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 →
This is a facsimile edition of Whymper’s "Guide" of 1897, 32 years after his famous but tragic first ascent of the Matterhorn. Guidebooks were a good money-spinner for Whymper, who was well-known for his "Scrambles Amongst the Alps" and "Travels … Continue reading →
One dinner-time in a mountain hut The common room was full and every available seat occupied. Twelve or thirteen tables which can each comfortably seat six people had nine or ten squeezed in. Despite the crush I was feeling isolated: … Continue reading →
Harry, my dear old chap I had to write and tell you what I thought about that book of yours which dropped through my letterbox the other day. To be honest, I didn’t think it would be up to much: … Continue reading →
Alcohol and Alpine mountaineering The refuge is run by guardian Gérard. “He’s evil,” averred my guide Rob on our way up to the refuge. We’d been talking about this and that, and our conversation had touched on the topic of … Continue reading →