'...this is an utterly engaging and valuable collection of early British film documents. Highly recommended for comprehensive film-history collections serving upper-divison undergraduates, researchers, faculty, and general readers - T. Lindvall, Choice Vol. 38 No. 3 February 2001

In mid-seventeenth-century Venice, opera first emerged from courts and private drawing rooms to become a form of public entertainment. Early commercial operas were elaborate spectacles, featuring ornate costumes and set design along with dancing and music. As ambitious works of theater, these productions required not only significant financial backing, but also strong managers to oversee several months of rehearsals and performances. These impresarios were responsible for every facet of production from contracting the cast to balancing the books at season's end. The systems they created still survive, in part, today.
Inventing the Business of Opera explores public opera in its infancy, from 1637 to 1677, when theater owners and impresarios established Venice as the operatic capital of Europe. Drawing on extensive new documentation, the book studies all of the components necessary to opera production, from the financial backing and the issue of patronage to the commissioning and creation of the libretto and the score; the recruitment and employment of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists; the production of the scenery and the costumes; and the nature of the audience. The authors examine the challenges faced by four separate Venetian theaters during the seventeenth century, and focus particularly on the progress of Marco Faustini, the impresario most well known today. Faustini made his way from one of Venice's smallest theaters to one of the largest, and his advancement provides a personal view of an impresario and his partners, who ranged from Venetian nobles to artisans. Throughout the book, Venice emerges as a city that prized novelty over economy, with new repertory, scenery, costumes, and expensive singers the rule rather than the exception.
Through close examination of an extraordinary cache of documents--including personal papers, account books, and correspondence--Beth and Jonathan Glixon provide a comprehensive view of opera production in mid seventeenth- century Venice. For the first time in a study of Venetian opera, an emphasis is placed on the physical production-- the scenery, costumes, and stage machinery--that tied these opera productions to the social and economic life of the city. This original and meticulously researched study will be of strong interest to all students of opera and its history.

History of Education: Major Themes brings together some of the most significant and influential writing on the history of education during the past thirty years. It illustrates the key themes on which historians of education have worked during this period and shows their relevance for our understanding of the development of schooling and education systems worldwide.
The four volumes are structured so that readers will see clearly what is distinctive about the study of the history of education in different parts of the English-speaking world but will also gain an insight into the ways in which historians have increasingly identified common themes and problems which are of significance well beyond the boundaries of individual nations.

The History of Accounting has been constructed from 68 items previously published between 1971 and 1998, representing the key works of 72 leading authors. The set is designed for a number of applications which include: a range of readings suitable for graduate and postgraduate courses on accounting history; background literature for courses dealing with particular aspects of accounting; an initial source of reference for students undertaking a doctoral thesis in accounting history, and the initial source of reference for existing members of faculty who decide to develop their research in this area. The set also provides a coverage of accounting history that meets the needs of business historians whose research encompasses financial matters. The set is divided into four separate volumes dealing with the following broad subject areas: * accounting research methods and twentieth century developments in accounting theory * record keeping systems and financial reporting procedures * cost and management accounting * the professionalisation of accounting. A significant feature of the study of accounting history in recent years has been the emergence of a widening range of theoretical approaches. The editor has therefore ensured that writers from these different traditions are fairly represented.

Charting the evolution of Britain's leading role in the formation of NATO, the book provides a balanced assessment of British foreign and defence policies as the Cold War gathered momentum and a new system of European security was forged in the aftermath of World War II. The author argues that, despite the obvious differences between the periods, there are important lessons to be learned from post-war diplomacy by today's statesmen as they struggle to build another system of European security in the post-Cold War era. The book is based on a wide range of British, American and Canadian archives. Other published works by the author include "British Defence Policy in a Changing World", "Soviet Strategy" (with G. Segal), "Alternative Approaches to British Defence Policy", "Anglo-American Defence Relations 1939-84", "Contemporary Strategy Vols I and II" (with G. Segal, J. Garnett and P. Williams), "Nuclear War and Nuclear Peace" (with G. Segal, E. Moreton and L. Freedman), "Britain, NATO and Nuclear Weapons" (with K. Booth), "British Defence Policy: Striking the Right Balance", "Makers of Nuclear Strategy" (with J. Garnett) and "Dilemmas of World Politics" (with N. Rengger).

