Foreword Book of the Year Awards Finalists

ForeWord Magazine recently announced their finalists for their 2012 Book of the Year Awards, which include three books from Insight Editions! The winners will be announced at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Chicago, Friday, June 28th, 6pm at The Pop Top Stage.


Rolling Stones 50 x 20 (Insight Editions), Performing Arts & Music category
By Chris Murray, Foreword: Richard Harrington, Hardcover, Price: $34.99

Rolling Stones 50 x 20 celebrates one of the most influential, enduring, and controversial bands in rock history with images captured by twenty of the world's greatest music photographers. Chris Murray is the founder and director of Govinda Gallery in Washington, D.C. For over thirty years, Murray has organized more than 200 exhibitions of many of the nation's leading artists and photographers. Richard Harrington is a writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post and the Washington Star.

The Monkey King (Insight Editions), Art category
Hardcover, Price: $40.00

The Monkey King collects the work of 72 international artists who were asked to draw the mythical Chinese hero, the Monkey King, in his or her own unique way. The result is a stunning collection of different interpretations, styles, and media. The Monkey King is a centuries-old character from Chinese literature,
possessed of incredible strength and supernatural powers, and capable of 72 transformations into various animals and objects. The artists’ step-by-step drawings and text explaining their creative process are also included.

Under the Halo (Insight Editions), Sports category
By Pete Donovan, Preface: Arte Moreno, Foreword: Tim Salmon, 
Introduction: Mike Scioscia
Hardcover, Price: $50.00

Generations of Angels fans can relive their favorite team moments in Under the Halo. With more than 300 images, a vintage lineup sheet, game tickets, postcards, and a fold-out timeline of the Angels' history, this book traces the memorable moments, personalities, and accomplishments of this remarkable franchise. Tim Salmon spent his entire career with the Angels, where he earned the American League's Rookie of the Year award in 1993 and finished as one of the most popular players in team history. Arte Moreno and his Angels have won five American League Western Division championships since he took over the team in 2003. Mike Scioscia has been the manager of the Angels since 2000. Pete Donovan is a sports columnist for the Palm Springs Desert Sun, is a former sportswriter for the Los Angeles Times, and has covered and followed the Angels for over 40 years.

Celebrating the Life of Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, an American icon, remains unrivaled in American culture: in his music, his cultural impact, and the very chapters of his rags-to-riches life story. More than three decades after his death, Elvis remains a significant presence in worldwide popular culture. 

In 1956, a twenty-one-year-old singer named Elvis Presley was at the beginning of his remarkable career. Alfred Wertheimer, a young New York photojournalist, was asked by Elvis's new label, RCA Victor, to photograph their new artist. In the course of his one-day assignment for RCA, Wertheimer was struck by the stunningly photogenic performer and felt compelled to continue documenting the everyday moments in Elvis's life during that crucial year.

Wertheimer's unobtrusive photographs of Elvis in performance, with his fans, in the recording studio, and at home with his family present a unique look at one of the world's most famous cultural figures. These images were the first and the last unguarded look at Elvis, and also constitute an important visual document of post-World War II America.

With hundreds of gorgeously reproduced high-quality prints, Elvis is the result of a special alchemy between an exceptionally talented photographer and a charismatic young man on the brink of superstardom.

On the day of his birth (January 8, 1935) we celebrate the life of Elvis Presley with some of his greatest hits. Enjoy.

Remembering Ken Regan

Source: nytimes.com via Insight Editions on Pinterest

2012 has come to a close and upon reflecting on the many wonderful moments we had to share as a company, we couldn't discuss the year's events without mentioning Ken Regan and what a great loss we experienced with his death in late November.

We first worked with Regan on his 2007 book, Knockout: The Art of Boxing where he showcased photos of Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Oscar de la Hoya and many more, both in and out of the ring.

In 2011, we released All Access: The Rock 'n' Roll Photography of Ken Regan. Over 300 pages and nearly 5 pounds, it really is the ultimate coffee table book for music lovers.

Ken was there to witness it all. His photos will walk you through music history, and some pretty amazing moments in sports, dating back to the 60s.

Photography has changed since Ken first started out, but he will be missed by many. We are honored to have published his art and memories with fans who, no doubt, will continue to share Ken's work with future generations.

