{"title":"Michael Odell","description":"\u003cp\u003eDive into the sharp, witty world of Michael Odell. From insightful celebrity profiles to humorous cultural commentary, explore his collection for a uniquely British take on modern life.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"rock-bottom-book-michael-odell-9781785782220","title":"Rock Bottom","description":"'One of the best music books ever written, because Michael Odell knows music isn't about the musicians - it's about what it does to the listener, even if what it does ends up being wholly disastrous. It's sad, funny, fascinating and wise.' Michael Hann, former Guardian music editor   'Hilarious and disarmingly honest; a journey into the neurosis of rock fame, but through doors you don't expect.' Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry    A tale of loving, living and surviving rock music  Michael Odell is a rock music writer who takes his responsibility as cultural gatekeeper seriously; he asks rock stars the forbidden questions to discover whether they're worthy of readers' admiration.  But after interviewing Mick Jagger and Keith Richards - two of the 'Big Six' icons - Michael is depressed. He has a public meltdown while chaperoning Oasis at an awards ceremony; he's lost joy in his bathroom full of rock'n'roll memorabilia; and his young son is in trouble at school for emulating rock star behaviour.  Reluctantly Michael consults Mrs Henckel, a no-nonsense therapist with zero experience of pop culture. As Michael addresses his feelings about the past, in particular his failed teenage band, Mental Elf, he's forced to confront the question: is it finally time to grow up and forget rock'n'roll?","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49517019857169,"sku":"GOR008672000","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ LIKE_NEW \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49537120600337,"sku":"GOR010464683","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51474021777681,"sku":"GOR009808290","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1785782223.jpg?v=1772273684"},{"product_id":"festival-book-book-michael-odell-9780593078716","title":"The Festival Book","description":"THE PERFECT BOOK FOR FESTIVAL-GOERS  Wellies? Check. Tent? Check. Glitter? Check.   A go-to festival survival guide? We’ve got it covered.   With the answer to all of your festival questions, you will not want to leave home without this!  The Festival Book is packed full of hilarious anecdotes, a guide to the very best festivals on offer and tips and tricks to get you festival ready. And if you want to learn to play the nose-flute or attend a wedding conducted by a priestess called Glenda, well, that’s all here too.  You’ll learn which festival is for you, what to wear, how to pack like a pro and loads more! With this book in hand, you’re sure to rule the campsite.  Just don’t forget your wellies!","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49539730145553,"sku":"GOR008235530","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ LIKE_NEW \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53034764894481,"sku":"GOR010599553","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":53460062699793,"sku":"GOR009013102","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0593078713.jpg?v=1750742271"},{"product_id":"rock-bottom-book-michael-odell-9781785783517","title":"Rock Bottom","description":"'One of the best music books ever written, because Michael Odell knows music isn't about the musicians - it's about what it does to the listener, even if what it does ends up being wholly disastrous. It's sad, funny, fascinating and wise.' Michael Hann, former Guardian music editor   'Hilarious and disarmingly honest; a journey into the neurosis of rock fame, but through doors you don't expect.' Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry    A tale of loving, living and surviving rock music  Michael Odell is a rock music writer who takes his responsibility as cultural gatekeeper seriously; he asks rock stars the forbidden questions to discover whether they're worthy of readers' admiration.  But after interviewing Mick Jagger and Keith Richards - two of the 'Big Six' icons - Michael is depressed. He has a public meltdown while chaperoning Oasis at an awards ceremony; he's lost joy in his bathroom full of rock'n'roll memorabilia; and his young son is in trouble at school for emulating rock star behaviour.  Reluctantly Michael consults Mrs Henckel, a no-nonsense therapist with zero experience of pop culture. As Michael addresses his feelings about the past, in particular his failed teenage band, Mental Elf, he's forced to confront the question: is it finally time to grow up and forget rock'n'roll?","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49552874471697,"sku":"GOR009429721","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1785783513.jpg?v=1772275227"},{"product_id":"call-yourself-british-quiz-book-book-michael-odell-9780857525413","title":"The Call Yourself British? Quiz Book","description":"Find out just how British you jolly well are: 500 multiple choice questions based on the Home Office Citizenship test  Can you beat the 51% of British 18- to 24-year-olds who failed the test? Includes genuine, nationality-defining questions such as:    What are the contents of the 1689 Bill of Rights?  