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Steve Wruble, Bandy X. Lee, Craig Malkin

The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump : 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President

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This book could be a good read for those interested in understanding the mental health implications of a U.S. President and how it can impact an entire nation. The book presents a consensus view by more than two dozen psychiatrists and mental health experts, drawing attention to the potential consequences of ignoring a president's mental instability and the duty to warn America. It particularly highlights the author's concerns on Trump's impulsiveness, personality disorder, and its dangerous consequences. It is a thought-provoking book that will make you question the sanity and stability of a leader with access to nuclear weapons.

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John Brockman

This Explains Everything : Deep, Beautiful, and Elegant Theories of How the World Works

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In This Explains Everything, John Brockman, founder and publisher of Edge.org, asked experts in numerous fields and disciplines to come up with their favorite explanations for everyday occurrences. Why do we recognize patterns? Is there such a thing as positive stress? Are we genetically programmed to be in conflict with each other? Those are just some of the 150 questions that the world's best scientific minds answer with elegant simplicity.With contributions from Jared Diamond, Richard Dawkins, Nassim Taleb, Brian Eno, Steven Pinker, and more, everything is explained in fun, uncomplicated terms that make the most complex concepts easy to comprehend.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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Alain de Botton's "The Art of Travel" isn't your average travel guide. If you've ever felt that traveling was more than stamping your passport, this book is a thoughtful companion. It intertwines philosophy, literature, and art to dive deep into the reasons behind why we travel and what we can truly gain from it. Through this insightful exploration, you might just discover a new way of seeing your journeys, making them richer and more fulfilling.

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Timothy Snyder

On Tyranny : Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century

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A historian of fascism offers a guide for surviving and resisting America’s turn towards authoritarianism.On November 9th, millions of Americans woke up to the impossible: the election of Donald Trump as president. Against all predictions, one of the most-disliked presidential candidates in history had swept the electoral college, elevating a man with open contempt for democratic norms and institutions to the height of power.Timothy Snyder is one of the most celebrated historians of the Holocaust. In his books Bloodlands and Black Earth, he has carefully dissected the events and values that enabled the rise of Hitler and Stalin and the execution of their catastrophic policies. With Twenty Lessons, Snyder draws from the darkest hours of the twentieth century to provide hope for the twenty-first. As he writes, “Americans are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism and communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience.”Twenty Lessons is a call to arms and a guide to resistance, with invaluable ideas for how we can preserve our freedoms in the uncertain years to come.

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Jim Al-Khalili

Paradox: The Nine Greatest Enigmas in Physics

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If you're intrigued by puzzles and the mysteries of the universe, "Paradox" could be an exhilarating exploration for you. Dr. Jim Al-Khalili presents some of the most befuddling paradoxes in physics with clarity and wit. This book is like a workout for your brain, inviting you to think in new ways while uncovering the magic behind what initially seems impossible. It's perfect if you're after something to challenge your understanding and excite your curiosity.

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Carlo Rovelli

Seven Brief Lessons on Physics

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Everything you need to know about modern physics, the universe and our place in the world in seven enlightening lessons 'Here, on the edge of what we know, in contact with the ocean of the unknown, shines the mystery and the beauty of the world. And it's breathtaking'These seven short lessons guide us, with simplicity and clarity, through the scientific revolution that shook physics in the twentieth century and still continues to shake us today. In this mind-bending introduction to modern physics, Carlo Rovelli explains Einstein's theory of general relativity, quantum mechanics, black holes, the complex architecture of the universe, elementary particles, gravity, and the nature of the mind. Not since Richard Feynman's celebrated Six Easy Pieces has physics been so vividly, intelligently and entertainingly revealed.

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E.B. White

On Democracy

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A New York Times Book Review New & Noteworthy Title A collection of essays, letters and poems from E.B. White, “one of the country’s great literary treasures” ( New York Times) , centered on the subject of freedom and democracy in America. “I am a member of a party of one, and I live in an age of fear.” These words were written by E. B. White in 1947. Decades before our current political turmoil, White crafted eloquent yet practical political statements that continue to resonate. “There’s only one kind of press that’s any good—” he proclaimed, “a press free from any taint of the government.” He condemned the trend of defamation, arguing that “in doubtful, doubting days, national morality tends to slip and slide toward a condition in which the test of a man’s honor is his zeal for discovering dishonor in others.” And on the spread of fascism he lamented, “fascism enjoys at the moment an almost perfect climate for growth—a world of fear and hunger.” Anchored by an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham, this concise collection of essays, letters, and poems from one of this country’s most eminent literary voices offers much-needed historical context for our current state of the nation—and hope for the future of our society. Speaking to Americans at a time of uncertainty, when democracy itself has come under threat, he reminds us, “As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman . . . the scene is not desolate.”