50 Years with The Rolling Stones

Coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the "World's Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band," Rolling Stones 50x20 celebrates the career of the Rolling Stones as seen through the lens of twenty world-class photographers. This stunning visual essay brings together more than eighty exceptional black-and-white and color photographs that document the longevity, celebrity, and popularity of the band synonymous with rock.

Beginning with Gus Coral's photos of the Stones' first tour of England in the fall of 1963, Rolling Stones 50x20 chronicles the band's development through such key periods as the Between the Buttons images of Gered Mankowitz, the Satanic Majesties Request-era photographs of Michael Cooper, the Beggar's Banquet session photos of Michael Joseph, and much, much more.

Chronologically sequenced, each photographer's work is accompanied by a personal essay that discusses the significance of and circumstances surrounding the images and when they were shot.

Rolling Stones 50x20 features the photographs of Fernando Aceves, Bob Bonis, Gus Coral, Michael Cooper, William Coupon, Barry Feinstein, David Fenton, Claude Gassian, Bob Gruen, Ross Halfin, Michael Joseph, Eddie Kramer, Chris Makos, Gered Mankowitz, Jan Olofsson, Michael Putland, Mark Seliger, Eric Swayne, Mark Weiss, and Baron Wolman.

Featuring a foreword by Richard Harrington, music writer for the Washington Post, an introduction by the book's editor, Chris Murray, founder and director of Govinda Gallery in Washington, D.C.; and an afterword by Chris Salewicz, writer for the NME and author of many books, Rolling Stones 50x20 delivers an intimate look at the artists and portrays defining moments in their illustrious career.

Today in Music History - Jimi Hendrix celebrates his birthday with The Rolling Stones

Today in music history - (November 27, 1969) Jimi Hendrix celebrates his birthday at The Rolling Stones concert at Madison Square Garden in New York. 

Eddie Kramer was there to capture this photo of Jimi and Mick backstage and we're thrilled to have this image included in our book Rolling Stones 50x20, celebrating the fifty-year career of this legendary rock band.

Jimi Hendrix can be found in many of our photography books featuring legendary musicians, such as The Experience (photos by Gered Mankowitz), Rock Gods (photos by Robert M. Knight) and All Access (photos by Ken Regan).

More images of The Rolling Stones can be seen in Gered Mankowitz' latest collection, One on One: Rolling Stones.

Holiday Gift Guide

We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re shopping for your significant other, who enjoys video games, football, and films, or your mom, who likes crafts, cooking, and comedy, Insight Editions has books in our catalog for everyone on your holiday gift list, including that one person who is always the most difficult to shop for.

House of Cash: The Legacies of My Father, Johnny Cash by John Carter Cash Hardcover $39.95 House of Cash provides an unprecedented look at the life and inspirations of the Man in Black, by none other than his namesake son, John Carter Cash. Buy Now Shop for more books featuring legendary icons.   Rolling Stones 50x20 Edited by Chris Murray Foreword by Richard Harrington Hardcover $34.99 The World's Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band is celebrated here with images by twenty of the world's greatest music photographers. Buy Now  Discover more books from our Photography collection. Christmas with the First Ladies by Coleen Christian Burke Foreword by Deborah Norville Hardcover $29.95 No home in America celebrates Christmas quite like the White House. Buy Now Shop for more History books. San Francisco Giants: 50 Years by Brian Murphy Foreword by Danny Glover Afterword by Willie Mayes Hardcover $50.00 Follow the Giants from their early days at Seals Stadium to Candlestick Park to latest decade led by Barry Bonds. Buy Now Check out our other Sports books.

The Godfather: The Official Motion Picture Archives   by Peter Cowie Hardcover $45.00 Containing many previously unseen behind-the-scene images from the Paramount Archives. Buy Now Shop for more titles from our Film & Animation category. Slash: An Intimate Portrait Written by Richard Beinstock Photography by Robert Knight Foreword by Ronnie Wood Hardcover $29.99 This comprehensive collection features more than twenty years' worth of previously unpublished photographs of guitar legend Slash. Buy the Hardcover Edition Now Download the iBook Shop for more books in our Music section. Sculpting a Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars Model Shop Collector's Edition by Lorne Peterson Preface by George Lucas Foreword by Rick McCallum Afterword by Phil Tippit Hardcover with clamshell $425.00 Includes resin replica of Luke's landspeeder and the Death Star, a special edition documentary DVD, a separate book on digital modeling, a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity. Buy Now Check out the rest of our Collector's Editions. Harry Potter: A Sticker Collection Paperback $12.99 More than 400 unique stickers from the Harry Potter film series! Buy Now   Discover more books from the Harry Potter franchise.

