Brian J. Robb's Books

A Brief History of Superheroes

From Superman to the Avengers, the Evolution of Comic Book Legends

By: Brian J. Robb

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A Brief History of Superheroes

From Superman to the Avengers, the Evolution of Comic Book Legends

By: Brian J. Robb

A fascinating written exploration of the superhero phenomenon, from its beginnings in the depths of Great Depression to the blockbuster movies of today. For over 90 years, superheroes have been interrogated, deconstructed, and reinvented. In this wide-ranging study, Robb looks at the diverse characters, their creators, and the ways in which their creations have been reinvented for successive generations. Inevitably, the focus is on the United States, but the context is international, including an examination of characters developed in India and Japan in reaction to the traditional American hero. Sections examine: the birth of the superhero, including Superman, in 1938; the DC family (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Justice Society/League of America), from the 1940s to the 1960s; the superheroes enlistment in the war effort in the 1940s and 50s; their neutering by the Comics Code; the challenge to DC from the Marvel family (The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and The X-Men), from the 1960s to the 1980s; the superhero as complex anti-hero; superheroes deconstructed in the 1980s (The Watchmen and Frank Miller’s Batman), and their politicization; independent comic book creators and new publishers in the 1980s and 90s; superheroes in retreat, and their rebirth at the movies in blockbusters from Batman to Spider-Man and The Avengers.

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205

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Robinson

Published Date

ISBN 10

1472110706

ISBN 13

9781472110701

A Brief History of Gangsters

By: Brian J. Robb

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A Brief History of Gangsters

By: Brian J. Robb

The romanticised American gangster of the Prohibition era has proved an enduringly popular figure. Even today, names like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano still resonate. Robb explores the histories of key figures, from gangs in the Old West, through Prohibition and the Great Depression, to the likes of John Gotti and Frank Lucas in the 1970s and 1980s. He also looks at the gangster in popular culture, in hit TV series such as Boardwalk Empire. Although the focus is strongly on the archetypal American gangster, Robb also examines gangsters around the world, including the infamous Kray twins in London, French crime kingpin Jacques Mesrine, the Mafia Dons of Sicily, and the rise of notorious Serbian and Albanian gangs. Infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly makes an appearance, as does Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, while other sections provide details of the Chinese Triads and the Yakuza in Japan. Robb also explores the gangster in popular culture, especially in film and television. Recent hit TV series such as The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire and blockbuster movies like Public Enemies and Gangster Squad show that the gangster is here to stay.

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Page Count

309

Publisher

Robinson

Published Date

ISBN 10

1472110684

ISBN 13

9781472110688

A Brief Guide to Star Trek

By: Brian J. Robb

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A Brief Guide to Star Trek

By: Brian J. Robb

For over 40 years Star Trek has made a phenomenal cultural impact. Now more popular than ever - J.J. Abrams' reinvented Star Trek movie was one of the box office hits of 2009, grossing $385 million worldwide - the 'franchise' continues to have cultural, social and political resonance around the world. Star Trek has changed not just the way we look at space but also our own world. It gave the culture a lexicon of catchphrases, from "Beam me up, Scotty" to Dr McCoy's many complaints beginning "I'm a doctor, not a [...]!" Much of the 'future' technology depicted on Star Trek has come to feature in everyday life, from the communicator-like mobile phone to computer touch screens now taken for granted. Many of the world's most prominent scientists were inspired to pursue their careers (as were many writers and artists) due to an early exposure to Star Trek. In A Brief Guide to Star Trek, expert Brian J Robb charts the rise and rise of the show and explores its impact our culture.

