Biographies & Memoirs
Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.
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Fernando Campana, Darrin Alfred, Li Edelkoort
The Campana Brothers Complete Works (So Far)
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If you're someone intrigued by the intersection of vibrant culture and innovative design, "The Campana Brothers: Complete Works (So Far)" could captivate you. It’s a celebration of how Humberto and Fernando Campana have turned the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing modern design with Brazilian flair and a touch of whimsy that challenges conventional aesthetics. This book showcases not just furniture but the spirit of Brazil's street and carnival culture, encapsulated in every unique piece.
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Andrew Topsfield
Paintings from Rajasthan in the National Gallery of Victoria: A collection acquired through the Felton Bequests' Committee
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Transport yourself to the vibrant world of Rajasthan through this exquisite collection of paintings. Andrew Topsfield takes you on a visual journey, immersing you in the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Each brushstroke captures the essence of this magnificent region, allowing you to appreciate the extraordinary artistry of its people. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious about Indian culture, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to expand their horizons and indulge in the beauty of Rajasthan's artistic legacy.
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Bruce Baird
Hijikata Tatsumi and Butoh : Dancing in a Pool of Gray Grits
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If you're intrigued by the intersection of art, history, and culture, "Hijikata Tatsumi and Butoh" is a journey you'd want to embark on. It's not just a story about a dance genre; it's a vivid chronicle of artistic rebellion and innovation. You'll be plunged into Japan's vibrant post-war era, exploring the nuances of a movement that has captivated audiences worldwide.
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Kevin YL Tan
The Creative Art Of Survival, 2004-2014
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This book is a memoir of artist Kevin Tan's creative journey from 2004-2014. It highlights his struggles and triumphs as an unconventional artist, and provides insights and advice for artists looking to thrive in their art form despite challenges. Tan's unique perspective and approach to the creative process make this book a must-read for anyone looking to harness their own creativity and navigate the art world on their own terms.
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Paul Martin, J. Castellar-Gassol
Gaudi : The Life of a Visionary
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This book provides a comprehensive look into the awe-inspiring life and work of Antoni Gaudi, a renowned architect known for his avant-garde style and creative use of materials. It is a great read for anyone interested in architecture, art and design, or looking to learn about one of the most influential architects in history. The unique and distinctive feature of the book is the detailed narrative that immerses the reader into Gaudi's life, making it a truly captivating read.
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Eric Siblin
The Cello Suites - In Search Of A Baroque Masterpiece
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If you have an affinity for classical music or a curiosity about the intersection of history, biography, and musicology, "The Cello Suites" might resonate with you. Eric Siblin's quest to uncover the story behind Bach's enigmatic cello suites weaves an intriguing narrative that straddles past and present, drawing the reader into a melodious exploration of a Baroque masterpiece. It's a book that offers a fresh perspective on a well-trodden subject, promising to deepen your appreciation for these timeless compositions.
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HELMUT BORSCH SUPAN
Watteau
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If you're drawn to the intersection of biography and art, "Watteau" could be right up your alley. It offers a window into the life and creative journey of Watteau, giving texture to the European art scene. Anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of an artist's influence on history and culture will find this book a treasure.
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Peter Guralnick
Lost Highway: Journeys and Arrivals of American Musicians
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This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the roots of American music. Peter Guralnick's incisive portraits of musicians like Elvis Presley and Merle Haggard capture their boundless passion for music-making and the grit it takes to keep going on the road. Fans of country, rockabilly, and the blues will appreciate this masterful exploration of the distinctly American sound.
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David Yaffe
Reckless Daughter : A Portrait of Joni Mitchell
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Recommended for fans of folk and emotional lyrics. The biography delves into Mitchell's inspirations and influences behind her timeless hits, highlighting her raw and emotional songwriting style that captivated a generation. It offers an intimate look into the life of a free-spirited artist whose music has left a lasting mark on American music.
