Toby Wilkinson, 'The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt'

This book gets quite of bit of criticism on Amazon, and although I can understand the position of some of the critics, I'm not sure that I really agree then. This is a popular history that condenses around 3'000 years of history into around 500 pages. Of necessity the coverage will be superficial. In the same way, the author is more or less forced to present a single position even though the evidence is much more ambiguous. In an overview book like this there is little choice. Where I do agree with the critics is Wilkinson's endless attacks on the Egyptian rulers. He never misses an occasion to attack them and after a while I began to find this annoying.

Overall however, I would really recommend this book. It's not perfect, but it gives a highly readable overview of a complex subject.

Bloomsbury, 646 pages

 

 

Nigel Bennett, 'Inspired to Design'

Some years ago I was looking around the Brooklands museum with my mother. As we walked past a display of contemporary racing cars, she stopped by one and said that she thought it was lovely. The car was a Penske Indycar, designed by this book's author, Nigel Bennett. Beginning his career as a tire technician for Firestone, Bennett became a race engineer for Lotus and finally designer for Lola and then Penske Cars. From the late-80s until the mid-90s his designs dominated IndyCar racing. In the pages of this interesting and nicely illustrated book Bennett describes the challenges, problems and joys of each stage of his career. Although broadly chronological the book avoids being just a description of each car or team. To vary the perspective the book includes sections written by Bennett's rivals, to give a good overview of the period. A period when one designer and several assistants could design an entire race winning car; a period when an entire top team would be several times smaller than the design department alone of a modern grand prix team.

Highly recommended.

Velcoe Publishing, 176 pages

 

 

Simon Armitage, 'Homer's Odyssey'

I hugely enjoyed this fast moving, modern adaptation of the Odyssey. Originally written for the radio the dialogue is fast and full of character. Although much shorter than the original, I found that the voices and the storytelling came across load and clear.  The idea book for a long train journey.

Highly recommended.

Faber and Faber, 266 pages

 

 

Juliet Clutton-Brock, 'The British Museum Book of Cats'

If you like cats then this lovely little book is for you. Richly illustrated and with an informative, if occasionally slightly dry text, it covers the biology, history and mythology of our feline companions. I especially enjoyed some of the illustrations, which are mostly taken from the British Museum's collections.

Surely the 'purfect' book for a cat lover.

The British Museum Press, 112 pages

 

 

Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, 'The Collapse of Western Civilization'

In this fictional future a Chinese historian looks back upon the collapse of western civilization and examines why given clear and unambiguous knowledge of climate change, its effects, and the possibility of doing something about it did we, the 'children of the Enlightenment' choose to do nothing; instead clinging to ideologically and ultimately tragic denial.

Oreskes and Conway have covered this ground before in the factual 'Merchants of Doubt', and if you've read the former book, then this one has little to add. However, it does effectively summarize much of 'Merchants' in a short and powerful read. I'm not sure that it would convince a hardened sceptic, but it should be food for thought to the open minded.

Columbia University Press, Kindle Edition.

 

 

Walter J. Boyne and Philip Handleman (Eds), 'Brassey's Air Combat Reader'

This collection of extracts covers the history of air combat from its beginning and until the present day. Mainly told from the pilot's perspective the extracts are mostly powerful and free of glorification. The enemy pilot is seen as a colleague, whose defeat is a sad necessity. There is enough change of tone between the extracts that the collection never becomes samey. Recommended to anyone with an interest in warfare or aircraft.

Potomac Books Inc., Kindle Edition

 

 

Kim Stanley Robinson, 'Icehenge'

This three part sci-fi novel starts well, then goes downhill. Too long, too self-indulgent, and the end is a cop out. Not recommended

Orb books, Kindle Edition

 

 

Douglas C. Dildy and Warren E. Thompson, 'F-86 Sabre vs. Mig-15'

This short book covers the classic air combat confrontation over the skies or Korea; when American Sabres were pitched against communist Mig-15s. The history and performance of the two planes are succinctly and well covered. The political situation and its effect on the combat is discussed, the reasons for the Sabre's superior kill statistics are analysed. Although short, this book is packed with well-presented information. Overall as excellent read.

