Books with author J. B Robinson

Hailed by The New York Times as "America's Aristophanes," Will Rogers was one of this century's most astute and beloved humorists. If as he often remarked, he never met a man he didn't like, it is also true that Rogers never met a man he didn't like to make fun of. Everyone from congressmen and Presidents to Hollywood movie moguls and wealthy industrialists bore the brunt of his gently lacerating wit--and seemed, mostly, to be charmed in the process. So popular did Rogers become--through dozens of films, a daily column that ran for nine years in newspapers across the country, and countless lectures and stage performances--that he was often urged to run for Congress and even the Presidency. Upon receiving a mock appointment as Congressman-at-Large for the whole United States, Rogers protested, "I regret the disgrace that's been thrust upon me here tonight. I've tried to live my whole life so that I would never become a congressman." In American Original, Ray Robinson chronicles the trajectory of Will Rogers' remarkable life. Written with engaging immediacy and filled with a wealth of delightful anecdotes, this lively portrait follows Rogers from his childhood in the Indian Territory of what is now Oklahoma, to his first spellbinding lariat performances in the Wild West shows (where he would often lasso prominent audience members and drag them on stage), to his stardom in vaudeville and the Ziegfeld Follies, to his early silent movies and the later "talkies," and finally to his astonishing influence as a "cowboy philosopher" columnist read by over 40 million Americans. Far more than other biographers, Robinson excels at conveying Rogers' impact as a political commentator ("I belong to no organized political party. I am a Democrat.") and his great success as an actor in Hollywood, where he was the leading star of Fox Films. And along the way, Robinson paints a vibrant portrait of one of America's most colorful eras. We follow the early evolution of modern entertainment, enjoy vivid snapshots of W.C. Fields, Charlie Chaplin, Florenz Ziegfeld, Eddie Cantor, Samuel Goldwyn, Shirley Temple, and John Ford, and, perhaps most important, witness the major political events of the era through Will Rogers' uniquely perceptive eyes. American Original succeeds most appealingly in bringing Will Rogers before us with all the spontaneity, intimacy, and honesty of a live performance. In it we are given front row seats to the life of a character unabashedly American and unforgettably original.

This a short story about a boy and his love for his mum. It was first written as a bedtime story for children from the age of six or seven upwards. But it would be of equal interest for older boys and girls. His mum had fallen seriously ill and Tim, her young son was sad. It was his birthday and he had made plans, but these had melted into the background as all he could think about was his poor mum. But what could a young lad do to help his seriously ill mother? Well, in theory, nothing. There was nothing he could do in this world that could possibly help. But suppose he could get help from another world, another time?

There stands an oak tree, hidden in Chicago, which connects our world to another: Phaeton. A broken world, shattered by an ancient war. An uncharted wilderness brimming with mythic monsters, quick-drawing gunslingers, shining knights, and brutal villains. A world held together by a magical substance called Ether, which grants any number of powers to those who can harness it. When Lucas Knight's brother is killed by the Grim Reaper himself, Lucas and his best friend Kyle track the evil spirit to Phaeton. They are soon swept up in the adventure of a lifetime as they encounter legendary beasts, never-ending caverns, and an iron-masked ruler bent on destroying the human race. Does Lucas have what it takes to solve his brother’s murder and save mankind before it’s too late?

Ryan Hunter's dad works for a high-tech company lab where he does research on a 'liquid' computer solution. When it's discovered that Ryan has a very rare brain disease, his dad takes it upon himself to try to cure his son by replacing the injured part of his brain with the liquid computer. Ryan's brain is strangely enhanced, and he uses his newfound powers to change people's lives in unexpected ways.

From rebel uniforms to Yankee jargon, these interactive educational tools cover all the details that kids need to authentically portray a Civil War soldier for either the Confederacy or the Union. The more than 25 activities include a myriad of Civil War topics, including the battle names used by the Southern states, the famous army and government leaders of both the Confederacy and the Union, and the proper dress and symbols associated with both sides. Fun, hands-on activities are also presented for kids' educational entertainment, from baking army victuals and learning how to load a musket to creating their very own Civil War–era currency.

'We're miles from anywhere, and we don't have a clue where we're going' Deep in a snow-covered forest Alyn, Jes, Ryan and Elsa have escaped from prison. Now they're being hunted. They quickly realise they have a special talent - they can control the world around them. Now they must use this skill to stop themselves falling into greater danger. But can they master it before their deadly enemies close in - for good? This gripping sequel will leave you clamouring for the next instalment. Jon Robinson was born in Middlesex in 1983. When he's not writing, he works for a charity in central London.