"Bloodcurdling shrieks, fiendish schemes, deeds of darkness, mayhem and mutilation—we all have a rough idea of what Grand Guignol stands for. But until now it has been hard to find out much more about it than that. According to the American theater historian Mel Gordon, no major history of the theater so much as mentions it, although it is a form of entertainment that held its own on the Paris stage for more than half a century. But Mr. Gordon has made a thorough job of filling the gap."—J...

This seductive sourcebook of rare visual delights from pre-Nazi, Cabaret-period “Babylon on the Spree” has the distinction of being praised both by scholars and avatars of contemporary culture, inspiring hip club goers, filmmakers, gay historians, graphic designers, and musicians like the Dresden Dolls and Marilyn Manson.This expanded edition includes “Sex Magic and the Occult,” documenting German pagan cults and their often-bizarre erotic rituals, including instructions for enteri...

Stanislavsky in America explores the extraordinary legacy that Constantin Stanislavski’s system of actor-training has left on acting in the US.Mel Gordon outlines the journey of Stanislavski’s theories through twentieth century American history, from the early US tours of the Moscow Art Theatre to the ongoing impact of 'The System' on modern American acting.This fascinating study by a leading theatre critic and practitioner provides hundreds of original acting exer...

General Lachlan McIntosh, George Washington's Scottish General, is the story of Lachlan McIntosh and of early America. It chronicles the hardships endured by McIntosh and others who crossed the stormy Atlantic Ocean, settled the wilderness that would become South Georgia, fought Indians, wild animals, highwaymen, and British troops, and traversed thousands of miles on foot and horseback to wage ferocious battles. Colorful characters of the times, such as Colonel Francis Marion (th...

Pulaski The Forgotten Hero, is an action packed historical novel set in 18th century Europe and America. It follows Casimir Pulaski from birth through the wars and battles he fought in Poland and America. In spite of, or perhaps because of, what was considered an abnormality, he became a hero on both continents, a masterful horseman, and the Father of the American Cavalry. He saved the most sacred religious site in Poland from invading Russians and General George Washington’s life at the B...

Here is a kaleidoscopic analysis of Jewish humor as seen through Funnyman, a little-known super-heroic invention by the creators of Superman. Included are complete comic-book stories and daily and Sunday newspaper panels from Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s creative fiasco.Siegel and Shuster, two Jewish teenagers from Cleveland, sold the rights to their amazing and astonishingly lucrative comic book superhero to Detective Comics for $130 in 1938. Not only did they ...

"Laugh a while…let a song be your style…" and enjoy radio's most outrageous comedy couple: Phil Harris and Alice Faye. They are off to a raucous start in these classic early episodes, co-starring Elliott Lewis as the unforgettable Frankie Remley!Stunts, gags, and over the top shenanigans are enabled by the diabolical delivery boy Julius Abbruzio (played by the delightful Walter Tetley). Cameo appearances are provided by Gale Gordon, Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc -- and the dashing Robert Taylor ...

The rousing Kent family saga continues as Philip Kent fights for his new country alongside the greatest figures of the Revolutionary WarThe engrossing follow-up to The Bastard finds Philip Kent standing as a Continental solider at the Battle of Bunker Hill. In a bold move, Kent has taken up arms for the future of his new family. Spirited and unwavering in his dedication to his adopted homeland, Kent fights in the most violent battles in America’s early his...

This addictive John Jakes adventure blends the Kents’ ruthless push for an empire with murderous betrayal and the Civil War’s life-altering culminationWith the Civil War reaching its gory climax, the divided Kent family is pushed to the edge of complete destruction. With the advent of the transcontinental Union Pacific Railroad, the Kents continue to fight for their foothold among America’s wealthy founding families. While their private, insular war rages, young Je...

A riveting, personal look at one of our country's first heroes in the second captivating novel of the George Washington series by Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen, the New York Times bestselling authors of To Try Men's SoulsIt's the winter of 1777, a year after Washington's triumphant surprise attack on Trenton, and the battered, demoralized Continental Army retreats from Philadelphia. At Valley Forge, they discover that their requests for su...

The Kent family faces internal clashes as the Civil War ignites—from the #1 New York Times –bestselling author of North and South .In the hellish years of the Civil War, the Kent family faces its greatest trials yet. Louis, the devious son of the late Amanda Kent, is in control of the dynasty—and of its seemingly inevitable collapse. His cousin Jephtha Kent, meanwhile, backs the...

For fans of C.J. Box's Joe Pickett series, a fabulous historical mystery series set in early America.“Deeply imagined and intricately plotted, A Stranger Here Below marries richly textured historical fiction with the urgency of a mystery novel. Fergus knows certain things, deep in the bone: horses, hunting, the folkways of rural places, and he weaves this wisdom into a stirring tale.” – Geraldine Brooks, author of Marc...