In the 1950s; Hammer Film Productions; a small British filmmaking company; introduced the world to a new genre of motion picture. Referred to by some as "horror;" by others as "fantasy;" Hammer films had a unique look and feel that many other studios would later attemptmdash;and failmdash;to capture. Hammer films also had a unique sound. For although the studio was small and the budgets limited; those involved in making the Hammer films recognized that the musical score was just as important as the set; the actors; and the script in telling the story. Consequently; Hammer Films Productions recruited the best musical talent to make its films come alive. Those artists and the work they did are chronicled here in careful detail by Randall D. Larson. From the studios fledging days; through its great successes of the 60s and early 70s; Music from the House of Hammer offers an inside look at how the "Hammer sound" was developed and nurtured.
2013-11-12 2013-11-12File Name: B00GNL06CW
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Edd Morris is a fantastic book that just calls out for you to pick ...By Lesley G.“Exploring English Castles†by Dr. Edd Morris is a fantastic book that just calls out for you to pick it up and thumb through it. It is a beautiful combination of gorgeous photographs and fascinating history. I spent time in England and Wales as a child and revisited as an adult several years ago and have actually visited several of the castles covered in this book. So it was with great anticipation that I waited for its arrival. It was certainly worth the wait! The book is a wonderful history refresher and Dr. Morris has an engaging way of writing. By merging historical fact with historical trivia and every day references; he brings history alive and evokes such a sense of place and vibrancy for each of these castles. This is a lovely book and I have totally enjoyed reading it. I shall revisit it often.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This beautiful; entertainingBy Kathy TruemanThis beautiful; entertaining; and well-written book was an incredible bargain for the price. Rather than long; dry list of dates and events for the castles; Dr. Morris gives us slices of fascinating; human life; bringing history to us as if it happened yesterday. And the pictures are gorgeous! This is a coffee table book that one can actually read with pleasure.Im a writer; so I particularly appreciated Dr. Morris breezy; friendly writing style. Just as his history isnt dry; neither is his language pedantic.I love castles; and Ive read a lot of books about them; but this is my favorite. If Dr. Morris puts out any more books; Ill snap them right up. (Just incidentally; his website is a treasure trove of information about castles; all given in his pleasant and entertaining style.)1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An Entertaining Romp Through British HistoryBy L. BellgThis is not a stiff; sterile coffee table book but a fun and lively romp across English history through the lens of the castle. From its first first footprint as a Norman prefab in 1066 after a hearty chicken dinner on the beach (four erected in nearly as many days!); to the delicate morphing over time in both form and function of such diverse estates - this is a quick-paced and highly entertaining read.The author is very present; both in tone and anecdote. You easily sense his enthusiasm for the subject and; as such; his ability to pull you into story seems effortless. The castles he chooses to tell the tales are not always well known; but the gripping stories they support help shift these ancient relics into modern consciousness where they deserve a place in remembered history.As a vicarious follower of Dr. Morris’s glob-trotting castle journeys via his website (www.exploring-castles.com); I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this beautifully illustrated tome dedicated to English castles (my favorite!) and I wasn’t disappointed. I thought I knew a lot about castley stuff (yes; I’m that obsessed!); but leave it to Edd Morris to unearth the tiniest; interesting tidbit about these enigmatic structures and the colorful characters who inhabited them. He certainly brings British history to new life in his book. I loved it!
