This illustrated guide compiles over 2;000 collective nouns and brings them to life in stunningly colorful; graphic artwork from the design dynamos at Woop Studios. Chock-full of treasures of the English language; the diversity of terms collected here covers topics from plants and animals (a parade of elephants; an embarrassment of pandas) to people and things (a pomposity of professors; an exultation of fireworks) and range from the familiar (a pride of lions) to the downright obscure (an ooze of amoebas). Pronunciations; definitions; etymologies; and historical anecdotes make this beautiful book an entertaining read; a standout reference; and a visual treat. Language lovers and art appreciators alike will be captivated by this gem; rich in word and image.
#3225951 in eBooks 2013-04-25File Name: B00CURP0CO
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Highly accessible collection that will expand appreciation of Messiaen and introduce readers to other composers he influencedBy Christopher CulverThe publisher Ashgate has released a great deal of scholarship on Olivier Messiaen; and MESSIAEN PERSPECTIVES brings us a wide-ranging series of papers from a number of experts on the French composers music. The first volume dealt with sources and Messiaens influences; but this second volume is dedicated to techniques; his influence on others and his reception. To give a general breakdown of the aspects of Messiaens works that are discussed here:TECHNIQUES: mechanical procedures; "La Fauvette des jardins" as sharing an affinity with the "spectralist" composers; compositional organization and stylistic innovation in "Petites Esquisses doiseaux"; and Messiaens counterpoint.INFLUENCE: Messiaen and Maurice Ohana as composers on opposite sides of the mid-century new music battlefield; but who nonetheless had a lot in common; the relationship of Iannis Xenakis with his teacher Messiaen; what three Quebecois composers; namely Serge Garant; Clermont Peacute;pin and Andreacute; Preacute;vost drew from Messiaen; and how Messiaen influenced the spectralists.RECEPTION: how Messiaens music has fared in Italy; its gradual acceptance in Spain; a description of Mount Messiaen; the Utah landmark named after the composer; and a critical look at the composers posthumously published treatise "Traiteacute; de rythme; de couleur; et drsquo;ornithologie".Outside that three-part scheme; there are also two "intermegrave;des" by Robert Fallon. In the first; this scholar gives an exhaustive listing of every bird that Messiaen quoted; and in which works they appear. The second of Fallons intermegrave;des looks at the phenomenon of compositional tributes to Messiaen; whether classical works like Jonathan Harveys "Tombeau de Messiaen" or the surprising use of Messiaens music in the popular music world; as well as the further use of the "End of Time" ensemble of clarinet; violin; cello; and piano.All in all; this is an enjoyable collection that deserves attention from more than just an academic readership. While a knowledge of music theory is a prerequisite for some papers here; layman fans of Messiaens music will find most of the book accessible and it will offer many new insights to expand appreciation of his works. Furthermore; this collection will prove eye-opening for fans of 20th-century modernism in general beyond Messiaen; as the discussion of influences points one to interesting composers and works that might otherwise have escaped ones attention