Goodnight Husband, Goodnight Wife by Eric Stangel and Justin Stangel Hardcover $16.99 A humorous parody of a children's literature classic, familiar to generations of married couples. Buy the Hardcover Edition Now Download the iBook Shop for more titles in our Gift & Humor section. The Kiss: A Celebration Hardcover $14.99 Culled from history, cinema, and popular media, this collection evokes passion, romance, intrigue, and desire. Buy Now Find more Gift Books. Real Love: The Drawings for Sean by John Lennon Introduction by Yoko Ono Hardcover $16.95 John Lennon was many things to many people, but to his son Sean, he was Daddy, a role he approached with humor, affection, and creativity. Buy Now Shop for more Art Books. The Wizard of Oz: With Three-Dimensional Pop-Up Scenes from the story by L. Frank Baum Illustrated by Nicola L. Robinson Hardcover $22.99 It's difficult to put a new spin on a classic, but that is exactly what has been done in this edition. Buy Now Shop for more Children's Books.

Get 40% off on all books from the Insight Editions' website when you enter promo code GIFT2012 at checkout. Promotion ends 12/31/2012.

Big Announcement from the Rolling Stones

Surely, you must have known this was coming! The Rolling Stones have just announced their 50th anniversary tour taking place in November and December of 2012.


 

Join us in celebrating 50 years with The Rolling Stones by picking up a copy of one of our new books covering the entire history of this legendary band. 

One on One:Rolling Stones

Rolling Stones 50x20

Listen to our Rolling Stones Spotify playlist and let us know, in the comments below, which songs we need to add.

An Intimate Event with Robert Knight

Last night, Mouche Gallery opened its doors to the media, where family and friends of Robert Knight gathered for the launch of his latest book.

Photographs by Robert Knight, from Slash: An Intimate Portrait

Slash: An Intimate Portrait was revealed alongside some of Knight's original work hanging inside the Beverly Hills gallery known for its rock 'n' roll collection of art and photography.

This is Robert Knight's second book with Insight Editions. His first photography collection, Rock Gods, is also available.

Created by Brie Darling's Cakeheads

Thanks to the sponsors who came out in support of this event, including Peligroso Tequila, Moreno BHLV Sparkling Wine and Brie Darling's Cakeheads. Her cake was photographed just about as often as Robert Knight was last night. It tasted as amazing as it looked.

Check out the Insight Editions Instagram feed to see more photos from last night's event.

If you're in the area, stop by the Mouche Gallery this evening for a book signing with Robert Knight. 

A portion of the proceeds from book sales at the gallery will go to Music Unites, a 501(c)3 non-profit, dedicated to bringing music education to underprivileged children in underfunded inner city school systems.

Just a warning: You may be tempted to spend money at this awesome gallery.

Freddie for a Day

Freddie Mercury, the hugely popular iconic singer of Queen, was incredibly prolific, leaving behind a rich legacy of recordings.

Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender, available now for preorder, is a lavishly illustrated book celebrating one of the legends of the influential British music scene.

Freddie's life is lovingly and painstakingly recounted in text and photographs from the private collections of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bulsara, and Queen’s guitarist Brian May, as well as portraits from contemporary photographers. Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender tells Freddie's story and provides insight into the huge extent of his cultural legacy.

In honor of Freddie's birthday, we'd also like to introduce you to the cause, Freddie for A Day, an annual initiative celebrated on September 5th to raise funds to support the work of the Mercury Phoenix Trust, which promotes HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

Freddie Mercury, who continues to inspire generations of musicians and artists around the world, died from bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS on November 24, 1991.

The Angry Birds team has created a special Freddie Mercury bird in honor of Freddie for a Day, and we encourage you to take part as well.