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Ian MacDonald
Revolution In The Head : The Beatles Records and the Sixties
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As dazzling as the decade they dominated, The Beatles almost single-handedly created pop music as we know it. Today, their songs are cited as seminal influences by stars like Oasis, Blur and Kula Shaker. Eloquently giving voice to their time, the Beatles quite simply changed the world.Updated with material from The Beatles Live at the BBC and the Anthology series, this acclaimed book gets to the heart of The Beatles — their records. It draws on the author’s unique knowledge and experience to “read” their 241 tracks chronologically — from their first amateur efforts in 1957 to Real Love , their final “reunion” recording in 1995. With this engrossing classic of popular criticism, Ian MacDonald shows exactly why the extraordinary songs of the Beatles remain a central and continually surprising presence.
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Patti Smith
Just Kids : the National Book Award-winning memoir
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Just Kids is an immersive read that paints a vivid picture of the artistic revolution and counterculture movement in New York during the 60s and 70s. Patti Smith's writing is poignant and honest, bringing to life the eclectic characters and places that shaped her life and her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the creative process and the power of friendship to inspire and transform.
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Patti Smith
Just Kids
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"Just Kids" is a touching memoir that captures the essence of two young artists' love and devotion, their struggles and triumphs as they navigate the art world in New York City during the late sixties and seventies. Patti Smith's prose is poetic and raw, offering an intimate and honest look into her deep bond and friendship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. This is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about art, love, and initiation.
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Amanda Palmer, Brené Brown
The Art of Asking : How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help
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Rock star, crowdfunding pioneer, and TED speaker Amanda Palmer knows all about asking. Performing as a living statue in a wedding dress, she wordlessly asked thousands of passersby for their dollars. When she became a singer, songwriter, and musician, she was not afraid to ask her audience to support her as she surfed the crowd (and slept on their couches while touring). And when she left her record label to strike out on her own, she asked her fans to support her in making an album, leading to the world's most successful music Kickstarter.Even while Amanda is both celebrated and attacked for her fearlessness in asking for help, she finds that there are important things she cannot ask for-as a musician, as a friend, and as a wife. She learns that she isn't alone in this, that so many people are afraid to ask for help, and it paralyzes their lives and relationships. In this groundbreaking book, she explores these barriers in her own life and in the lives of those around her, and discovers the emotional, philosophical, and practical aspects of The Art Of Asking.Part manifesto, part revelation, this is the story of an artist struggling with the new rules of exchange in the twenty-first century, both on and off the Internet. The Art Of Asking will inspire readers to rethink their own ideas about asking, giving, art, and love.
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Carol Diehl
Banksy: Completed
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This book is a must-read for art enthusiasts and those intrigued by the enigmatic world of Banksy. Through detailed exploration of his paintings, installations, writings, and even his Academy Award-nominated film, Exit through the Gift Shop, author Carol Diehl unravels the deep social and political implications behind Banksy's work. From his notorious Dismaland to his thought-provoking New York "residency," Diehl delves into the never-ending wars, global corporatocracy, and the gap between art as luxury goods and as a means of social expression. Prepare to be captivated by the enigmatic street art and the complexities it unveils.
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Betty Carlson, Francis A. Schaeffer, Jane Stuart Smith
The Gift Of Music - Great Composers And Their Influence
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This book is the perfect read for music students and those interested in learning about the influence of faith on composers throughout history. With descriptions of 40 leading composers, readers will gain insight into the impact of faith on their music and the development of Western civilization. The indexed format makes it easy to navigate and find specific composers of interest.
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H.C. Robbins Landon
1791, Mozart's Last Year
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The last month of the year 1791 witnessed what H.C. Robbins Landon calls "the greatest tragedy in the history of music": the premature death of the thirty-five-year-old Mozart. Surrounded by enigma and intrigue, allegations of poisoning, and sexual scandal, this event continues to grip the popular imagination today--as was demonstrated by the astonishing success of the play and movie Amadeus. Curious and controversial as the circumstances of Mozart's death are, the truth has been obscured by accumulated layers of mythology. Drawing on his unrivaled knowledge of the sources, Professor Landon cuts through fantasy and mystification to present the facts--including a substantial amount of unpublished information--and reconstruct the moving story of the last year of Mozart's life. The composition of such works as the Requiem and the operas The Magic Flute and La clemenza di Tito is discussed in detail, and new light is thrown on Mozart's relations with the Freemasons and with Salieri, among others. One of the world's leading musicologists, H.C. Robbins Landon is justly renowned for his rare ability to communicate the excitement of discovery. This is a major contribution to the literature of Mozart.