Osprey Publishing, Kindle Edition

 

 

Naomi Klein, 'This Changes Everything, Capitalism vs. The Climate'

To be honest I'm divided over this book. It's too long, in parts too ranting, but I'm glad I read it. This is another book about the politics of climate change; why we mostly do nothing, but also how this is changing as around the world grass roots activism is beginning. I'm still not convinced that capitalism is really the big evil here, especially since Naomi Klein seems to confuse capitalism with human nature. However, she is often a perceptive observer, particularly in suggesting that the fossil fuel extraction industry has recently broken its pact with the developed world. Whereas in the past extraction and pollution occurred outside the developed world, with the advent of fracking, the XL pipeline, and the like, the extraction and pollution is occurring on the consumers doorstep. This is a wakeup call that Klein believes can lead to a fairer world. In the end I'm still not convinced that stopping climate change can, or even should be used as an engine for changing society, but it is clear that the current system is failing woefully to deal with the problem. Perhaps Klein is right and stopping climate change is also a moral issue. Maybe the situation is really similar to the fight to abolish slavery, described in 1808 by the British slavery abolitionist Thomas Clarkson as a 'contest between those who felt deeply for the happiness and the honour of their fellow-creatures, and those who, through vicious custom and the impulse of avarice, had trampled under-foot the sacred rights of their nature, and had even attempted to efface all title to the divine image from their minds'. This is a challenging and thought provoking book which I highly recommend.

Penguin, Kindle Edition

 

 

Steve Davies and Doug Dildy, 'McDonnell Douglas/ Boeing F-15 Eagle, Owners' Workshop Manual'

This follows the normal pattern of Haynes' fake workshop manuals. As with other volumes there are some nicely written sections, while others are lifted with minimal editing from technical documents. I thought that the chapters that covering flying and maintaining the plane were by far the best, worth the cost of the book in fact. The illustrations are good, although too often the technical ones are too small and presented out of context. Still, if you're interested in the F-15, then this book is for you.

Haynes, 156 pages

 

 

Neil Gaiman, 'The Sandman, Dream Country'

This is the third volume of the epic Sandman series. Like the earlier volumes it is well written and excellently illustrated. The usual mixture of the macabre and the touching. As an appendix the original story board for the first story is given. I found that comparing this to the completed work made me further appreciate the work and effort of the artists. Recommended

Vertigo, 160ish pages

 

 

Rosalie David (ed.), 'Mysteries of the Mummies, The story of the Manchester University investigation'

Back in around 1980 I borrowed this book from the local library, enjoyed it, but for some reason never finished it. Therefore, I was extremely happy when a few years ago I got it as a present. The book describes an investigation of the mummy collection of the University of Manchester carried out in the mid-1970s. Although, this clearly means that the work is rather old, I suspect that actual invasive studies are rather rare, and so this study may be less out of date than one might imagine. In many respects this study nicely complements the recent, non-invasive study reported in 'Ancient lives, new discoveries' (see above). The book is clearly the work of many authors, each contributing their own section, and this somewhat prevents the book from having a single narrative. But, given the strength of the individual sections that was not an issue. Also, I rather enjoyed the slightly sly humour of one of the contributors. So all-in-all an interesting read. Recommended.

Book Club Associates, London, 192 pages

 

 

Neil Gaiman 'Sandman volume 4, Season of Mists'

I think this is the best so far in the Sandman series. In this set of interlinked stories Morpheus is shamed into attempting to rescue Nada, the woman who defied him earlier in the series. In doing so he unexpectedly finds himself owner of the keys to an empty hell. Everyone wants it, and they will beg, bribe and threaten to get it, but who should have it, and what will happen to Nada.

Recommended.

Vertigo Comics, lots of unnumbered, but beautifully illustrated pages

 

 

Jack McDevitt 'The Engines of God'

This is another of McDevitt's future archaeology mysteries. Added into the usual mix is a strong environmental thread concerning the destruction of a planetary ecosystem to make way for humams. I found this to be the most interesting part of an otherwise slightly overlong novel. I still enjoyed it however, I would recommend it to Sci-Fi readers.

