I was never very keen on history at school. All those kings and emperors, treaties and revolutions, popes and prime ministers had me at best confused and at worst bored. In later life I found out that history isn’t all … Continue reading →
This is one of a series of ‘Most Amazing Places’ books published by Readers’ Digest, others being ‘to Visit’, ‘on Britain’s Coast’ and ‘in Britain’s Countryside’. This ‘to Walk’ book covers 200 routes from The Lizard to Poolewe. Distances vary … Continue reading →
His Dark Materials is a trilogy consisting of Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. You’ll probably find these three books in the children’s section of your local library, but that doesn’t mean adults won’t enjoy reading them … Continue reading →
I’d like to review this book but the cover blurbs say it all: ‘An award-winning reporter exposes falsehood, distortion and propaganda in the global media’ – Front cover. ‘Powerful and timely . . his analysis is fair, meticulously researched and … Continue reading →
I read this precursor of "The Fabric of the Cosmos" a couple of years after the later book, which was written 5 years after this one. It covers much of the same ground but has a slightly different purpose – … Continue reading →
I’ve been getting a bit behind with my project to record – however briefly – the books I read so this is no more than a quick note. In lieu of a review, here are a few things you might … Continue reading →
A book that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is fascinating to read. Hockney convincingly argues his case for the widespread use of optical aids by artists from the 15th century onwards.
Continue reading →How often do places change their names? If I asked most people who walk up and down my road I bet they’d say "Not very often". But Brian the stamp collector would know better. I remember the pages in my … Continue reading →
I’ve decided there are two Colin McGinns. The first – call him M1 – writes clear, lucid, witty reviews of philosophical books and papers for non-specialist readers. A good example is “Minds and Bodies”, Oxford 1997, ISBN 0-19-511355-1, reading which … Continue reading →
This book is aimed at anyone who spends time in the Scottish mountains, especially climbers and hillwalkers. The authors of the nine different chapters are themselves hillwalkers, and each is an expert in their own field. Their aim is to … Continue reading →