Stephen Johnson Livres

Over a century after his death, Bruckner remains an enigma. Popular anecdotes portray him as a visionary simpleton, with his life centered solely around music and religion. Yet, this peculiar figure is recognized for creating some of the most original music of the late nineteenth century. The collected reminiscences reveal a more complex, often tormented mind, exposing dark obsessions, acute sexual frustration, and a faith clouded by doubt. Students and colleagues share insights into Bruckner's compositional process and the extra-musical ideas influencing his work. His struggles against those who sought to 'improve' his scores are documented, alongside captivating accounts of his organ improvisations, which earned him international acclaim despite his major works being overlooked. Memories also depict Bruckner as a spirited, humorous individual—an excellent dancer and a natural entertainer for children. However, his life was marked by loneliness and several disastrous infatuations with teenage girls, some humorous, others poignant. Yet, he inspired deep loyalty and devotion in those close to him. These accounts collectively offer a nuanced portrait of this popular yet misunderstood composer in English literature.

Set against a backdrop of tension and betrayal, the story follows a woman held captive, exploring her struggles and resilience. The narrative intertwines with a lover who faces the consequences of betrayal, adding emotional depth to the tale. An idealistic journalist seeks to uncover the truth, driven by a desire for justice and understanding. Together, their paths reveal themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom, making for a gripping and thought-provoking read.

This text presents an insight into the organisation and structure of the powerful army of ancient Rome. Find out what went on on a daily basis within the fort, and discover how the Roman army used ingenious techniques to defend the fort.

Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, this narrative explores the adventures of southern hemisphere backpackers in Europe, emphasizing their mantra that experiences should remain secretive and thrilling. The book captures the spirit of exploration and indulgence as these travelers immerse themselves in foreign cultures, highlighting the excitement and camaraderie of life on the road. Through vivid storytelling, it reflects on the transformative nature of travel and the unforgettable memories forged during this adventurous era.

Focusing on the Liberal Democratic Party's long-standing dominance in Japan, this study delves into the various challenges faced by opposition parties from 1955 to 1993. It analyzes missed opportunities for a united front in the 1970s, examining ideological and organizational shortcomings that led to fragmentation. The book also explores coalition attempts, the role of trade unions, and the impact of Marxist influences within the opposition, providing a comprehensive look at the dynamics of Japanese political resistance during this period.

BBC music broadcaster Stephen Johnson explores the power of Shostakovich's music during Stalin's reign of terror, and writes of the extraordinary healing effect of music on sufferers of mental illness - and reflects on his own experience, where he believes Shostakovich's music helped him survive the trials and assaults of bipolar disorder.

Placing Mahler within his world, The Eighth reassesses Mahler's work in the context of the prevailing thought of his age, but also against the backdrop of that tumultuous summer, when Mahler worked desperately on his Tenth Symphony, was betrayed by his wife, and consulted Sigmund Freud.

In 1794, Joseph Priestley - amateur scientist, ordained minister and radical thinker - set sail for America to escape persecution. In this title, the author tells his story: the discovery of oxygen, the invention of a science, the founding of a church, and, with the great minds of his time, the development of the United States itself.

Forget what you thought you knew about yourself and open your mind wide . . . 'You are part reptile, part mammal, part primate. You are a dopamine fiend. You are a walking assembly of patterns and waves, clusters of neurons firing in sync with one another . . . ' In Mind Wide OpenSteven Johnson takes us on a journey to the frontiers of brain science and reveals exactly how we're hardwired to think and feel. Experimenting with the latest technology he discovers (among other things) that everything we do from falling in love to forming a sentence is caused by neurons firing and chemicals swirling around our heads; that there are gadgets which can enable us to control our own brainwaves; that everyone's mind, like their fingerprint, is unique; and this can help us understand our own mental foibles and see ourselves in a totally new way.

Paintings of various sites around New York City--from a shadow on a building to a wrought iron-gate to the Brooklyn Bridge--depict the numbers from one to twenty-one