Purity and Danger
Mary Douglas
A groundbreaking exploration of the concepts of purity, pollution, and taboo across cultures. Mary Douglas delves into the symbolic meanings behind what societies deem clean and unclean, revealing how these classifications reflect and reinforce social structures and beliefs. A fascinating journey into the heart of cultural order and the anxieties that challenge it.
Putin's People
Catherine Belton
An explosive investigation into the rise of Vladimir Putin and how the KGB took back Russia, then took on the West. From the ruins of the Soviet Union, the KGB rose again, placing a former lieutenant colonel at its helm and empowering him to wreak havoc on the world stage. This is the story of how that happened, and the devastating consequences that continue to unfold.
Queen of Fashion
Caroline Weber
Explore the life of Marie Antoinette through the lens of her fashion choices and their impact on the French Revolution. Discover how her clothing became a powerful tool for expressing status, challenging norms, and ultimately contributing to her downfall.
Questions I Am Asked About the Holocaust
Hédi Fried
In this poignant and thought-provoking book, Hédi Fried, a Holocaust survivor, answers the questions she is most frequently asked by young people about her experiences during the Holocaust. Her powerful testimony and reflections offer invaluable lessons about the past and the importance of preventing such atrocities from happening again.
Rational Ritual
Michael Suk-Young Chwe
An exploration of how individuals coordinate their actions, focusing on the role of common knowledge and public rituals in solving coordination problems. It examines ceremonies, rallies, media events, and social networks, drawing connections between diverse social phenomena and scholarly traditions.
Reading Genesis
Marilynne Robinson
A profound exploration of the Book of Genesis, delving into its theological and philosophical depths. Marilynne Robinson offers a unique perspective on the creation narratives, the problem of evil, and the nature of God, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of this foundational text.
Reading the Comments
Joseph M. Reagle
An exploration into the world of online comments, from the informative to the hateful, and the ways they shape our interactions and perceptions on the web. Discover the hidden dynamics of manipulation, feedback, and the search for authentic connection in the digital age.
Reagan
Bob Spitz
A comprehensive biography of Ronald Reagan, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a Hollywood actor and his transformative presidency. It explores his childhood, his early career in radio and film, and the pivotal moments that shaped his political ideology and led him to become one of the most influential figures in American history.