David Dalton Book order (chronological)

How did the Ukrainian oligarchy endure the upheaval of the Euromaidan revolt in 2013/2014? This analysis explores the survival of the super-rich in Ukraine from 2006 to 2017, focusing on how they transformed wealth into political power through vote-buying in the Verkhovna Rada and converted political influence back into wealth via elite rent-extraction in the gas sector. A central argument posits that the continuity of informal practices and networks during the Yanukovych and Poroshenko presidencies perpetuated the existing political economy regime. The study conceptualizes the oligarchy's processes as a “currency flow,” illustrating the circuit of wealth and power. It contributes to the understanding of informally dominated post-communist political economies with a detailed case study of Ukraine. The work is recognized for its ambitious scope and thorough empirical investigation into a defining aspect of Ukrainian politics, effectively combining theories of oligarchy and national prosperity.

Jedna z nejlepších knih, které byly dosud napsány o Bobu Dylanovi. Daltonův styl psaní je sám o sobě unikátní, jde do hloubky, soustřeďuje se na podstatné a zároveň dokáže bavit. Autor sestavuje komplexní portrét jedinečného mohykána, který je už přes půl století jedním z hlavních katalyzátorů neustále se měnícího dění na světové hudební scéně. Existuje jen málo umělců, kteří by měli tak rozsáhlou fanouškovskou základnu, byli tak častým námětem diskuzí a zároveň zůstávali obklopeni tajemnou rouškou nedosažitelnosti. Kdo je „pravý“ Bob Dylan? Je to začínající hudebník, který se snaží prorazit mezi elitu? Folkový spasitel? Elvis Dylan? Jack Fate? Nebo snad živoucí národní poklad?

"I've been mythicized, Mick-icized, eulogized and fooligized, Cole-Portered and farmer's-daughtered, Led Zepped and 12-stepped. I'm a rhyming fool and so cool that me, Fritz the Cat, and Mohair Sam are the baddest cats that am. I have countless outrageous stories, and I'm ready to share them all—unexpurgated tales of debauchery, sex & drugs, transcendence & chemical dependence. Born to a classical pianist in the Bronx, Steven Tyler was destined for rock stardom. Influenced by Cole Porter, Nat King Cole, and his beloved Janis Joplin, he took to the streets and stages as a teenager before meeting his "mutant twin," Joe Perry. In this captivating memoir, Tyler recounts the rise, fall, and resurgence of Aerosmith over three decades, sharing the essence of the music that defines it all. He reveals the life of a living legend and frontman of one of the most revered bands—filled with debauchery, money, notoriety, and the chaos of fame, including rehab. Tyler also explores the spiritual side often overshadowed by his public persona and reflects on his epic romantic life and his relationship with his four children. Dazzling and bold, this memoir offers an all-access backstage pass into the extraordinary life of an iconic showman."

The memoir offers an intimate look into the life of James Rosenquist, a prominent figure in the pop art movement known for his innovative three-dimensional works and complex color palette. Unlike his contemporaries, he steered clear of traditional techniques like stencils and silk screens, opting instead for vast canvases that blend brilliant and surreal imagery. His unique approach not only influenced his peers but also left a lasting impact on future generations, reshaping the landscape of twentieth-century painting.

The Rough Guide to The Philppines is the ultimate guide to this stunning archipelago. A 24-page full-colour section introduces the country and its highlights, from the remote sun-kissed islands off the East coast to the lagoons of Palawan and the tribal villages of the Cordilleras. Each region of the country is covered in-depth, with the pick of the sights and activities listed at the start of the chapter. There are detailed and opinionated listings providing essential information on where to stay, eat, drink, dance, dive, surf, trek, kayak and sail. Finally, an informative and accessible background is given to Philippino history, culture, socitey, music, politics and environment.

This is the book that restarted the James Dean cult by celebrating him as the cool, defiant visionary of pop culture who made adolescence seem heroic instead of awkward and who defined the style of rock ’n’ roll’s politics of delinquency. The only book to fully show how deliberately and carefully Dean crafted his own image and performances, and the product of still unequalled research, vivid writing, intimate photographs, and profound meditation, James Dean: The Mutant King has become almost as legendary as its subject.

In a candid reflection, an 80-year-old bartender serves as a backdrop to the struggles and triumphs of a young woman from Port Arthur, Texas, who transformed the blues genre. The narrative captures her experiences on the road, from backstage encounters with legends like Jerry Lee Lewis to wild nights with the Grateful Dead and her own band, Big Brother and the Holding Company. It delves into her life, revealing moments of both joy and turmoil, including an incident where she faced discrimination at a bar due to the company she kept. The story illustrates her evolution and the newfound freedom she relishes, highlighting the self-destructive nature of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. The author, a former contributing editor for Rolling Stone, offers a profound exploration of a cultural icon, providing a raw and intimate portrait that resonates deeply with readers. Critics have praised the work as intimate, revealing, and shocking, noting its ability to convey the complexities of a major cultural figure and the music scene of the time. This compelling narrative goes beyond mere biography, capturing the essence of an era and the personal struggles intertwined with fame.

So begins the fictional memoir of Coley Williams, an all-but-forgotten bluesman and backup musician to some of the most famous figures in blues history. At the age of one hundred and two, Williams shares his extraordinary tale for the first time, collaborating with renowned author David Dalton. Dalton's rhythmic prose captures Williams' authentic voice, recounting his life from a tenant farmer in Mississippi to a recording artist. Williams' journey encompasses the Great Migration to Northern cities, his time in the notorious Sugarland prison farm, and the freedom found on the open road. He navigates the juke joints of the South and the stages of Swinging London, embodying the essence of the blues and the twentieth century. Through hardships like the Flood of 1927 and the Great Depression, as well as the race riots of the 1960s and the Civil Rights movement, Williams introduces us to legendary blues figures such as Charley Patton, Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters, and even Elvis Presley. His vivid anecdotes bring these larger-than-life musicians back to life, showcasing the rich tapestry of blues music. The memoir serves as a heartfelt testament to a vanishing era and a vital contribution to the literature of music and popular culture. Williams' story is a refreshing reminder of the vitality of blues and the people who lived it, set against the backdrop of the American Century.

This extract from 'Faithfull', Marianne's autobiography was specially prepared for the Penguin 60s series; she is assisted in the writing by David Dalton. Ondon in the sixties, and Marianne Faithfull's first fateful encounters with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.Marianne Faithfull is the daughter of an Austro-Hungarian aristocrat and a British army nurse. She was brought up in Lancashire and Oxfordshire, and was educated in a convent before moving to London. Her first hit 'As Tears Go By'. written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, launched her musical career, which has spanned four decades. 'Faithfull', her acclaimed autobiography published in Penguin, recounts with candid humour the exploits and adventures, highs and lows, of an extraordinary life.

The story of the rock band, The Grateful Dead, by its manager for 20 years from 1964. He recounts the band's evolution, the drug addiction, Woodstock, police busts, complicated relationships between band members and with other celebrities, and the death in 1995 of Jerry Garcia.