Životy slavných Série

Jen málokterý jednotlivec dokázal ovlivnit dějiny zásadněji než Napoleon Bonaparte. I když byl u moci jen po desetiletí a půl, jeho vliv nepřestal být patrný dodnes a mnoho lidí stále obdivuje jeho nezdolnou vůli. Jednou z hlavních tezí Johnsonovy knihy je, že Bonaparte nebyl ideolog, nýbrž oportunista, kterému se podařilo využít dějinné náhody Francouzské revoluce k tomu, aby se vyšvihl na vrchol moci. Poté rozpoutal v Evropě nejničivější války, jaké starý světadíl do té doby zažil. Vůbec poprvé hrály v obrovském růstu armád podstatnou roli masové odvody a v bitvách se střetávaly celé národy. Zrodil ze nový koncept totální války a vyrostly instituce jako tajná policie, rozsáhlá profesionální špionáž, vládní propagandistická mašinérie nebo předstírání údajně demokratických postupů, voleb a plebiscitů. Johnson čtenáře poutavým způsobem seznamuje i s mnoha fakty Napoleonova soukromého života, ať už jde o jeho rodinu, dvě manželky, milenky či vyhnanství a smrt na Svaté Heleně.

Originální portrét Buddhy od světoznámé autorky vychází v nakladatelství Barrister & Principal již ve druhém vydání (v originále vyšel v prestižní edici Penguin Lives). Autorka se zabývá jak archetypální náboženskou ikonou, tak Buddhou jako člověkem. Popisuje Buddhovy osudy od chvíle, kdy jako Siddhata Gótama opouští svoji ženu, malého synka a pohodlný život ve význačném společenském postavení, aby se vydal na cestu namáhavého hledání duchovního probuzení. Ve srozumitelné a přesvědčivé próze Armstrongová oživuje Buddhovo hledání od jeho odmítnutí privilegovaného života po objevení pravdy, o níž byl přesvědčený, že naprosto promění lidské bytosti a umožní jim žít v míru uprostřed utrpení světa. Autorka se v knize soustřeďuje také na dobovou kulturu a zamýšlí se nad Buddhovou rolí v duchovních dějinách lidstva a nad zvláštním významem jeho myšlenek pro naši společnost, která nyní prochází krizí víry.

Most people know little more about the US President Abraham Lincoln than how he met his end - assassinated in a theatre box by a gunman. But as Thomas Keneally, Booker prizewinning novelist for Schindler's Ark, shows in this short, but enthralling life that Lincoln's origins, his early life, his self-taught lawyer's career and how he became a politician and ultimately US president, is an epitome of the American dream. If Lincoln - without any benefits of class, wealth or contacts - could reach the pinnacle of US life then so might anyone else. Keneally has long been absorbed by Lincoln's life and letters, upon which he draws for his biography.

Painter, filmmaker, photographer, philosopher, and cultural icon, Andy Warhol revolutionized art by injecting commercial and pop culture images into his work. Wayne Koestenbaum - himself an artist, poet, essayist, biographer, and English professor - offers this concise and close-up look at Warhol's life, exploring the roots of his aesthetic vision, the pain that informed his greatness, and the hidden sublimity of Warhol's provocative films.

Presents a biography of the eighteenth-century Austrian composer

Edmund White crafts an intimate biography of Marcel Proust, illuminating the complexities of the reclusive genius behind Remembrance of Things Past. The narrative reveals Proust's dual existence as a prolific writer and a prominent figure in Parisian society, while also delving into his struggles with sexuality, an aspect previously unexplored. Balancing light-hearted gossip with profound emotional depth, this portrait offers a compelling introduction to Proust's life and legacy, making it a valuable read for fans of literary history.

Virginia Woolf was undoubtedly one of the literary giants of the twentieth century. She was a central figure in the Bloomsbury Group, and her writings were works of astonishing originality. Nigel Nicolson is the son of Vita Sackville-West, who was Virginia Woolf's most intimate friend, and for a short time her lover. He spent many days in her company and he has threaded his recollections of her throughout this unique narrative of her life.

Bestselling, award-winning novelist writing about one of the most popular and enduring English novelists of all time. 'Splendid ... a gem' LITERARY REVIEW

The life story of the author of Moby-Dick furnishes an analysis of all of Melville's writings and depicts his days as a whaleship deckhand and his bitterness over the public's failure to embrace his master work, Moby-Dick. 25,000 first printing.

