The 'Dandy' is not just an elaborately, well-dressed man - nor is he an exclusively English phenomenon. He is something far more universal and intriguing. The author captures the lives of the Dandies - some were aristocratic but most were not. All, however, had the chutzpah and style to be a true Dandy. Their stories are told against a backdrop of revolutions and war in the world's great cities (London, Paris, New York, Hollywood, Moscow, Berlin), and amid financial and sexual scandals. All too often Dandies lived in luxury but died in penury. The Dandy's place in history is assured. Not because Dandies have made any major contributions to politics, economics or warfare, but because they were, and continue to be, figures of huge but subtle significance - baffling, enigmatic, iconic.

Is noise the most neglected green issue of our age? This book argues compellingly that it is, and tells you all you need to know about noise as a social, cultural, environmental and health issue. Across the world, more people are disturbed by noise in their day-today lives than by any other pollutant on Earth. From the shanty towns of Mumbai to the smart boulevards of Paris, noise is a problem. It is damaging people's health, costing billions, and threatening the world's natural sound systems in the same way that climate change is altering its eco-systems. Drawing on evidence from all over the world, this book showcases policies and strategies that have worked to decrease noise pollution, and offers lessons for policymakers and environmental health professionals, campaigners and any individual affected by noise. Written by a renowned noise campaigner and experts in law and health, this book tells you all you need to know about noise as a social, cultural and environmental issue and how we can act to build a more peaceful world.

Is noise the most neglected green issue of our age? This book argues compellingly that it is, and tells you all you need to know about noise as a social, cultural, environmental and health issue. Across the world, more people are disturbed by noise in their day-today lives than by any other pollutant on Earth. From the shanty towns of Mumbai to the smart boulevards of Paris, noise is a problem. It is damaging people's health, costing billions, and threatening the world's natural sound systems in the same way that climate change is altering its eco-systems. Drawing on evidence from all over the world, this book showcases policies and strategies that have worked to decrease noise pollution, and offers lessons for policymakers and environmental health professionals, campaigners and any individual affected by noise. Written by a renowned noise campaigner and experts in law and health, this book tells you all you need to know about noise as a social, cultural and environmental issue and how we can act to build a more peaceful world.

The legacy of Ancient Rome shapes the world we inhabit today. The history of Rome - as a tiny primitive kingdom, as an ever-growing republic, as a world-ruling empire dominating the known world - is still influential. The first half of this book focuses on the political and military history of Rome. The assassination of Julius Caesar, Nero fiddling while Rome burns, the building of Hadrian's Wall - the truth behind these and many other events are revealed in this account of the rise and fall of a mighty empire. The second part of the book focuses on Rome's influence on the development of world art, architecture and society. Detailed drawings of the Colosseum and other World Heritage buildings reveal Roman techniques and architectural styles. Ancient letters, records and artworks are used to show how real people lived and worked during one of the cultural peaks of world history. With its magnificent combination of photographs, plans and illustrations, and an authoritative and absorbing text, this is the perfect reference guide for any student of history, archaeology and the classical world. It will provide inspiration for anyone planning to visit Italy or other sites in the once-great Roman Empire.

This is an illustrated exploration of the artist, his life and context, with a gallery of 300 of his greatest works. It is a lively but expert account of Edouard Manet, one of the greatest French artists, whose striking realism has led to him being called the first modern painter. It is a vivid biography explores his life and career, including his break with established institutions and his links with artistic pioneers such as Monet, Cezanne and Degas. It features an extensive gallery of all Manet's most important works, accompanied by an analysis of his aims, style and technique. It focuses on how Manet turned the focus of artistic interest back to real life and away from the conventions of academic art. It is superbly illustrated with 500 pictures covering his life and art, along with works by his main contemporaries, including Monet, Renoir and Gauguin. Born to a wealthy conservative family, Edouard Manet became one of art's greatest revolutionaries, hailed by the Impressionists as their 'king'. While such works as Olympia or Music in the Tuileries struck contemporaries as shockingly candid, he himself revered the Old Masters.Manet's was the first great painter of modern Paris, the artistic capital of the 19th century. The first half of the book details Manet's life and his role as leader of the Batignolles group that included Renoir, Cezanne and Degas. The second half is a wide-ranging gallery of his finest works. With a total of 500 illustrations, this book gives a superb overview of one of the world's greatest and most original artists.