Ace Books, New York, Kindle Edition

 

 

Jade Gurss, 'Beast, The top secret Ilmor-Penske engine that shocked the racing world at the Indy 500'

The extended title tells you all that you need to know about this book. If like me you like America car racing, and enjoy slipping on an anorak from time to time, then this is a book for you. The technical, sporting and political aspects of the story are well covered. Strangely, the race itself seemed a bit of a let-down after all of the tension built up during the engines development. But overall this is a great book, if you like car racing.

Octane, Kindle Edition

 

 

Len Deighton, 'Funeral in Berlin'

Another cold war spy thriller, in Deighton's cool and oblique style. Nothing is as it first appears; as we enter a strange world of double-dealing. Maybe not Deighton's best novel, but still worth reading.

HarperCollins, 390 pages

 

 

Eric H. Cline, The Trojan War, A very short introduction'

I highly recommend this pithy little book. With hardly a superfluous word it covers the literary, mythological and archaeological evidence for the Trojan War. There are six chapters. These take us from Homer, who is very interestingly placed in the context of a cycle of epic poems; through Hittite texts; and on to Schliemann and the modern archaeology. I learnt a lot from this book, and I would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in Homer or ancient history
Oxford University Press, Kindle edition

 

 

Peter Atkins, 'The Laws of Thermodynamics, A very short introduction'

As a chemistry student I spent many long hours poring over Atkins' physical chemistry text book. As I remember it a well written but challenging book. Much the same could be said of this short, but dense volume. Although the laws of thermodynamics shape our world they don't really get much exposure and this book is very welcome. Atkins does a good job of avoiding maths unless it's absolutely necessary. Instead he presents the concepts and consequences of the laws. As someone who remembers the laws in very mathematical terms I found this a little disconcerting at first and had to work hard to link this back to my studies. However, needing to be made to work is no bad thing and I finished this book with my physical chemistry muscles in a bit better shape! Definitely worth the time and effort.
Oxford University Press, Kindle edition

 

 

Kenneth Falconer, 'Fractals, A very short introduction'

This was the third book in the 'Very short introduction' series that I had read on the trot and maybe that was a mistake. Like everything that I've read in that series this book is well written, but it didn't excite me. It was a bit of a struggle. I'm really not sure why since I couldn't really fault it, and I have certainly read much worse introductions to Fractals. Perhaps in the end I just find fractal less interesting that Thermodynamics or The Trojan War!

Oxford University Press, Kindle edition

 

 

Graham Simons, 'Northrop Flying Wings'

These stunning aircraft are the stuff of science fiction. Although the final one was built in the 1950s they are still appear incredibly futuristic. I have always been fascinated by them and read this book with interest. However, I can imagine better books on this subject. I found parts of the book confusing, especially concerning which plane was which. There is also a strong tendency to present technical material, especially crash reports as is, without any analysis or commentary. It's nice to have an author who doesn't thrust his views down your throat, but frankly I think that here the author goes too far the other way, especially when it's clear that there is a subtext which could be illuminated. In summary, an interesting book than could have been better.

Pen & Sword Books, Kindle edition

 

 

Roy Chisholm, 'Changing Stations: A Campus Drama'

I was a touch nervous about approaching this book; Roy is my father-in-law, and I was afraid of a conflict between family feelings and honest reviewing. I need not have worried; the book is thoroughly enjoyable. Roy's own experiences in a new university help him paint a gentle but I think realistic picture of life in a UK university during the 1980s. The World is changing, and research is needing to start paying its way; commercialism is arriving and maybe idealism is packing its bags. A new theory of consciousness has attracted the attentions of a rich American church, who offer a substantial sum to the university. But who will benefit and what tensions will it cause?

Recommended.

Moat Sole Publishing, Kindle Edition

 

 

Michael Grant (Ed), 'Greek literature, an Anthology'

This excellent volume covers the whole period of ancient Greek literature from Homer and Hesiod, through to the philosopher Plotinus, writing in third century AD. On the way we meet poets and dramatists, historians, philosophers and physicians. Included are not only Greeks, but also Romans, such as Marcus Aurelius, who wrote extensively in Greek. The extracts are arranged in chronological order and are of a reasonable length, allowing the favour of the author to come over, without it becoming burdensome if the extract is not so interesting. Additionally, some extracts are presented in more than one translation. If I had any issue it is that the context for the extracts is not always clear enough; particularly a problem with dramatic works. Despite that slight problem I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would not hesitate to recommend it.
Penguin Classics, 491 pages

