As a young boy, Little Stevie learnt about rhythm in the kitchen, banging on pots and pans. Soon, he was playing his uncle's harmonica and a neighbour's old piano, and by the age of 11 he signed his first music contract with Motown. With a bright smile and infectious optimism, he became an icon, making music that people could believe in and sing along to. This inspiring story of the musician's …
Aretha grew up in a family of musicians, singing with heart and soul in her father's gospel choir. She went on to bring that feeling to her own music, creating some of history's best-loved songs that still spark hope in listeners today. This inspiring story about the Queen of Soul features a facts and photos section at the back.
Persuasion is Jane Austen's last completed novel. She began it soon after she had finished Emma, completing it in August 1816. She died, aged 41, in 1817; Persuasion was published in December that year (but dated 1818). Persuasion is linked to Northanger Abbey not only by the fact that the two books were originally bound up in one volume and published together, but also because both stories are…
In Venice, the merchant Antonio borrows money so his friend can woo a beautiful lady. He agrees that if he doesn't repay Shylock the moneylender, Shylock can take a pound of his flesh. When Antonio's ships sink and he loses his fortune, Shylock insists on the gruesome payment...