Measure for Measure by Brian Gibbons, Davis Harding, J. M. Nosworthy, J. W. Lever, Jane Coles @ Art & Architecture book

Measure for Measure by Brian Gibbons, Davis Harding, J. M. Nosworthy, J. W. Lever, Jane Coles
Written in 1604 when James I--a king particularly concerned with the religious aspects of his leadership--was fresh on the throne, MEASURE FOR MEASURE is a reflection of its time. In it, a sovereign's role in the legislation of morality is explored, as two extreme poles of government are navigated--the Duke's over-leniency as the play opens, and his deputy's rigid judgement that precipitates the tragicomedy. When the Duke realizes that his rule is too lax, he appoints his deputy Angelo to reinforce authority. However, forgiveness, a Christian virtue and therefore an implied virtue of the play's Christian government, is not a characteristic of Angelo, who, reviving an old morality law, condemns Claudio to death for impregnating Juliet. The dilemma of the drama is presented when Claudio's sister Isabella leaves the cloister of the convent to plead for Claudio's freedom. Scandalously, Angelo agrees to free Claudio if Isabella will sleep with him. An estranged wife, a bed trick, and a subplot concerning a pimp present further complications, but ultimately lighten the atmosphere to lead a tragic drama toward a comic resolution. Shakespeare drew on many sources that were themselves inspired by a real 16th-century event in which an Italian man who was condemned to death was promised freedom after his wife accepted a sexual proposition from the judge in exchange. The first records of performance point to December 26, 1604. The next documentation recalls a performance one hundred years later. Though records certainly get destroyed, such scant evidence indeed suggests poor public reception of the play. MEASURE FOR MEASURE was the last of Shakespeare's comedies, and intense tragic material surfaces in it that is fully developed in the plays to come, including OTHELLO, KING LEAR, and MACBETH.

AUTHOR: Brian Gibbons, Davis Harding, J. M. Nosworthy, J. W. Lever, Jane Coles
PUBLISHER: N A L
FORMAT: Paperback
CATEGORY: Art & Architecture

The Visit by Friedrich Durrenmatt, Patrick Bowles
'The Visit' is a consummate, alarming Durrenmatt blend of hilarity, horror, and vertigo.

AUTHOR: Friedrich Durrenmatt, Patrick Bowles
PUBLISHER: Grove/Atlantic, Incorporated
FORMAT: Paperback
CATEGORY: Art & Architecture

Great Paint Finishes for a Gorgeous Home by Gary Lord
Description not available.Explains twelve different finishing techniques for walls, including striping, metallic finishes, faux leather, ragging, faux stone, and combing.

AUTHOR: Gary Lord
PUBLISHER: F & W Publications, Incorporated
FORMAT: Paperback
CATEGORY: Art & Architecture

Miserables by Charles E. Wilbour, James K. Robinson, Jim Reimann, Maurice Allem, Monica Kulling
Hugo's wrenching story centers on Jean Valjean, an honest peasant sentenced to five years' hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread, then 19 more for trying to escape. Turned into a hardened and ruthless criminal by his experiences, he reforms, becomes mayor of a French town, but is tracked down by the pitiless detective Javert for another obscure crime, and incarcerated. Escaping again from the brutal French prison, he befriends a prostitute named Fantine and her daughter, Cosette. This 1862 novel is remarkable for its sympathetic portrayal of common people: prisoners, the poor, women of the streets--all the down-and-out victims of the gross inequities of class in 19th-century Europe.

AUTHOR: Charles E. Wilbour, James K. Robinson, Jim Reimann, Maurice Allem, Monica Kulling
PUBLISHER: Ballantine Books
FORMAT: Paperback
CATEGORY: Art & Architecture

The Love Bomb by James Fenton
This volume of libretti marks new work--and new terrain--for James Fenton. Commissioned by companies in New York and England, these musical pieces make the most of the poet`s poignant, witty, and characteristically lyrical verse. Whether evoking modern-day London on the edge of apocalypse in THE LOVE BOMB, a timeless land beyond the moon in this version of Salman Rushdie`s children`s novel HAROUN AND THE SEA OF STORIES, or ancient Jerusalem in his stirring oratorio THE FALL OF JERUSALEM, which was composed to mark the millennium, Fenton`s lucid storytelling and stylish wordplay bring these pieces vividly to life--with equal power in performance or on the page.

AUTHOR: James Fenton
PUBLISHER: Faber & Faber, Incorporated
FORMAT: Paperback
CATEGORY: Art & Architecture

All about Me by Philipp Keel
Description not available.A unique gift book and self-discovery journal prompts givers to reveal their most profound experiences, beliefs, secrets, and dreams, and probe their psyches through simple but provocative questions and suggestions. $40,000 ad/promo.

AUTHOR: Philipp Keel
PUBLISHER: Broadway Books
FORMAT: Hardcover
CATEGORY: Art & Architecture