Welcome to a veritable feast for readers' eyes, minds, and, by extension, ears. Filled with profiles of truly accomplished musicians across a broad spectrum of musical styles and genres, this volume includes such varied musical artists as Ludwig von Beethoven, Elvis Presley, and hip-hop artist Jay-Z.

I think, therefore I am ... influential. Leading philosophers conduct a rational investigation of truth to arrive at a set of principles that others believe and adopt. This compendium of the world's greatest thinkers includes the likes of Confucius, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Hannah Arendt, and René Descartes.

Through the ages women have had to fight to be taken seriously, have their work accepted, and be considered the equal of men intellectually and creatively. This book tips its hat to women such as Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Sojourner Truth, and Princess Diana, who have made their mark and forever changed the world with their contributions.

There are few tools more powerful than the written word. Writers who finely hone their craft possess the ability to spread messages, change minds, or merely create something beautiful. As shown in the pages of this volume, masterful writers through the ages have run the gamut from early dramatists and poets such as Aristophanes, Sophocles, and Shakespeare to successful modern-day novelists, including Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie, and J.K. Rowling....