Addressing the contemporary social and political issues, this title illustrates topics such as moral relativism, freedom of expression, gay marriage, blasphemy, democracy, feminism, animal ethics, existential questions and much more.

Looks at the American scene of the early 1960s and zeroes in on the forms of status-seeking then in vogue from New York to Los Angeles. This book finds a unique American energy in the dances, bouffant hairdos, stock-car racing and rock concerts. It eulogizes the flamboyant 'kustomized kars' California teens constructed with artistic dedication.

Explores the spiritual, religious, and mythological ideas of television's hit series Buffy the Vampire Slayer - from apocalypse and sacrifice to self-reliance, redemption, and the need for humor when fighting our spiritual battles.

The essays in this volume tackle the philosophical questions from the Star Wars films. Star Wars has millions of fans worldwide for whom the questions raised by the films are as fascinating and important as the entertainment provided.

Set 500 years in the future, this title centres around Mal Reynolds, captain of the ship-for-hire Serenity and its eclectic crew of galactic misfits. When he takes on two passengers, a young doctor and his mysterious, telepathic sister, he gets much more than he bargained for...

Takes on a twentieth-century American icon: the college girl. This title combines women's history and popular culture - with examples of femoribilia from the turn of the twentieth century to the 1980s - in a study of the college girl.

'Nudge nudge, think think.' Another title in the Popular Culture and Philosophy series.

The three firm friends, Harry, Ron and Hermione, are soon immersed in the daily round of Potions, Herbology, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, and Quidditch. But then horrible and mysterious things begin to happen. Harry keeps hearing strange voices, sinister and dark messages appear on the wall, and then Ron's sister Ginny disappears...

The Perverse Pleasures of the Obituary. A compelling history and guide to obituaries, a literary journey through recent history and a celebration of the unusual lives we didn't appreciate until they were gone. Johnson investigates what makes the obit pages so interesting, finds the people who write about the dead and savours the most caustic and literate obits of all.

From forgotten cars such as Dodge Dart, to cigarettes to food and much more, this colourful collection of print ads explores the wide, wonderful world of 60s Americana.

Artist and musician, Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) looks back at the plastic gadget that first let us make our own compilations. Over eighty home tapers including artists, musicians, actors, writers, directors, comediennes, talk show hosts and, of course, record store employees were invited to tell the stories behind their mixes.

A Guide to Tiki Culture in North America. 2nd edition.

From turn-of-the-century novelties and Depression-era distraction, through wartime comfort, to Hello Kitty and Jeff Koons, cuteness has thrived in the fertile soil of modern media and pop culture. This work celebrates the 'cult of the cute'. It is a testament to our fascination with cute things.

From Jekyll and Hyde to B horror movie icons to the Addams family and beyond, macabre misfits have thrived in the fertile soil of modern- age media and pop culture.

An updated edition of the definitive history of dance music, published to coincide with the centenary of the DJ

A fascinating survey of cover art (TASCHEN's 25th anniversary special edition) Record covers are a sign of our life and times. Like the music on the discs, they address such issues as love, life, death, fashion, and rebellion. For music fans the covers are the expression of a period, of a particular time in their lives. Many are works of art and have become as famous as the music they stand for -

Containing many answers to the questions posed by the first Matrix film, this volume explores the frontiers of philosophy, technology and religious symbolism. It explores the enormous dilemmas the Wachowski brothers presented when they gave the movie its many layers of meaning.

Bombshell spies, witches and assassins: female stars have taken over blockbuster movies like Charlie's Angels and Kill Bill as well as prime time TV hits such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and others. This anthology of fiction, essays, and comics recognises the seductiveness as well as the limitations of such contemporary pop culture heroines.

The first volume in a series of memoirs by an influential musician and songwriter.

This work offers a unified field theory of Western culture, high and low, since the Egyptians invented beauty. From Emily Dickinson and Medusa to Madonna, it makes a persuasive case for all art as a pagan battleground between male and female, form and chaos, civilization and demonic nature.