Clive Barker, Tom Cruise, Larry Hagman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Stephen King, Brad Meltzer, Sir Ian McKellen, Carolyn See, Stuart Woods and many others describe their humorous and frequently touching journeys to success. This motivational volume is hosted by the ever-controversial 'Aunt Bessie, ' who some refer to as a dangerous cross between Eminem and Ann Landers.

The language of Hollywood resonates beyond the stage and screen because it often has inherent drama—or comedic effect. This volume contains a combination of approximately 100 expertly researched essays on words, phrases and idioms made famous by Hollywood along with the stories behind 30 or so of the most iconic—and ultimately often used—quotes from films. There are also sidebars that focus on other ways the entertainment world has changed language. For instance, stories behind stars whose names have been used for drinks (hello, Shirley Temple) or roses (there are ones named after Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland, among others). And, a sidebar on William Shakespeare’s unique contribution to the English language.

'An instant classic . . . funny, sharp, entertaining.' ANDREW O'HAGAN, author of Caledonian Road A riotous and revealing story of Hollywood's most spectacular flops. 'Failure fascinates, for all the reasons that success is a drag . . .' From grand follies to misunderstood masterpieces, disastrous sequels to catastrophic literary adaptations, Tim Robey's hugely entertaining Box Office Poison tells an alternative history of Hollywood, through a century of its most notable flops. Freaks, Land of the Pharaohs, Dune, Speed 2, Catwoman, Cats: what can these films tell us about the Hollywood system, the public's appetite - or lack of it - and the circumstances that saw such box office disasters actually made? Away from the canon, here is the definitive take on these ill-fated, but essential celluloid failures.

"The purpose of the Yearbook of Experts is to provide bona fide interview sources to working members of the news media"--Page 2

A composer's insight: thoughts, analysis and commentary on contemporary masterpieces for wind band, volume 2 - with a foreword by Norman Dello Joio - is the second in a five-volume series on major contemporary composers and their works for wind band. Included in this volume are rare, "behind-the-notes" perspectives acquired from personal interviews with each composer. An excellent resource for conductor, composer or enthusiast interested in acquiring a richer musical understanding of the composer's training, compositional approach, musical influences and interpretative ideas.