Stephen Johnson transitioned from a career in television production to writing in Auckland. His debut novel, inspired by his experiences as a tour guide across Europe in the 1980s, earned a shortlisting for Best First Novel. This work was conceived during an extensive motorhome journey through Europe, which provided a rich backdrop for his storytelling. Johnson's writing thus merges travel adventures with narrative fiction.
Set against the backdrop of New Zealand, two Melbourne TV journalists embark on a holiday in a motorhome, seeking relaxation. However, their adventure takes a perilous turn as they face a monstrous storm and a lurking killer. The story intertwines suspense and survival, testing their resilience and camaraderie in the face of danger.
Set against a backdrop of tension and betrayal, the story follows a woman held captive, exploring her struggles and resilience. The narrative intertwines with a lover who faces the consequences of betrayal, adding emotional depth to the tale. An idealistic journalist seeks to uncover the truth, driven by a desire for justice and understanding. Together, their paths reveal themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom, making for a gripping and thought-provoking read.
This text presents an insight into the organisation and structure of the powerful army of ancient Rome. Find out what went on on a daily basis within the fort, and discover how the Roman army used ingenious techniques to defend the fort.
Music broadcaster and composer Stephen Johnson explores how Shostakovich's music took shape under Stalin's reign of terror, and how it gave form to the hopes of an oppressed people. Johnson writes of the healing effect of music on sufferers of mental illness and tells of how Shostakovich's music lent him unexpected strength in his struggle with bipolar disorder.
Paintings of various sites around New York City--from a shadow on a building to a wrought iron-gate to the Brooklyn Bridge--depict the numbers from one to twenty-one
Placing Mahler within his world, The Eighth reassesses Mahler's work in the context of the prevailing thought of his age, but also against the backdrop of that tumultuous summer, when Mahler worked desperately on his Tenth Symphony, was betrayed by his wife, and consulted Sigmund Freud.
Forget what you thought you knew about yourself and open your mind wide . . . 'You are part reptile, part mammal, part primate. You are a dopamine fiend. You are a walking assembly of patterns and waves, clusters of neurons firing in sync with one another . . . ' In Mind Wide OpenSteven Johnson takes us on a journey to the frontiers of brain science and reveals exactly how we're hardwired to think and feel. Experimenting with the latest technology he discovers (among other things) that everything we do from falling in love to forming a sentence is caused by neurons firing and chemicals swirling around our heads; that there are gadgets which can enable us to control our own brainwaves; that everyone's mind, like their fingerprint, is unique; and this can help us understand our own mental foibles and see ourselves in a totally new way.
Exploring the depths of human emotion, this collection features poignant verses that capture the complexities of love, loss, and longing. It delves into the dualities of happiness and hurt, reflecting the intricate tapestry of human experiences. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt expression, the poems resonate with the universal themes of connection and vulnerability, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys.
The book explores the decline of Roman governance in Britain and the onset of the 'Dark Ages,' a pivotal transitional era marked by the collapse of Roman systems and the rise of Saxon settlements. Stephen Johnson offers insights into this historically sparse period, highlighting the significant transformations that laid the groundwork for modern Britain. Through careful analysis, the narrative sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced during this critical juncture in history.
