Symphony For The City Of The Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad by M. T. Anderson (2015, Candlewick; 464 pages) Winner of the National Book Award M. T. Anderson delivers in this great book a riveting account of the Siege of Leningrad and the role played in WWII by Russian composer Shostakovich and his Leningrad Symphony. This is a true story, the story of a city under siege. It is also a look at the power of music in difficult times. Trapped between the Nazi invading force and the Soviet government itself, composer Dmitri Shostakovich wrote a symphony that roused, rallied, eulogized, and commemorated his fellow citizens -- the Leningrad Symphony. This testament of courage was copied onto microfilm, driven across the Middle East, and flown across the deserts of North Africa to be performed in the United States, where it played a surprising role in strengthening the Grand Alliance against the Axis powers. The book is a masterwork, impeccably written and researched by author M. T. Anderson. The source notes are fascinating, and the book includes pictures of events and characters. A not-to-be-missed j non-fiction book. Find this title in our catalog: Symphony For The City Of The Dead Recommended by: Maite
0 Comments
Hurry Up and Wait by Maira Kalman and Daniel Handler (2015, MoMA; 64 pages) This is the second volume in a series of collaborations between the artist Maira Kalman, the writer Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket), and the Museum of Modern Art. The book shows pictures and drawings of people striding forth, dashing across streets, and jumping over puddles, while others daydream on park benches and linger on sidewalks with friends. This is a follow-up to Girls Standing on Lawns, and it also contains important photographs from MoMA's collection, by Dorothea Lange, Helen Levitt and more artists. Kalman includes ten vibrant paintings and Handler adds his elegant prose, while he ponders the merits of action and contemplation. A delightful book, absolutely enjoyable both for youth and adults. Find this title in our catalog: Hurry Up and Wait Recommended by: Maite |