This week, I tell you about the many books and CDs that I purchased recently at the Frankfurt Book Fair
Those of you who follow me on twitter may recall that I went to the Frankfurt Book Fair this past weekend. This is the one time of the year when I allow myself to spend my total annual income on books. Most of these books were purchased at a steep discount, and a few, I am pleased to say, were given to me as review copies.
Before I share the books I purchased, you may be interested to learn more about the Frankfurt Book Fair, so I've included this short video:
[video link]
Books purchased at the 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair:
Science & Critical Thinking:
Tribal Science: Brains, Beliefs, and Bad Ideas by Mike McRae [Prometheus Books; 2012: Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: This is a fascinating look at how scientific thinking evolved from traditional tribal thinking, and its lasting impact on human success. Human beings evolved in a tribal environment. Over the millennia, our brains have become adept at fostering social networks that are the basis of group cohesion -- from the primary family unit to the extended association of clans, villages, cities, and even nations. "Tribal Science" examines the many ways in which our tribally oriented brains perceive and sometimes distort reality. It also describes how our social nature led to the development of the cognitive tricks that have served us so well over the centuries -- the most important of which, argues author Mike McRae, is undoubtedly science. Through the sharing of scientific ideas, our species has expanded the reach of the tribal community to a global scale.
My first impression: This book, which teaches its readers how to think about how we think, is a must-read book for everyone, but especially for college-bound students who are still learning how to think critically about their own ideas and about the ideas of those around them.
Did Darwin Write the Origin Backwards?: Philosophical Essays on Darwin's Theory (Prometheus Prize) by Elliott Sober [Prometheus Books; 2010: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK/kindle UK; Amazon US/kindle US]
In-depth description: Is it accurate to label Darwin's theory "the theory of evolution by natural selection," given that the concept of common ancestry is at least as central to Darwin's theory? Did Darwin reject the idea that group selection causes characteristics to evolve that are good for the group though bad for the individual? How does Darwin's discussion of God in The Origin of Species square with the common view that he is the champion of methodological naturalism?
These are just some of the intriguing questions raised by distinguished philosopher Elliott Sober in this volume of interconnected philosophical essays on Darwin.
Sober's approach is informed by modern issues in evolutionary biology, but is sensitive to the ways in which Darwin's outlook differed from that of many biologists today. The main topics that are the focus of the book -- common ancestry, group selection, sex ratio, and naturalism -- have rarely been discussed in their connection with Darwin in such penetrating detail.
Professor Sober is the 2008 winner of the Prometheus Prize. This biennial award, established in 2006 through the American Philosophical Association, is designed "to honor a distinguished philosopher in recognition of his or her lifetime contribution to expanding the frontiers of research in philosophy and science."
This insightful collection of essays will be of interest to philosophers, biologists, and laypersons seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most influential scientific theories ever propounded.
My first impression: The writing in this book is insightful and sometimes provocative. The author is arguing that common ancestry had evidential priority over natural selection in Darwin's eyes, which makes one wonder why he invested so much prose into discussing natural selection in his pivotal book, On the Origin of Species.
Denying Science: Conspiracy Theories, Media Distortions, and the War Against Reality by John Grant [Prometheus Books; 2011: Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: This is an intelligent, insightful, and entertaining exploration of the serious issue of how modern science is being misrepresented and distorted. Is global warming just scaremongering by climatologists conspiring to protect their jobs? Is evolution 'just a theory?'. The answer to these questions is, of course, no. The scientific evidence is now in, and it's conclusive, on these and many other issues fundamental to our knowledge and well-being. But you'd never know this if you believed everything you read or heard in the popular media. "Denying Science" surveys the gamut of clearly unscientific ideas concerning the food we eat, the medicines and potions we are either afraid of or advised to take, our sex preferences, and a host of other issues that are raised by various panics, urban legends, and a general climate of misinformation.
My first impression: The author uses logical, evidence and plenty of snark to debunk a number of conspiracy theories and the credulous, sensationalistic way they are covered in the media.
Believing Bullshit: How Not to Get Sucked into an Intellectual Black Hole by Stephen Law [Prometheus Books; 2011: Amazon UK/kindle UK; Amazon US/kindle US]
In-depth description: Wacky and ridiculous belief systems abound. Members of the Heaven's Gate suicide cult believed they were taking a ride to heaven on board a UFO. Muslim suicide bombers expect to be greeted after death by 72 heavenly virgins. And many fundamentalist Christians insist the entire universe is just 6,000 years old.