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Amartya Sen

The Argumentative Indian : Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity

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India is a very diverse country with many distinct pursuits, vastly different convictions, widely divergent customs, and a veritable feast of viewpoints. The Argumentative Indian brings together an illuminating selection of writings from Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen that outline the need to understand contemporary India in the light of its long argumentative tradition. The understanding and use of this rich argumentative tradition are critically important, Sen argues, for the success of India's democracy, the defence of its secular politics, the removal of inequalities related to class, caste, gender and community, and the pursuit of sub-continental peace.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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The Art of Travel is a thought-provoking book that delves into how travel can bring meaning and purpose to our lives. Alain de Botton presents a philosophical and reflective perspective on travel, which can make readers question their own motivations for exploring the world. His writing style is engaging and humorous, making the book an enjoyable read. If you're looking for a book that challenges how you think about travel, and puts into words some of the intangible aspects of it, then The Art of Travel is for you.

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Alain de Botton

The Consolations of Philosophy

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Alternate Cover Edition can be found here. From the internationally heralded author of How Proust Can Change Your Life comes this remarkable new book that presents the wisdom of some of the greatest thinkers of the ages as advice for our day to day struggles.Solace for the broken heart can be found in the words of Schopenhauer. The ancient Greek Epicurus has the wisest, and most affordable, solution to cash flow problems. A remedy for impotence lies in Montaigne. Seneca offers advice upon losing a job. And Nietzsche has shrewd counsel for everything from loneliness to illness. The Consolations of Philosophy is a book as accessibly erudite as it is useful and entertaining.

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Arundhati Roy

The Ordinary Person's Guide to Empire

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If you're feeling overwhelmed by the state of global politics and crave an incisive voice that cuts through the noise, Arundhati Roy's "The Ordinary Person's Guide to Empire" is for you. Roy takes no prisoners as she examines injustices and challenges democratic ideals, making this collection a provoking commentary that's perfect if you're looking to fuel your activism with informed perspectives.

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Sarah Thornton

Seven Days In The Art World

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If you're intrigued by what happens behind the canvas, "Seven Days In The Art World" offers a rich, immersive journey. Thornton's narrative is like a backstage pass to the esoteric and glamorous facets of the art world—you'll feel as if you're right there, from the pressure of the classroom to the buzz of the auction house. It's a must-read for anyone with a passion for modern art and the culture that surrounds it.

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Friedrich Nietzsche, R.J. Hollingdale, J.P. Stern

Untimely Meditations

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本书是尼采中晚期作品,收录了尼采四篇“沉思”:《《施特劳斯――表白者和作家》《历史学对于生活的利与弊》《作为教育者的叔本华》和《瓦格纳在拜雷特》,前两篇探讨消极的,令人忧虑的现象:“知识庸人”施特劳斯和历史学,后两篇是对神圣的救世主形象叔本华和瓦格纳的颂歌。尼采在本书中完成了一种彻底的重新评价,他将“不合时宜”等同于单纯性和真诚性的高贵品质,认为被敬仰和喜爱的哲学家在其关于生活价值的问题中想到的从来不是合乎时宜的德性,而是一种应当追求的更高和更纯洁的品质。

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Kakuzō Okakura, Christopher E.G. Benfey

The Book of Tea

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Ostensibly a modest treatise on the tea ceremony, The Book of Tea is also a sardonic and insightful examination of the Western view of Japan and its civilization, from a Japanese citizen who was given such a thoroughly Western education that he learned nothing of his traditional culture until he was eleven. This book also suggests a deep connection between beauty and war, and between flowers and social mores. When first published, The Book of Tea fascinated foreign audiences with the major role of tea and its many ceremonies have played in the culture of Japan. This edition is accompanied by an introduction by Christopher Benfey, which explores Okakura's career in the arts establishment, his flair for the English language and his relationship with the United States, and includes suggested further reading.