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221

Publisher

Robinson

Published Date

ISBN 10

1849018227

ISBN 13

9781849018227

Heath Ledger

Hollywood's Dark Star

By: Brian J. Robb

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Heath Ledger

Hollywood's Dark Star

By: Brian J. Robb

Heath Ledger was one the most charismatic and powerful screen presences of his generation. Having established a high-profile acting career by the age of 21 with the lead in 'A Knight's Tale', the young Australian went on to pursue a succession of increasingly diverse and often subversive roles that challenged the film industry's initial impression of him as a mere teen-idol. While a limited number of his early roles would hint at the greatness of which he was capable, it was not until his melancholy, Oscar-nominated performance in Ang Lee's modern classic 'Brokeback Mountain' that Heath proved beyond question the blistering extent of his abilities and secured his place amongst the Hollywood elite, bringing to this new status a depth of artistry absent in all but the most accomplished of his contemporaries. His sudden death at the age of 28 rocked the film industry to its core, created an international media storm, and threw a poignant shadow over the completed body of work that has now become his legacy. This book explores Heath's relationships with actresses Heather Graham, Naomi Watts, and Michelle Williams (his ex-fiancée and the mother of his daughter Matilda), recounts the full story of the making of 'Brokeback Mountain', and details that film's subsequent impact. It charts Ledger's increasingly troubled state of mind as the role of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' took a disturbing physical and psychological toll, and examines the dissatisfaction with his own performances that plagued him until the very end. Heath Ledger: Hollywood's Dark Star is the definitive story of the life and times of a compelling and intense young man whose loss will be profoundly felt for many years to come.

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375

Publisher

Plexus Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

0859657051

ISBN 13

9780859657051

Middle-earth Envisioned

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: On Screen, On Stage, and Beyond

By: Brian J. Robb,Paul Simpson

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Middle-earth Envisioned

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: On Screen, On Stage, and Beyond

By: Brian J. Robb,Paul Simpson

DIVThe painstakingly crafted world that J.R.R. Tolkien created for The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion is so vivid that itâ€™s easy to briefly imagine Middle-earth as a real placeâ€”even Tolkien himself had said it existed somewhere on Earth. From the languages spoken and the creatures that peopled it to the wars and cosmology, the richly imagined Middle-earth has left many artists and fans worldwide imagining what it would look and feel like to inhabit such a wildly inspired world. Tolkien left out no details in his picture so it is no surprise that Middle-earth has inspired such inventiveness in turn./divDIVÂ /divDIVMiddle-earth Envisioned is the first book to explore the artistic legacy left by Tolkienâ€™s world. Paintings, drawings, theatrical performances, radio serials, and films inspired by The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are all discussed in a manner that further illuminates the brilliance of Tolkienâ€™s creation. Readers will discover details surrounding an attempted Beatles live-action version (with Paul McCartney as Frodo Baggins), a nearly four-hour Canadian musical, the West End stage production of Lord of the Rings, and of course, the Peter Jackson filmsâ€”including the Hobbit trilogyâ€”and much more. In this beautifully illustrated gift book, discover the richness of Middle-earth anew, through the works of the artists inspired by it./divDIVÂ /divDIVFrom NYT bestselling author Brian J. Robb and Paul Simpson, TV guide writer/reporter and the former editor of the Star Trek magazine./div

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227

Publisher

Race Point Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

162788078X

ISBN 13

9781627880787

Sociology and Social Work

Perspectives and Problems

By: Brian J. Heraud

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Sociology and Social Work

Perspectives and Problems

By: Brian J. Heraud

Sociology and Social Work: Perspectives and Problems focuses on the relationship of sociology and social work. The book first offers information on the relationship of sociology and social work. Existing sociological views in social work; nature of applied sociology; development of sociology; and social work as a focus of sociological interest are discussed. The text puts emphasis on sociological perspective. Considerations include the individual in society, co-operation and conflict, sociology and other sciences, and society in the individual. The selection also underscores family and kinship, analysis of the community, and social stratification. The text also looks at child rearing, language, and social class. Changes in the stratification system; childhood as a preparation for class membership; and the relationship of social class and social work are explained. The book also underscores the social functions, professionalization, and organizational context of social work. Direction of change, social work and society, and public knowledge of social work are examined. The text is a vital reference for readers wanting to explore the relationship of social work and sociology.

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319

Publisher

Elsevier

Published Date

ISBN 10

1483139948

ISBN 13

9781483139944

Screams & Nightmares

The Films of Wes Craven

By: Brian J. Robb

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Screams & Nightmares

The Films of Wes Craven

By: Brian J. Robb

Writer, producer, and director Wes Craven has successfully tapped into the horror vein for over forty years, serving up scary, funny, cutting-edge thrillers that have become classics in the genre. His films have been both critical and commercial successes, most notably Nightmare on Elm Street, which spawned a series of sequels and made Craven (and his creation, Freddy Kruger) an international sensation. He then created a second indelible series in the horror movie trope with Scream. In Screams & Nightmares, Brian J. Robb examines Craven's entire career, from his low-budget beginnings to his most recent box office hits, from the banned thriller The Last House on the Left and the cult classic The Hills Have Eyes to the outrageous Shocker and The People Under the Stairs. Through exclusive interviews with Craven, Robb provides in-depth accounts of the making of each of the films – including the final instalments of the Scream series – Craven's foray into writing novels, and his numerous television projects.