Of course it's not only cults and religions that promote bizarre beliefs. Significant numbers of people believe that aliens built the pyramids, that the Holocaust never happened, and that the World Trade Center was brought down by the US government.
How do such ridiculous views succeed in entrenching themselves in the minds of sane, intelligent, college-educated people and turn them into the willing slaves of claptrap? How, in particular, do the true believers manage to convince themselves that they are the rational, reasonable ones and that everyone else is deluded?
Believing Bullshit identifies eight key mechanisms that can transform a set of ideas into a psychological flytrap. Philosopher Stephen Law suggests that, like the black holes of outer space, from which nothing, not even light, can escape, our contemporary cultural landscape contains numerous intellectual black-holes -- belief systems constructed in such a way that unwary passers-by can similarly find themselves drawn in. While such self-sealing bubbles of belief will most easily trap the gullible or poorly educated, even the most intelligent and educated of us are potentially vulnerable. Some of the world's greatest thinkers have fallen in, never to escape.
Law's witty, insightful critique will help immunize readers against the wiles of cultists, religious and political zealots, conspiracy theorists, promoters of flaky alternative medicines, and various other nutcases by clearly setting out the tricks of the trade by which such insidious belief systems are created and maintained.
My first impression: I am soooo tempted to send this book to my recent selections for the Nobel Prizes in Quackpottery.
History/Biography:
Mannerheim: President, Soldier, Spy by Jonathan Clements [Press; 2012: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK/kindle UK; Amazon US/kindle US]
In-depth description: Gustaf Mannerheim was one of the greatest figures of the 20th century. As a young Finnish officer he witnessed the coronation of the last Tsar and was decorated for bravery in the Russo-Japanese War. He spent two years undercover in Asia as an agent of the 'Great Game'. Crossing China on horseback, he stopped en route to teach the 13th Dalai Lama how to shoot a pistol; he also spied on the Japanese navy. Having escaped the Bolsheviks by the skin of his teeth in 1917, he commanded the anti-Russian forces in the local revolt and civil war and later, during Finland's darkest hour, he lead the defence of his country against the impossible odds of the Winter War. In this, the first major biography of Mannerheim for a decade, Jonathan Clements brings new material to light on Mannerheim's time in Manchuria and Japan. A fascinating appraisal of an adventurer and explorer who would go on to forge a new nation.
My first impression: There are biographies out there that are informative but make for dry and listless reading. However, that said, this is not one of those biographies. A quick skim in this book shows the author has combined that knowledge of a historian with the accessibility of a novelist. I hadn't heard much about Finland's Gustaf Mannerheim before, but I am certainly intrigued to read more about his fascinating life.
Cookery:
Warm Bread and Honey Cake: Home Baking from Around the World by Gaitri Pagrach-Chandra [Interlink Pub Group; 2009: Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: Containing a mix of familiar family favorites and unusual, exotic delicacies, this comprehensive collection of recipes for breads, cakes, biscuits and pastries is also a well-researched exploration of home-baking techniques and global ethnic history. Inspired by her multicultural background the author has drawn inspiration from all over the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America.
All the recipes are simple to follow and beautifully photographed, with any unusual techniques illustrated step-by-step for ease. Try your hand at Azorean honey cake or Jamaican hard dough bread. Let your family's taste buds thrill to Azerbaijani cream cheese baklava or Dutch brown sugar coils.
The combination of delicious recipes and fascinating historical and anecdotal text make this book a fantastic read--a must for any home cook looking to truly broaden their repertoire or with an interest in the culture of food.
My first impression: Looking at the photographs makes me hungry, but this award-winning cookbook has recipes for so many delightful items that I couldn't resist purchasing it. I include a tiny list of the recipes it has for the many wonderful ethnic treats: salara (coconut roll /Guyana & Caribbean region), paratha (flaky Indian flatbread/Trinidad), kue lapis or spekkoek (multilayered spice cake/Indonesia), gevulde speculaas (spice cake stuffed with almond paste/Holland), traditional sachertorte (chocolate cake/Vienna), Lamington (inspired) slices (sponge cake dipped in cocolate & coated w coconut/Australia), basbousa (seminola and almond cake/Middle East), cassava pone (coconut and cassava pudding/South America), matcha (powdered green tea cake/Japan), baklava (Turkey/Persia/Azerbaijan), flogeres me amigdala (almond flutes/Greece), flaky Chinese bean cakes and steamed sweet red bean buns. This book is going to keep me happy (and busy) for years! Now all I need to do is find a bunch of people to eat all this stuff (my main interest is in creating these foods.)
