"A career in music ... is a calling with such a strong pull; you'd think a tide was sucking you under. It becomes an intense obsession of such great intensity that you can almost think of nothing else, it drives you with a fever and fervor."

In the early 70s, an idealistic young man - Brian Torff - arrived in New York to pursue his passion for music. During an excursion to Long Island, Brian found his dream instrument: a 1775 re-built Nicola Galliano bass.

Such was the beginning of a career that led Torff from Cafe Carlyle to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the White House. He has toured worldwide with the greatest: from Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, George Shearing, and Erroll Garner to Stephane Grappelli, Benny Goodman, Mary Lou Williams, and Marian McPartland.

As Brian notes, "bass players do a lot of observing from the back of the bandstand." It is this supportive role that qualifies Torff to share his insight into jazz music, and its many personalities. Torff takes us beyond the music by adding depth with his vision of American music, and paints vivid portraits of the musicians with whom he played.

Torff's memoir is one of creativity, and determination mixed with timing, and plain good luck. His sharp narrative not only brings the legends of jazz to life, but reading about them here will certainly motivate you to add some music to your collection.

Ever since he was a teenager growing up in Houston, Texas, Carlyle Thompson wanted to visit Africa. In 2006, he got his chance. Thompson shares his incredible journey to one of the world's most mysterious countries in "Africa: A Photographic Safari."

Instead of traveling to Africa as a tourist, Thompson chose to go as a photographer. He explores the red soil of Africa for five days in the bush, and through the lens of his camera he is exposed to a completely different aspect of visiting a foreign country. From wildlife safaris to coming face-to-face with the Laikipia Masai and Samburu people, Thompson experiences Africa at its most intimate.

Thompson's stunning pictures and vivid descriptions create a sobering portrait of Africa's poverty. In a place so rich in mystical beauty, minerals, and wildlife, Africa's poor present a marked contrast to their environment. Yet Thompson shows the warmth and strength of these people who love life despite having to do without.

A truly remarkable work, "Africa: A Photographic Safari" takes you into the very heart of Africa and reveals the triumphant nature of the human spirit.

This practical guide from photography expert, Tom Ang, will help you achieve the best shot possible in every scenario – from creating a silhouette to impromptu still lifes.

In our online world, taking a good photograph has become an essential life skill.

Full of essential advice, hints, and tips, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything gives you straightforward step-by-step guidance on what equipment you will need, the best approach for each subject, how to think about composition and find the right light, and how to frame each shot effectively. Checklists allow you to focus on what is important, while “tricks of the trade” show you how to turn a good picture into an amazing one.

From cityscapes to landscapes, and tackling children’s parties to capturing the magic of seasonal celebrations, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything is the essential guide to improving your digital photography skills and getting the most out of your digital camera (or smartphone).