Author: David Zucker
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 1250289327
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 508
Book Description
Surely You Can't Be Serious is an in-depth and hysterical look at the making of 1980's comedy classic Airplane! by the legendary writers and directors of the hit film. Airplane! premiered on July 2nd, 1980. With a budget of $3.5 million it went on to make nearly $200 million in sales and has influenced a multitude of comedians on both sides of the camera. Surely You Can’t Be Serious is the first-ever oral history of the making of Airplane! by the creators, and of the beginnings of the ZAZ trio (Zucker, Abrahams, Zucker) – charting the rise of their comedy troupe Kentucky Fried Theater in Madison, Wisconsin all the way to premiere night. The directors explain what drew them to filmmaking and in particular, comedy. With anecdotes, behind the scenes trivia, and never-before-revealed factoids – these titans of comedy filmmaking unpack everything from how they persuaded Peter Graves to be in the movie after he thought the script was a piece of garbage, how Lorna Patterson auditioned for the stewardess role in the back seat of Jerry’s Volvo, and how Leslie Nielsen’s pranks got the entire crew into trouble, to who really wrote the jive talk. The book also features testimonials and personal anecdotes from well-known faces in the film, television, and comedy sphere – proving how influential Airplane! has been from day one. Four decades after its release, Airplane! continues to make new generations laugh. Its many one-liners and visual gags have worked their way into the mainstream culture. This fully organic expansion of the ZAZ trio’s fan-base, prompted solely by word-of-mouth, comes as no surprise to longtime fans. When all around us is in flux – laughter is priceless.
Surely You Can't Be Serious
Author: David Zucker
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 1250289327
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 508
Book Description
Surely You Can't Be Serious is an in-depth and hysterical look at the making of 1980's comedy classic Airplane! by the legendary writers and directors of the hit film. Airplane! premiered on July 2nd, 1980. With a budget of $3.5 million it went on to make nearly $200 million in sales and has influenced a multitude of comedians on both sides of the camera. Surely You Can’t Be Serious is the first-ever oral history of the making of Airplane! by the creators, and of the beginnings of the ZAZ trio (Zucker, Abrahams, Zucker) – charting the rise of their comedy troupe Kentucky Fried Theater in Madison, Wisconsin all the way to premiere night. The directors explain what drew them to filmmaking and in particular, comedy. With anecdotes, behind the scenes trivia, and never-before-revealed factoids – these titans of comedy filmmaking unpack everything from how they persuaded Peter Graves to be in the movie after he thought the script was a piece of garbage, how Lorna Patterson auditioned for the stewardess role in the back seat of Jerry’s Volvo, and how Leslie Nielsen’s pranks got the entire crew into trouble, to who really wrote the jive talk. The book also features testimonials and personal anecdotes from well-known faces in the film, television, and comedy sphere – proving how influential Airplane! has been from day one. Four decades after its release, Airplane! continues to make new generations laugh. Its many one-liners and visual gags have worked their way into the mainstream culture. This fully organic expansion of the ZAZ trio’s fan-base, prompted solely by word-of-mouth, comes as no surprise to longtime fans. When all around us is in flux – laughter is priceless.
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 1250289327
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 508
Book Description
Surely You Can't Be Serious is an in-depth and hysterical look at the making of 1980's comedy classic Airplane! by the legendary writers and directors of the hit film. Airplane! premiered on July 2nd, 1980. With a budget of $3.5 million it went on to make nearly $200 million in sales and has influenced a multitude of comedians on both sides of the camera. Surely You Can’t Be Serious is the first-ever oral history of the making of Airplane! by the creators, and of the beginnings of the ZAZ trio (Zucker, Abrahams, Zucker) – charting the rise of their comedy troupe Kentucky Fried Theater in Madison, Wisconsin all the way to premiere night. The directors explain what drew them to filmmaking and in particular, comedy. With anecdotes, behind the scenes trivia, and never-before-revealed factoids – these titans of comedy filmmaking unpack everything from how they persuaded Peter Graves to be in the movie after he thought the script was a piece of garbage, how Lorna Patterson auditioned for the stewardess role in the back seat of Jerry’s Volvo, and how Leslie Nielsen’s pranks got the entire crew into trouble, to who really wrote the jive talk. The book also features testimonials and personal anecdotes from well-known faces in the film, television, and comedy sphere – proving how influential Airplane! has been from day one. Four decades after its release, Airplane! continues to make new generations laugh. Its many one-liners and visual gags have worked their way into the mainstream culture. This fully organic expansion of the ZAZ trio’s fan-base, prompted solely by word-of-mouth, comes as no surprise to longtime fans. When all around us is in flux – laughter is priceless.