Books for reading whilst sitting on the porcelain throne:
Cricket's Strangest Matches: Extraordinary But True Stories from Over a Century of Cricket by Andrew Ward [Anova Books; 2010: Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: A fascinating collection of true stories about cricket's oddest matches -- ranging from the bizarre to the downright hilarious. From eccentric Victorians to unpopular umpires, this hilarious book contains many remarkable matches. It includes the match that was played on ice, another that took place on a ship, and even a match played in the middle of the Solent -- the strait separating the Isle of Wight from the mainland of England. Unusual contests include authors against actors, smokers against non-smokers, and even 50 farmers against Yatton CC. Drawn from the lengthy annals of the game's history, this is a must for all cricket enthusiasts and for anyone interested in the history of the sport.
Motor Racing's Strangest Races: Extraordinary but True Stories from Over a Century of Motor Racing by Geoff Tibballs [Anova Books; 2012: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: A new hardback edition with more than 80 bizarre and extraordinary-but-true stories for car enthusiasts, motorheads, and racing-aholics.
In 1894, when the motley assortment of steam and petrol-powered vehicles lined up at the start of the trial from Paris to Rouen, motor racing's colorful history was launched. Many of the pioneering events were death-defying, transcontinental marathons, in which the competitors were obliged to negotiate basic dirt tracks, muddy bogs, fast-flowing rivers, over-zealous policemen, and a seemingly endless supply of stray dogs. They include the Frenchman who drove 25 miles in reverse; the Grand Prix where the leading drivers were so far ahead that they stopped for a meal in the pits; the Le Mans 24-hour race won by a car patched up with chewing gum; and the driver who drank six bottles of champagne on the way to winning the Indianapolis 500.
England My England: A Treasury of All Things English by Gerry Hanson [Anova Books; 2012: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: A delightful, wide-ranging anthology about England and the English over the centuries -- songs, poems, hymns, letters and prose -- this compendium is entertaining, witty, lyrical and heart-warming. With contributions from Sir Thomas Beecham, Rupert Brooke, William Blake, Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling, John Betjeman and many more, there is also a chapter entitled 'As Others See Us', which includes George Mikes' observation, 'An Englishman, even if he is alone, forms an orderly queue of one.' With chapters on the English garden, language, institutions, heritage and how we see ourselves, this is a comprehensive treasury of the country and its people. An entertaining, eclectic and serendipitious collection that will delight and surprise in equal measure, England, My England is a real treasure house of pleasing patriotism to savour and share.
My first impression: This is a delightful and amusing collection of poetry, song lyrics and prose that provide depth and colour to the English language and England's history -- a history that I find fascinating. This book also includes some commentary on the English, which of course, will make any self-respecting Anglophilic American giggle in glee.
What to Do About Everything: A Manual for Domestic Life by Barbara Toner [Hardie Grant Books; 2011: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: Life in the modern household has become much more complicated than it was for previous generations. Our roles are increasingly multi-layered, our ambitions further reaching and our expectations completely unreasonable. Juggle asuccessful and fulfilling career with raising children/pets, servicing the car/bike, maintaining a social life, exercising, cooking a balanced diet, repairing the broken kitchen pipes and managing a regular grooming schedule? Completely doable, in theory. But how exactly? What to Do about Everything is the ultimate householders' guide to twentyfirst century living. It covers everything from changing a tyre to surviving divorce, and addresses all sorts of households, not just the traditional nuclearfamily. Applying cast-iron information and empathy to all aspects of domestic life, Barbara Toner has ensured that anyone with a roof over their head can dip into it and find the help they need, whether it's how to darn a sock, hire a plumber, light a fire, leave their husband or decide they're gay after all. This comprehensive book covers household relationships, time management, household administration, money, where to live, home renovations, chores,clothes care, food, home repairs, transport, childcare and rearing, grooming and healthcare, holidays, home entertainment, socialising etiquette, life changes (death, job loss, moving) and much more. Modern life is stressful. Nothing contains stress better than order; nothing relieves it better than knowing what must be done.
My first impression: This is a surprisingly interesting and useful book, filled with all sorts of practical suggestions for dealing with all sorts of modern-day challenges, ranging from choosing and dealing with housemates to car maintenance.
