North Face of Soho
North Face of Soho

Author: Clive James

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Published: 2009-09-30

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 0330474375

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From Fleet Street to the television, North Face of Soho is the fascinating and hilarious fourth volume of memoir from much-loved author, poet and broadcaster Clive James. '[James] delivers his gags with honed elegance' – Sunday Times It is 1968. Newly married, dressed in the style of the times ('a frenzy of bad judgement'), Clive James is leaving the cloistered world of Cambridge academia and setting his sights once again on the lights of literary London. Luckily for him and us, this crack at the big city would go rather better than last time. Still writing songs, directing sketch shows and trying to break into the movie business, with very mixed success, Clive eventually lands a weekly TV column at the Observer, finds his metier and rapidly becomes a household name. Credited with inventing a genre, Clive turns his attention to the previously critically disregarded medium of television to comment on the entire culture. Through the Seventies and early Eighties, from Fleet Street to Hollywood, from Russian department stores to Paris fashion shows, this is the hilarious, entertaining and honest story of a life lived to the full. North Face of Soho is the fourth book of memoir from Clive James. Continue his story with The Blaze of Obscurity.

The Big Book of Christmas Tales
The Big Book of Christmas Tales

Author: Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson

Publisher: Good Press

Published: 2023-12-20

Total Pages: 8825

ISBN-13:

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The Big Book of Christmas Tales is an unparalleled collection that brings together the works of several of the most prominent authors in literary history to explore the multifaceted themes of Christmas. By weaving together a tapestry of diverse literary styles from the whimsical to the solemn, the anthology encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season through a broad spectrum of perspectives. The collection stands out for its inclusion of timeless classics alongside lesser-known gems, providing a rich literary context that illuminates the universal appeal of Christmas. The varied narratives, woven with themes of hope, generosity, and reflection, highlight the cultural and emotional significance of the holiday across different times and places, underscoring the anthologys importance as a literary compendium. The backgrounds of the contributing authors are as diverse as their stories, with figures such as Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy standing alongside Emily Dickinson and Beatrix Potter. This assembly of authors, each influential in their own right, comes from a broad spectrum of historical, cultural, and literary movements, offering readers a panoramic view of Christmas through the ages. The contributions of these authors, who have each left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, collectively enrich the anthology's overarching theme by showcasing the holiday's universal resonance across various cultural and societal backgrounds. This collection is a treasure trove for readers eager to explore the depths of Christmas through an expansive lens. It beckons to those who are not just looking for holiday tales but are in pursuit of a deeper understanding of the myriad ways in which this time of year reflects and influences the human condition. The Big Book of Christmas Tales is more than a seasonal anthology; it is an educational journey and a celebration of literary diversity that promises to spark reflection, joy, and a renewed appreciation for the enduring power and complexity of the Christmas spirit. Readers are encouraged to delve into this collection, not only for its aesthetic and sentimental value but also for the unique opportunity it presents to engage with the rich tapestry of Christmas narratives from some of the most revered authors in literature.

The Santa's Big Book of Christmas Tales: 500+ Novels, Stories, Poems, Carols & Legends
The Santa's Big Book of Christmas Tales: 500+ Novels, Stories, Poems, Carols & Legends

Author: Charles Dickens

Publisher: DigiCat

Published: 2023-11-14

Total Pages: 8820

ISBN-13:

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Within the pages of 'The Santa's Big Book of Christmas Tales: 500+ Novels, Stories, Poems, Carols & Legends' lies a treasure trove of carefully curated works, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Christmas literature across the ages. This anthology boasts an impressive array of literary styles, from the gilded narratives of Charles Dickens to the poignant verses of William Wordsworth, enveloping readers in the diverse and multifaceted celebrations of Christmas. Noteworthy for its inclusivity and breadth, the collection showcases a vast spectrum of emotional and thematic variations on the Yuletide spirit, making it a quintessential compendium for the holiday season. The collection stands out for its embracement of both the legendary, as seen in the fantastical tales of George Macdonald, and the intimately personal, as reflected in Emily Dickinson's delicately wrought poetry, offering a panoramic view of Christmas through the literary lens. The assembled authors, a veritable who's who of literary giants spanning centuries, bring together a harmonious blend of voices that reflect their respective eras, cultural backgrounds, and personal philosophies. From the romantic optimism of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow to the critical social narratives of Charles Dickens, the anthology bridges the gap between past and present, making timeless themes of hope, generosity, and reflection accessible to a contemporary audience. The diversity of literary movements represented—from Romanticism to Realism and beyond—enriches the collection, providing a layered and nuanced exploration of Christmas traditions and their evolution. By delving into 'The Santa's Big Book of Christmas Tales,' readers are afforded an unparalleled opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of Christmas literature. The collection not only serves as a testament to the enduring allure of holiday storytelling but also as an educational journey through the landscapes of literary history. It is an essential addition to the libraries of scholars and enthusiasts alike, inviting a deepened appreciation for the artistic and cultural dimensions of the holiday season. Offering more than just entertainment, this anthology stimulates a dialogue between the classic and the contemporary, the solemn and the celebratory, encouraging readers to revisit and rediscover the enchantment of Christmas through the ages.

