KYLIE is a major new biography, telling the life story of Kylie Minogue, a true pop icon, now back on our screens in hit show The Voice. Everybody loves Kylie. No popular figure in modern culture deserves the description 'iconic' more than the star whose name alone evokes more than twenty-five years of memories. KYLIE charts the incredible journey of a complex and misunderstood woman from the suburbs of Melbourne, who was never the girl next door. She captured our hearts as Charlene Mitchell in Neighboursbefore rising to her position today as a member of music royalty. She is more popular than ever thanks to her acclaimed role as a judge on The Voice. Her phenomenal success was threatened in 2005, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The world held its breath as she braved surgery and chemotherapy before she was given the all clear. Her honesty and dignity throughout gained her universal respect and improved awareness of the disease among young women - the Kylie Effect. KYLIE is the essential book for those wanting to learn more about how she has continually reinvented herself - as teen actress, chart star, creative musician, sex goddess, gay icon, style queen and female role model. It reveals her true loves, the men who have brought her disappointment and those that have helped her achieve the status of most popular female icon of our times. KYLIE is an inspirational celebration of a star we should never take for granted.

‘Fascinating and authoritative’ The Daily Express Sunday Times bestselling author Sean Smith tells the extraordinary story of a modern cultural icon: Harry Styles. Harry Styles has grown up. The One Direction boy-band member so loved by millions has become a truly global superstar and genuine icon of our times. In this captivating biography for fans from day one as well as a whole new generation, bestselling author Sean Smith follows the journey of a thoroughly modern man with boundless charisma, who represents a better world devoid of prejudice. At 16, Harry’s life changed forever when he left his home in rural Cheshire to appear on The X Factor – and never went back. Harry Styles: The Making of a Modern Man paints a picture of a man who at times remains an enigma, while embracing the world he cares about – his family, his friends and lovers, his music, acting and the world of fashion. Harry is the only British male artist to have his first two albums debut at number one in the US; his movie career is flourishing with starring roles in Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman, and he is the first man to appear solo on the cover of Vogue. A champion of gender-fluid fashion, he has proved himself to be an inspiring role model in a world where toxic masculinity has no place. In troubling and uncertain times, Harry Styles lives by his own mantra, which would benefit us all – ‘Treat People with Kindness’.

'Compelling new biography' Daily Express 'Fascinating stories' Daily Mirror 'A well-researched, entertaining look at Ed Sheeran ... Sheeran fans will relish this well-told biography.' Publishers Weekly Ed Sheeran is a true inspiration. His moving and uplifting songs forge a lasting connection with the millions of people around the world who love him and his music. He was the thirteen-year-old guitarist in a school rock band when he decided to become a singer-songwriter, even though he could barely hold a tune and had never written a song. Within a year, he had recorded an album in his bedroom. Bestselling biographer Sean Smith traces the astonishing journey of the shy little boy with a stammer who, avoiding flashy showmanship, grew up to be a global phenomenon. Through compelling new research and interviews, he tells the story of Ed's remarkable mum and dad who gave their son the courage to pursue his dream, the friends and mentors who encouraged him and the lovers who inspired his most famous songs. Smith describes the setbacks Ed faced before his fortunes were transformed by Elton John's management company, a record deal and a song that changed everything - with a little help from Taylor Swift. Ed found it difficult to cope with the world at his feet, but a new relationship with a girl from his home town has brought him happiness and a fresh purpose in life. Now he is the most successful solo star on the planet, earning GBP83 million last year. Yet in the middle of his record-breaking 2018 UK tour, he played for just 400 people at a charity night to raise money for the homeless. As this captivating book reveals, there's no one quite like Ed.

By 2020, the Internet of Things (IoT) will consist of millions of computational devices intimately connected to real-world aspects of human life. In this insightful book, Professor Sean Smith, who worked in information security long before the web appeared, explains that if we build the IoT the way we built the current internet and other information technology initiatives, we're headed for trouble. With a focus on concrete solutions, The Internet of Risky Things explains how we can avoid simple flaws that have plagued several dramatic IT advances in recent decades. Developers, engineers, industrial designers, makers, and researchers will explore "design patterns of insecurities" and learn what's required to route around or fix them in the nascent IoT. Examine bugs that plague large-scale systems, including integer overflow, race conditions, and memory corruption Look at successful and disastrous examples of previous quantum leaps in health IT, the smart grid, and autonomous vehicles Explore patterns in coding, authentication, and cryptography that led to insecurity Learn how blunders that led to spectacular IT disasters could have been avoided