Share your best Freddie Mercury impression on our Facebook page for a chance to win a copy of the new book, Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender.

Celebrating the King of Style

Michael Jackson was born August 29, 1958. Today, we celebrate his life with a feature about our upcoming book, The King of Style, a fascinating look at the intersection of music and fashion, as well as an homage to Michael Jackson, whose brilliant fusing of costume, personality, and performance created the iconic image. 

The King of Pop needs little introduction. Arguably the most successful entertainer of all time, Michael Jackson owes his luminous legacy not only to his inspiring music, but also to his iconic fashion sense. In the 1980s, the formative era of music videos, Michael’s dazzling visual presentations impacted the world unlike any performer, before or since.

Through his music, dance, and fashion, Michael Jackson created a mystique that was unique to him and recognized as such throughout the world. For five decades he mesmerized audiences—and for twenty-five of those years Michael Bush was there as Jackson’s designer, stylist, and friend, accompanying the King of Pop on his journey to becoming the King of Style.Michael Bush and his partner, Dennis Tompkins, joined Jackson during the making of Bad, and the duo quickly became central in developing the looks that made him a style sensation. As their professional relationship developed, so did their friendship. Bush was there before and after every performance, and his personal stories reveal the man behind the public persona. Before there was “Billie Jean,” there was the child star of the Jackson Five, setting rhinestones in his show-clothes by hand. Jackson grew up to become a master of fusing fashion and performance, inspiring his collaborators with intriguing riddles and unrelenting confidence.

While paying homage to the original Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller looks that put Jackson on the fashion map,The King of Style also traces their evolution over several decades. Jackson’s penchant for the military silhouette is explored in detail, along with the trade secrets behind the sequined glove and the fencing uniform that he, Bush, and Tompkins reinvented to make stage magic. It was Michael Bush who dressed Jackson for the final time, before he was buried. Dozens of garments were left unfinished by his shocking death.

The legacy of Michael Jackson lives on. An artist like none other, he transformed everything he touched—from the fabric of his clothes to his legions of fans around the world. 

The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson
by Michael Bush
Available for pre-order, in stores in October

Michael Bush worked personally with Michael Jackson for twenty-five years to create some of the most original and indelible clothing ever worn by a musical performer. Using his professional background in theatrical costume construction and dance, Bush and his partner, Dennis Tompkins, created thousands of custom artistic pieces that captured the essence of a one-of-a-kind pop star. He lives in Hollywood, CA.

This Day in Music History (1964)

Aug 19, 1964: The Beatles kick off first U.S. tour at San Francisco's Cow Palace

When the Beatles first landed in the U.S. before their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, photographer Ken Regan was there to capture the moment. Later that same year, in August of 1964, Regan was there again as the Beatles took to the stage for their first U.S. concert.

In his own words, and an excerpt from his book, "All Access: The Rock 'N' Roll Photography of Ken Regan," he noted his surprise when he realized who the man was he was about to photograph:

When The Beatles returned to America in August, 1965, for their second tour and played the Sullivan show again, I got one of my favorites. Walking the aisles, one audience member caught my eye: an older man sitting with his fingers plugged in his ears to mute the high-pitched squeals. As I moved in for this terrific shot, I got a closer look and realized I was photographing the legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.

Leonard Bernstein and his family take in the concert, August 1965 (photo by Ken Regan)

To see more of Ken Regan's class photographs featuring The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and more, pick up a copy of his photography collection that GQ described as "an exhaustive, gorgeously composed inside look at some of rock 'n' roll's most famous and famously private artists in intimate and outrageous settings."

International Kissing Day

Today is International Kissing Day  - just in time for summer weddings, summer romance and summer movies.

Found inside our book, The Kiss: A Celebration, are images from history, film, pop culture, famous artworks and iconic faces and films which have touched so many.

What is the most iconic kiss of all time? 

There are many different answer to this question, but no doubt, the numerous responses - and photographs - can be found inside this gift book for lovers of any age or generation.

