Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay
Simon Napier-Bell
Explore the fascinating history of the popular music industry, from its humble beginnings to its current state. Discover the hustlers, entrepreneurs, songwriters, artists, and executives who shaped the desire to make money into a global phenomenon.
The Alchemy of Us
Ainissa Ramirez
Explore the fascinating ways in which humans and materials have shaped each other throughout history. From clocks to steel rails to silicon chips, discover the hidden stories behind everyday objects and their profound impact on culture and society. A captivating journey into the alchemy of our world.
The American War in Afghanistan
Carter Malkasian
A comprehensive historical analysis of the American War in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021, exploring the key events, strategies, and underlying factors that shaped the conflict and its outcome. It delves into the perspectives of both Americans and Afghans, examining the war's impact on the region and its lasting consequences.
The Anarchy
William Dalrymple
A gripping account of how the East India Company, a private corporation based in London, rose to dominate the Indian subcontinent, eclipsing the Mughal Empire and reshaping global trade. It explores the company's ruthless tactics, political maneuvering, and the devastating consequences of its pursuit of profit, revealing a dark chapter in the history of colonialism and corporate power.
The Attention Merchants
Tim Wu
A deep dive into the history of how our attention has been captured and commodified, from the first newspapers to modern social media. It explores the rise of the attention industry and its profound impact on our lives, urging us to reclaim our collective consciousness.
The Book Thief
Markus Zusak
Narrated by Death, this is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany. After her brother dies, Liesel finds solace in stolen books, learning to read and finding comfort in words amidst the chaos of war. A tale of resilience, friendship, and the power of stories in the darkest of times.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
John Boyne
A heartbreaking story about innocence in the face of unimaginable horror. Through the eyes of a young boy named Bruno, we witness the atrocities of the Holocaust as he struggles to understand the world around him after his family moves to a place called 'Out-With' (Auschwitz). His friendship with a boy on the other side of the fence leads to devastating consequences.
The Code Book
Simon Singh
A sweeping history of encryption, tracing its evolution and revealing the dramatic effects codes have had on wars, nations, and individual lives. From Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Navajo Code Talkers, to the breakthrough that made Internet commerce secure, The Code Book tells the story of the most powerful intellectual weapon ever known: secrecy.