The truthful anecdotes and fictional characters take you on an insightful and exciting journey that is serious, witty and redeemingly triumphant. It is a gripping account which depicts how the media, unbridled capitalism, residual racial bias and politics as usual collude to control, suppress and subvert the natural election process in the American South. Included in this well-researched historical novel is an assessment of the successes and failures in race relations in America. To that end, it is a fresh and fascinating examination of the American conundrum about race. The final chapter, entitled "I Still Believe," provides a powerful tribute to past adversity laden, iconic achievements inspired by abiding faith, enduring hope and indeed, the prevailing love of God. The Capacity To Believe is a must read for students of history, journalism, political science and constitutional law, as well as the political aficionado residing in or outside of America. Finally, this novel could prove useful in discerning what fuels the furor of current opposition to President Obama. Is it the ideological administration or his pigmentation? Read and decide for yourself

La obra recoge en forma de vinetas culturales las vivencias de su autora, en el Puerto Rico comprendido desde los inicios hasta el fin del siglo XX. Cada vivencia, esta presentada en armonia y correspondencia con las tradiciones que le sirven de eje tematico. Presenta las costumbres y valores que nos identifican como pueblo y la importancia de conservar nuestro legado cultural. Su estructura esta definida por cinco topicos: Mis padres y abuelos, Levantando un familion, Tipos y transeuntes, Experiencias unicas e increibles y Division generacional. Cada seccion presenta las vivencias del topico separadas entre si por su idea central, quedando cada cuadro como una lectura individual. La cohesion como obra se logra mediante la secuencia cronologica de los eventos y los personajes que la unen como un todo. La narracion fluye en un lenguaje sencillo, combinando la viveza expresiva del puertorriqueno con un vocabulario elaborado y descriptivo. La sensibilidad y emotividad del estilo contrasta con un toque del humor caracteristico de nuestro pueblo. La obra se presta para el analisis literario a nivel superior y universitario por la profusion de recursos literarios, figuras poeticas y complejidad tematica. Asimismo, atraeria al lector aficionado que solo busca el deleite de una lectura amena, asi como a los mas conscientes que buscan un encuentro con sus raices y un despertar como pueblo. La obra en si constituye una valiosa aportacion a los anales de la literatura puertorriquena.

Much has been written on racism and ethic hatred. But what about traditions of racial tolerance and equality? "Anti-Racism" offers an historical and international introduction to the development of this topic. Drawing on sources from around the world, it explains the roots and illustrates the practice of anti-racism in Western and non-Western societies. The author introduces the contemporary dilemmas being tracked within anti-racist debate as well as the criticisms of anti-racism that have been heard within Western societies.
This is one of the first books to look at anti-racism as a topic of social, scientific, historical and geographical inquiry. This will prove a unique resource for anyone interested in issues of equality, race or ethnicity.

Crickets oldest, and fiercest, rivalry! No contest in cricket comes close to matching The Ashes for drama, passion and sporting theatre. When England and Australia go head to head, two countries hold their collective breath and prepare for a roller-coaster ride of power, pride, pain and victory at all costs. But it's also about respect - a love of the game and the realisation that two great sporting nations are entwined through one of sport's greatest rivalries. With over 135 years of Ashes history, here's a collection of the best quotes and defining moments - from 'Bodyline' to 'Botham's Ashes', from Lord's to the Gabba, from 'The Don' to 'The Barmy army'. 'England have only three major problems. They can't bat, they can't bowl and they can't field.' - Martin Johnson's assessment at the start of the 1986-87 tour. England's recovery to win the Ashes later led Johnson to remark: 'Right quote, wrong team.'

This volume brings together for the first time the British Conservative Political Party General Election Manifestos, dating back to 1900, and including the most recent General Election manifesto of 1997.
The project provides an indispensible source of data about the Conservative Party's political ideologies and policy positions, as well as charting their changes over time.
The volume has a new introduction written by Alistair B. Cooke, who was Deputy Director of the Conservative Research Department from 1985 to 1997, and the Director of the Conservative Political Centre from 1988 to 1997. During that time he edited some 300 pamphlets for the Conservative Party, along with 6 volumes of its comprehensive record policy, the Campaign Guide and collections of Margaret Thatcher and John Major's speeches. He is also the editor of The Conservative Party: Seven Historical Studies, 1680 to the 1990s.
In addition to the new introduction, the volume will include a comprehensive index, making it easy to use.