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364

Publisher

Birlinn Ltd

Published Date

ISBN 10

1913538737

ISBN 13

9781913538736

Timeless Adventures

How Doctor Who Conquered TV

By: Brian Robb

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Timeless Adventures

How Doctor Who Conquered TV

By: Brian Robb

An expanded edition of the critical history of Doctor Who covering the series' 45 years, from creation to triumphant rebootOpening with an in-depth account of the creation of the series in the early 1960s, each decade of the show is tackled through a unique political and pop cultural historical viewpoint, exploring the links between contemporary Britain and the stories Doctor Who told, and how such links kept the show popular with a mass television audience. This book reveals how Doctor Who is at its strongest when it reflects the political and cultural concerns of a mass audience (the 1960s, 1970s, and 21st Century), and at its weakest when catering to a narrow fan-based audience (as in the 1980s). Chapters range from discussions on the cultural and political relevance of Doctor Who monsters like the Daleks (based on lingering wartime fears) and the Cybermen (1960s spare part replacement surgery), through to themes like energy and the environment in the 1970s (Doctor Who stories tackled big real-life themes in a fantasy format and so connected with a mass audience). The book also addresses the cancellation of the show in the late 1980s (following the series becoming increasing self-obsessed) and the ways in which a narrowly-focused dedicated fandom contributed to the show's demise and yet was also instrumental in its regeneration for the 21st century under Russell T. Davies, and analyzes the new series to reveal what has made it so popular, reflecting real world issues like consumerism and dieting.

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Page Count

250

Publisher

Oldacastle Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1843441578

ISBN 13

9781843441571

Keanu Reeves

An Excellent Adventure

By: Brian J. Robb

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Keanu Reeves

An Excellent Adventure

By: Brian J. Robb

Keanu Reeves' combination of authority, forthrightness, and sexy good looks has made him one of the most popular and bankable modern stars. In this revised and updated biography, Brian J. Robb explores Reeves on- and offscreen, including his rock 'n roll career with the band Dog Star, and the twin tragedies that took the lives of his unborn daughter and his former partner Jennifer Syme. This new edition contains 130 photographs and a 48-page coverage of The Matrix and its sequel including location reports, plot previews, and a glimpse of the trilogy's breathtaking climax.

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342

Publisher

Plexus Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

0859657124

ISBN 13

9780859657129

Timeless Adventures

The Unofficial Story of How Doctor Who Conquered Television

By: Brian J. Robb

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Timeless Adventures

The Unofficial Story of How Doctor Who Conquered Television

By: Brian J. Robb

This critical history of Doctor Who covers the series 60 years, from the creation of the show to its triumph as Britain's number one TV drama. Opening with an in-depth account of the creation of the series within the BBC of the early 1960s, each decade of the show is tackled through a unique political and pop cultural historical viewpoint, exploring the links between contemporary Britain and the stories Doctor Who told, and how such links kept the show popular with a mass television audience. Timeless Adventures reveals how Doctor Who is at its strongest when it reflects the political and cultural concerns of a mass British audience (the 1960s, 1970s and 21st Century), and at its weakest when catering to a narrow fan-based audience (as in the 1980s). The book also addresses the cancellation of the show in the late 1980s (following the series becoming increasing self-obsessed) and the ways in which a narrowly-focused dedicated fandom contributed to the show's demise and yet was also instrumental in its regeneration for the 21st Century under Russell T. Davies, and analyses the new series to reveal what has made it so popular, reflecting real world issues like consumerism and dieting.

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Page Count

300

Publisher

Birlinn Ltd

Published Date

ISBN 10

1915359082

ISBN 13

9781915359087

Silent Cinema

By: Brian J. Robb

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Silent Cinema

By: Brian J. Robb

Silent cinema was never truly silent as performances were more often than not accompanied by live music and the noise of enthusiastic audiences. Yet silent cinema is regarded as a specific era in the history of the medium, and often as a separate art form in its own right. New York Times-bestselling author Brian J. Robb's lively resource traces how, from the origins of cinema onwards to the coming of sound in 1929 with The Jazz Singer, many of the ground rules of cinema were laid and filmmaking techniques developed, including editing and special effects, styles of acting, and filming on location. Studying the earliest origins of cinema, including the stars, comedians, and directors who became popular from the late-Victorian era to the end of the 1920s, including D. W. Griffiths, Cecil B. DeMille, and Sergi Eisenstein, this book also includes a look at the Hollywood scandals of the time. The accompanying DVD includes lengthy excerpts from films such as The Perils of Pauline, Phantom of the Opera, Salomé, and Son of the Sheik.

