Michael McKean

Explore the enigmatic lives of the eccentric residents of a small town in this gripping read. Discover the dark secrets of Wing Biddlebaum in "Hands" and follow the impulsive behavior of Alice Hindman in "Adventure". Get lost in the mesmerizing stories of the townspeople through the eyes of young newspaper reporter, George Willard. Experience the unsettling realities of isolation and despair in this poignant and thought-provoking novel.

Explore humanity's state of being in the era after the Civil War with this insightful book. The author takes a unique approach and encourages readers to confront the past without nostalgia. He systematically covers every aspect of life with informative commentary, enhanced by stunning artwork and engravings from newspapers of the time. With a collection of over 3 million prints and photographs, the author is known as one of the most prominent graphic historians of our time.

A stunning collection of photographs taken by Robert Frank during his travels across the United States in 1955 and 1956. These images offer a powerful and poignant snapshot of America during this time, depicting both hope and despair, beauty and tension. Frank's understanding of Americans' love for cars is particularly evident throughout the book. This volume features more than 80 photographs, each with its own page and limited caption information at the back, providing an intimate look at the images. Jack Kerouac's original introduction adds a complementary narrative dimension to Frank's stunning imagery.

Follow the secret daydreams of Walter Mitty, an ordinary middle-aged man searching for excitement and adventure in his mundane life. Laugh along with James Thurber's collection of brilliant, witty, and humorous stories including The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

This cautionary novel explores the frightening possibility of fascism taking hold in America, told through the rise of a president turned dictator. Written at the height of the Great Depression, the story combines sharp political satire with a chillingly realistic portrayal of a democracy on the brink. It remains a shockingly prescient tale, with themes that feel eerily contemporary even today.

Exploring the importance of scientific thinking in our technology-driven world, this Pulitzer Prize-winning book by acclaimed astronomer Carl Sagan dismantles the myths of pseudoscience and highlights its threat to our democracy. Using examples from history and contemporary culture, Sagan debunks popular fallacies like witchcraft and demon possession, while warning against the growing allure of conspiracy theories and unreason that threaten our fundamental freedoms. A must-read for anyone seeking to make informed decisions in a world awash with misinformation.

Discover the story of a punk icon with a poetic soul. This book delves into the life of Ian Dury, lead singer of The Blockheads and creator of hits like 'What a Waste' and 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'. Despite his success, Ian faced numerous struggles due to his childhood polio. The author's firsthand interviews with Ian, along with insights from over sixty close associates, give a comprehensive and compelling view of this complex artist.

This memoir tells the story of Steve Martin's rise to fame as a stand-up comedian in the mid-seventies, ultimately becoming the biggest concert draw in history by 1978. It's a candid and spectacularly amusing account of the sacrifices, discipline, and originality that made Martin an icon, informed by his experiences at Disneyland, the Bird Cage Theatre and Knott's Berry Farm. He also provides a portrait of the era of free love and protests against the Vietnam War, and the transformative new voice of Saturday Night Live in the seventies. Completing the memoir are photographs never seen before. Born Standing Up is a superb testament to one of the greatest and most iconoclastic comedians of all time.