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Christopher Hitchens, Edward W. Said

Peace and Its Discontents Essays on Palestine in the Middle East Peace Process

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If you're someone who craves insightful political analysis, Said's "Peace and Its Discontents" could leave you both enlightened and perhaps a bit unsettled. The book challenges mainstream perspectives on the tumultuous peace process in the Middle East. It's a thought-provoking read that might change your understanding of international relations and equity in the region. It’s particularly eye-opening if you appreciate books that don't shy away from critiquing popular narratives.

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Erich Fromm

On Disobedience : Why Freedom Means Saying "no" to Power

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This book is a great read for individuals who want to understand the importance of dissent in society. Fromm's essays argue that for a society to function humanely, it requires individuals who are willing to rebel against power structures. Fromm's writing is thought-provoking, and he argues persuasively that disobedience is essential to individual authenticity and our preservation as a species. On Disobedience is not just a critique of modern society but also a call to action, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in political theory and philosophy.

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Walter Benjamin

The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

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This book delves into the intersection between art and technology, questioning the impact of mass reproducibility on the meaning and value of art. It challenges conventional notions of artistic authenticity and explores how mechanical reproduction has transformed the way we perceive and engage with art. If you're curious about the ever-changing relationship between art and technology, this thought-provoking read will offer you new perspectives and insights.

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James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay

The Federalist Papers

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"This country and this people seem to have been made for each other, and it appears as if it was the design of Providence, that an inheritance so proper and convenient for a band of brethren ... should never be split into a number of unsocial, jealous, and alien sovereignties." So wrote John Jay, one of the revolutionary authors of The Federalist Papers, arguing that if the United States was truly to be a single nation, its leaders would have to agree on universally binding rules of governance--in short, a constitution. In a brilliant set of essays, Jay and his colleagues Alexander Hamilton and James Madison explored in minute detail the implications of establishing a kind of rule that would engage as many citizens as possible and that would include a system of checks and balances. Their arguments proved successful in the end, and The Federalist Papers stand as key documents in the founding of the United States.

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Charles Krauthammer

Things That Matter : Three Decades of Passions. Passtimes and Politics

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From America’s preeminent columnist, named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in the nation, the long-awaited collection of Charles Krauthammer’s essential, timeless writings.   A brilliant stylist known for an uncompromising honesty that challenges conventional wisdom at every turn, Krauthammer has for decades daz­zled readers with his keen insight into politics and government. His weekly column is a must-read in Washington and across the country. Now, finally, the best of Krauthammer’s intelligence, erudition and wit are collected in one volume.   Readers will find here not only the country’s leading conservative thinker offering a pas­sionate defense of limited government, but also a highly independent mind whose views—on feminism, evolution and the death penalty, for example—defy ideological convention. Things That Matter also features several of Krautham­mer’s major path-breaking essays—on bioeth­ics, on Jewish destiny and on America’s role as the world’s superpower—that have pro­foundly influenced the nation’s thoughts and policies. And finally, the collection presents a trove of always penetrating, often bemused re­flections on everything from border collies to Halley’s Comet, from Woody Allen to Win­ston Churchill, from the punishing pleasures of speed chess to the elegance of the perfectly thrown outfield assist.   With a special, highly autobiographical in­troduction in which Krauthammer reflects on the events that shaped his career and political philosophy, this indispensible chronicle takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the fashions and follies, the tragedies and triumphs, of the last three decades of American life.

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Astra Taylor

Democracy May Not Exist, But We'll Miss It When It's Gone

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This book is a thought-provoking exploration that challenges our assumptions about democracy. With philosophical depth and captivating anecdotes, Astra Taylor sheds light on the inherent paradoxes and unrecognized contradictions within democracy. Through interviews with leading thinkers and analysis of historical events, Taylor invites us to question what democracy truly means. If you're interested in understanding the complexities and limitations of democratic systems, this book is a must-read.

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Soetsu Yanagi

The Beauty of Everyday Things

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"The Beauty of Everyday Things" explores the beauty in everyday, unassuming objects that we often take for granted. Yanagi argues that these items should be made with care and built to last, and be appreciated for their simplicity and functionality. Readers who are interested in minimalism and mindful living would find this book inspiring, as it encourages a deeper connection with the objects in our lives that we interact with daily. Yanagi's emphasis on handcrafted items and respect for tradition may also appeal to those interested in sustainability and slow living.