 

 

Howard Carter & A.C. Mace, 'The Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamen'

This is the first of Carter's books concerning Tomb of Tutankhamen. It was written in 1923 during the clearing of the tomb and it describes the discovery, the antechamber, as well as more general issues such as the laboratory work and dealing with the press. The book ends with the opening of the sealed door into the burial chamber. Numerous objects are described and are often illustrated using Harry Burton's superb black and white photos. There is also an interesting biography of Lord Carnarvon. Although the book is of necessity incomplete, being the first of three volumes, and lacks the benefit of subsequent scholarship, it makes an excellent read. Indeed I found it surprising how little latter volumes have added to the story. Highly recommended.

Dover Publications, 231 pages

 

 

Arthur Groos (Ed), 'Richard Wagner, Tristan und Isolde'

I found this to be an extremely interesting and perceptive book about Wagner's great opera. This is not a book to get you up to speed before a performance, but I think that if you already know the opera then you will find this book well worth the time and cost. There are seven, reasonably short chapters, each dealing with a different aspect of piece. There is no real overview, instead the book focuses on certain aspects, for example the initial prose sketch, relationship between the prelude and the opera, staging, etc. Only the final chapter on the influence of Tristan, did I find rather dull. If you like Wagner's opera then I think this book is for you.
Cambridge University Press, 215 pages

 

 

Jonathan Carr 'The Wagner Clan, The Saga of Germany's Most Illustrious and Infamous Family'

This is an interesting and well researched book, with a wider appeal than only Wagner fans. Indeed this is less a look about Wagner the composer and his legacy, than a European history as seen from the perspective of a single family, albeit an exceptional one. I felt that the book was fairer to its subjects that the biography of Winifred Wagner reviewed above. This book does address head on the difficult questions surrounding Hitler's passion for Wagner's music and the family's willingness to embrace both Hitler and his ideology. In the end we are faced with a direct challenge, before judging these people ask yourself what you would have done? Recommended

Atlantic Monthly Press, New York, Kindle edition

 

 

Gary Wetzel, 'A-10 Thunderbolt II Units of Operation Enduring Freedom, 2002 -2007'

This is an interesting, mostly first-hand, account of the A10a in combat in Afghanistan. I had expected a more technical account of the plane, but in the event was not disappointed with what I got. I found the descriptions very gripping, with the books authors providing enough background to make events comprehensible. I was left with a much clearer idea of what combat in an A10 involves. I have only two criticisms, firstly it stops when the A10c arrives, and secondly it would have been helpful if the numerous abbreviations had been more clearly and more frequently explained. But, these a minor issues, overall I would recommend this book.

Osprey, Kindle edition

 

 

Phil Rickman, 'The Wine of Angels

I enjoyed this novel. For me this is a typical English TV detective story with some supernatural overtones, rather like Jonathan Creek. It was enjoyable and very well plotted, with everything fitting together at the end. The story is actually very dark, but told in a rather nice soft edged way. If this sounds like damming with faint praise that isn't my intention, it is simply how the book came over. If you want a mystery that is enjoyable and atmospheric, dark but not too dark, then I can certainly recommend this book. I expect that in time I'll be revisiting Merrily Watkins and her village.

Corvus, Kindle edition

 

 

Christian Thielemann, 'My Life with Wagner'

This is an interesting and insightful book about the operas of Wagner. The title is misleading, the book is not an autobiography of Thielemann, but an analysis of the works by a performer, illustrated with his practical experiences. As a regular of the Bayreuth festival he can speak with great authority on the trials and rewards of performing in that difficult theatre. I don't think this is the only worthwhile book about Wagner's work, but coming from a performing musician with vast experience of conducting the pieces, it has a particular, and for me very interesting, perspective. The book can be divided into two broad sections. The first covers performing and the conductor's experiences, whilst the second is a more traditional opera by opera analysis. Both parts are enriched by Theilemann experience. The book was originally written in German, but reads well in English, and displays a lightness of touch and a dry humour that I had not expected. It is very readable. So if you are interested in Wagner or want to know about conducting his works, I can very strongly recommend this book.