Novelty books that may keep your fingers busy (most of these are gifts for the upcoming holiday season, so shhhh!):
Knit London: 10 Iconic London Projects by Emma King [ Collins & Brown; 2012: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: If you've ever wanted to have a piece of London in your own home, this is the book for you. Whether you fancy recreating a ride in a Black Cab, the Changing of the Guard or a trip to Buckingham Palace, Knit London has the perfect project. Includes patterns for the buildings that make up London's famous skyline, such as Big Ben and the London Eye, as well as quirkier items like the red phone box and a London street sign. This book is a real celebration of what makes London great. Make all the projects and build your own knitted city! Forthcoming titles in the series will include: Knit New York (9781908449160), Knit Paris, Knit Tokyo.
My first impression: This book was too cute to resist, so I purchased it as a gift for the knitter I know.
Best in Show: Knit Your Own Cat by Joanna Osborne and Sally Muir [Collins & Brown; 2011: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: This book offers the unique opportuity to knit yourself a cat. There are 25 different breeds included, from a charming moggy to a sleek Siamese, a precious Persian to a loving long hair. With Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne's designs you can now knit your precious pet, reproduce your favourite breed or even knit the cat you have always desperately wanted. The cats are surprisingly easy to make. It will only take a few evenings to create a covetable companion for life. Idiosyncratic descriptions of the various breeds accompany beautiful photography, making this book irresistable for both keen knitters and devoted cat-lovers.
My first impression: meow!
Best in Show: Knit Your Own Dog by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne [Collins & Brown; 2010: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: The perfect gift for dog-lovers and knitters everywhere * Includes patterns for 25 dog breeds * Easy enough to make in a few evenings Best in Show offers the unique opportuity to knit yourself a dog. There are 25 different breeds included, from a perky Poodle to a burly Bulldog, a delightful Dalmation to a loyal Labrador. With Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne's designs you can now knit your precious pet, reproduce your favourite breed, or even knit the dog you have always desperately wanted. The dogs are surprisingly easy to make. It will only take a few evenings to create a covetable companion for life. Idiosyncratic descriptions of the various breeds accompany beautiful photography, making this book irresistable for both keen knitters and devoted dog-lovers.
My first impression: woof!
Best in Show: 25 More Dogs to Knit by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne [Collins & Brown; 2012: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK/kindle UK; Amazon US/kindle US]
In-depth description: The leading knitting books of 2010 and 2011, Best in Show Dogs & Cats have been outstanding global successes. Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne are back with 25 even more fabulous dog designs. You can knit your own precious pet, reproduce your favourite breed, or even knit the dog you have always desperately wanted. The dogs are surprisingly easy to make. It will only take a few evenings to create a covetable companion for life. Patterns include Chihuahua, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frisee and Cairn. Idiosyncratic descriptions of the various breeds accompany beautiful photography, making this book irresistible for both keen knitters and devoted dog-lovers.
My first impression: woof! woof!
The Steampunk Tarot: Wisdom from the Gods of the Machine by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell [Llewellyn Publications; 2012: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: Where the past and future converge . . .
With a turn of the wheel and a spin of the cog, the oracular machinery lumbers into action. The curtains slowly draw back; the time has come to reveal your destiny.
Created by award-winning tarot expert Barbara Moore and brilliantly brought to life by artist Aly Fell, The Steampunk Tarot deck offers a glimpse of the future through a lens to the past. Retooling the gears of the Rider-Waite tradition, each card's intricate artwork depicts a scintillating fusion of man and machine, nature and technology, science and alchemy, romance and fashion. The included manual offers tips, original spreads, and guidance in card interpretation.
My first impression: Tarot is yet another of the many stupid myths that people like to deceive themselves with, but you will enjoy this if you are a fan of steampunk -- the artwork on these cards is absolutely gorgeous. This card set is slated for release very soon.
Audiobooks on CDs:
British Bird Sounds on CD: The Definitive Audio Guide to Birds in Britain [British Library; 2010: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: This is a guide to all British birds whose sounds are likely to be encountered by the average birdwatcher. A total of 175 species are heard. English names are announced before each recording. As far as possible background species sounds are identified to prevent confusion.
My first impression: There is an old saying, "Eighty percent of bird watching is listening." I am not sure if it's truly 80% -- often, it's more than that. If you are an intermediate birder (or maybe a birdsong-curious person), then you will really enjoy this CD. The birdsongs and sounds are nicely rendered; crisp, clear and with little or no confusing background noise.