This is a comprehensive guide to the golden age of ancient Greece, shown in over 200 colour photographs, diagrams, detailed maps and plans. Featuring detailed accounts of armies, battle campaigns and military strategies from the collapse of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilisations to the astonishing exploits of Alexander the Great a thousand years later. It highlights include detailed chapters on the Persian Wars, the rise and fall of the Athenian Empire and the rule of Sparta, as well as in-depth examinations of key figures such as Pericles of Athens and Dionysius of Syracuse. Opening with the Minoan and Mycenaean Bronze Age cultures, this encyclopedic history tracks the rebirth of Greece after its intervening Dark Age. Witness the birth of world's 'first' individuals and discover the men and women who helped to build and destroy city-states and armies. You can learn how the dynamic interaction of politics, philosophy, history, love and war resulted in a uniquely captivating story of battles, tyrants, soldiers and slaves. Through over 200 vivid photographs, artworks, maps and plans, ancient Greece and her political and military history are brought to life. This is an essential account of the people, places and events that shaped and transformed ancient Greece, leaving a legacy that underlies much of the modern world.

Split into two parts, the book first traces the origin of the artistic achievements of Greece, describing the rise of Greek architecture through the Doric, Ionian and Corinthian styles. It also discusses and beautifully illustrates the sculptures, vase paintings and mosaics that adorned Greek buildings. The second section looks at how the ancient Greek belief system and philosophy underpinned its great achievements. Religion and mythology; the theatre; literature; philosophy, science and technology; athletics and sport; and work and leisure are all discussed, detailing the many wonders of Greece. Over 500 fine-art illustrations and photographs of temples, archaeological sites, sculptures, paintings and vases make this an indispensable source for anyone wanting to discover the rise and fall of ancient Greece for themselves.

This title deals with ancient Greece and the rise of Macedonia, the campaigns of Alexander and his mighty empire. This stirring history of the age of Alexander examines the dramatic life and times of one of the world's most remarkable men and the growth of his immense empire. It explores the military strategies of Alexander's armies, including the arms and armour, troops and training, ships and war machines crucial to their campaigns. It includes detailed coverage of every significant battle, from Alexander's early commands to the final campaigns, and analysis of his greatest opponents. It offers an authoritative account of military and political strategy and power seen through the lives of some of the world's greatest soldiers from Alexander to Hadrian. Alexander's brief reign is placed in context through analysis of the rise of Macedonia and the disintegration of his immense empire after his death. This title is packed with over 250 beautiful photographs and illustrations sourced from contemporary artefacts and great artists as well as detailed maps and battleplans. One of the world's greatest generals and commanders, Alexander is a near-legendary figure. He dominates classical history as the general and king whose military brilliance and instiable desire for conquest led him to conquer half the known world. This book opens with the rise of Macedonia, followed by an account of Alexander's astonishing military progress and the lasting significance of his vast empire. Over 250 illustrations of the key events, from Granicus to Gaugamela, place the historical action in context. Our knowledge of the ancient world is increased with this expert and insightful guide to one of the most significant periods in world history.

Is this the right book for me? Understand Existentialism breaks down a complex mode of thought into more manageable sections, enabling you to get to grips with the key concepts within the movement. Chart the origins and development of existentialism in a variety of disciplines and learn about significant thinkers from Sartre and De Beauvoir to Beckett and Camus. Whether you are a newcomer or more experienced student, this book will enhance your understanding of a brand of philosophy designed to give meaning and direction amongst the uncertainties of modern life. Understand Existentialism includes: Chapter 1: Introduction to existentialism Chapter 2: Living dangerously: the roots of existentialism Chapter 3: Between birth and death Chapter 4: Existence precedes essence Chapter 5: The authentic life Chapter 6: Freedom, choice and responsibility Chapter 7: The individual, art and society Chapter 8: Existentialism and religion Chapter 9: Authenticity and the absurd: the fiction of Sartre and Camus Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.