The Never-Ending Run
The Never-Ending Run

Author: Lorenzo Maria dell'Uva

Publisher: Lorenzo Maria dell'Uva

Published: 2021-09-01

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13:

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Extreme race, city festival, global phenomenon - the New York Marathon is much more than a never-ending run. On top of the 50,000 plus participants who actually run the race, it’s an event that involves millions of people when you include the thousands of volunteers, the hundreds of thousands of supporters lining the streets of the metropolis par excellence, and the global TV audience watching at home. "The Never-Ending Run" aims to give a 360° explanation and tell the story of one of the most famous marathons in the world, starting with a mile-by-mile description of the race, including first-hand experiences.On the back of the story of the race, there follows a guide to New York specially dedicated to runners and all their shopping and tourism needs, along with scores of interesting facts and stats. "The Never-Ending Run" recounts the history of the New York City Marathon, provides intriguing insights and explains how to participate and properly prepare for the race- all without overlooking essential tips and suggestions for enjoying life, and your break, in the Big Apple. Part one, The Race, illustrates the history and route of the most famous race in the world, including race strategies by coach Fulvio Massini, as well as accounts from other famous athletes, such as Peter Ciaccia, Orlando Pizzolato, Franca Fiacconi, George Hirsch, German Silva, and Alex Zanardi. Part two, New York, is given over to the needs of the runner in town for the race: how to get around; where to go shopping for running gear; advice on what to do - and not do - in the days leading up to the race; and the best places to watch the race for spectators.

The River in the Sky: A Poem
The River in the Sky: A Poem

Author: Clive James

Publisher: Liveright Publishing

Published: 2018-10-16

Total Pages: 145

ISBN-13: 1631494740

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In this deracinated age appears a miraculous epic that pays homage to Dante and Camus. “Few people read Poetry any more, but I still wish to write its seedlings down, if only for the lull of gathering: no less a harvest season for being the last time,” writes Clive James in his epic poem, The River in the Sky. What emerges from this lamentation is a soaring epic of exceptional depth and overwhelming feeling, all the more extraordinary given its appearance in an age when the heroic poem seems to have disappeared from contemporary literature. Among James’s many talents is his uncanny ability to juxtapose references to early twentieth-century poets with “offbeat humor and flyaway cultural observations” (Dwight Garner, New York Times), or allusions to the adagio of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony contrasted with references to “YouTube’s vast cosmopolis.” Whether recalling his Australian childhood or his father’s “clean white headstone” in a Hong Kong cemetery, James’s autobiographical epic ultimately helps us define the meaning of life.

Off The Shelf
Off The Shelf

Author: Carol Ann Duffy

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Published: 2016-09-08

Total Pages: 91

ISBN-13: 1509841962

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Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and her friends across the country offer poems in praise of the magic of reading. In Off the Shelf: A Celebration of Bookshops in Verse, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy has commissioned a selection of the UK's most loved and lauded poets to each write a poem in celebration of books and bookshops - the worlds they hold, the freedoms they promise, and the memories they evoke. From a basement of forgotten books to the shelves of a cramped Welsh arcade, from the poetry corner of the local bookstore to the last bookshop standing in a post-apocalyptic world, these are poems that pay tribute to all the places that house the stories we treasure. With poems from Carol Ann Duffy, Scottish Makar Jackie Kay, National Poet of Wales Gillian Clarke, as well as Clive James, Michael Longley, Don Paterson, Patience Agbabi and many more, this beautiful anthology is a heart-warming reminder of how books nourish us, save us, and inspire us.

Poetry Notebook: Reflections on the Intensity of Language
Poetry Notebook: Reflections on the Intensity of Language

Author: Clive James

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Published: 2015-03-30

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 1631490281

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Legendary poet and critic Clive James provides an unforgettably eloquent book on how to read and appreciate modern poetry. Since its initial publication, Poetry Notebook has become a must-read for any lover of poetry. Somewhat of an iconoclast, Clive James gets to the heart of truths about poetry not always addressed, “some hard” but always “firmly committed to celebration” (Martin Amis). He presents a distillation of all he’s learned about the art form that matters to him most. James examines the poems and legacies of a panorama of twentieth-century poets, from Hart Crane to Ezra Pound (a “mad old amateur fascist with a panscopic grab bag”), from Ted Hughes to Anne Sexton. Whether demanding that poetry be heard beyond the world of letters or opining on his five favorite poets (Yeats, Frost, Auden, Wilbur, and Larkin), his “generosity of attention, his willingness to trawl through pages of verse in search of the hair-raising line, is his most appealing quality as a critic” (Adam Kirsch, Wall Street Journal).