"The classic science fiction novel"--Cover.

The son of an archaeologist finds the lost medallion his father had been seeking and is transported back in time with his best friend for an adventure that will change his life forever.

The New York Times film critic shows why we need criticism now more than ever Few could explain, let alone seek out, a career in criticism. Yet what A.O. Scott shows in Better Living Through Criticism is that we are, in fact, all critics: because critical thinking informs almost every aspect of artistic creation, of civil action, of interpersonal life. With penetrating insight and warm humor, Scott shows that while individual critics--himself included--can make mistakes and find flaws where they shouldn't, criticism as a discipline is one of the noblest, most creative, and urgent activities of modern existence. Using his own film criticism as a starting point--everything from his infamous dismissal of the international blockbuster The Avengers to his intense affection for Pixar's animated Ratatouille--Scott expands outward, easily guiding readers through the complexities of Rilke and Shelley, the origins of Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones, the power of Marina Abramovich and 'Ode on a Grecian Urn.' Drawing on the long tradition of criticism from Aristotle to Susan Sontag, Scott shows that real criticism was and always will be the breath of fresh air that allows true creativity to thrive. "The time for criticism is always now," Scott explains, "because the imperative to think clearly, to insist on the necessary balance of reason and passion, never goes away."

With more than 3.5 million copies sold, the City of Ember books are modern-day classics. Lina and Doon's heart-pounding journey to save their people has captivated readers around the world, and the four adventures are bound together here for the very first time! Escape the Dark. Discover the Adventure. The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. But now with terrifying blackouts sweeping through the streets, Lina and Doon know it’s only a matter of time before the lights go out and never come back on again. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she and Doon explore long-forgotten parts of their dying city as they race to solve the mystery. If they succeed, they will have to convince everyone to follow them into danger and an exciting new world. But if they fail? The lights will burn out and the darkness will close in forever. The series begins with the groundbreaking dystopian novel The City of Ember, the story of a girl, a boy, and their beleaguered city. Through the sequel, The People of Sparks, the satisfying conclusion, The Diamond of Darkhold, and the prequel,The Prophet of Yonwood, author Jeanne DuPrau offers a vision of hope that, while sometimes flickering against the darkness, ultimately shines through, like the bright dawning of a new world.

"Independent Queer Cinema collects 100 of Kramer’s reviews and interviews (from 1999 to 2004) that celebrate the latest “queer wave” of actors, writers, and directors. These are films and filmmakers to be discovered and discussed—from the independent American hit Kissing Jessica Stein and the provocative foreign gem Come Undone, to tantalizing insights from Stephen Fry and Tilda Swinton. Independent Queer Cinema is a valuable reference guide as well as an entertaining compilation of Kramer’s astute reviews and interviews."--pub. description.

As one of the most vigorous and independent of French nineteenth century art critics, Philippe Burty (1830-1890) often supported areas and issues that other critics overlooked. He was among the first to support the new renaissance in printmaking (essentially in etching) and his articles on the decorative arts, the need for reforms in the exhibition system and his support of younger painters were well known. His primary contribution was in championing Japonisme (the taste for all things Japanese) in France and in coinig the name by which this tendency was identified. He also avidly spoke up for the Impressionists in both French and English articles at a time when few did. Burty was also a creative collector whose tastes in journalistic writing were reflected in what he had in his own home. In all these ways he demonstrated an advanced attitude.