This volume brings together for the first time the British Labour Political Party General Election Manifestos, dating back to 1900, and including the most recent General Election manifesto of 1997.
The project provides an indispensible source of data about the Labour Party's political ideologies and policy positions, as well as charting their changes over time.
The volume has a new introduction written by Dennis Kavanagh, who is Professor of Politics at Liverpool University, and who has already published Political Science and Political Behaviour with Routledge.
In addition to the new introduction, the volume includes a comprehensive index, making the volume easy to use.

This volume brings together for the first time the British Liberal Political Party General Election Manifestos, dating back to 1900, and including the most recent General Election manifesto of 1997.
The project provides an indispensible source of data about the Liberal Party's political ideologies and policy positions, as well as charting their changes over time.
The volume has a new introduction written by Duncan Brack, who is Programmes Director at the Royal Institute of International Affairs. He was previously the Policy Director for the Liberal Democrats and editor of the Dictionary of Liberal Biography, published by Politicos in February 1999.
In addition to the new introduction, the volume has a comprehensive index, making it easy to use.

This book offers the first full historical treatment of a music theatre that was once at the center of London's West End. From the late Victorian period to the early 1920s, musical comedy was the single most popular form of "legitimate" theatre entertainment. This lively account establishes musical comedy as one of the first industrial cultures and offers fascinating insights into how it functioned ideologically as a celebrated embracing of the modern condition.

Routledge is now re-issuing this prestigious series of 204 volumes originally published between 1910 and 1965. The titles include works by key figures such asC.G. Jung, Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget, Otto Rank, James Hillman, Erich Fromm, Karen Horney and Susan Isaacs. Each volume is available on its own, as part of a themed mini-set, or as part of a specially-priced 204-volume set. A brochure listing each title in the "International Library of Psychology" series is available upon request.

This volume is available individually, or as part of the 7 volume set "Emergence of International Business 1200-1800" (0-415-19072-X; $910.00/Y [Can. $1365.00/Y]).

After thirty years of broadcasting in Britain under a public monopoly, the Television Act of 1954 introduced a controversial new force called Independent Television (ITV) which was a plural structure combining private enterprise and public control. Its income came from advertising. This volume, the first of three recording the history of Independent Television, describes the campaign to end the BBC's monopoly in television and tells of the vicissitudes of the early years of ITV, how it survived to become an accepted part of the fabric of British life. The book draws on much previously unpublished information to reveal the inside story of the problems which were encountered and the people principally involved in them. It tells how ITV's programmes captured a major share of the television audience and also how its rapid growth and the way the network was conducted led to a divergence from some of the ideals of its founding fathers. Whilst enjoying great popularity with the audience in general, ITV encountered criticism among people concerned about both 'excessive' profits and the social impact of the medium. The book sets the record straight on a number of questions on which judgements have been based more often on legend than on fact. The story ends on the eve of the Pilkington Report of 1962, which was to advocate 'organic change' in the whole system of Independent Television. The second volume will contain a detailed review of this report, describe the passage of the second Television Act of 1963 and go on to tell what happened to ITV after the arrival of Lord Hill of Luton, the former radio doctor and Postmaster-General, as Chairman of the ITA in the summer of 1963.

A collection of iconic, unbelievable, and intimate stories from baseball history that celebrate the enduring impact of the national pastime. Baseball--rooted as it is in tradition and nostalgia--lends itself to the retelling of its timeless tales. So it is with the stories in Classic Baseball, a collection of articles written by award-winning journalist John Rosengren and originally published by Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker, Sports on Earth, VICE Sports, and other magazines. These are stories about the game's legends--Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Josh Gibson, Bob Feller, Frank Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Kirby Puckett--and its lesser-knowns with extraordinary stories of their own. They cover some of the game's most famous moments, like Hank Aaron hitting No. 715, and some you've never heard of, like the time the Ku Klux Klan played a game against an all-Black team. Whether it be the story of John Roseboro forgiving Juan Marichal for clubbing him in the head with a bat, Elston Howard breaking down the Yankees' systemic racism to integrate America's team, or the national pastime played on snowshoes during July in a remote Wisconsin town, these are stories meant to be read and read again for their poignancy, their humor, and their celebration of baseball.