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James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay

The Federalist (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)

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The Federalist, by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, is part of the Barnes & Noble Classics series, which offers quality editions at affordable prices to the student and the general reader, including new scholarship, thoughtful design, and pages of carefully crafted extras. Here are some of the remarkable features of Barnes & Noble Classics:All editions are beautifully designed and are printed to superior specifications; some include illustrations of historical interest. Barnes & Noble Classics pulls together a constellation of influences—biographical, historical, and literary—to enrich each reader's understanding of these enduring works. A classic of American political thought, The Federalist is a series of eighty-five essays by three authors—Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay—the purpose of which was to gain support for the proposed new Constitution of the United States, a document that many considered too radical. Most of the “papers” were published in periodicals as the vote on approving it drew near. Without the support of these powerfully persuasive essays, the Constitution most likely would not have been ratified and America might not have survived as a nation. Beginning with an assault upon the country’s first constitution, the Articles of Confederation, the authors of The Federalist present a masterly defense of the new system. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay—three of our most influential founders—comment brilliantly on issue after issue, whether it be the proper size and scope of government, taxation, or impeachment. Today lawmakers and politicians frequently invoke these commentaries, more than 200 years after they first appeared. Written in haste and during a time of great crisis in the new American government, the articles were not expected to achieve immortality. Today, however, many historians consider The Federalist as the third most important political document in American history, just behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution itself. They have become the benchmark of American political philosophy, and the best explanation of what the Founding Fathers were trying to achieve. Robert A. Ferguson is George Edward Woodberry Professor in Law, Literature, and Criticism at Columbia University; he teaches in both the Law School and the English Department. His books include Law and Letters in American Culture, The American Enlightenment, 1750–1820, and Reading the Early Republic.

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Omar Saif Ghobash

Letters to a Young Muslim

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"Letters to a Young Muslim" could be an eye-opener for you if you're eager to delve into the complexities confronting modern Muslims, especially in the context of extremism and cultural integration. Omar Saif Ghobash's approach is both diplomatic and paternal, offering a unique perspective that's accessible and thought-provoking. It's not just a father's advice to his sons, but a candid exploration of what it means to be a Muslim today, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding these challenges.

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Christopher Hitchens

And Yet... : Essays

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Christopher Hitchens was an unparalleled, prolific writer, who raised the polemical essay to a new art form, over a lifetime of thinking and debating the defining issues of our times. As an essayist he contributed to the New Statesman, Atlantic Monthly, London Review of Books, TLS and Vanity Fair. Any publication of a volume of Hitchens’ essays was a major event on both sides of the Atlantic. Now comes the last of the last; a volume of Hitchens’ previously uncollected essays, covering the themes that define Hitchens the thinker: literature, religion and politics. These essays remind us, once more, of the fierce, brilliant and trenchant voice of Christopher Hitchens.

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Thomas Browne

Religio Medici : The Religion of a Doctor

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Religio Medici could be a good read for those looking for an introspective and intellectual exploration of one's faith and religious beliefs. Thomas Browne's unique perspective, rejecting religious dictations and instead relying on reason and the Bible, can offer readers a refreshing take on the Christian faith. The book's structure upon Christian virtues allows for a deeper exploration of the self, making it a great choice for those who enjoy spiritual and philosophical reads.

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Bertrand Russell

An Outline of Philosophy

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If you're intrigued by the deeper questions of existence and knowledge, then "An Outline of Philosophy" by Bertrand Russell might be for you. It's a thought-provoking dive into philosophical inquiry by one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. Russell will guide you through complex ideas with clarity, providing insights that could shift the way you perceive the world and your place in it.

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C. Wright Mills, Max Weber, Hans H. Gerth

From Max Weber : Essays in Sociology

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An introduction to the work of the greatest German sociologist and a key figure in the development of present-day sociological thought.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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Any Baedeker will tell us where we ought to travel, but only Alain de Botton will tell us how and why. With the same intelligence and insouciant charm he brought to How Proust Can Save Your Life, de Botton considers the pleasures of anticipation; the allure of the exotic, and the value of noticing everything from a seascape in Barbados to the takeoffs at Heathrow. Even as de Botton takes the reader along on his own peregrinations, he also cites such distinguished fellow-travelers as Baudelaire, Wordsworth, Van Gogh, the biologist Alexander von Humboldt, and the 18th-century eccentric Xavier de Maistre, who catalogued the wonders of his bedroom. The Art of Travel is a wise and utterly original book. Don’t leave home without it.

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Alex Danchev

100 Artists' Manifestos : From the Futurists to the Stuckists

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If you are interested in the history of art movements and enjoy reading manifestos, this book is perfect for you. It features 100 manifestos from various art movements over the last 100 years, including Futurism and Surrealism, and introduces the authors and their associated movements. The book is ideal for students of art, architecture, and film who want to understand the revolutionary ideas that have shaped the art world as we know it.

