Why do I choose such big books?! I’ve been reading most of these for months now…some for more than a year!
Iron Kingdom: The Rise and Downfall of Prussia, 1600-1947
I’m quite into European history and love Berlin, so I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, however, it’s a bit dry and isn’t really a popular history title. And why do there need to be so many Fredericks?? Hard work.
The Sicilian Vespers: A History of the Mediterranean World in the Later Thirteenth Century
Ah, Runciman. I loved his History of the Crusades and he hasn’t let me down here. Great book.
The Ancestor’s Tale
There is some interesting stuff in here, but it’s hard work when you hit the invertebrates.
The New York Review of Books
One of my favourite things in the world. I bought my first one when I was in the US for work a few years ago and haven’t missed an issue since.
The Week
Great to have for a flight or just lying around the house. I’d definitely rather have this than a UK newspaper.
January 12, 2009 at 5:02 am |
Gosh! I remember you talking about The Ancestor’s Tale at least 2 years ago… time to move on. The Selfish Gene was pretty readable – and there’s nothing like reading a good Dawkins rant on God.
As for the “Iron Kingdom: The rise and downfall of Prussia, 1600-1947″ I must say I’m surprised. That title has ‘best seller with wide appeal’ written all over it!