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181

Publisher

Oldacastle Books

Published Date

ISBN 10

1842433741

ISBN 13

9781842433744

A Brief History of Walt Disney

By: Brian J. Robb

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A Brief History of Walt Disney

By: Brian J. Robb

Both a fascinating account of Walt Disney’s own significant artistic creations, from the iconic Mickey Mouse to the groundbreaking Snow White in 1937, and an insightful history of the hugely successful entertainment behemoth he created, from Dumbo to Pixar’s Toy Story, as well as the hugely popular theme parks. But Disney’s dark side is also explored: his disputed parentage; industrial disputes; his work for the FBI; and his anti-Communist and allegedly racist and antisemitic views. The company Disney built is today stronger than ever, encompassing not only the ongoing legacy of Disney animation, but also acting as the guardian of other well-loved creative endeavours, such as Pixar, The Muppets, Marvel Comics and now Star Wars. Sections include ‘Before Mickey: The Road to the Mouse House’, covering from 1901 to 1945 – the creation of Mickey Mouse, the creation of the world’s first full-length animated feature film, the Golden Age of animation and Disney’s help for the American war effort, despite labour disputes; ‘Disney Studios: The Disney Genius’ – difficult times, theme parks and television, live-action movies, including Mary Poppins; ‘Animation’s Second Coming’, from the Lady and the Tramp to The Sword in the Stone, and Walt Disney’s death; ‘After Walt: The Disney Legacy’ – family attempts to keep the studio afloat, decline and the loss of lustre in the 1970s and 1980s; ‘Disney Resurgent’ – a triumphant rebirth under new management with Who Framed Roger Rabbit? The Lion King and other blockbuster hits; ‘From Eisner to Iger’ – the corporate battle for the soul of Disney; ‘Disney Goes Digital’ – from Pixar to Star Wars, via Marvel Comics and The Muppets, Disney buyy up other studios, themselves often enough inspired by the original.

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Page Count

307

Publisher

Robinson

Published Date

ISBN 10

1472110722

ISBN 13

9781472110725

Counterfeit Worlds

The Cinematic Universes of Philip K. Dick

By: Brian J. Robb

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Counterfeit Worlds

The Cinematic Universes of Philip K. Dick

By: Brian J. Robb

Philip K. Dick struggled to make a living during his lifetime, but his work has since served as a deep seam of ideas to be mined by filmmakers such as Ridley Scott, Paul Verhoeven, Steven Spielberg, John Woo and Richard Linklater, resulting in some of the most successful and influential SF movies of all time. For the still-unequalled future world of Blade Runner to the mind-bending A Scanner Darkly, via the blockbusting action/adventure of Total Recall, Paycheck and Minority Report – not to mention the debt of gratitude films like The Matrix and The Truman Show owe to his work – the legacy of Philip K. Dick has revolutionised Hollywood.

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485

Publisher

Birlinn Ltd

Published Date

ISBN 10

191535904X

ISBN 13

9781915359049

Depeche Mode on track

By: Brian J. Robb

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Depeche Mode on track

By: Brian J. Robb

For four decades, Depeche Mode dominated electronic music, from the naïve melodies of 1981’s Speak & Spell through to 2023’s Memento Mori. Through changing line-ups featuring Vince Clarke, Alan Wilder, and Andy Fletcher, singer Dave Gahan and main songwriter Martin Gore have been the band’s core. Starting as teenagers and now in their 60s, they have survived worldwide fame, addictions to drink and drugs, and near-death experiences, while continuing to innovate as technology and the music business evolved. An acclaimed live band, it is through their fifteen studio albums that Depeche Mode have best expressed themselves, from the industrial darkness of Black Celebration (1986) to their popular breakthroughs with Music For the Masses (1987) and Violator (1990) and the emotional upheaval of 1993’s Songs of Faith and Devotion. The band survived the chaotic fallout from that album and tour in the mid-1990s, with Gahan experiencing a near-fatal drug overdose, to regroup with Ultra (1997). They continued their explorations of love, death, sex, and politics on acclaimed albums Playing the Angel (2005), Delta Machine (2013), and Spirit (2016). Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, proven survivors Depeche Mode have their story told here in song-by-song detail. Brian J. Robb is the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling biographer of Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, and Brad Pitt. He has also written books on silent cinema, the films of Philip K. Dick, Wes Craven, Laurel and Hardy, the Star Wars movies, Superheroes, Gangsters, and Walt Disney, as well as science fiction television series Doctor Who and Star Trek. His illustrated books include an Illustrated History of Steampunk and Middle-earth Envisioned, a guide to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings (Winner, Best Book, Tolkien Society Awards). He is a Founding Editor of the Sci-Fi Bulletin website and lives near Edinburgh, UK.