Songs of Garden Birds: The Definitive Audio Guide to British Garden Birds [British Library; 2006: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: A very popular audio guide which helps to identify the bids that come to our gardens- not just the early morning minstrels that wake us with their songs, but all those that sing around our homes at any time. Features recordings of the typical songs and calls of the fifty-two species most commonly found in British gardens. This CD presents an introduction to learning and identifying bird sounds in your garden. Includes an introductory booklet. Track Listing: 1 House Sparrow 2 Starling 3 Blackbird 4 Song Thrush 5 Mistle Thrush 6 Blue Tit 7 Great Tit 8 Coal Tit 9 Marsh Tit 10 Long-tailed Tit 11 Greenfinch 12 Goldfinch 13 Chaffinch 14 Robin 15 Dunnock 16 Wren 17 Feral Pigeon 18 Wood Pigeon 19 Collared Dove 20 Magpie 21 Jay 22 Carrion Crow 23 Rook 24 Jackdaw 25 Great Spotted Woodpecker 26 Green Woodpecker 27 Sparrowhawk 28 House Martin 29 Swallow 30 Pied Wagtail 31 Nuthatch 32 Treecreeper 33 Goldcrest 34 Spotted Flycatcher 35 Blackcap 36 Chiffchaff 37 Willow Warbler 38 Bullfinch 39 Siskin 40 Brambling 41 Black-headed Gull 42 Redwing 43 Fieldfare 44 Tree Sparrow 45 Reed Bunting 46 Yellowhammer 47 Pheasant 48 Rose-ringed Parakeet 49 Swift 50 Canada Goose 51 Herring Gull 52 Tawny Owl
My first impression: This is another excellent birdsong CD for those who wish to learn how to identify and distinguish British bird species by listening to them.
Beautiful Bird Songs of Britain: The Music of Nature [British Library; 2011: Guardian Bookshop; Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: This compilation brings together some of the most beautiful bird songs that can be heard around the British Isles. The Blackbird, Skylark, Nightingale and Mistle Thrush are just a few of the birds that add their exquisite compositions to the natural soundscape of this island. Some songs will be familiar to many while others can only be experienced in certain locations. All however are excellent examples of the beauty of birdsong.
My first impression: This is not a birding-by-ear CD so much as it's a sensory CD filled with birdsong that you can play whilst doing other things, like writing an essay. This recording sounds extremely familiar to me (including the background sounds), which means I've heard it before -- which may not be surprising since I do have roughly 50 CDs and tapes of birdsong recorded all around the world.
Wild London: Sounds of the City's Wildlife [British Library; 2012: Amazon UK; Amazon US]
In-depth description: More than eight million people live in the sprawling metropolis that is London. This vast area is also home to a wide variety of wild animals, from birds and mammals to amphibians and insects. From renowned spectacles such as the Red Deer rut in Richmond Park to more everyday sights and sounds, such as Red Foxes patrolling our streets after dark, London offers a diverse range of potential wildlife encounters.
This collection of recordings features the sounds of some of the animals that share the capital with us, including the Grey Squirrel, Ring-necked Parakeet, and of course the ubiquitous Feral Pigeon.
My first impression: This audio CD is interesting because it presents sounds created by all sorts of chatty animals, not just birds.
One item that I did not purchase but was so impressive that I am still thinking about is Chinese Cubes. This is an innovative and interactive computer-based language learning system that teaches the Chinese language. This system consists of 40 cubes that have on each face a Chinese character, the English equivalent, its Chinese pronunciation, and a computer-readable tag. A small camera reads the tag which the computer decodes to create an interactive cartoon featuring a sentence. The student can also practice writing Chinese characters, and the computer reads the sentences aloud so the student can learn to speak as well as read Chinese. There are 64 lessons that can be used to create 2500 phrases and sentences that provide a good basic understanding of conversational Chinese. The software is compatible with both Mac and windows. Aside from the fact that I have always wanted to learn Chinese, I am still kicking myself for not purchasing this item since I am intensely curious to experience this new language learning system. This video shows what this system is all about:
[video link]
For those of you who have read this far, you may be interested to get a sense of this bookfair, so here's a time-lapse video showing you some of the scenery and events:
[video link]
Video shot and edited by Aashish Chopra.
NOTE: I have no connection whatsoever with the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Ok, so tell me, my peeps, what book(s) are you reading? How far are you along in the book? What do you think of it so far?
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