periodicals of the age.
* Lyrics of all carols and holiday songs.
* Sensational CD of 25 Favorite Carols.
* SPECIAL BONUS Songbook.
THE MILLENNIA COLLECTION
Vol. # 2 -American Christmas Classics
An original and significant collection of Christmas music, history, and art honoring the American heritage.
Highly Educational and Entertaining. Read the richly illustrated history about American Christmas music and hear how carols and seasonal favorites sounded from the Revolutionary War era to the 20th century.
Uniquely Nostalgic. Relive America's "Golden Age of Christmas Music" from 1934-1958 when the finest holiday songs, still popular today, were first released, and enjoy the wonderful images of America's Christmas past, including Christmas cards from the Victorian Age, illustrated covers from The Saturday Evening Post, Collier's, Scribner's, McCall's, and LIFE magazine, as well as one of the finest collections of American Christmas art from American favorites as Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, Grandma Moses, Henry Ossa Tanner, and other great artists.
Family Heirloom. Collect this second in the planned ground-breaking series of Christmas music products titled THE MILLENNIA COLLECTION: Glorious Christmas Music, Songs and Carols that describes the development of Christmas music since the early centuries of Christianity.
Traditional Classics. Reflect upon the spiritual heritage of the American Christmas with world renowned carols, including O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away In a Manger, We Three Kings of Orient Are, and It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. Historic Recordings. Enjoy classic recording
Customer Reviews:
Great Christmas Gift!.......2006-01-25
I was looking to buy a unique gift for someone special when I heard about Best-Loved Christmas Carols. After some investigating, I purchased it and when it arrived several days later I was thrilled with it. The fine art and stunning images jump right off the pages! And it was most interesting learning about the origins of carols as I listened with great pleasure to the magnificent CD that was part of the package. This is no ordinary Christmas gift! I highly recommend Best-Loved Christmas Carols for anyone with an interest in Christmas and its music.
A Brighter, More Joyful Christmas! .......2006-01-05
After having purchased and thoroughly enjoyed the first of Mr. Clancy's "Millenia Collection" - the "Best Loved Christmas Carols" - I'd like to commend its author for providing me and my family with such immense pleasure this past Christmas season. This package of beautiful musical selections and fascinating anecdotal reading will be a coffee table conversation piece and family heirloom for many Christmas seasons to come
For my money, anyone interested in learning more about Christmas carols and their origins should purchase this wonderful product. Frankly, if the rest of Mr. Clancy's "Millenia Collection" is anything close to this initial offering's breadth of historical perspective and musical offerings, all fans of Christmas music and its history should be in for a fantastic treat. I know that we can't wait to treat ourselves to more of the same, and we intend to add the others in his collection to our own family's musical library. Mr. Clancy, thank you very much!!
TOO MUCH FICTION IN THIS "HISTORY" OF CAROLS.......2005-10-29
I don't judge a Christmas history book by its cover; I judge it by the accuracy of its story of "Silent Night." This book fails -- TWICE!!!! It relates not one, but two fairytale versions of the history of "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" One has Joseph Mohr quickly writing the words on Christmas Eve in 1818. He actually wrote the words in 1816 while assigned to a pilgrim church in Mariapfarr, Austria. The music was added in 1818 for Christmas Mass in Oberndorf, Austria.
The second fairytale even includes a "creative" quotation that has Franz Gruber asking, "Pastor, do you know that the real Christmas song is yet to be written." Right away, you know this is wrong since Fr. Mohr was never the pastor of St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf. It goes on with its fiction to tell how Mohr was inspired to write his poem after his visit to the home of a woodsman and his family.
The poem was written by Joseph Mohr two years before he came to Oberndorf where Franz Xaver Gruber was the church organist and choir director.
"Best-Loved Christmas Carols," published in 2000, is beautifully packaged and has magnificent illustrations. I really wanted it to be a great book and am very disappointed.
Going beyond its faux history of "Silent Night," let's look at the claims it relates for "The Twelve Days of Christmas." This catechism fairytale took off with great gusto across the Internet and is showing up everywhere from books to Sunday sermons in church.
The claim is that "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was a secret catechism for Catholics when they were being persecuted in England. The secret code claimed that the partridge in the pear tree represented Jesus Christ, the two turtle doves represented the Old and New Testaments, and so forth. The whole thing seems silly when you realize that it wasn't just the Catholics who believed in Jesus Christ and the Old and New Testaments. All the Catholic "secrets" in the song are the exact same beliefs held by the Protestants.
Is the rest of the book worth reading? Not if you're looking for an accurate history of Christmas Carols. It would take too much time and energy to check the stories to see what may be fact mixed in with the fiction.
Books:
- High Contrast: Race and Gender in Contemporary Hollywood Films
- Hollywood Drive: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in & Make it in the Entertainment Industry
- Horror, The Film Reader (In Focus--Routledge Film Readers)
- I Am Jackie Chan: My Life in Action
- In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr
- In Search of The Third Man
- Indecent Exposure: A True Story of Hollywood and Wall Street (Collins Business Essentials)
- Ingrid: Ingrid Bergman, A Personal Biography
- Introduction to Linear Algebra (5th Edition)
- IRON MAIDEN -A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (Guitar Recorded Versions)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Adventuring With Children: An Inspirational Guide to World Travel and the Outdoors
- The Guilt of Nations: Restitution and Negotiating Historical Injustices
- Land Conservation Financing
- How the Foreign Exchange Market Works
- Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Gift Set
- Real World Career Development Strategies That Work
- Praxis der Bilanzierung. 2003/2004
- New Methods in Financial Modeling: Explorations and Applications
- All Things Herriot: James Herriot and His Peaceable Kingdom
