Thanks to the photographic output of a small squadron of interplanetary spacecraft, the beauty and splendor of the solar system have been revealed. These new images are the subject of a truly revelatory book that uses its large page size to reproduce the greatest achievements in contemporary planetary photography as never before.
Since the 1960s the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been sending satellites to explore the planets, moons, and sun. Benson, a "deskbound cosmic pilgrim" ("Atlantic Monthly, ") has pulled together the most spectacular of them into one volume.
"Celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the film's release, this is the definitive story of the making of 2001: A Space Odyssey, acclaimed today as one of the greatest films ever made, including the inside account of how director Stanley Kubrick and writer Arthur C. Clarke created this cinematic masterpiece. Regarded as a masterpiece today, 2001: A Space Odyssey received mixed reviews on its 1968 release. Despite the success of Dr. Strangelove, director Stanley Kubrick wasn't yet recognized as a great filmmaker, and 2001 was radically innovative, with little dialogue and no strong central character. Although some leading critics slammed the film as incomprehensible and self-indulgent, the public lined up to see it. 2001's resounding commercial success launched the genre of big-budget science fiction spectaculars. Such directors as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and James Cameron have acknowledged its profound influence. Author Michael Benson explains how 2001 was made, telling the story primarily through the two people most responsible for the film, Kubrick and science fiction legend Arthur C. Clarke. Benson interviewed Clarke many times, and has also spoken at length with Kubrick's widow, Christiane; with visual effects supervisor Doug Trumbull; with Dan Richter, who played 2001's leading man-ape; and many others. A colorful nonfiction narrative packed with memorable characters and remarkable incidents, Space Odyssey provides a 360-degree view of this extraordinary work, tracking the film from Kubrick and Clarke's first meeting in New York in 1964 through its UK production from 1965-1968, during which some of the most complex sets ever made were merged with visual effects so innovative that they scarcely seem dated today. A concluding chapter examines the film's legacy as it grew into it current justifiably exalted status"-- Provided by publisher
Michael Benson tells the thrilling story of the discovery and description of the universe in a new way. Selecting artful and profound illustrations and maps, many hidden away in the world’s great science libraries and virtually unknown today, he chronicles more than 1,000 years of humanity’s ever-expanding understanding of the size and shape of space itself. He shows how the invention of the telescope inspired visions of unimaginably distant places and explains why today we turn to supercomputer simulations to reveal deeper truths about space-time.Cosmigraphics explores the visual side of our greatest imaginative achievement as a species: the unveiling of a vast universe that is largely invisible to our senses. It will be a revelation to space-struck Earthlings, art lovers, and readers interested in the history of science, the visualization of information, graphic design, and mapping.
The narrative delves into the life of Carmine "Sonny" DiBiase, a notorious Mafia hitman who transformed from a street punk into a feared killer. Known for his violent temper, especially when intoxicated, DiBiase's criminal journey includes a series of brutal acts, leading to his involvement in the assassination of Joey "Crazy Joe" Gallo during a Mafia turf war. The book reveals the complexities of DiBiase's life, including his time on the FBI's Most Wanted list and his controversial acquittals, ultimately shedding light on the true events surrounding Gallo's murder.
An easy-to-understand guide to blackjack's basic strategy and card counting.
The rise of Nazism in America during the 1930s and 1940s is vividly portrayed through the lens of Jewish gangsters who courageously fought back against fascist sympathizers. Acclaimed author Michael Benson reveals how figures like Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel organized a fierce resistance against the growing anti-Semitic sentiment and Nazi activism in the U.S. This gripping account details their ruthless tactics and the mobilization of ordinary Americans, offering a compelling narrative filled with surprising facts and unforgettable personalities.
The complete story of the prison break and manhunt that kept America spellbound
The Shocking Crime That Destroyed a Family and United a Community
The book delves into the tragic events of July 23, 2007, when a brutal home invasion claimed the lives of Dr. William Petit's family in Cheshire, Connecticut. It explores the backgrounds of the victims and their killers, Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes, while drawing parallels to Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood." The aftermath ignited community resilience and a surge in gun sales, prompting lawmakers to reconsider crime legislation. Ultimately, it highlights the inspiring response of the community and the survivor's determination to seek justice and healing.
The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck
The sensational, lurid, and wickedly entertaining true story of the brothers who invented Hollywood to become the godfathers of cinema - movie moguls Nicholas and Joseph Schenck - studded with glamorous stars, scandals, mobsters, murders, and one legendary blond bombshell. . . Groundbreaking pioneers of the Hollywood Dream Factory, Joseph and Nicholas Schenck may not have been household names like the Warner brothers or Louis B. Mayer, but they were infinitely more powerful, influential—and ruthless. A pair of Russian immigrants with giant ambitions, the Schencks turned their small nickelodeon business in New York’s Bowery into a partnership with Loew’s movie theaters and a controlling interest in three major studios: MGM, 20th Century Fox, and United Artists. They painted the silver screen silver, laid the foundations for the all-powerful studio system, and ruled a global movie empire from their Gatsby-sized mansions on the East and West coasts. The Schencks had become moguls. Their story is the stuff of legends—and their scandals are among the greatest stories Hollywood never told. This riveting, behind-the-scenes account reveals the suprising truth about: The union-busting mob deal that landed Joe Schenck in federal prison for four years—on tax evasion charges including deductions for a menage a trois. The cutthroat and merciless political maneuvering that defined the Hollywood studio heads. The lurid murder charges against silent film star “Fatty” Arbuckle—whose legal defense was paid for by Joe Schenck. Joe’s secret infatuation with Marilyn Monroe, even though Marilyn’s mother named her Norma after Joe’s wife! The brothers’ ingenious creation of the Academy of Motion Pictures and the Oscars—and indomitable control over the entire film industry. From the earliest days of silent films and the swinging era of the Roaring Twenties, through the Golden Age of the studio system and the patriotic call of WWII, to the Red Scare paranoia of the McCarthy years, the history of the Schenck brothers is the story of Hollywood itself—and the endurng power of the American Dream. Moguls is a must-read for film fans, history buffs, and anyone who loves the movies.