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...

"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...

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...

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 ...

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...

This bi-lingual, funny and colourful picture book is all about a young pirate, Mel Morgwn, who absolutely refuses to brush his teeth and eat healthily. In spite of the best efforts of the whole Morgwn family and his class teacher he will not clean his teeth. Join Mel on a hilarious pirate adventure to discover good hygiene and healthy eating habits!

"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 ...

'Exploit your limitations' was the most profound advice ever given by the great jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. 'TOTAL GILTRAP' is a prime example of this. Indeed, Giltrap himself is a living example of an artist who has exploited his limited, right hand pick and little finger technique to its nth degree. In this volume, we explore open tunings, legato technique, two-handed tapping and the harp-like technique of open strings and harmonics. This is all wrapped up in a very English approach t...

Dive into the uproarious world of Mel Brooks, where laughter reigns supreme and wit knows no bounds. In this captivating biography, embark on a journey through the life and legacy of one of comedy's greatest maestros.From his early days as a comedic trailblazer to his rise as a Hollywood icon, discover the untold stories behind the genius who redefined laughter itself. Unveil the secrets behind the creation of iconic films such as "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein," and "The P...

This book, which includes 308 tune transcriptions, is organized around individual fiddlers who typically combine Appalachian-style fiddling with rags, pop standards, Midwest-style fiddling and sometimes a touch of Western swing to create a style often identifiable as Ozarks. Thirty Ozarks fiddlers and their lives are highlighted with biographical sketches, photographs, and tune histories. Another 50 great Ozarks fiddlers are presented in a similar manner but with less detail. The book and ...

This collection of the work of the Maltese composer, Gordon Mizzi, for solo guitar is being made available to the public for the first time. Saints and Fireworks, The Music of Gordon Mizzi Volume Two is the second of two albums of Gordon Mizzi's music, which are available from Mel Bay Publications. This album takes its title from the newly released CD, Gordon Mizzi, Saints and Fireworks that has been recorded by Carlos Bonell, one of today's most celebrated guitarists and which is availabl...

This collection of the work of the Maltese composer, Gordon Mizzi, for solo guitar is being made available to the public for the first time. Song of the Sea, The Music of Gordon Mizzi, Volume One is the first of two albums, which are available from Mel Bay Publications. The title is taken from the CD, Song of the Sea, Carlos Bonell Plays Gordon Mizzi recorded by Carlos Bonell, one of today's most celebrated guitarists, and which is available from Spearhead Music. The individual track recor...