Alesha Dixon has one of the most incredible stories of any star, yet she remains an enigma. Behind the fabulous smile and signature laugh is a private woman whose childhood was blighted by domestic violence, poverty and a lack of confidence. As a beautiful young woman, she has struggled to overcome professional failure and the devastating effect of her husband's infidelity. The UK's leading celebrity biographer Sean Smith has travelled to her home town to uncover the truth about her upbringing, her unconditional love for her mother, her loyalty to her extended family, her feud with her elder brother and her unsettled relationship with her Jamaican father, who left home for good when she was four. He discovers a sensitive and secretive woman, who managed to keep her long-term relationship with a member of one of the country's best-known boy bands hidden from public scrutiny. For the first time that love affair can now be revealed. He examines the circumstances that led to the break-up of her marriage to rapper MC Harvey and the effect that unhappy time has had on her life. Aleshadescribes a roller-coaster career that began when she was 'discovered' at a dance class in Central London. She achieved huge early success with Mis-Teeq, who had seven consecutive top ten hits before their record label went bust. Her subsequent solo career stalled when she was dropped by Polydor before her debut album was even released, but she turned things around with a spectacular victory on Strictly Come Dancing. Sean Smith lays bare her subsequent TV career, including the row over her appointment as a judge on the programme, as well as her triumphant switch to Britain's Got Talentin 2012. Aleshais the dramatic and uplifting account of her journey from a humble start in life and how she overcame all obstacles in her way to become an inspiration to women everywhere.

This new, updated paperback edition of the first full length major biography of one of pop's biggest stars addresses the questions millions of fans have always wanted to ask. The answers will surprise and delight as ROBBIE: THE BIOGRAPHY chronicles the triumphs and disasters of an unlikely lad from Stoke on Trent on the rocky path to his unrivalled position as the nation's number one entertainer. After a mixed response to his last two albums and a break from live performances, Robbie returned with his 2009 comeback album 'Reality Killed the Video Star' before he later announced a reunion with Take That which became the pop music story of the year. Despite his celebrity profile, the real Robert Peter Williams has remained an enigma. Using exhaustive research and exclusive interviews, author Sean Smith examines the many stages in Robbie's life and career and reveals how he became the superstar he is today. ROBBIE: THE BIOGRAPHY, fully illustrated, is the must have music book of the year.

The first comprehensive adult biography of the beloved, redheaded "Shape of You" songster, complete with exclusive interviews and all-new research!

'Get the inside scoop on all things Spice!' OK! Magazine 'A compelling new book' Daily Express From the moment they burst into our lives, the Spice Girls have inspired millions around the world. Emma, Geri, Melanie C, Mel B and Victoria were adored and admired in equal measure. Their determination, fierce independence and Girl Power philosophy have motivated generation after generation of young women. Sunday Times bestselling biographer Sean Smith reveals what life was really like for the fab five, before and after they found fame - the ups and downs, personal conflicts, break-ups and controversies, health issues and trials of parenthood. Baby, Ginger, Sporty, Scary and Posh have always been so much more than their iconic image. They conquered a male dominated music industry, raised twelve children between them while, over the years, their reunion tours have led to renewed outpourings of affection and excitement: the story of five ordinary women achieving extraordinary things is as wonderfully resonant and powerful as ever.

CONTENTS: Foreword, Vanessa Northington Gamble "Introduction: Healing and the History of Medicine in the Atlantic World," Sean Morey Smith and Christopher D. E. Willoughby "Zemis and Zombies: Amerindian Healing Legacies on Hispaniola," Lauren Derby "Poisoned Relations: Medical Choices and Poison Accusations within Enslaved Communities," Chelsea Berry "Blood and Hair: Barbers, Sangradores, and the West African Corporeal Imagination in Salvador da Bahia, 1793-1843," Mary E. Hicks "Examining Antebellum Medicine through Haptic Studies," Deirdre Cooper Owens "Unbelievable Suffering: Rethinking Feigned Illness in Slavery and the Slave Trade," Elise A. Mitchell "Medicalizing Manumission: Slavery, Disability, and Medical Testimony in Late Colonial Colombia," Brandi M. Waters "A Case Study in Charleston: Impressions of the Early National Slave Hospital," Rana A. Hogarth "From Skin to Blood: Interpreting Racial Immunity to Yellow Fever," Timothy James Lockley "Black Bodies, Medical Science, and the Age of Emancipation," Leslie A. Schwalm "Epilogue: Black Atlantic Healing in the Wake," Sharla M. Fett

""My name is Justin. I guess I should go ahead and tell you I sing."