You Cannot Be Serious
Author: John McEnroe
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101204400
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
A no-holds-barred, intimate memoir by John McEnroe—the bad boy of professional tennis. John McEnroe stunned the tennis elite when he came out of nowhere to make the Wimbledon semifinals at the age of eighteen—and just a few years later, he was ranked number one in the world. You Cannot Be Serious is McEnroe at his most personal, an intimate examination of Johnny Mac, the kid from Queens, and his “wild ride” through the world of professional tennis at a boom time when players were treated like rock stars. In this “bracing serve-and-volley autobiography” (The Boston Globe) he candidly explores the roots of his famous on-court explosions; his ambivalence toward the sport that made him famous; his adventures (and misadventures) on the road; his views of colleagues from Connors to Borg to Lendl; his opinions of contemporary tennis; his marriages to actress Tatum O'Neal and pop star Patty Smyth; and his roles as husband, father, senior tour player, and often-controversial commentator.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101204400
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 414
Book Description
A no-holds-barred, intimate memoir by John McEnroe—the bad boy of professional tennis. John McEnroe stunned the tennis elite when he came out of nowhere to make the Wimbledon semifinals at the age of eighteen—and just a few years later, he was ranked number one in the world. You Cannot Be Serious is McEnroe at his most personal, an intimate examination of Johnny Mac, the kid from Queens, and his “wild ride” through the world of professional tennis at a boom time when players were treated like rock stars. In this “bracing serve-and-volley autobiography” (The Boston Globe) he candidly explores the roots of his famous on-court explosions; his ambivalence toward the sport that made him famous; his adventures (and misadventures) on the road; his views of colleagues from Connors to Borg to Lendl; his opinions of contemporary tennis; his marriages to actress Tatum O'Neal and pop star Patty Smyth; and his roles as husband, father, senior tour player, and often-controversial commentator.
"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!": Adventures of a Curious Character
Author: Richard P. Feynman
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 0393355683
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 429
Book Description
One of the most famous science books of our time, the phenomenal national bestseller that "buzzes with energy, anecdote and life. It almost makes you want to become a physicist" (Science Digest). Richard P. Feynman, winner of the Nobel Prize in physics, thrived on outrageous adventures. In this lively work that “can shatter the stereotype of the stuffy scientist” (Detroit Free Press), Feynman recounts his experiences trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and cracking the uncrackable safes guarding the most deeply held nuclear secrets—and much more of an eyebrow-raising nature. In his stories, Feynman’s life shines through in all its eccentric glory—a combustible mixture of high intelligence, unlimited curiosity, and raging chutzpah. Included for this edition is a new introduction by Bill Gates.
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 0393355683
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 429
Book Description
One of the most famous science books of our time, the phenomenal national bestseller that "buzzes with energy, anecdote and life. It almost makes you want to become a physicist" (Science Digest). Richard P. Feynman, winner of the Nobel Prize in physics, thrived on outrageous adventures. In this lively work that “can shatter the stereotype of the stuffy scientist” (Detroit Free Press), Feynman recounts his experiences trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and cracking the uncrackable safes guarding the most deeply held nuclear secrets—and much more of an eyebrow-raising nature. In his stories, Feynman’s life shines through in all its eccentric glory—a combustible mixture of high intelligence, unlimited curiosity, and raging chutzpah. Included for this edition is a new introduction by Bill Gates.
