The perfect companion to cinema's most spectacular genre, The Rough Guide to Film Musicals reveals how an escapist entertainment became Hollywood's most ingenious art form. From such enduring classics as Singin' In The Rain and West Side Story to recent successes like Evita and Chicago, this book reviews 50 essential musicals, including several forgotten gems. There are profiles of musical icons such as Fred Astaire, Judy Garland and George Gershwin and details of musicals from around the world. Complete with a list of the best soundtracks, websites and books for further reading, this Rough Guide takes a behind the scenes look at this magical movie genre.

Get the lowdown on the best fiction ever written. Over 230 of the world’s greatest novels are covered, from Quixote (1614) to Orhan Pamuk’s Snow (2002), with fascinating information about their plots and their authors – and suggestions for what to read next. The guide comes complete with recommendations of the best editions and translations for every genre from the most enticing crime and punishment to love, sex, heroes and anti-heroes, not to mention all the classics of comedy and satire, horror and mystery and many other literary genres. With feature boxes on experimental novels, female novelists, short reviews of interesting film and TV adaptations, and information on how the novel began, this guide will point you to all the classic literature you’ll ever need.

The Rough Guide to Brussels is the ultimate companion to the beer-guzzling capital of Belgium. The full-colour introduction gives an inspiring insight into many of the city's highlights, from the top museums to Brussel's handsome Art Nouveau buildings. There are two new full-colour sections on the nation's twin passions, beer and food, plenty of easy-to-use maps and that essential practical information. You'll find dozens of extensive, up-to-the-minute reviews for bars, shopping, entertainment, restaurants and hotels of Berlin for every budget. With delightful day-trips to the neighbouring cities of Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp, this is your must-have item to the cultural and political hotspot of Brussels Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Brussels.

The Rough Guide to Videogames is the ultimate guide to the world’s most addictive pastime. Both a nostalgic look at the past and a celebration of the latest in joystick-wrecking wonders, this book covers the full story from the first arcade machines to the latest digital delights. Easy access to 75 of the greatest games of all time, from Civilization and Pro Evolution Soccer to We Love Katamari and World of Warcraft. The guide profiles the stories behind the software giants, famous creators and the world’s favourite characters, including Mario, Lara Croft and Sonic the Hedgehog. All the gadgets and devices for consoles, hand-helds, phones and PCs are explored as well as the wider world of gaming, from websites and movies to books.

Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to St Petersburg, the ultimate guide to this beautiful city. The full-colour section introduces St Petersburg’s highlights, from world-class ballet and opera at the Mariinskiy Theatre to the gilded mosaics of the Church of the Saviour on the Blood. The guide takes a detailed look at Russian history, literature and cultural life with expert background on everything from the superlative art collection of the Hermitage and the city’s spectacular Imperial palaces to snowmobiling in Karelia. There are plenty of practical tips and information on all the best accommodation, transportation and restaurants and lively reviews of hundreds of shops, bars and clubs. Discover every corner of St. Petersburg with the clearest maps of any guide.

The Rough Guide to Czech Republic is the ultimate travel guide, with detailed coverage of all the best attractions the Czech Republic has to offer. Discover the magnificent art galleries and museums in the Czech Republic, visit one of the Czech Republic's world-class concerts or festivals, view Prague's spectacular architecture on a walking tour, or taste the flavours of Czech cuisine, while exploring all the corners of the enchanting Czech Republic with clear maps and stunning photography. Fully updated and expanded, with descriptions and recommendations of the best hotels in Czech Republic and the best restaurants and bars throughout the Czech Republic. Whether you're looking for expert tips for exploring the Czech Republic's varied landscapes, an authoritative background on the history of the Czech Republic, or the low-down on the Czech Republic's sensational festivals, The Rough Guide to Czech Republic is the definitive guide to this enchanting region. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to the Czech Republic!

Rock legends Led Zeppelin remain a colossal music force with songs at once mystical, heavy, traditional and highly original. The Rough Guide to Led Zeppelin tells the story of the life and afterlife of this most extraordinary supergroup. Features include: The Story: from the first meeting of Plant and Page to the untimely death of John Bonham, detailing the magic, mayhem and excesses of the era. The Music: the band’s fifty best songs unpicked, plus coverage of blues influences, bootlegs, solo careers, and the best Jimmy Page guitar solos and most outstanding Robert Plant vocals. The Passengers: profiles of collaborators and colleagues including Roy Harper and Mickie Most. The Cargo: Zeppelin films, places, myths and memorabilia, books, websites and the afterlife of “Stairway to Heaven.” It’s a whole lotta Zep...

What exactly is a gene? How does cloning actually work? Are designer babies a bad idea? Could we ever clone a human? The Rough Guide To Genes & Cloning answers all these questions and more. From the inside story of cells and their structure and the sleuths who cracked the genetic code to DNA cloning, twins and Dolly the sheep. Illustrated throughout with helpful pictures and diagrams, this Rough Guide turns the microscope on the things that make us what we are.

The Rough Guide to Corsica is the ultimate travel guide with clear maps and detailed coverage of all the best attractions Corsica has to offer. Discover the vibrant regions of Corsica from the beautiful island beaches of Corsica, to the amazing GR20 trail and scenic walks through this lush Mediterranean island. New full-colour features explore the most atmospheric festivals in Corsica and the charming traditional villages in Corsica with detailed information on traditional food, language and livelihoods. Find detailed practical advice on what to see and do in Corsica whilst relying on up-to-date descriptions of the best accommodation in Corsica; from Corsica's luxurious hotels to budget campsites in Corsica, bars in Corsica, restaurants in Corsica, and the best scenic walks and hikes around Corsica. This Rough Guide unearths the best places to hike, mountain bike, canyon, horse ride and scuba dive. Explore all corners of Corsica with the clearest maps of any guide. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Corsica.

The Rough Guide to Germany is the ultimate travel guide with clear maps and detailed coverage of all the best attractions Germany has to offer. Discover the dynamic regions of Germany from the lively nightlife in Berlin, magnificent Baroque gardens in Northern Germany, medieval castles and historical towns, to the flavours of German cuisine. Packed with detailed, practical advice on what to see and do in Germany this guide provides reliable, up-to-date descriptions of the best hotels in Germany, German bars, recommended restaurants in Germany, and tips on the best shopping and festivals in Germany for all budgets. Featuring detailed coverage on a full range of attractions; from the spas of Baden-Baden and the galleries of Dresden, to boat trips in Hamburg and the jazz clubs of Munich, you'll find expert tips on exploring Germany's amazing attractions with an authoritative background on Germany's rich culture and history. Explore all corners of Germany with the clearest maps of any guide and practical German language tips. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Germany.