-- Justin Timberlake at age eleven"

The meteoric rise of Justin Timberlake from one-fifth of boy band *NSYNC to one of the world's top male solo artists has been nothing short of extraordinary. But how did this precocious curly-haired boy from the Tennessee Bible Belt and former Mickey Mouse Club member transform himself into "The New King of Pop" "(Rolling Stone)" and one of the most respected young R & B artists around?

Bestselling author Sean Smith has traveled across the country to discover the real Justin. Through a series of exclusive interviews, he assembles a rich portrait of Justin's rural childhood outside Memphis, the talent show years, the Mickey Mouse Club era -- when he met Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera -- the rise of *NSYNC, and the breakthrough solo album, "Justified," that brought Timberlake critical acclaim and superstar status all his own.

"Justin: The Unauthorized Biography" also uncovers the truth about the women in Justin's life -- from first love all the way to Cameron Diaz -- and offers fascinating insights on why his first three serious relationships, including his most famous affair with Britney, ended with Justin crying "she cheated!"

With over twenty pages of full-color photographs, an exclusive birth chart, complete discography, and updates on his thrilling new film-acting career, "Justin: The Unauthorized Biography" is a must-have biography of the man the NME has dubbed "the coolest man in pop."

George is the story of two extraordinary lives - the private man and the public legend. Georgios Panayiotou was just eighteen when he decided to adopt the stage name of George Michael. Sometimes his two worlds would collide with shattering consequences. Bestselling biographer Sean Smith has gone back to the neighbourhoods of North London to trace the astonishing journey of a sensitive but determined boy who grew up to be one of the biggest British pop stars of all time. Along the way, he talks to those close to George, revealing the real man - funny, articulate, intelligent and generous spirited - who hid behind the powerful image he created. He reveals the complex relationship with his high-achieving Greek-Cypriot father; the unconditional love of his mother; his teenage relationships with girls; and his first tragic love affair with another man. George's career began falteringly with a schoolboy band, exploded with Wham! before he became a solo phenomenon. But at the height of his fame, the world seemed to turn against him. Smith describes his despair at losing the two people who mattered most, how he sought consolation in drugs, his notorious 'coming out' and how he ended up in jail. His health failed him and he died heartbreakingly alone on Christmas Day, 2016. Affectionate yet honest and moving, George is both a celebration of George Michael's music and a lasting tribute to a decent and much-loved man.

Adele touches the hearts of millions of people who love her for her music and share the real and honest emotion she brings to each and every song. In a cynical age, she is a phenomenon. In Adele, bestselling biographer Sean Smith talks to those close to her as he follows her astonishing journey to fame that began on the gritty streets of Tottenham. Through compelling new research and interviews, he reveals that there is far more to Adele than the superstar we all think we know. He uncovers the story of her complex family relationships; the ill-starred love affair between her mother and father; her devastation at the untimely death of her grandfather; and her seemingly unpromising future in a gang-ravaged area of South London. She found salvation at the BRIT School before a series of unhappy love affairs provided the inspiration for her record-breaking albums. He describes how she conquered America and how it all could have been ended by a dramatic vocal injury. Instead, she has made an amazing comeback and found personal happiness in a new relationship and becoming a mum. Intimate and revealing, Adele is the uplifting story of the woman with the most glorious voice in the world.

Having amassed a fortune of over $100 million and record sales of 40 million, at the age of twenty-two Britney Spears is the world's biggest female star. This is the first biography to chronicle how the little girl with a crucifix in each ear, described by her teacher at Disney as 'the sweetest, most wholesome, most innocent person that you'd ever want to meet' has become the ultimate in tabloid fodder. Britney will follow her roller coaster life from her time on the Mickey Mouse Club where she first met Justin Timberlake to the moment she sashayed down the hallway dressed in school uniform and shot to fame becoming the all-American pop princess. Somehow it all fell apart - scarred by her break up with Timberlake, roundly booed at the London premiere of her first film, the downward spiral culminated with her infamous 55-hour Las Vegas marriage. The press went crazy over second marriage to dancer Kevin Federline, yet her fans remained loyal and she went on to win MTV Europe female of the year 2004 and the 2005 Grammy for best dance record. Speculating on what an uncertain future holds for Mrs Federline-Spears, Britney will be a gossipy and revealing biography of one of the most fascinating figures in pop.