I.M. Wright's Hard Code
Author: Eric Brechner
Publisher: Pearson Education
ISBN: 0735664889
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 636
Book Description
Get the brutal truth about coding, testing, and project management—from a Microsoft insider who tells it like it is. I. M. Wright's deliberately provocative column "Hard Code" has been sparking debate amongst thousands of engineers at Microsoft for years. And now (despite our better instincts), we're making his opinions available to everyone. In this collection of over 80 columns, Eric Brechner's alter ego pulls no punches with his candid commentary and best practice solutions to the issues that irk him the most. He dissects the development process, examines tough team issues, and critiques how the software business is run, with the added touch of clever humor and sardonic wit. His ideas aren't always popular (not that he cares), but they do stimulate discussion and imagination needed to drive software excellence. Get the unvarnished truth on how to: Improve software quality and value—from design to security Realistically manage project schedules, risks, and specs Trim the fat from common development inefficiencies Apply process improvement methods—without being an inflexible fanatic Drive your own successful, satisfying career Don't be a dictator—develop and manage a thriving team! Companion Web site includes: Agile process documents Checklists, templates, and other resources
Publisher: Pearson Education
ISBN: 0735664889
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 636
Book Description
Get the brutal truth about coding, testing, and project management—from a Microsoft insider who tells it like it is. I. M. Wright's deliberately provocative column "Hard Code" has been sparking debate amongst thousands of engineers at Microsoft for years. And now (despite our better instincts), we're making his opinions available to everyone. In this collection of over 80 columns, Eric Brechner's alter ego pulls no punches with his candid commentary and best practice solutions to the issues that irk him the most. He dissects the development process, examines tough team issues, and critiques how the software business is run, with the added touch of clever humor and sardonic wit. His ideas aren't always popular (not that he cares), but they do stimulate discussion and imagination needed to drive software excellence. Get the unvarnished truth on how to: Improve software quality and value—from design to security Realistically manage project schedules, risks, and specs Trim the fat from common development inefficiencies Apply process improvement methods—without being an inflexible fanatic Drive your own successful, satisfying career Don't be a dictator—develop and manage a thriving team! Companion Web site includes: Agile process documents Checklists, templates, and other resources
The 25 Sitcoms That Changed Television
Author: Aaron Barlow
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 390
Book Description
This book spotlights the 25 most important sitcoms to ever air on American television—shows that made generations laugh, challenged our ideas regarding gender, family, race, marital roles, and sexual identity, and now serve as time capsules of U.S. history. What was the role of The Jeffersons in changing views regarding race and equality in America in the 1970s? How did The Golden Girls affect how society views older people? Was The Office an accurate (if exaggerated) depiction of the idiosyncrasies of being employees in a modern workplace? How did the writers of The Simpsons make it acceptable to air political satire through the vehicle of an animated cartoon ostensibly for kids? Readers of this book will see how television situation comedies have consistently held up a mirror for American audiences to see themselves—and the reflections have not always been positive or purely comedic. The introduction discusses the history of sitcoms in America, identifying their origins in radio shows and explaining how sitcom programming evolved to influence the social and cultural norms of our society. The shows are addressed chronologically, in sections delineated by decade. Each entry presents background information on the show, including the dates it aired, key cast members, and the network; explains why the show represents a notable turning point in American television; and provides an analysis of each sitcom that considers how the content was received by the American public and the lasting effects on the family unit, gender roles, culture for young adults, and minority and LGBT rights. The book also draws connections between important sitcoms and other shows that were influenced by or strikingly similar to these trendsetting programs. Lastly, a section of selections for further reading points readers to additional resources.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 390
Book Description
This book spotlights the 25 most important sitcoms to ever air on American television—shows that made generations laugh, challenged our ideas regarding gender, family, race, marital roles, and sexual identity, and now serve as time capsules of U.S. history. What was the role of The Jeffersons in changing views regarding race and equality in America in the 1970s? How did The Golden Girls affect how society views older people? Was The Office an accurate (if exaggerated) depiction of the idiosyncrasies of being employees in a modern workplace? How did the writers of The Simpsons make it acceptable to air political satire through the vehicle of an animated cartoon ostensibly for kids? Readers of this book will see how television situation comedies have consistently held up a mirror for American audiences to see themselves—and the reflections have not always been positive or purely comedic. The introduction discusses the history of sitcoms in America, identifying their origins in radio shows and explaining how sitcom programming evolved to influence the social and cultural norms of our society. The shows are addressed chronologically, in sections delineated by decade. Each entry presents background information on the show, including the dates it aired, key cast members, and the network; explains why the show represents a notable turning point in American television; and provides an analysis of each sitcom that considers how the content was received by the American public and the lasting effects on the family unit, gender roles, culture for young adults, and minority and LGBT rights. The book also draws connections between important sitcoms and other shows that were influenced by or strikingly similar to these trendsetting programs. Lastly, a section of selections for further reading points readers to additional resources.