What qualifications does the Queen have?    Who was\/is Richard Arkwright, Sake Dean Mahomet, John Petts or David Weir?   Which of the following truly originated in Britain?  A. St George  B. Tea bag  C. Pubs  D. Fish and Chips   Grab your family or friends and test yourself with 500 sample questions. The answers will inform, surprise and above all, make you laugh.   Are you the bee’s knees or Britain’s biggest plonker?   These questions are based on the official Home Office handbook that prepares newcomers for the test they have to pass to obtain  UK citizenship. Filled with questions on the Salmon Act of 1986 and the reasons Brits keep pets, chances are that unless you’ve studied and memorised the book from cover to cover, you’ll probably lose the plot.   With Brexit and all this talk of sovereignty, the question of what it really means to be British has never been so important, so here is your chance to see how you measure up to  your county’s expectations.  The best of British luck to you!","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ VERY_GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":49584439787793,"sku":"GOR008733619","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ GOOD \/ SBYB","offer_id":50370947711249,"sku":"CIN0857525417G","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ WELL_READ \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":51394587164945,"sku":"GOR014254597","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52089562497297,"sku":"GOR008789754","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/0857525417.jpg?v=1751171372"},{"product_id":"rock-bottom-a-music-writer-s-journey-into-madness-rare-book-michael-odell-1704815214lee","title":"Rock Bottom: A Music Writer's Journey into Madness","description":"2017. No Edition Remarks. 374 pages. Signed by the author. Pictorial dust jacket over red cloth. Signed with dedication from the author on title page. Pages remain bright and clean with minimal tannin","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ GOOD \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":50087356989713,"sku":"1704815214LEE","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/1704815214LEE_1.jpg?v=1722929432"},{"product_id":"how-and-why-of-laboratory-schools-book-michael-odell-9781975506292","title":"The How and Why of Laboratory Schools","description":"The How and Why of Laboratory Schools: Innovations and Success Stories in Teacher Preparation and Student Learning is an eagerly anticipated exploration crafted by esteemed researchers and practitioners from some of the foremost Laboratory Schools across the United States and internationally. These institutions, also recognized as demonstration schools or university-affiliated schools, play pivotal roles in the landscape of education, serving as bastions of innovation, research, and professional development. At their core, Laboratory Schools are multifaceted entities, assuming key responsibilities such as teacher training and professional development, serving as hubs for research and innovation, embodying models of best practices, fostering collaboration within university communities, shaping curriculum development and evaluation, and championing inclusion and special education. Their impact reverberates throughout the educational sphere, shaping the future of teaching, learning, and educational policies.  The How and Why of Laboratory Schools serves as a beacon in the realm of education literature, offering an array of accessible examples that inspire and enlighten researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike. With a global perspective, this volume provides a comprehensive snapshot of both the research and practice within Laboratory Schools worldwide, featuring exemplary models not only from the United States but also from various international settings. Spanning an variety of topics including demonstration schools, teacher preparation, innovative pedagogy and curriculum, early childhood education, elementary and primary education, middle and secondary education, STEM-focused initiatives, promotion of democracy, establishment of research laboratories, support for diverse learners, preservice teacher education, collaboration models, and the role of teachers as researchers, this book encompasses the diverse facets of Laboratory Schools' contributions to education.  Moreover, the book serves as a blueprint for the development of new Laboratory Schools, offering insights into various models, funding mechanisms, and strategies for integration into university research and teacher training programs. By showcasing successful examples and providing practical guidance, this book empowers educational institutions to embark on the journey of establishing their own school, enriching both their local communities and the broader educational landscape.  Beyond the present, this book also articulates a compelling case for the future of Laboratory Schools, highlighting their potential to continually innovate, adapt, and lead educational transformation in the years to come. Through its insightful analyses and compelling narratives, The How and Why of Laboratory Schools heralds a future where Laboratory Schools remain at the forefront of educational excellence and innovation, not only domestically but also on the international stage.  