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Rebecca Solnit

Hope In The Dark : Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities

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At a time when political, environmental and social gloom can seem overpowering, this remarkable work offers a lucid, affirmative and well-argued case for hope.Hope in the Dark traces a history of activism and social change over the past five decades – from the fall of the Berlin Wall, to the worldwide marches against the war in Iraq. Following in the footsteps of the last century's thinkers – including Woolf, Gandhi, Borges, Benjamin and Havel – Solnit conjures a timeless vision of cause and effect that will light our way through the dark, and lead us to profound and effective political engagement.

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Toni Morrison

Race : Vintage Minis

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Morrison's exploration of race is a beautifully written, hard-hitting reminder of the impact of racism on individuals, society, and the world at large. Through her masterful storytelling, Morrison takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the legacy of racism and its impact on our lives. This book is perfect for anyone looking to better understand the complexities of race and its impact on our lives.

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Thomas de Quincey

On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts

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If you're intrigued by the macabre yet appreciate the satirical, "On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts" by Thomas de Quincey will delight your darker sensibilities. This essay weaves philosophy with a gallows humor that scrutinizes the idea of aestheticizing the heinous. De Quincey's unique perspective and wit may just have you reevaluating the fine line between art and morality.

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Julian Baggini

A Short History Of Truth - Consolations For A Post-Truth World

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A Short History of Truth provides a comprehensive exploration of truth and falsehood, identifying ten types of supposed truth and explaining how each can lead to falsehood. Baggini emphasizes the need for skepticism and autonomy in the search for truth, and provides a guide for those seeking to restore faith in the value and possibility of truth as a social enterprise. This book may be a good read for those interested in philosophy, epistemology, and current debates surrounding truth and "alternative facts".

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Megan Marshall, Robert D. Richardson Jr.

Three Roads Back: How Emerson, Thoreau, and William James Responded to the Greatest Losses of Their Lives

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From their acclaimed biographer, a final, powerful book about how Emerson, Thoreau, and William James forged resilience from devastating loss, changing the course of American thoughtIn Three Roads Back , Robert Richardson, the author of magisterial biographies of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and William James, tells the connected stories of how these foundational American writers and thinkers dealt with personal tragedies early in their careers. For Emerson, it was the death of his young wife and, eleven years later, his five-year-old son; for Thoreau, it was the death of his brother; and for James, it was the death of his beloved cousin Minnie Temple. Filled with rich biographical detail and unforgettable passages from the journals and letters of Emerson, Thoreau, and James, these vivid and moving stories of loss and hard-fought resilience show how the writers’ responses to these deaths helped spur them on to their greatest work, influencing the birth and course of American literature and philosophy.In reaction to his traumatic loss, Emerson lost his Unitarian faith and found solace in nature. Thoreau, too, leaned on nature and its regenerative power, discovering that “death is the law of new life,” an insight that would find expression in Walden . And James, following a period of panic and despair, experienced a redemptive conversion and new ideas that would drive his work as a psychologist and philosopher. As Richardson shows, all three emerged from their grief with a new way of seeing, one shaped by a belief in what Emerson called “the deep remedial force that underlies all facts.”An inspiring book about resilience and the new growth and creativity that can stem from devastating loss, Three Roads Back is also an extraordinary account of the hidden wellsprings of American thought.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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"The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton is the perfect read for those curious about the philosophical aspects of travel. This book uses the insights of various artists and writers to delve into why travel can be such a transformative experience. The author provides a refreshing take on the subject matter, exploring how travel can teach us about ourselves and the world around us. If you're looking for a unique and enlightening read on the joys and challenges of travel, this is the book for you."

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Pyotr Kropotkin

Anarchist Communism

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The humane yet devastating critique of how modern society is organized with the brutal few clinging onto their wealth and privileges at the expense of the manyPeter Kropotkin's anarchist texts had a fundamental impact on 19th and 20th century radicals of all kinds. These essays from T he Conquest of Bread are bravura examples of his optimistic and angry vision of a world in which the just actions of the many can destroy the grip of the few.Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives--and upended them. Now Penguin brings you a new set of the acclaimed Great Ideas, a curated library of selections from the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.