What Do You Care What Other People Think: Further Adventures of a Curious Character
Author: Richard P. Feynman
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 0393079813
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 333
Book Description
The New York Times best-selling sequel to "Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!" One of the greatest physicists of the twentieth century, Richard Feynman possessed an unquenchable thirst for adventure and an unparalleled ability to tell the stories of his life. "What Do You Care What Other People Think?" is Feynman’s last literary legacy, prepared with his friend and fellow drummer, Ralph Leighton. Among its many tales—some funny, others intensely moving—we meet Feynman’s first wife, Arlene, who taught him of love’s irreducible mystery as she lay dying in a hospital bed while he worked nearby on the atomic bomb at Los Alamos. We are also given a fascinating narrative of the investigation of the space shuttle Challenger’s explosion in 1986, and we relive the moment when Feynman revealed the disaster’s cause by an elegant experiment: dropping a ring of rubber into a glass of cold water and pulling it out, misshapen.
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 0393079813
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 333
Book Description
The New York Times best-selling sequel to "Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!" One of the greatest physicists of the twentieth century, Richard Feynman possessed an unquenchable thirst for adventure and an unparalleled ability to tell the stories of his life. "What Do You Care What Other People Think?" is Feynman’s last literary legacy, prepared with his friend and fellow drummer, Ralph Leighton. Among its many tales—some funny, others intensely moving—we meet Feynman’s first wife, Arlene, who taught him of love’s irreducible mystery as she lay dying in a hospital bed while he worked nearby on the atomic bomb at Los Alamos. We are also given a fascinating narrative of the investigation of the space shuttle Challenger’s explosion in 1986, and we relive the moment when Feynman revealed the disaster’s cause by an elegant experiment: dropping a ring of rubber into a glass of cold water and pulling it out, misshapen.
The Color of His Blood
Author: J. F. Lewis
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 059562541X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
When commoner Adam Wat Tyler, the son of a smithy, is falsely accused of murder he sees no recourse but to flee the windy cliffs of Cornwall, England, and travel to the new colonies in America. With the aid of a freed slave and two Iroquois, Adam and Lady Anne Danamoor, a British aristocrat, learn to survive in the rugged, colonial world and come to understand and respect the disappearing Native American way of life. As war clouds gather, Adam follows Benedict Arnold on an attack of the frozen fortress of Quebec, fiery battles on Lake Champlain, and bloody battlefields at Saratoga. When Adam learns of Arnolds betrayal, he joins George Washingtons master spy and returns to British-held New York City, risking his life to deliver Arnold to Washington and to justice. Anne also has returned to the city in search of her lost nephew, but an anonymous note leads her into a death trap. As Adam and Anne draw closer to the British gallows, this story of love and hate, trust and betrayal, generosity and greed, recounts the struggle to survive, not only for Adam and Anne, but for the nation they are helping to create.
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 059562541X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
When commoner Adam Wat Tyler, the son of a smithy, is falsely accused of murder he sees no recourse but to flee the windy cliffs of Cornwall, England, and travel to the new colonies in America. With the aid of a freed slave and two Iroquois, Adam and Lady Anne Danamoor, a British aristocrat, learn to survive in the rugged, colonial world and come to understand and respect the disappearing Native American way of life. As war clouds gather, Adam follows Benedict Arnold on an attack of the frozen fortress of Quebec, fiery battles on Lake Champlain, and bloody battlefields at Saratoga. When Adam learns of Arnolds betrayal, he joins George Washingtons master spy and returns to British-held New York City, risking his life to deliver Arnold to Washington and to justice. Anne also has returned to the city in search of her lost nephew, but an anonymous note leads her into a death trap. As Adam and Anne draw closer to the British gallows, this story of love and hate, trust and betrayal, generosity and greed, recounts the struggle to survive, not only for Adam and Anne, but for the nation they are helping to create.
