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In "Deems Taylor," John Tasker Howard delves into the life and legacy of the multifaceted American composer, music critic, and radio personality, Deems Taylor. Howard employs a meticulous narrative style, rich with researched detail and personal anecdotes, offering readers a nuanced view of Taylor's contributions to 20th-century American music. The book is situated within a larger literary context that examines the intersection of music and popular culture during an era marked by rapid change and innovation, capturing Taylor's role as a bridge between classical and contemporary forms. John Tasker Howard, a prominent figure in the American music scene, was deeply influenced by the cultural shifts of his time. His extensive background in music criticism and historical scholarship uniquely positioned him to explore Taylor's life, ultimately highlighting the latter's influence on American musical identity. Howard's passion for both music and biography shines through, as he navigates the complexities of Taylor's character and career, revealing the brilliance behind the public persona. This book is a vital resource for music enthusiasts, scholars, and general readers alike, as it unveils the remarkable story of Deems Taylor. Howard'Äôs cogent analysis invites readers to appreciate not only Taylor'Äôs musical genius but also the societal changes that shaped his work. Engage with this compelling narrative that celebrates a pivotal figure in American music history.

The president of the United States traditionally serves as a symbol of power, virtue, ability, dominance, popularity, and patriarchy. In recent years, however, the high-profile candidacies of Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and Michelle Bachmann have provoked new interest in gendered popular culture and how it influences Americans' perceptions of the country's highest political office. In this timely volume, editors Justin S. Vaughn and Lilly J. Goren lead a team of scholars in examining how the president and the first lady exist as a function of public expectations and cultural gender roles. The authors investigate how the candidates' messages are conveyed, altered, and interpreted in "hard" and "soft" media forums, from the nightly news to daytime talk shows, and from tabloids to the blogosphere. They also address the portrayal of the presidency in film and television productions such as Kisses for My President (1964), Air Force One (1997), and Commander in Chief (2005). With its strong, multidisciplinary approach, Women and the White House commences a wider discussion about the possibility of a female president in the United States, the ways in which popular perceptions of gender will impact her leadership, and the cultural challenges she will face.