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Page Count

226

Publisher

Sonicbond Publishing Ltd

Published Date

ISBN 10

1789523133

ISBN 13

9781789523133

A Brief Guide to Star Wars

By: Brian J. Robb

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A Brief Guide to Star Wars

By: Brian J. Robb

George Lucas was a rebel, refusing to make films in the style of the dying studio system, relentlessly pushing the technology of the day, and almost alone in understanding the potential of merchandising; but he was a rebel who built an empire. From the staggering unexpected success of the original Star Wars in 1977, when cinema attendances exceeded 20 million for the first time since 1963, through The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, then the 'dark times', the 16 years leading to the blockbusting prequel trilogy - this is the fascinating story of how it all happened. Life-long Star Wars fan and movie journalist Brian J. Robb edited the official Star Wars magazine for a decade and visited the sets of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith in Australia (observing director George Lucas at work), as well as the famous Skywalker Ranch. He has interviewed many of the stars and crew of all six Star Wars movies.

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206

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Robinson

Published Date

ISBN 10

1780335830

ISBN 13

9781780335834

A Brief Guide To The Hunger Games

By: Brian J. Robb

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A Brief Guide To The Hunger Games

By: Brian J. Robb

A comprehensive and compelling guide to Suzanne Collins's bestselling young-adult, dystopian trilogy The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Already a publishing phenomenon to rival Harry Potter (over 50 million copies sold), the four blockbuster movies starring Jennifer Lawrence have grossed almost $3 billion dollars at the box office. Suzanne Collins has created a series of characters and situations that have struck a chord not only with the target audience of teenagers, but which have also drawn in adult readers: the series is second only to Harry Potter in NPR's popular poll of the Top 100 Teen Novels. Robb explores themes in The Hunger Games, and the influences and inspirations that lie behind the books, highlighting where Suzanne Collins has drawn on mythology and history, reshaping them to fit her universe. He examines the characters and situations created in the book and how these have impacted on the books' largely teen readership. He also looks at reactions to the books from fans and critics, both acclaim and criticisms faced by the author. Robb chronicles the adaptation of The Hunger Games from acclaimed, best-selling novel to blockbusting film. With a script by Suzanne Collins herself, the film has made stars of Jennifer Lawrence as Collins' heroine Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne.

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Page Count

186

Publisher

Robinson

Published Date

ISBN 10

1472110714

ISBN 13

9781472110718

Brad Pitt

The Rise to Stardom

By: Brian J. Robb

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Brad Pitt

The Rise to Stardom

By: Brian J. Robb

This updated glimpse into the life and career of Brad Pitt offers additional photos and 32 new pages of biographical information. 100 photos, some in color.

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236

Publisher

Plexus Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

0859652882

ISBN 13

9780859652889

Will Smith

King of Cool

By: Brian J. Robb

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Will Smith

King of Cool

By: Brian J. Robb

Discusses the personal life and career of the rap musician and actor, Will Smith.

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Page Count

140

Publisher

Plexus Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

0859652815

ISBN 13

9780859652810

Ultravox

Every Album, Every Song

By: Brian J Robb

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Ultravox

Every Album, Every Song

By: Brian J Robb

Ultravox made an indelible mark on the popular music of the 1980s despite never reaching the UK number one at any point: famously, 'Vienna' stalled at number two, while their only other top five single was the zeitgeist-capturing 'Dancing With Tears in My Eyes', reaching number three in May 1984. Between 1981's 'Vienna' and 1984's 'Love's Great Adventure', Ultravox scored 17 UK Top 40 hit singles and seven top ten album releases. Fronted first by John Foxx, then Midge Ure, the band went from being an acclaimed but hitless art rock outfit to a Blitz club-era chart-storming quartet. They also proved to be a formidable live band, mixing in-vogue electronic synthesisers with drums and guitar and Billy Currie's trademark classical violin. The band became one of the most successful acts of the era, capped by their 1985 appearance at the Live Aid concert. They also made their mark with arty, distinctive, and influential music videos. Having split following 1986's controversial U-Vox album, the 1980s Ultravox line-up regrouped in 2009, celebrating the 30th anniversary of 'Vienna' with a series of UK, US, and European tours. That led to a belated new album, 2012's Brilliant. Every album, every song - this is Ultravox. Brian J. Robb is the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling biographer of Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, and Brad Pitt. He has also written books on silent cinema, the films of Philip K. Dick, Wes Craven, Laurel and Hardy, the Star Wars movies, Superheroes, Gangsters, and Walt Disney, as well as science fiction television series Doctor Who and Star Trek, and Depeche Mode for Sonicbond Publishing. His illustrated books include an Illustrated History of Steampunk and Middle-earth Envisioned, a guide to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings (Winner, Best Book, Tolkien Society Awards). He is a Founding Editor of the Sci-Fi Bulletin website and lives near Edinburgh, UK.