Marriage of Convenience
Author: H.C. Douglas
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1503502449
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 172
Book Description
To understand James Douglas defiant behavior at Bonnybraes it is important to learn a little of his aunt and her unwitting pat therein. Matilda Douglas was a proud and stubborn old woman who stood firm and unyielding on those matters where she held strong views. Indeed, Matilda held strong views on great many matters, but none with more determination and vigour than on her nephews obligation to remarry and produce an heir for the family estates. In fact, she saw it as her bounden duty to ensure his doing so. To this end, Matilda had rounded up numerous eligible females, of suitable background and breeding of course, and these she trotted before James with increasing regularity. To her chagrin, the charms of these nubile maidens left her nephew quite unmoved, and seemingly content to remain a childless widower. Her constant harping and continued efforts in this area produced in James the opposite effect to that she desired, it inspired in him a grim determination and stubbornness to match her own. All her arguments, pleading and cajolery, fell on deaf ears. The situation between them had reached a state that could best be termed stalemate, and could well have remained so indefinitely, but fate saw fit to take a hand in the game. In the normal turn of events James would not have gone to Bonnybraes, but when his aunt intimated her intention of having several young ladies to visit over the following two days, he saw the business with Thomas Weir as a means of escape. The look in Matildas eye was warning enough for James; it heralded another attack on his solitary state. To say Matilda was annoyed when he told her he would be absent would be an understatement; she was furious. After all, the whole point of the exercise was dependent on his being there. The look of frustration on his aunts face gave James a feeling of jubilation, a glorious feeling of having triumphed over the old schemer. He had outflanked her, and with an added spring in his step, joyfully he took his leave. The mood stayed with him during the long ride to Bonnybraes and there can be little doubt that it had a great deal of bearing on his later actions.
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1503502449
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 172
Book Description
To understand James Douglas defiant behavior at Bonnybraes it is important to learn a little of his aunt and her unwitting pat therein. Matilda Douglas was a proud and stubborn old woman who stood firm and unyielding on those matters where she held strong views. Indeed, Matilda held strong views on great many matters, but none with more determination and vigour than on her nephews obligation to remarry and produce an heir for the family estates. In fact, she saw it as her bounden duty to ensure his doing so. To this end, Matilda had rounded up numerous eligible females, of suitable background and breeding of course, and these she trotted before James with increasing regularity. To her chagrin, the charms of these nubile maidens left her nephew quite unmoved, and seemingly content to remain a childless widower. Her constant harping and continued efforts in this area produced in James the opposite effect to that she desired, it inspired in him a grim determination and stubbornness to match her own. All her arguments, pleading and cajolery, fell on deaf ears. The situation between them had reached a state that could best be termed stalemate, and could well have remained so indefinitely, but fate saw fit to take a hand in the game. In the normal turn of events James would not have gone to Bonnybraes, but when his aunt intimated her intention of having several young ladies to visit over the following two days, he saw the business with Thomas Weir as a means of escape. The look in Matildas eye was warning enough for James; it heralded another attack on his solitary state. To say Matilda was annoyed when he told her he would be absent would be an understatement; she was furious. After all, the whole point of the exercise was dependent on his being there. The look of frustration on his aunts face gave James a feeling of jubilation, a glorious feeling of having triumphed over the old schemer. He had outflanked her, and with an added spring in his step, joyfully he took his leave. The mood stayed with him during the long ride to Bonnybraes and there can be little doubt that it had a great deal of bearing on his later actions.
Death is only the beginning
Author: Laurie Thurlow
Publisher: Laurie Thurlow
ISBN: 1647868300
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 226
Book Description
Dilwyn, an ordinary guy, an academic, who craves nothing more than being average and happy, but the sprite tormenting him has other ideas. Today is no ordinary day, today marks the 30th anniversay of Dilwyn's birth, today is his birthday. Powerful and ancient forces outside of Dilwyn's control conspire against him resulting in his untimely death, or does it. A new entity is formed but this entity has no idea of its destiny, no idea of the rules and no idea where or what it is. An ancient sorceress, who has traveled across the centuries feeding on the life force of other beings, and now hunting for a new victim. In an alternate realm a guide finds the new entity and together they build a friendship, this friendship leads to knowledge, awakening and ultimately great tragedy. A husband and wife reunite in the midst of secrecy and every increasing danger to them both. A battle is coming, a battle of life and death, a battle in suburban London and ancient Egypt. A battle where a sorceress and witches pitch their wits against each other, will the new entity realise his destiny and harness his inner strength and become what fate has made him.