The book offers an in-depth exploration of Mao Zedong, utilizing the author's extensive understanding of Chinese politics and culture. It presents a nuanced portrayal of Mao, highlighting his complexities and the impact of his leadership on China. The insightful analysis is praised for its clarity and depth, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Chinese history and political figures.

Offers a profile of Dickens's life, interpretations of his major works, and a study of his narrative techniques, themes, characters, and style.

One of Ireland's greatest contemporary writers turns her attention to one of the country's greatest novelists: James Joyce.

Garry Wills präsentiert in "Saint Augustine" eine eindrucksvolle Biografie des einflussreichen christlichen Philosophen. Er beleuchtet Augustines Werdegang von der Jugend im vierten Jahrhundert bis zu seiner Theologie und widerlegt gängige Missverständnisse über sein Leben. Wills verbindet klassische Philosophie mit der Verteidigung des Christentums.

Legends cloud the life of Crazy Horse, a seminal figure in American history but an enigma even to his own people in his own day. This superb biography looks back across more than 120 years at the life and death of this great Sioux warrior who became a reluctant leader at the Battle of Little Bighorn. With his uncanny gift for understanding the human psyche, Larry McMurtry animates the character of this remarkable figure, whose betrayal by white representatives of the U.S. government was a tragic turning point in the history of the West. A mythic figure puzzled over by generations of historians, Crazy Horse emerges from McMurtry’s sensitive portrait as the poignant hero of a long-since-vanished epoch.

Mary Gordon gelingt es meisterhaft, die heldenhafte Geschichte der Jungfrau von Orléans auch nach über 500 Jahren in ihrer Widersprüchlichkeit spannend darzustellen. Jeanne d'Arc, Tochter eines reichen Bauern aus Lothringen, hört mit 13 Jahren plötzlich > Stimmen<, die ihr befehlen, den französischen König aufzusuchen und die Engländer aus Frankreich zu vertreiben. Es gelingt ihr tatsächlich, eine Audienz bei Karl VII. zu bekommen. Kurz darauf befreit sie mit der französischen Armee Orléans, das damals von den Engländern belagert wurde. Jeanne d'Arc wird jedoch gefangengenommen, der Ketzerei angeklagt, und schließlich bei lebendigem Leibe verbrannt. Mary Gordon betont in dieser Biographie den Aspekt Jeanne d'Arcs als weltweit positiver Identifikationsfigur. In der Auseinandersetzung mit dem jungen Mädchen, das für seinen Glauben und seine Überzeugung alles aufs Spiel setzt, zeichnet die Autorin ein ungewöhnlich differenziertes Bild.

One of the greatest historians writing today gives us a defining portrait of the incomparable Winston Churchill In his landmark biography of Winston Churchill, acclaimed historian John Keegan offers a very human portrait of one of the twentieth century's enduring symbols of heroic defiance. From Churchill's youth as a poor student to his leadership during World War II, Keegan reveals a man whose own idea of an English past—eloquently embodied in his speeches—allowed him to exhort a nation to unprecedented levels of sacrifice. The result is a uniquely discerning look at one of the most fascinating personalities in history. “The best military historian of our generation.” –Tom Clancy

The biography explores the life and work of America's greatest architect, highlighting his innovative designs and lasting impact on architecture. Through detailed analysis and personal anecdotes, it reveals the architect's creative process, challenges, and triumphs. The narrative also delves into the cultural and historical context of his era, showcasing how his vision transformed urban landscapes and influenced future generations. Huxtable's insightful critique and appreciation provide a comprehensive portrait of a pivotal figure in American architecture.

An illuminating biography of Marlon Brando, a cultural icon and one of the most legendary American actors of all time In 1948 Marlon Brando stunned audiences and critics alike with his revolutionary, raw, and improvisational approach to acting. He became a symbol of a new, rebellious generation that was sick of conventions and committed to genuine emotion and unvarnished truth. From his breakout role as Stanley Kowalski in "A Streetcar Named Desire" to his mesmerizing portrayal of Don Corleone in "The Godfather," he created some of the most memorable characters in American cinematic history. Brando was a paradox--intensely private but using his fame to promote worthy causes, a womanizer who clung to his childhood friends and animals. He was one of the most fiercely independent stars ever. In this book, acclaimed biographer Patricia Bosworth peels away Brando's many layers, revealing the struggles, triumphs, and relentless ambition that transformed the irrepressible farm boy from Nebraska into a legend of American cinema.