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232

Publisher

Sonicbond Publishing Ltd

Published Date

ISBN 10

1789520290

ISBN 13

9781789520293

A Brief History of Superheroes

From Superman to the Avengers, the Evolution of Comic Book Legends

By: Brian J. Robb

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A Brief History of Superheroes

From Superman to the Avengers, the Evolution of Comic Book Legends

By: Brian J. Robb

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205

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Robinson

Published Date

ISBN 10

1472110706

ISBN 13

9781472110701

The Leonardo DiCaprio Album

By: Brian J. Robb

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The Leonardo DiCaprio Album

By: Brian J. Robb

Hailed as the best actor of his generation when he was only 20 years old, Leonardo DiCaprio has repeatedly shocked the Hollywood establishment by turning down roles he felt were "too commercial" or "too mundane". This revealing book at this talented young star covers DiCaprio's fascinating life and successful film career. 40 photos.

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110

Publisher

Plexus Publishing (UK)

Published Date

ISBN 10

0859652424

ISBN 13

9780859652421

Keanu Reeves

An Excellent Adventure

By: Brian J. Robb

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Keanu Reeves

An Excellent Adventure

By: Brian J. Robb

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342

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Plexus Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

0859657124

ISBN 13

9780859657129

Screams & Nightmares

The Films of Wes Craven

By: Brian J. Robb

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Screams & Nightmares

The Films of Wes Craven

By: Brian J. Robb

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364

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Birlinn Ltd

Published Date

ISBN 10

1913538737

ISBN 13

9781913538736

Heath Ledger

Hollywood's Dark Star

By: Brian J. Robb

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Heath Ledger

Hollywood's Dark Star

By: Brian J. Robb

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375

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Plexus Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

0859657051

ISBN 13

9780859657051

A Brief Guide to Star Trek

By: Brian J. Robb

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A Brief Guide to Star Trek

By: Brian J. Robb

The essential guide to the classic TV series and the movies.

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288

Publisher

Robinson Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1849015147

ISBN 13

9781849015141

A Brief Guide To The Hunger Games

By: Brian J. Robb

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A Brief Guide To The Hunger Games

By: Brian J. Robb

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186

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Robinson

Published Date

ISBN 10

1472110714

ISBN 13

9781472110718

Who Beyond 50

Celebrating Five Decades of Doctor Who

By: Brian J. Robb,Paul Simpson

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Who Beyond 50

Celebrating Five Decades of Doctor Who

By: Brian J. Robb,Paul Simpson

Few television series have remained in production for decades. Fewer have come back from cancellation. And even fewer have thrived following the loss of their lead actor. Amazingly, Doctor Who can proudly boast all three claims. The British science fiction program, produced by the BBC, depicts the adventures of an extraterrestrial Time Lord known as the Doctor, who explores the universe with a variety of companions in his TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space), a time-travelling spaceship resembling a blue police call box. Brian J Robb and Paul Simpson have assembled 50 thematic, chronological essays covering a wide variety of Who icons over the past five decades. The long-time collaborators posted preliminary versions at Sci-Fi Bulletin, but have delved into far greater detail for this collected edition, examining not only the show itself, but the background of each actor to play the role of the Doctor and each showrunner who helped keep the show alive, as well as the novels, the audios, the monsters, the companions, the music, the effects, fandom, and much more. But Who Beyond 50 is more than just another TV retrospective. It's a grand exploration of one of the most beloved series of all time. It's a celebration of Who's surprises and successes, and an honest account of its faults and failures. It's all here. And it's about time.

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330

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ISBN 10

0578155192

ISBN 13

9780578155197

Book's by Brian J. Robb

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