Publisher: Laurie Thurlow
ISBN: 1647868300
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 226
Book Description
Dilwyn, an ordinary guy, an academic, who craves nothing more than being average and happy, but the sprite tormenting him has other ideas. Today is no ordinary day, today marks the 30th anniversay of Dilwyn's birth, today is his birthday. Powerful and ancient forces outside of Dilwyn's control conspire against him resulting in his untimely death, or does it. A new entity is formed but this entity has no idea of its destiny, no idea of the rules and no idea where or what it is. An ancient sorceress, who has traveled across the centuries feeding on the life force of other beings, and now hunting for a new victim. In an alternate realm a guide finds the new entity and together they build a friendship, this friendship leads to knowledge, awakening and ultimately great tragedy. A husband and wife reunite in the midst of secrecy and every increasing danger to them both. A battle is coming, a battle of life and death, a battle in suburban London and ancient Egypt. A battle where a sorceress and witches pitch their wits against each other, will the new entity realise his destiny and harness his inner strength and become what fate has made him.
The Promise of Joy
Author: Allen Drury
Publisher: WordFire +ORM
ISBN: 1614752087
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 651
Book Description
A thriller in the series that began with #1 New York Times bestseller, “one of the finest and most gripping political novels of our era”(The New York Times). The Advise and Consent series is a landmark of political fiction, displaying a depth of insider Washington knowledge and a canvas of compelling characters that catapulted each novel to the top of the bestseller lists. At the end of the previous novel, Preserve and Protect, Allen Drury left his readers with one of the greatest cliffhangers of all time. After an assassin’s bullet rings out, we are left to wonder who was killed—the Liberal Vice President Ted Jason, or staunch Conservative Presidential Candidate Orrin Knox? The answer to that question was so large that Pulitzer-Prize winner Drury had to write two novels, one exploring the full ramifications of each outcome. In The Promise of Joy, with his Vice President Ted Jason and his wife Beth Knox dead at the hands of an assassin, newly elected President Orrin Knox contends with a game of one-upmanship between the Soviet Union and China. The United States, guided by Knox’s inflexible will, begins to assist rebels seeking to break away from their Communist overlords, despite mounting pressure from the international community and within the U.S. When nuclear war breaks out between Russia and China, President Orrin Knox, aided and opposed by the media, senators, congressmen, cabinet officials, ambassadors, and the people, must act to safeguard peace and democracy in America and the entire world.
Publisher: WordFire +ORM
ISBN: 1614752087
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 651
Book Description
A thriller in the series that began with #1 New York Times bestseller, “one of the finest and most gripping political novels of our era”(The New York Times). The Advise and Consent series is a landmark of political fiction, displaying a depth of insider Washington knowledge and a canvas of compelling characters that catapulted each novel to the top of the bestseller lists. At the end of the previous novel, Preserve and Protect, Allen Drury left his readers with one of the greatest cliffhangers of all time. After an assassin’s bullet rings out, we are left to wonder who was killed—the Liberal Vice President Ted Jason, or staunch Conservative Presidential Candidate Orrin Knox? The answer to that question was so large that Pulitzer-Prize winner Drury had to write two novels, one exploring the full ramifications of each outcome. In The Promise of Joy, with his Vice President Ted Jason and his wife Beth Knox dead at the hands of an assassin, newly elected President Orrin Knox contends with a game of one-upmanship between the Soviet Union and China. The United States, guided by Knox’s inflexible will, begins to assist rebels seeking to break away from their Communist overlords, despite mounting pressure from the international community and within the U.S. When nuclear war breaks out between Russia and China, President Orrin Knox, aided and opposed by the media, senators, congressmen, cabinet officials, ambassadors, and the people, must act to safeguard peace and democracy in America and the entire world.