Though he was Greek, Plutarch wrote his Roman Lives in the first century AD, a world dominated by the Roman Empire.

Here he considers some of the major figures who had left their stamp on the history of Rome, including generals, rulers, philosophers, and politicians.

More than half a century after the birth of rock, the musical genre that began as a rebellious underground phenomenon is now acknowledged as America's-and the world's-most popular and influential musical medium, as well as the soundtrack to several generations' worth of history. From Ray Charles to Joni Mitchell to Nirvana, rock music has been an undeniable force in both reflecting and shaping our cultural landscape.
Icons of Rock offers a vivid overview of rock's pervasive role in contemporary society by profiling the lives and work of the music's most legendary artists. Most rock histories, by virtue of their all-encompassing scope, are unable to cover the lives and work of individual artists in depth, or to place those artists in a broader context.
This two-volume set, by contrast, provides extensive biographies of the 24 greatest rock n' rollers of all time, examining their influences, innovations, and impact in a critical and historical perspective. Entries inside this unique reference explore the issues, trends, and movements that defined the cultural and social climate of the artists' music. Sidebars spotlight the many iconic elements associated with rock, such as rock festivals, protest songs, and the British Invasion. Providing a wealth of information on the icons, culture, and mythology of America's most beloved music, this biographical encyclopedia will serve as an invaluable resource for students and music fans alike.

Rather than a give the story of philosophy in 50 pages, Dr. McInerny points students of philosophy in a direction such that their philosophical studies might actually benefit their lives. The book is thus a defense of perennial philosophy, and the classical view that philosophy is something humans are "naturally" drawn to do, because it completes our lives. Dr. McInerny engages the reader in argument, as he defends this view against modern views of philosophy, and discusses the nature of certainty, common sense, and the role of science. Its most important value is the great faith in human intellect and reason, implicit throughout the book. This book would make a good beginning for college philosophy classes. A concluding bibliographical appendix by Joshua Hochschild gives a brief overview of main philosophers throughout history, and some good suggestions for reading.

Kat DeLuna's 9 Lives is one of the year's sweetest surprises--a beguiling, bilingual pop debut that should make her a huge star (fingers crossed). The disc is a dazzling showcase for her unique talents, most notably her opera-trained voice, which bends and snaps with ease amid shiny club beats and tropical rhythms. Breakout single "Whine Up" soars on a thundering, round-the-way groove that's impossible to shake after just one listen. But that's just the first of the disc's flirty, feline offerings. "Animal" roars to camp-club perfection, blending anthem-like choruses with dance-diva attitude, and "Run the Show" is a confident party-starter. DeLuna proves equally adept at emotive balladry. The Selena-esque shimmer of "Am I Dreaming" is buoyed by a lilting, beach-kissed groove. And "Love Me, Leave Me" mines the same goth-pop territory as Rihanna's "Unfaithful." Teen pop-heads, Latin soulsters, anyone with a weakness for hooky melodies: DeLuna's 9 Lives will have them all purring with delight.