A kiss is never just a kiss. Sometimes it signals triumph; other times, anguish. But even when kissing is merely a polite gesture, there's a certain inherent intimacy. The Kiss celebrates this meaningful act in its most iconic forms: Warhol's provocative lip lock, Picasso's Cubist caress, the climactic rainstorm embrace in Breakfast at Tiffany's, and, of course, the heart-wrenching farewell between Bogart and Bergman in Casablanca. Culled from history, cinema, and popular media, this collection evokes passion, romance, intrigue, and desire, making it the perfect celebration for anyone who's ever been in love ... or simply in lust!

Slash's Summer Concert Tour

So, I may be aging myself here, but I was super excited to find out that Insight Editions will be publishing a book on Slash. He's returning to the concert scene this summer and for those who are dying to know more about the man behind the shades, you can look for our September release of Slash: An Intimate Portrait.


Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators star their summer concert tour in July. 


Here's a list of the 2012 summer concert dates:


Thu 7/12 Portland, OR Roseland Theater

Fri 7/13 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre

Sat 7/14 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Mon 7/16 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee

Tue 7/17 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee

Thu 7/19 Medicine Hat, AB Esplanade Arts & Heritage Center

Fri 7/20 Saskatoon, SK TCU Place

Sat 7/21 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Theatre Performing Arts

Mon 7/23 Thunder Bay, ON Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Wed 7/25 Belleville, ON Empire Square Live

Thu 7/26 London, ON Harris Park – Rock the Park

Fri 7/27 Montreal, QC Olympia Theater

Sun 7/29 Quebec City, QC Agora de Quebec

Mon 7/30 Moncton, NB Centre – Casino Moncton

Tue 7/31 Halifax, NS Cunard Events Centre

Thu 8/2 Boston, MA House of Blues

Fri 8/3 Montclair, NJ Wellmont Theatre

Sat 8/4 Huntington, NY The Paramount

Pre-order your copy of SLASH: An Intimate Portrait.

Dads Rock!

Whether the dad in your life is sports fan, music lover or avid fisherman, we've got you cover this Father's Day.

A sample from David Burnett's Photo Library

David Burnett, the co-founder of Contact Press Images in New York, has produced dozens of photographic essays for TIME, Life, Fortune, the New Yorker, and the New York Times Sunday Magazine. Burnett divides his time between New York City and Washington, DC.

Here's a wonderful video featuring a sample of David's photo library featuring historical moments from the 20th Century, including US Presidents, Olympic events and legends, such as Bob Marley.

National Inventors Month

What's the first thing you think of when hearing the word "invention?" Most people think of electricity, or other important things that we cannot imagine living without. But what about the Ice-Cream Cone, or  Bubble Wrap? Can you imagine what life would be like without Post-Its or Velcro?

These, and other "Accidental Inventions" are shared with vivid images and fun stories from author Birgit Krols in a small little gallery of items from pop culture, foods, gadgets, toys and tools that we now consider indispensable.

Birgit Krols is a former film journalist who earned her living interviewing international movie stars before becoming editor-in-chief of a city lifestyle magazine. The author of several books, Krols lives in Antwerp, Belgium.

Charmed by Audrey

Audrey Hepburn remains a recognizable name and face from her roles in Sabrina, An Affair to Remember, and Breakfast at Tiffany's (to name a few).



Born May 4, 1929, Audrey remains one of few entertainers who have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards.

In 1953, Paramount was making a film with a new actress named Audrey Hepburn. LIFE magazine assigned one of their top young photographers, Mark Shaw, to shoot a feature and he spent weeks with Audrey on and round the set. Mark Shaw's access to Audrey Hepburn, unheard of today, resulted in an amazing array of photos and over 60 rolls of film that captured the charm and grace on set and in everyday life. While the handful of photographs published in LIFE for the Sabrina article have lived on as beloved images of Hepburn, the majority of the negatives were misplaced and never published. Rediscovered 50 years later, these numerous never-before-seen photographs complete one of the most intimate looks at Hepburn's youth and rising star, Charmed by Audrey.

Source: insighteditions.com via Insight on Pinterest

Through Mother's Day, you can buy a copy of this and select titles from our Gift & Humor category at a 30% discount. You can find the discount code on the Insight Editions website or on our Facebook page. Discover more Audrey Hepburn images on our Charmed by Audrey Pinterest board.