New Releases by Jeremy Barlow

Pigs playing bagpipes, monkey fiddlers, and demons making music on kitchen implements: this extraordinary cast of characters peering out of the pages of books and manuscripts has amused, entertained, and intrigued readers throughout the ages. Music is a serious subject which some artists and illustrators have for centuries treated in a light-hearted manner.Jeremy Barlow delves deep into the rich and diverse Bodleian archive, and taking us on a whimsical journey through ? years of iconographic history, exploring a range of strange and humorous images, from animal hybrids playing musical instruments in the margins of manuscripts, to prints by Hogarth, and from children''s literature to class-conscious cartoons in Punch. He includes many images never published before, and sheds new light on old favourites. What is the relationship between animals and instruments, and how have themes such as devilry and drunkenness been used in musical representations? How did developments such as printing, and the importance of public concerts affect musical humour, and how was it used politically? These and other similar questions are explored in this engaging little volume.

The wreck of the Reverie, a four-hundred-year-old abandoned luxury liner, is rumored to house an ancient relic of immense value. When Boba Fett comes into possession of a map revealing the ship''s current whereabouts, he sets his sights on the prize. But he''s not alone—two bounty-hunting brothers with a grudge against Fett are now on his trail, hoping to win the treasure for themselves. Unfortunately, neither Boba nor the brothers are prepared for what else is lurking within the creepy corridors of the forsaken Reverie... • An original Boba Fett graphic novel for all ages!

"Try us all, these times do. In this war, unsheathed must all of the Jedi''s blades be. Survive constant use, even the best blades cannot." —Master Yoda The darkest days of the Clone Wars have arrived, when even victories are cause for abiding sorrow; when the hopes for a brighter future are lost in the turmoil of a divided galaxy; and when friendships are tools of convenience and the reason for betrayals. From political intrigue within the Senate to bloody battlefields on exotic worlds, the war has left its mark on the bystanders as well as the combatants, and the events in this wide-ranging volume reveal the extent of the damage. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker battle for survival; Senator Bail Organa struggles to preserve freedom within the Republic; and Master Yoda strives to prevent an old friend from plunging a system into war in four exciting stories from the Clone Wars!

A malfunctioning battle droid tries to escape its doomed fate on the battlefield; bounty hunter Aurra Sing comes face to face with her deadly past; and Obi-Wan Kenobi becomes entangled in a nefarious espionage plot in this pulse-pounding volume of all-ages adventures! Featuring four fantastic tales of Republic versus Separatist action, this bantha-kicking book of blockbuster battles captures some amazing moments in the most exciting era of Star Wars! These totally rocking stories, told in the same stripped-down style as Cartoon Network''s microseries, are why everyone loves Star Wars! The Clone Wars Adventures series is a top seller, and very kid friendly, perfect for younger readers.

Lieutenant Deena Shan is feeling insecure and worthless. After a few nearly disastrous missions with the Rebel Alliance, she is ready to give up, go home, and leave the rebellion to the true heroes. That is, until Deena becomes part of a "suicide" mission that could hit the Empire where it really hurts! But, when Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia are captured in process, Deena must reconcile herself to complete the mission and save these two figureheads of the Rebellion, and many others-single-handed! Will she succeed, or will this be Deena''s last mistake?

Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewie are racing to deliver vital information to the Rebel Alliance. But Han allows himself to be distracted with the idea of earning some fast credits... Ignoring pleas from Leia and the threat of trailing Imperial Star Destroyers, Han makes an unscheduled stop at a hot smuggling hub to pick up some cargo. Unfortunately, the crate he takes aboard the Millennium Falcon doesn''t contain the kind of contraband he was led to believe. It''s not simple or harmless...It''s the kidnapped femme fatale Princess Mi! • Star Wars Adventures is a series of graphic novellas created specifically for younger readers, but with an appeal for Star Wars fans of any age!