Neither a hagiography nor a polemic, this is a balanced explanation of Columbiana mythology. Its back cover declares: “A gifted historian presents a definitive book on Christopher Columbus—his life, his legacies, and the controversies that outlived him.”
A lively and imaginative exploration of the career and music of the Rocket Man, this is both a scholarly monograph and a highly readable set of ten ways to view Elton John within the contexts both of other artists (from David Bowie to Britney Spears) and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during John’s lifetime.
A ground-breaking exploration of the parallel musical journeys of David Sylvian, Mark Hollis, and Kate Bush to define post-pop for the first time. Revealing both personal ghosts and a larger cultural history, the post-pop story is about music and fame, ambition and fear, happiness and melancholy. The journey, as one from noise to silence, is ultimately about life itself.
The Friar and the Maya offers a full study and new translation of the Relación de las Cosas de Yucatán (Account of the Things of Yucatan) by a unique set of eminent scholars, created by them over more than a decade from the original manuscript held by the Real Academia de la Historia in Madrid.
Restall has written two books for Oxford’s acclaimed Very Short Introductions series, both co-authored with prominent award-winning scholars. The Conquistadors is by Restall and world historian Felipe Fernández-Armesto. The Maya is by Restall and art historian Amara Solari.
Once reviled as bloated and pretentious, Elton John’s 1976 album Blue Moves, is one of his masterpieces, argues author Matthew Restall in the latest installment of the 33 1/3 series.
In 1519, the emperor Montezuma received the conquistador Hernan Cortes and some of his men as guests in the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Within two years, Montezuma was dead, the Aztecs routed, and the city destroyed.
Dear Professor Restall ,
I have recently had the great pleasure of reading your book Blue Moves. Thank you for writing it! Such a magnificent contribution to the 33 1/3 series.
For me, your book fulfills the highest aspirations of that series, including providing multiple contexts for understanding an album that WAS a real challenge to understand/appreciate. That you address the cultural, historical, music business, creative collaborations (the supporting musicians as well John/Taupin) and creative trajectories of these artists made your book a deeply enriching read. Thank you!!
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