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Arthur Dunkelman
The Enchantress, Emma, Lady Hamilton : The Jean Kislak Collection
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Catalogue of the Jean Kislak collection of material related to Emma, Lady Hamilton 1765-1815 . Née Amy Lyon, Hamilton rose from humble beginnings to become wife of Sir William Hamilton, British minister to the Kingdom of Naples and mistress of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. Introductory essays by five scholars. Frontispiece. Color illustrations throughout, including correspondence between Emily Hamilton and Nelson. Bibliography of the Kislak collection. xxiv, 135+ 1 pages. stiff paper wrappers, illustrated endpapers. 4to.
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Iain Mccaig
Shadowline : The Art of Iain McCaig
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"What is Shadowline? It is the place where things meet: light and shadows, hope and despair, good and evil. It is, to me, the most interesting place to hunt for stories." So begins this stunningly realized and beautifully rendered new work from master storyteller and artist Iain McCaig. McCaig is best known for his work as a principal designer on the three Star Wars prequels, including the iconic characters Queen Amidala and Darth Maul, as well as his work on many major motion pictures, television, and video games. His work can be seen in such acclaimed films as Terminator 2, Hook, Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula, Interview with a Vampire, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Shadowline presents a stunning portfolio of more than two decades of McCaig's masterful concept designs and storyboards, cover art and illustrations, as well as his private sketchbooks and personal paintings, all woven together within the confines of an engrossing, otherworldly tale.
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Ed Hamilton
Legends of the Chelsea Hotel : Living with Artists and Outlaws in New York's Rebel Mecca
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There's a current that courses through the old Chelsea Hotel, an electricity that drives people relentlessly to create. It's an energy that longtime resident Ed Hamilton will tell you often drives inhabitants to madness. In a series of linked cyanide capsules, Legends of the Chelsea Hotel tells the odd, funny, and often tragic truth of the writers, artists, and musicians — the famous and the obscure alike — who have fallen prey to the Chelsea. Readers enter one of Dee Dee Ramone's flashbacks; meet the ghost of author Thomas Wolfe; learn of movie star Ethan Hawke's mystical powers over women; see the ungodly acts allegedly being perpetrated in the basement club Serena's; and feel the dark aura of Room 100, where punk rocker Sid Vicious killed his girlfriend Nancy.
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Alphonse Mucha
Alphonse Mucha : Posters and Photographs
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This book contains 157 illustrations, 40 in color, and three Alphonse His Life and Work by Jiri Mucha; Mucha's Paris by Aaron Scharf; Mucha and the Camera by Marina Henderson.
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Paul Johnson
Creators : From Chaucer to Walt Disney
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Creators: From Chaucer to Walt Disney can be a great read for those who are interested in the behind-the-scenes creative process of well-known individuals. The book celebrates the courage and self-confidence that these figures possessed, along with their emphasis on excellence. While some creators like Turner and Victor Hugo possessed recognition and sales throughout their careers, others such as Jane Austen were not recognized until after their death. The book highlights the importance of luck, and how it can play a crucial role in achieving success. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read which enables readers to witness the celebrated lives of creatives who put excellence before any other consideration.
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Carel Blotkamp
Mondrian : The Art of Destruction
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"Mondrian: The Art of Destruction" is an excellent read for art enthusiasts and students wanting to dive into the mind of the influential abstract artist. Blotkamp's lucid analysis of Mondrian's work effectively highlights the artist's unique use of geometric shapes and primary colors to cultivate aesthetic transformation.