Perfect for courses such as: Comparative Education; Education Reform; Professional Development Models; School Improvement; Foundations in Education; Early Childhood Education","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"- \/ - \/ INTERNAL","offer_id":52757758214417,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"US \/ NEW \/ INGRAM","offer_id":52757758411025,"sku":"NIN9781975506292","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0784\/4072\/6801\/files\/9781975506292.jpg?v=1778752880"},{"product_id":"learning-to-see-the-university-book-michael-odell-9781975509798","title":"Learning to See the University","description":"Learning to See the University: Power, Practice, and Improvement in Academic Systems is a sharp and reflective exploration of power, policy, and survival in modern higher education. Written in the spirit of Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince, the book translates political realism into the everyday governance of universities, where authority operates through committees, budgets, rankings, accreditation, and carefully managed narratives rather than formal command.     Neither parody nor exposé, Learning to See the University offers a clear-eyed account of how universities function beneath the language of shared governance and collegiality. Drawing on systems thinking and Improvement Science, it explains why reforms stall, why innovation must often appear as continuity, and why leadership in higher education is shaped more by timing, incentives, and legitimacy than by vision alone.     Structured as a modern adaptation of Machiavelli, each chapter reimagines concepts such as virtù, fortuna, fear, reputation, and loyalty within the academic ecosystem. Departments emerge as semi-sovereign fiefdoms, committees as instruments of stability, rankings as tools of perception, and crises as catalysts for change.     The tone is accessible, wry, and reflective. Humor provides distance without cynicism, allowing readers to recognize familiar institutional patterns while gaining clarity rather than frustration. New administrators will find a survival guide; experienced leaders will recognize a mirror.     Intended for provosts, deans, department chairs, and graduate students in higher education leadership, Learning to See the University is suited for doctoral programs, leadership seminars, and administrative retreats. Ultimately, it is not a guide to manipulation, but an argument for realism with conscience—and for leading universities with wisdom, restraint, and integrity.     Perfect for courses such as: Higher Education Leadership; College and University Administration; Higher Education Policy and Politics; Institutional Research and Effectiveness; Strategic Planning in Higher Education; Change and Innovation in Higher Education; Finance and Budgeting in Higher Education; Higher Education Law and Ethics; Leadership Theory in Education; Organizational Theory in Education; Systems Thinking and Improvement in Higher Education","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ GARDNERS","offer_id":53680254419217,"sku":"NGR9781975509798","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"learning-to-see-school-systems-book-michael-odell-9781975509774","title":"Learning to See School Systems","description":"Learning to See School Systems: Power, Practice, and Improvement in Public Education is a volume dedicated to the goal of improving school systems.     In 1513, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote The Prince to help rulers understand the realities of power. Five hundred years later, Dr. Michael R. L. Odell — educator, researcher, and amused observer of Texas school systems — offers a modern reflection for those who lead the nation's classrooms and districts. Learning to See School Systems is both satire and system map: a handbook for anyone attempting to lead improvement in institutions designed to resist it gracefully.     Across twelve chapters, it reveals how public education mirrors the politics of Florence—ambition, reform, accountability, and fortune disguised as data. Each chapter blends humor with hard truth: board relations as diplomacy, improvement plans as rituals, dashboards as illusion, crises as curriculum. Beneath the wit lies a serious purpose—to help educators see their districts as living systems, governed by patterns that Improvement Science now names but Machiavelli already understood. For teachers, principals, superintendents, and school board members alike, Learning to See School Systems is a mirror of modern schooling—ironic, affectionate, and uncomfortably accurate.     Read it for laughter.     Keep it for survival.     Share it with anyone about to lead their first staff meeting.     \"He who governs schools must learn to rule hearts that believe themselves ungoverned.\" — from Learning to See School Systems     Perfect for courses such as: School Improvement and Reform; School Policy; Organizational Leadership and Change","brand":"WoB","offers":[{"title":"GB \/ NEW \/ GARDNERS","offer_id":53680256712977,"sku":"NGR9781975509774","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/www.worldofbooks.com\/en-au\/collections\/author-books-by-michael-odell.oembed","provider":"World of Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}