In depth exploration of the process of the Royal Shakespeare Company's two-part, nine-hour masterpiece based on Charles Dicken's "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby," from original idea to triumphant theatrical run to televised serial. Leon Rubin was one of the original collaborators, and though some of the text may seem a bit too glowing, he has written an interesting account of what started as a theatrical experiment. Lots of black and white photographs ranging from the initial rehearsal period to opening night. It's a great shame that this book is out of print; if you can find a second-hand copy, it is definitely worth it, especially if you have seen and experienced the play.

Cinema and theatre lovers should find this book an interesting and revealing read. Bernard Eisenschitz has done credit to another American film master more appreciated in Europe than in his own country. The early chapters are especially interesting in regard to Ray's apprenticeship and contribution to theatre in New York and elsewhere. Theatre of Action, Federal Government subsidies for the arts and the whole question of government support and the benefits these brought, Voice of America, and Ray's sympathies for the marginalised of American society are all attentively addressed by the author. Insights into the relationships between studios and artists, the power of stars, the evolution of scripts, the egoes of such as Joan Crawford, the genesis of some memorable even iconographic films such as Rebel Without a Cause, make for an excellent read. At least two films Ray made, In A Lonely PLace and Johhny Guitar, can be reckoned as American masterpieces and for these alone Ray deserved this biography. It contains 79 illustrations, extensive notes, a detailed filmography and comprehensive index. I recommemd this text for the general reader even vaguely interested in American cinema.

Written as a study of homosexuality in the theatre, de Jongh pieces together what he feels are the pivotal gay plays of London and New York from 1925 to 1985. The survey is a pointed one as de Jongh himself admits he focuses on plays where "homosexual desire precipitates a crisis". The book moves more and more from an examination of the plays within their social and historical context to a first hand account of gay theatre history from an inside perspective. The author has been a theatre critic since 1970 and even apologizes for the shortcomings of an early review pleading "delayed innocence" - a beautiful moment for any kind of artist and a humanizing one for the critics.

At times a bit academic, the book may become a difficult read for those without a vested interest in the subject matter. For those with a vested interest, the chapters are enjoyable despite the jabs the American theatre takes in the last two chapters. De Jongh easily journeys from "the deviant, the damned and the dandified" through the birth of a positive gay identity and ultimately to "the return of the outcast" during the early years of the AIDS epidemic. Difficult or not, it is a book that should be read by anyone involved in the theatre and especially those who claim a gay identity there. Don't look for lesbians though, they are unfortunately absent.

Other titles of interest: Carl Miller's Stages of Desire and Vito Russo's The Celluloid Closet

This book is amazing! It really helped me alot! I have spent the past 7 years in therapy and this book contains insights that were really helpful to me. It is too bad to see that it is out of print. I will treasure my copy forever.

As one who has lived and played in the Pacific Ocean, and now lives five blocks away, I see its vast changes daily. In this book I see a vastness, and hear a heart that has encountered some of that vastness in the realm of the SPIRIT. The things that are written come forth in a fresh arena of all GOD is doing and will do in these last days. He is truley about to usher in a TSUNAMI. Take the plunge, ride the waves of OCEANS OF GLORY. You will be in for REVELATIONS OF GODS TRUTH. Pastor Sam Dalin Juneau Alaska

I think this book came out at an appropiate time and gave us somewhat of an idea of what was in this forbidden metropolis.We are now in the second half of 1999 and so much restoration is taking place....not only of historical structures but also of turn of the century hotels,apartment and office buildings...that it is time for an updated version.It would be great if an updated and expanded edition were published,especially now that capitalism is gaining a foothold once again and interest in Cuba is at an all time high in baseball,tourism,architecture,cigars,old American cars and soon ....investment opportunities .

This dictionary is the perfect travel companion for travellers to Spanish-speaking countries. It is written clearly, easy to read and makes clear the gender of nouns. The definitions are ranked in order of most common usage. The only problem is that is is European Spanish and not Latin American. However, it is still useful in Latin America.

This has just the sort of thing nurses need to write care plans. The information is clear and succinct. However, volume 2 is needed, and unavailable. It is frustrating!

It is very rare that I come across a book that not only charms my whimsical sense of humour but also keeps me enthralled with the intricacies of the ilogical. I must say if you enjoy puzzles then this wonderfully mind boggling book is for you.

This book is a great guide to parakeets, for kids who are about 9 to 12. Every thing you need to know on these interesting pets is simplified, and organized into neat paragraphs and sentances. It is just wonderful information, and would be a wise perchase for your child.