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Michael Azerrad
Our Band Could Be Your Life : Scenes from the American Indie Underground
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Recommended for music history buffs and fans. Provides insightful look at the underground and subversive music scene, featuring legendary bands like Black Flag, Sonic Youth and Husker Du.
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Alan Rusbridger
Play It Again : An Amateur Against The Impossible
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Despite the daunting challenge of learning a complex piano piece in a year, Alan Rusbridger, the editor of The Guardian, takes readers on a remarkable journey of personal growth and perseverance. Along the way, he provides fascinating insights from pianists, theorists, and neuroscientists. The book's unique feature is its ability to tie a seemingly personal challenge to world events like the Arab Spring and Wikileaks, making this a great read for anyone interested in music, politics, or both.
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Eldra Pearl Brod Solomon, Maynard Solomon
Beethoven
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Book in NEW condition, never read, but has a sale price sticked affixed to front cover
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Alexander Games, Patrick Bade
Ingres
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Whether madonna, muse or temptress, women have been a source of artistic inspiration throughout history. In the Reveries series, Parkstone pays tribute to the important contribution women have made to artists by uplifting their spirits and giving free reign to their fantasies. We invite you to share the erotic world of well-known painters such as Degas and Schiele. This new genre of art book offers a glimpse into the private lives of some of the most influential artists of modern times. The most striking features of the Reveries series are their brief texts, sophisticated layouts, and high-quality reproductions. Each title pays homage to the artists oeuvre and the elegant layouts include some rarely-seen images. Every page benefits from a unique design and offers a unique setting for some of the most sensual works of Degas, Schiele. Modigliani and Toulouse-Lautrec. These publications should be considered as works of art themselves, a delight for the enthusiast; instructive for the novice; a welcome and valuable addition to any library.
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Harold C. Schonberg
The Lives Of The Great Composers : Third Edition
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This book would be a great fit for anyone with an interest in classical music and the lives of those who created it. The author provides a unique perspective by presenting these legendary composers as real people with relatable experiences. Its extensive coverage and rich detail would make it an excellent addition to any music lover's library.
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Robert Martin, Robert Winter
The Beethoven Quartet Companion
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While the Beethoven string quartets are to chamber music what the plays of Shakespeare are to drama, even seasoned concertgoers will welcome guidance with these personal and sometimes enigmatic works.This collection offers Beethoven lovers both detailed notes on the listening experience of each quartet and a stimulating range of more general Who has the quartets' audience been? How were the quartets performed before the era of sound recordings? What is the relationship between "classical" and "romantic" in the quartets? How was their reception affected by social and economic history? What sorts of interpretive decisions are made by performers today?The Companion brings together a matchless group of Beethoven experts. Joseph Kerman is perhaps the world's most renowned Beethoven scholar. Robert Winter, an authority on sketches for the late quartets, has created interactive programs regarded as milestones in multimedia publishing. Maynard Solomon has written an acclaimed biography of Beethoven. Leon Botstein is the conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra as well as a distinguished social historian and college president. Robert Martin writes from his experience as cellist of the Sequoia Quartet. And the book is anchored by the program notes of Michael Steinberg, who has served as Artistic Advisor of the San Francisco Symphony and the Minnesota Orchestra.
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Jianping He
Niklaus Troxler
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THE MASTER OF DESIGN series is a 4-book series which features the masterpieces inclusive of design philosophy and concepts of the four internationally acclaimed graphic designers. They include Niklaus Troxler (Switzerland), Eiko Ishioka (Japan), Pierre Bernard (France) and Werner Jeker (Switzerland). The four designers won great recognition in the industry through their revolutionary and innovative designs since the 1960s. Each book in the series comprises interviews and reviews that represent the monumental achievements of the designers.