Widenfeld & Nicolson, Kindle edition

 

 

Len Deighton, 'SS-GB'

This unusual novel for Deighton is set in a fictional 1941 after Britain surrendered in the Nazis. In occupied London Detective Inspector Archer is called out for a routine investigation, which of course, in anything but routine. I found this book to be an interesting departure for Deighton. Although all the normal characteristics are present, by placing the story in a well imagined and convincing but fictional world, Deighton produces a new variation on the spy novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it.

Triad Panther, 367 pages

  

 

Anna Garnett, 'The Colossal Statue of Ramesses II'

The statue in question is one of the highlights of the British Museum, and it well deserves its own book. The author does an excellent job of describing the work, putting it in its historical context, as well as covering its journey to London. There is also an excellent digital reconstruction marrying the London fragment with what is left in the Ramesseum. The book is written clearly and very well illustrated. All-in-all, an excellent book.

The British Museum, p64

 

 

Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, Jorge Molina, 'Thor, The Goddess of Thunder'

This was my first encounter with Marvel comics, and I very much enjoyed it.  The god Thor has become unworthy of Mjolnir, his magic hammer. But it has a new wielder; a mysterious female, Thor the Goddess of Thunder, who must prove her worth in battle.

I found the artwork great, and the text well written. Highly enjoyable.

Marvel

 

 

Arthur C. Clarke, '2001: A Space Odyssey'

I haven't read this novel since I was teenager. How would it seem when revisited? Well, overall very good. Much pithier than I remembered, it seemed to gallop along at a goodly pace. Maybe I've just got used to today's wordier offerings! Each section seemed like an extended short story, which combined to form the overall arch.  2001 is now past and it's interesting to reflect of what Clark got right. Well, e-books, or at least e-newspapers for one thing. Surprisingly though, he didn't seem to anticipate the widespread use of small computers for word processing and other tasks. Most disappointingly of course. there is no moon base and no commercial craft ploughing the path from Earth to Moon. At least, our early evening sky does host a space station.

Recommend

RosettaBooks, Kindle edition

 

 

Jason Aaron, Noelle Stevenson C.M. Punk, Don Glut, 'Thor, Who Holds the Hammer?

This is the sequel to the earlier Thor graphic novel. It is more playful than the earlier volume; having what are essentially a prologue and epilogue in styles dramatically different from the main part of the book. I enjoyed it and thought that it provided a satisfactory conclusion.

Recommended, but only after reading the first book.

Marvel

 

 

Arthur C. Clarke, '2010: Odyssey Two'

After rereading and quite enjoying 2001, I was interested to take a second look at 2010. I read it when it first appeared and remember being very disappointed. I'm afraid to report that second time around I'm still unsatisfied This is not a bad book, it's just an undramatic one; almost a prosaic one. Whoever adapted it for the film version did a very good job in adding in the background of escalating Cold War tensions, a layer completely missing from the novel. Without this human contact, the book feels rather under cooked. As I said above, this isn't a bad book, but neither is it the good one that it might have been.

Rosetta Books, Kindle edition

 

 

Bob Brier, 'Egyptian Mummies'

This book is interesting but ultimately frustrating. It's well researched and well written, and although some of its conclusions about which royal mummy belongs to which historical personage are not always in agreement with current ideas, that cannot be held against a book dating from 1994. For me the problem is that the book starts out asking the question 'how was mummification actually performed', and after over 300 pages of preliminary research ends without answering the question. To a large degree than doesn't matter, since the book is actually pretty good; but it still left me feeling a bit short changed.

If you want an interesting and well research book on Egyptian mummies, then this is a good book. Just don't let the preface set your expectations.

Brocckhampton Press, 352 pages

 

 

Neil Gaiman 'The Sandman volume 5, A Game of You'

Another Sandman graphic novel, although this time mostly without The Sandman. As even with this series the story and dark and strange, whilst the images are atmospheric, rich and sometimes violent. Not the book to start at, but a good addition to the series.

