As Charlton Heston put it: ‘There’s a temptingly simple definition of the epic film: it’s the easiest kind of picture to make badly.’ This book goes beyond that definition to show how the film epic has taken up one of the most ancient art-forms and propelled it into the modern world, covered in twentieth-century ambitions, anxieties, hopes and fantasies. This survey of historical epic films dealing with periods up to the end of the Dark Ages looks at epic form and discusses the films by historical period, showing how the cinema reworks history for the changing needs of its audience, much as the ancient mythographers did. The form’s main aim has always been to entertain, and Derek Elley reminds us of the glee with which many epic films have worn their label, and of the sheer fun of the genre. He shows the many levels on which these films can work, from the most popular to the specialist, each providing a considerable source of enjoyment. For instance, spectacle, the genre’s most characteristic trademark, is merely the cinema’s own transformation of the literary epic’s taste for the grandiose. Dramatically it can serve many purposes: as a resolution of personal tensions (the chariot race in Ben-Hur), of monotheism vs idolatry (Solomon and Sheba), or of the triumph of a religious code (The Ten Commandments). Although to many people Epic equals Hollywood, throughout the book Elley stresses debt to the Italian epics, which often explored areas of history with which Hollywood could never have found sympathy. Originally published 1984.
The Armstrongs were the number one “Riding” family on the Anglo/Scots Border during the 16th century. They were the most destructive of the Border reivers... and can arguably be called Britain’s worst ever family. The book follows two narratives... The first delves into the history of the Armstrongs; origins, where they lived, their society and how they survived across a violent frontier... The second narrative is a gazetteer of family biographies – A who’s who of raiders and marauders based on court cases and criminal trials. Tales of ransom, murder, arson, blackmail and theft are explored, drawing out the family’s story during this unique period.
The author shows that although Americans are better off today in most areas than they were in 1960, they have performed poorly compared with other leading industrial nations.
The Elliots were one of the main “Reiving” families on the Anglo/Scots Border. A family born into fire and steel – who caused centuries of fear and destruction as they ruled the roost from horseback with lance and sword. The book follows two narratives… The first delves into the history of the Elliots; where they lived, origins, exploits and how they survived across this harsh community. The second promotes a fascinating gazetteer of family biographies across the Border Line. Using accounts drawn from first hand sources, escapades of theft, blackmail, murder and destruction are documented. Who indeed would meddle with them?
This book covers all the pharmacology you need, from basic science pharmacology and pathophysiology, through to clinical pharmacology to therapeutics, in line with the integrated approach of new medical curricula. The first section covers the basic principles, and the rest is organised by body systems. The book ends with sections on toxicity and prescribing practice. Integrates basic science pharmacology, clinical pharmacology and therapeutics Brief review of pathophysiology of major diseases Case histories and multiple choice questions (and answers) Tabular presentation of all common drugs within each class Section on further reading Kinetics chapter simplified with more practical examples Includes more on genetic issues Drug tables made more concise to make information more accessible Fully updated to reflect current clinical practice
Now in a handy pocket edition, this authoritative guide includes more than 8,700 reviews--from the dawn of film through every major release of 1999. Includes information on the casts, directors, Academy Award( nominees and winners, and movies on video, disc, and wide-screen formats. This updated edition has 100 new reviews.
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