Mozart's music has enthralled listeners for centuries. In this brilliant biography, acclaimed historian Paul Johnson draws upon his expert knowledge of the era and Mozart's own private letters to conjure Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life and times in rich detail. Johnson charts Mozart's life from age three through to his later years--when he penned The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni. Along the way, Johnson challenges some of the popular myths that...

By far the most important figure in the history of the United States, George Washington liberated the thirteen colonies from the superior forces of the British Empire against all military odds, and presided over the production and ratification of a constitution that (suitably amended) has lasted for more than two hundred years. Yet today Washington remains a distant figure to many Americans?a failing that acclaimed author Paul Johnson sets out to...

This brief text covers the political, social, and cultural history of the United States from 1789-1829. While many books approach the period of the Early Republic from two distinct standpoints--either from a social and cultural perspective or from a political point of view--this book synthesizes all aspects of U.S. history during this era. The Early American Republic 1789-1829 centers on two main themes: the politics and the process of nation-making,...

In this sequel to Intellectuals and Creators, Paul Johnson continues his engaging history series, approaching the subject of heroism with stirring examples of men and women from every age, walk of life and corner of the world who have inspired and transformed not only their own cultures but the whole world as well. Heroes includes Samson, Judith and Deborah, Alexander and Julius Caesar, Henry V and Joan of Arc, Thomas More, Lady Jane Grey, Mary Queen...

A lively account of the San Francisco of today and of the past presents nearly 600 photographs with captions and commentary covering its changing skyline, its arts, and ethnic culture.

Examines the history and development of British castles from the time of the Iron Age hill forts, discusses the role of castles in social, political, and economic life, and describes the restoration of several castles in the nineteenth century.

Chronology -- The historical and economic background -- The Renaissance in literature and scholarship -- The anatomy of Renaissance sculpture -- The buildings of the Renaissance -- The apostolic successions of Renaissance painting -- The spread and decline of the Renaissance.