Vertigo Comics

 

 

James S.A. Corey, 'Leviathan Wakes: Book 1 of The Expanse'

I enjoyed this book a lot. It uses classic sci-fi plot elements in a neat and satisfying way. It is tempting to see the story as a warning about corporate greed and loss of humanity in the face of gain. It is also the story of an unlikely friendship between the two main characters. The novel most alternates between the first person narratives of these two conflicted men. Although they are both rather close to stereotypes, I found them interesting and their stories compelling. The sci-fi elements of the story are well handled. Although I was not so keen on the horror film cliché when it arrived, it was still well handled and did not detract from the book. Overall, a good novel, which kept up the tension until the end. I have already downloaded the next book in the series.

Recommend

Hachette Digital, Kindle Edition

 

 

Michael Scott, 'Delphi, A History of the Center of the Ancient World'

This is the story of ancient Delphi, from its origins in myth and often rewritten history, to its almost total disappearance and modern rediscovery. I found this book readable and certainly informative, although hard going in places. I was left with a strong impression of Delphi the place, but also of Delphi the concept. A concept which changing from an ancient mediation process, to a stage to display international prestige, to a symbol of pan Hellenistic culture, to a modern tourist site.

Highly recommended.

Princeton, 422 pages

 

 

James S.A. Corey, 'Caliban's War'

This is the second book of ' The Expanse' series and continues the story a few months' latter. This is less fresh that the first book and has a bit of a sense of Deja vu, but this may be unavoidable in a sequel. Overall, I enjoyed the book and its mysteries, and will certainly read the third book in the series.

Overall, recommended, but read the first book first

Recommend

Hachette Digital, Kindle Edition

 

 

 

Rosalie David, 'The Two Brothers, Death and the Afterlife in Middle Kingdom Egypt'

 Although I read this short book as a preparation to visiting Manchester Museum where the two brothers reside, it is well worth reading in its own right. In seven short chapters the author covers the discovery of the Two Brother's tomb, the artifacts and the historical background, and the various investigations of the mummies.  This is an academic book in a popular style and is well written. The material is presented in detail but is never too heavy. Well worth reading with or without a trip to the Manchester Museum.

 Rutherford Press Ltd., 144 pages

 

 

James S. A. Corey, 'Abaddon's Gates: Book 3 of the Expanse'

This is the third novel in the Expanse series, and so far, it's the one that I've enjoyed the most. The authors have done a good job of both keeping the alien presence in full view, whilst simultaneously moving it into the background and allowing human politics to move the foreground. A good continuation to the series

Orbit Books, Kindle edition

 

 

Christopher Logue, 'War Music, An Account of Homer Iliad' (ed. Christopher Reid)

Although I have already read and reviewed most of the individual volumes that make up this volume, this is something special; the final 'definitive' version of Logue's Homer, collecting together all the previously published material. I noticed numerous small differences between the text here and the earlier versions, evidence of Logue's continued engagement. The texts are still as gripping now as the first time I read them. Especially valuable is the appendix which contains the collected sketches for 'Big Men Falling a Long Way' which would have been the final volume of the series. Competing this excellent book are interesting and perceptive comments by the book's editor Christopher Reid.

Very highly recommended.

 Faber and Faber, Kindle version

 

 

Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman, 'The Mighty Thor, Thunder in Her Veins'

This continues the saga of the female Thor. As I have worked though this series I have enjoyed it more and more. In this volume, we deal much more with who Thor is and the price that she is paying. I found the story engaging and the artwork excellent. I look forward to more in this series.

Marvel

 

 

Rowland White, 'Into the Black'

This is the story of the first flight of the Space Shuttle, the crew who flew her and the people on the ground who made it work. I found especially interesting the description of the use of security assets to observe the state of the shuttle whilst in orbit. A good read, well written, fast paced but not superficial.

Recommended.

Penguin, Books, 436 pages

 

 

James S. A. Corey, 'Cibola Burn'

This is the fourth book in the Expanse series. I enjoyed it, but the formula is now becoming very clear. This is very much like the others in the series. It is good, but not great. The series might benefit from a change in direction, or from a refocusing.

But if you've enjoyed the earlier novel then there's no reason not to continue onto this one.

Orbit Books, Kindle version

 

 

Warren Ellis, Declan Shalvey, Jordie Bellaire, 'Injection, volume one'

This is an enjoyably atmospheric graphic novel which mixes hi-tech with the supernatural. Story and artwork are good; and although clearly intended to lay out the background for a series, it still manages to tell a good story. Recommended.

Image Comics Inc