In Praise of Shadows
Jun'ichirō Tanizaki
"In Praise of Shadows" is a non-fiction exploration of Japanese aesthetics by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. The book delves into the cultural significance of shadows and darkness in traditional Japanese architecture, art, and daily life. Tanizaki contrasts this appreciation for subtlety and dimness with the Western preference for brightness and sharp illumination, examining the profound cultural implications of these differing aesthetic values. Through Tanizaki's core essay, readers will gain insight into the beauty found in the subdued and the imperfect, as opposed to the Western emphasis on the bright and new. The book includes a foreword by Charles Moore, which discusses the human need to connect with places and how understanding the contrast between light and shadow can offer insights into different cultures. An afterword by Thomas J. Harper contextualizes Tanizaki's essay within his broader literary career and the traditions of Japanese literature. This edition also includes information about the translators, Thomas J. Harper and Edward G. Seidensticker, both experts in Japanese literature. "In Praise of Shadows" offers a unique perspective on aesthetics and cultural values, inviting readers to reconsider their own perceptions of beauty and design.
Born a Crime
Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah, the comedian, tells the story of his childhood growing up in South Africa during apartheid as a mixed-race child, which was literally a crime. His remarkable mother defied the system to give him a chance, and this is their story of survival and resilience.
Weapons of Math Destruction
Cathy O’Neil
Cathy O'Neil's 'Weapons of Math Destruction' uncovers the hidden biases and destructive power of algorithms and big data models that increasingly govern our lives. Through compelling real-world examples from justice, finance, and education, O'Neil reveals how these opaque systems perpetuate inequality, reinforce prejudice, and threaten the very fabric of democracy, urging readers to scrutinize the technology shaping our future.
How to Do Nothing
Jenny Odell
A field guide to doing nothing as an act of political resistance to the attention economy. It is a plan of action to trace a series of movements: 1) a dropping out, not dissimilar from the “dropping out” of the 1960s; 2) a lateral movement outward to things and people that are around us; and 3) a movement downward into place.
The Rome Plague Diaries
Matthew Kneale
A captivating diary of life in Rome during the Covid-19 lockdown. Matthew Kneale shares his personal experiences, observations, and reflections on the city and its people as they navigate an unprecedented crisis. A poignant and insightful account of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Rome.
Becoming Nicole
Amy Ellis Nutt
The story of a transgender girl, Nicole Maines, and her family's journey to understand and support her identity. From early childhood, Wyatt, one of a set of identical twins, felt like a girl trapped in a boy's body. This is the story of how Wyatt became Nicole, and how her family navigated the challenges and triumphs of her transition, fighting for her rights and acceptance along the way.
Seven Kinds of People You Find in Bookshops
Shaun Bythell
A humorous and insightful look at the various types of customers encountered in a bookshop, as observed by a bookseller over twenty years. From self-proclaimed experts to conspiracy theorists, this book offers a witty and often cynical perspective on the human interactions within the walls of a bookshop.
Where Do We Go from Here
Martin Luther King
In his final book, Martin Luther King, Jr. grapples with the pressing issues facing America in 1967, questioning where the nation should go after the civil rights victories of the early 1960s. He challenges readers to choose between chaos and community, offering profound insights into racism, economic inequality, and the path towards a more just and equitable society.