The book, first published in 1988, examines the role of magic in Elizabethan and Shakespearean theatre. The author observes how certain plays, including Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest, rationalise the unrealism and improbabilities typical of romantic comedy as miracles wrought by specifically magical intervention. The author also explores the ways in which playwrights justify structural discontinuity by the working of magic. This title will be of interest to students of English Literature, Drama and Performance.

This second edition offers theater lovers an illuminating behind-the-scenes tour of some of America's best musicals. Geoffrey Block provides a documentary history of each of the eighteen musicals he discusses. He reveals how the American musical evolved from the 1920s to today, both on stage and on screen, and how librettist, lyricist, composer, and director work together to shape pieces.--[book cover].

The Wild West: a term that conjures up pictures of wagon trains, unspoiled prairies, Indians, rough 'n' ready cowboys, roundups, and buffalo herds. Where did this collection of images come from? Paul Reddin exposes the mythology of the American frontier as a carefully crafted product of the Wild West show. Focusing on such pivotal figures as George Catlin, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Tom Mix, Reddin traces the rise and fall of a popular entertainment shaped out of the "raw material of America." Buffalo Bill and other entertainers capitalized on public fascination with the danger, heroism, and courage associated with the frontier by continually modifying their presentation of the West to suit their audiences. Thus the Wild West show, contrary to its own claims of accuracy and authenticity, was highly selective in its representations of the West as well as widely influential in shaping the public image of life on the Great Plains. A uniquely American entertainment--colorful, energetic, unabashed, and, as Reddin demonstrates, self-made--the Wild West show exerted an appeal that was all but irresistible to a public hovering uncertainly between industrial progress and nostalgia for a romanticized past.

The Enchanted Screen: The Unknown History of Fairy-Tale Films offers readers a long overdue, comprehensive look at the rich history of fairy tales and their influence on film, complete with the inclusion of an extensive filmography compiled by the author. With this book, Jack Zipes not only looks at the extensive, illustrious life of fairy tales and cinema, but he also reminds us that, decades before Walt Disney made his mark on the genre, fairy tales were central to the birth of cinema as a medium, as they offered cheap, copyright-free material that could easily engage audiences not only though their familiarity but also through their dazzling special effects. Since the story of fairy tales on film stretches far beyond Disney, this book, therefore, discusses a broad range of films silent, English and non-English, animation, live-action, puppetry, woodcut, montage (Jim Henson), cartoon, and digital. Zipes, thus, gives his readers an in depth look into the special relationship between fairy tales and cinema, and guides us through this vast array of films by tracing the adaptations of major fairy tales like "Little Red Riding Hood," "Cinderella," "Snow White," "Peter Pan," and many more, from their earliest cinematic appearances to today. Full of insight into some of our most beloved films and stories, and boldly illustrated with numerous film stills, The Enchanted Screen, is essential reading for film buffs and fans of the fairy tale alike.

Children's literature is an excellent way to educate children, on everything from social behavior and beliefs to attitudes toward education itself. A major aspect of children's literature is the importance of books and reading. Books represent adult authority. This book examines the role that books, reading and writing play in children's fantasy fiction, from books that act as artifacts of power (The Abhorsen Trilogy, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Harry Potter) to interactive books (The Neverending Story, Malice, Inkheart) to books with character-writers (Percy Jackson, Captain Underpants). The author finds that although books and reading often play a prominent role in fantasy for children, the majority of young protagonists gain self-sufficiency not by reading but specifically by moving beyond books and reading.

Are you seeking fantasy writing ideas? Perhaps you’re already a successful fantasy writer or maybe you’re at the initial aspiration stage. Fantasy fiction is enjoying an immense and growing popularity. The blockbusters and bestsellers just keep coming to feed an audience hungry for more and more. And within you there are fantasy worlds waiting to happen! This title taps into the creative force within and goes far beyond quick general fantasy fiction writing prompts. It offers rich and fun longer descriptions of fantasy writing scenarios, inspirations and story starters. Enjoy reading through possible medieval writing ideas, urban and dystopian fantasy scenarios, sci-fi writing suggestions, alternate history possibilities, fantasy governments and social systems, enchanted realms that have never existed before, as well as “almost” earth-like societies with magic that lies just beneath the radar. Embedded within the 100 entries, you will also find possible fantasy book title name ideas, fantasy character names, fantasy creatures, and more. You might take any individual entry and run with it, or mix and match elements from several entries. Fantasy fiction has a way of reminding us of universal truths as it bypasses the critical left brain hemisphere and takes us on a journey of wonderment, suspense and new possibilities. Here’s to your enjoyment and success as a fantasy fiction writer, and to the birth of brand new fantasy fiction worlds!

"Describes cat shows, including the groups that organize them, how they are run and judged, and how owners prepare for them"--