Odkedy existuje ľudská spoločnosť, existujú aj tajné spoločnosti. A kým niektoré z nich sa venujú charite a konajú dobré skutky, iné sa vydali na oveľa pochybnejšie chodníčky. Jednu vec však majú spoločnú - žiadna z nich nechce, aby sa ľudia zvonku dozvedeli o tom, čo presne sa deje v ich svätyniach. Kniha Michaela Bensona odhaľuje rúško tajomstva viac než 150 najexkluzívnejších tajných spoločností sveta. A nemusíte ani poznať zvláštne gesto podávania rúk alebo vyklopkávať na dvere tajný kód. Namiesto toho vám tento jedinečný sprievodca predstaví činnosť takých tajných spoločností ako sú slobodmurári, Výbor 300, Ku-Klux-klan či Nový svetový rád.
Celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its release, this account details the making of a cinematic masterpiece, regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Upon its 1968 debut, it received mixed reviews; while director Stanley Kubrick was not yet recognized as a great filmmaker, the film's radical innovation—characterized by minimal dialogue and no strong central character—set it apart. Critics deemed it incomprehensible, yet audiences flocked to theaters, leading to its commercial success and paving the way for big-budget science fiction films. Influential directors like George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and James Cameron have acknowledged its impact. The author provides insights into the film's creation, focusing on Kubrick and science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. Interviews with Clarke, Kubrick's widow Christiane, visual effects supervisor Doug Trumbull, and actor Dan Richter, among others, enrich the narrative. This colorful nonfiction work captures memorable characters and incidents, chronicling the film's journey from Kubrick and Clarke's initial meeting in 1964 through its complex UK production from 1965 to 1968, where groundbreaking sets and visual effects were developed. A concluding chapter reflects on the film's legacy as it evolved into its exalted status.
Michael Benson tells the thrilling story of the discovery and description of the universe in a new way. Selecting artful and profound illustrations and maps, many hidden away in the world’s great science libraries and virtually unknown today, he chronicles more than 1,000 years of humanity’s ever-expanding understanding of the size and shape of space itself. He shows how the invention of the telescope inspired visions of unimaginably distant places and explains why today we turn to supercomputer simulations to reveal deeper truths about space-time.Cosmigraphics explores the visual side of our greatest imaginative achievement as a species: the unveiling of a vast universe that is largely invisible to our senses. It will be a revelation to space-struck Earthlings, art lovers, and readers interested in the history of science, the visualization of information, graphic design, and mapping.
The narrative delves into the life of Carmine "Sonny" DiBiase, a notorious Mafia hitman who transformed from a street punk into a feared killer. Known for his violent temper, especially when intoxicated, DiBiase's criminal journey includes a series of brutal acts, leading to his involvement in the assassination of Joey "Crazy Joe" Gallo during a Mafia turf war. The book reveals the complexities of DiBiase's life, including his time on the FBI's Most Wanted list and his controversial acquittals, ultimately shedding light on the true events surrounding Gallo's murder.
The rise of Nazism in America during the 1930s and 1940s is vividly portrayed through the lens of Jewish gangsters who courageously fought back against fascist sympathizers. Acclaimed author Michael Benson reveals how figures like Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel organized a fierce resistance against the growing anti-Semitic sentiment and Nazi activism in the U.S. This gripping account details their ruthless tactics and the mobilization of ordinary Americans, offering a compelling narrative filled with surprising facts and unforgettable personalities.
The book delves into the tragic events of July 23, 2007, when a brutal home invasion claimed the lives of Dr. William Petit's family in Cheshire, Connecticut. It explores the backgrounds of the victims and their killers, Joshua Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes, while drawing parallels to Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood." The aftermath ignited community resilience and a surge in gun sales, prompting lawmakers to reconsider crime legislation. Ultimately, it highlights the inspiring response of the community and the survivor's determination to seek justice and healing.
The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck
304 stránok
11 hodin čítania
The sensational true story of brothers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck, who shaped Hollywood into the cinema powerhouse it is today, is filled with glamour, scandals, mobsters, and a legendary blond bombshell. As groundbreaking pioneers, the Schencks, Russian immigrants with grand ambitions, transformed a small nickelodeon business in New York’s Bowery into a formidable partnership with Loew’s theaters and controlling interests in MGM, 20th Century Fox, and United Artists. They established the studio system and ruled a global movie empire from their lavish mansions on both coasts. Their legacy is legendary, yet their scandals remain largely untold. This riveting account reveals surprising truths, including Joe Schenck's four-year federal prison sentence for tax evasion linked to a scandalous deduction, the ruthless political tactics of Hollywood studio heads, and the murder charges against silent film star “Fatty” Arbuckle, whose defense was funded by Joe. It also touches on Joe's secret infatuation with Marilyn Monroe and the brothers' creation of the Academy of Motion Pictures and the Oscars. Spanning the silent film era to the Red Scare, the Schencks’ story encapsulates the essence of Hollywood and the enduring American Dream, making it a must-read for film enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Set in the gritty past of Brooklyn, this book explores its transformation from a perilous area rife with mobsters and gangs to a vibrant neighborhood. It delves into the criminal activities that once plagued the streets, where violence and lawlessness were rampant, allowing heinous acts to go unpunished. The narrative captures the dark history of the borough, shedding light on the notorious figures and events that shaped its dangerous reputation.
We quite rightly celebrate human creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, but too often our triumphs in science, engineering and technology come at monumental cost. The human story is more often a tale of conflict and despair than of nurture, love, and coexistence. It would be easy to read the human story as one of tragic hubris. Yet it does not end here. We stand on the threshold of the future wondering which way the dice will fall. Our wager with posterity is that human ingenuity, intelligence, and resilience of spirit are powerful enough to insist upon a very different future for the human story. Prix Pictet. Human features over 100 outstanding works of contemporary photography by many of the world’s most acclaimed photographers. The PRIX PICTET aims to harness the power of photography to draw global attention to issues of sustainability, especially those concerning the environment. Founded in 2008 by the Pictet Group, the Prix Pictet has become the world’s leading award for photography and sustainability. To date, there have been ten cycles of the award, each with its own specific theme.