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Legs McNeil, Gillian McCain
Please Kill Me : The Uncensored Oral History of Punk
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What Britain refined, America defined. Assembled by two key figures at the heart of the movement and told through the voices o musicians, artists, iconoclastic reporters and entrepreneurial groupies, PLEASE KILL ME is the full decadent story of the American punk scene, through the early years of Andy Warhol's Factory to the New York underground of Max's Kansas City and later, its heyday at CBGB's, spiritual home to the Ramones, Talking Heads, Television and Blondie. PLEASE KILL ME goes backstage and behind apartment doors to chronicle the sex, drugs and power struggles that were the very fabric of the American punk community, to the time before piercing and tattoos became commonplace and when every concert, new band and fashion statement marked an absolute first. From Iggy Pop and Lou Reed to the Clash and the Sex Pistols (the first time around), McNeil and McCain document a time of glorious self-destruction and perverse innocence - possibly the last time so many will so much fun in the pursuit of excess.
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Mark Beech
Famous Artists
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This is a beautifully presented introduction to the lives and works of 35 of the world's best-known artists. This title is illustrated with fabulous reproductions of the artists' works. It includes photographs of the artists at work, their personal belongings, homes and places that were important to them. It also illustrates timelines that provide the key dates in each artist's life Internet linked.
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Kim Hyung-Tae
Oxide 2X
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This is a Japanese book on the Korean artist Kim Hyung-Tae. This book includes art for the video games Magnacarta, Magnacarta, the Phantom of Avalanche, The War of Genesis III, The War of Genesis III Part 2, and rough sketches 1999-2004. All of the works are in Painter & Photoshop (with a section of pencil sketches) and most are full-page illustrations. Every image includes the date it was painted, the pixel dimensions, and byte size. Text in English with some Japanese. about one-third of the art in this book does not appear in the Korean Oxide 2 book.This book is out of print.
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Santiago Alcolea, Diego De Velazquez
Velázquez
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This book provides a comprehensive overview of Velázquez's work, examining his relationship with nature and the development of his painting techniques, allowing readers to gain a deep appreciation for his masterful realism and elegant brushstrokes. Art enthusiasts and students alike will benefit greatly from the insights offered by author Santiago Alcolea i Gil.
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Phil Schaap, Paul Rogers, Wynton Marsalis
Jazz ABZ : An A to Z Collection of Jazz Portraits
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This book could be an enjoyable read for anyone who loves both jazz and poetry. The unique approach of showcasing jazz performers through different poetic forms adds a refreshing twist to the traditional biography format. The dynamic artwork and nods to vintage design make it a great coffee table book as well.
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Hajo Düchting
Cezanne
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If you're intrigued by the transformation of art from fleeting impressions to enduring compositions, you'll appreciate this deep dive into Cezanne's life and work. Hajo Düchting's monograph not only provides insight into the "Father of Modernism's" pivotal developmental phases but also serves up a visual feast with its abundant color illustrations. This book could be a cornerstone for any art lover wanting to understand the seismic shifts in modern art that Cezanne inspired.
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Nathaniel Harris
The Art of Toulouse-Lautrec
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Gives a critique of Lautrec's works as well as highlights from his life
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Debbie Harry, Mark Blake
Punk : The Whole Story
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On the thirtieth anniversary of the rise to popularity of punk rock, a collection of articles, interviews, and photography from the pages of MOJO magazine looks at the history of punk and the artists, music, and culture it spawned.
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Dive Into Real-Life Stories
Biographies and memoirs offer unparalleled insights into the lives and minds of individuals who've shaped our world. Be it political icons, celebrities, or unsung heroes, Thryft brings you a rich assortment of stories that reveal extraordinary experiences and life lessons. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the personal tales that have influenced history and culture.
Our collection includes a wide range of biographies, from influential leaders to pop culture icons. Find engrossing memoirs that give insight into personal journeys and historical events.
Consider what aspects of life you’re curious about. Whether it’s artistic journeys, political memoirs, or overcoming adversity, our collection will have something that resonates with you.
Yes, we include stories about notable religious figures. You might also explore our Religion collection for more faith-based narratives.
Yes, we celebrate local voices and histories. Discover the lives of Singaporean figures that have shaped our city-state's unique culture and heritage.