A follow-up to the highly successful Discworld Unseen University Quizbook, The Wyrdest Link will present itself as qualifying tests for various levels of mastery in Ankh-Morpork City's Guilds and other organisations - from the dignified Thieves' Guild to illicit outfits like the feared Breccia (the trolls' Mafia) or the wholly reprehensive Elucidated Brethren of the Ebon Night (see Guards! Guards!). As before, the straight Discworld general knowledge inquisition - presented with offbeat twists and linking themes - will be varied with trick questions, outrageous bogglers, and the occasional near-impossible poser to suit all levels of Discworld fans.
A cultural history of the face in Western art, ranging from portraiture in painting and photography to film, theater, and mass media This fascinating book presents the first cultural history and anthropology of the face across centuries, continents, and media. Ranging from funerary masks and masks in drama to the figural work of contemporary artists including Cindy Sherman and Nam June Paik, renowned art historian Hans Belting emphasizes that while the face plays a critical role in human communication, it defies attempts at visual representation. Belting divides his book into three parts: faces as masks of the self, portraiture as a constantly evolving mask in Western culture, and the fate of the face in the age of mass media. Referencing a vast array of sources, Belting's insights draw on art history, philosophy, theories of visual culture, and cognitive science. He demonstrates that Western efforts to portray the face have repeatedly failed, even with the developments of new media such as photography and film, which promise ever-greater degrees of verisimilitude. In spite of sitting at the heart of human expression, the face resists possession, and creative endeavors to capture it inevitably result in masks—hollow signifiers of the humanity they're meant to embody. From creations by Van Eyck and August Sander to works by Francis Bacon, Ingmar Bergman, and Chuck Close, Face and Mask takes a remarkable look at how, through the centuries, the physical visage has inspired and evaded artistic interpretation.
University Challenge is one of the world's top quiz shows, enjoyed by millions, both participants and observers. But Discworld fans may feel that not many questions cover the real questions in Life, for example, Who or what could be seen as the inspiration for the near-tragic accident from which nanny Ogg is saved only be a special willow-reinforced hat made for her by Mr Vernissage of Slice? And give a plausible origin for Mrs Rosie Palm, proprietor of the famous House of Negotiable Affection in the Shades. Each Faculty at the Unseen University has provided a set of questions, and answers are included for those who are not sure how the poisonous effects of quicksilver fumes are an occupational hazard of magic-users. The questions have been compiled by Mr David Langford, who knows quite as much - and arguably more - about the Discworld as its Creator, and Terry Pratchett has provided an Introduction.
WARNING!!!: This book may cause sleepless nights, increased heart rates, and an insatiable appetite for horror films! In the dead of night, a scream echoes from your TV. Your heart races, palms sweat, but you can't look away. Sound familiar? Welcome to "Planet Terror," where that delicious fear becomes an obsession. Imagine holding the power to terrify your friends, to know the secrets behind every jump scare, every twisted plot. This isn't just a book—it's a skeleton key to the world's most chilling cinematic nightmares. "Planet Terror" isn't just a book—it's your passport to a realm of nightmares, a compendium of fear that will forever change how you experience horror films. Uncover the secrets behind 446 of the most blood-curdling, pulse-pounding horror movies ever made. From the misty mountains of Japan to the sun-scorched Australian Outback, from the neon-lit streets of Seoul to the foggy moors of England, we've scoured 24 countries to bring you the ultimate collection of terror. Why is this the one horror book you can't afford to miss? Dive into in-depth reviews that dissect every scream, every shadow, and every shocking twist Arm yourself with bone-chilling trivia to impress (or terrify) your friends Discover haunting fun facts that reveal the dark secrets behind your favorite fright fests Explore horror trends and techniques from 24 unique cultural perspectives Unearth hidden gems and cult classics you've never heard of—but won't be able to forget "Planet Terror" is more than just an encyclopedia—it's a master class in global horror. Whether you're a casual viewer or a hardcore horror hound, this book will transform you into the ultimate horror maniac. Unique features that set "Planet Terror" apart: 1. Unearth hidden gems: Discover spine-chilling movies you've never heard of from countries you never imagined produced horror. Each page turn could reveal your new favorite film! 2. A decade of nightmares: With 446 carefully curated horror films, you're set for years of terrifying movie nights. Say goodbye to the "What should we watch?" dilemma! 3. Time travel through terror: Journey from the birth of horror cinema to cutting-edge modern scares, witnessing the evolution of fear on screen. 4. Cultural kaleidoscope of fear: Experience how different cultures interpret horror, broadening your perspective on what makes something truly frightening. 5. Become a horror sommelier: Impress your friends with your encyclopedic knowledge of obscure horror films and fascinating trivia. 6. Solve the streaming scavenger hunt: Turn your streaming services into a playground as you hunt down these rare and intriguing films. 7. Spark conversations: Each movie description is a conversation starter, perfect for horror fan meetups or online forums. Reading "Planet Terror" is like having a secret pass to the world's most exclusive horror film festival—one that never ends and is always at your fingertips. From classic slashers to psychological thrillers, from found footage frights to supernatural scares, "Planet Terror" covers every subgenre of horror. You'll find yourself transported to haunted houses, cursed villages, and alien worlds—all from the safety of your favorite reading nook. But beware: once you open this book, you may never see the shadows in your room the same way again... Are you ready to face your fears and discover the true power of global horror cinema? Grab your copy of "Planet Terror" now and prepare for a world tour of terror that will leave you breathless, sleepless, and craving more! Perfect for: Horror film buffs seeking to expand their knowledge Movie night hosts looking for the perfect scare Film students exploring the art of fear Anyone who's ever peeked through their fingers during a scary movie Don't just watch horror—live it, breathe it, understand it. "Planet Terror" is your key to unlocking a universe of fear. But the real question is: are you brave enough to turn the page? WARNING!! You Have Been Warned!!!
Masculinities in Austrian Contemporary Literature: Strategic Evasion shows the important contribution that literature can make to the understanding of masculinities, by offering insights into the mental structures of hegemonic masculinity. It argues that while there is evidence of frustrating hegemonic masculinities, contemporary Austrian literature offers few positive images of alternative masculinity. The texts simultaneously criticize and present fantasies of hegemonic masculinity and as such provide a space for ambiguity and evasion. While providing readers with an in-depth study of the works of the authors Daniel Kehlmann, Doron Rabinovici and Arno Geiger, Matthias Eck elaborates the concept of strategic evasion. In order to bridge the gap between the ideal of masculinity and reality the male characters adopt two strategies of evasion: evasion to hide a softer and gentler side, and evasion into a world of fantasy where they pretend to live up to the ideal of hegemonic masculinity.