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Erich Auerbach, Willard R. Trask

Mimesis : The Representation of Reality in Western Literature - Fiftieth-Anniversary Edition

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A half-century after its translation into English, Erich Auerbach's Mimesis still stands as a monumental achievement in literary criticism. A brilliant display of erudition, wit, and wisdom, his exploration of how great European writers from Homer to Virginia Woolf depicted reality has taught generations how to read Western literature. This new expanded edition includes a substantial essay in introduction by Edward Said as well as an essay, never before translated into English, in which Auerbach responds to his critics.A German Jew, Auerbach was forced out of his professorship at the University of Marburg in 1935. He left for Turkey, where he taught at the state university in Istanbul. There he wrote Mimesis , publishing it in German after the end of the war. Displaced as he was, Auerbach produced a work of great erudition that contains no footnotes, basing his arguments instead on searching, illuminating readings of key passages from his primary texts. His aim was to show how from antiquity to the twentieth century literature progressed toward ever more naturalistic and democratic forms of representation. This essentially optimistic view of European history now appears as a defensive--and impassioned--response to the inhumanity he saw in the Third Reich. Ranging over works in Greek, Latin, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and English, Auerbach used his remarkable skills in philology and comparative literature to refute any narrow form of nationalism or chauvinism, in his own day and ours.For many readers, both inside and outside the academy, Mimesis is among the finest works of literary criticism ever written.

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Arundhati Roy

War Talk

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As the United States pushes for war on Iraq, Arundhati Roy, the internationally acclaimed author of The God of Small Things, addresses issues of democracy and dissent, racism and empire, and war and peace in this collection of new essays. The eloquence, passion, and political insight of Roy’s political essays have added legions of readers to those already familiar with her Booker Prize-winning novel. -Invited to lecture as part of the prestigious Lannan -Foundation series on the first anniversary of the unconscionable attacks of September 11, 2001, Roy challenged those who equate dissent with being "anti-American." Her previous essays on globalization and dissent have led many to see Roy as "India's most impassioned critic of globalization and American influence" ( New York Times ). War Talk collects new essays by this prolific writer. Her work highlights the global rise of religious and racial violence. From the horrific pogroms against Muslims in Gujarat, India, to U.S. demands for a war on Iraq, Roy confronts the call to militarism. Desperately working against the backdrop of the nuclear recklessness between her homeland and Pakistan, she calls into question the equation of nation and ethnicity. And throughout her essays, Roy interrogates her own roles as "writer" and "activist." "If [Roy] continues to upset the globalization applecart like a Tom Paine pamphleteer, she will either be greatly honored or thrown in jail," wrote Pawl Hawken in Wired Magazine. In fact she was jailed in March 2002, when -India's Supreme Court found Roy in contempt of the court after months of attempting to silence her criticism of the government. Fully annotated versions of all Roy's most recent -essays, including her acclaimed Lannan Foundation -lecture from September 2002, are included in War Talk . Arundhati Roy is the winner of the Lannan Foundation’s Prize for Cultural Freedom, 2002, and will be returning to the U.S. in association with the Lannan Foundation in 2003. Roy’s most recent collection of essays, Power Politics , now in its second edition, sold over 25,000 copies in its first 12 months.

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Oliver Todd, Albert Camus, Anthony Bower

The Rebel

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"The Rebel" could truly speak to you if you find yourself captivated by the intersections of history, philosophy, and human action. Albert Camus masterfully ponders over the role of rebellion throughout the ages, dissecting it as a force for potential good against oppressive systems. It's more than a historical account; it's a deep, existential consideration of our desire to resist and transform the world, framed by a mind that's both poetic and critical. If you're into works that challenge your perspective, this will resonate with you.

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Dostoyevsky Reads Hegel in Siberia and Bursts Into Tears
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Ottilie Mulzet, László F. Földényi

Dostoyevsky Reads Hegel in Siberia and Bursts Into Tears

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If you find yourself drawn to profound contemplations that grapple with the grand consequences of a post-religious world, Laszlo F. Földenyi's essay collection might just resonate with you. With a style that echoes Montaigne's reflections, Benjamin's cultural scrutiny, and Mann's literary depth, this book offers a labyrinth of thoughts that aren't just intellectually stimulating but also woven with a passionate quest for metaphysical and moral understanding. It's a dense read, but if you're the type who embraces a challenge and seeks to explore the depths of human thought and history, you'll find this collection a rewarding endeavor.

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Friedrich Nietzsche, R.J. Hollingdale, J.P. Stern

Untimely Meditations

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本书是尼采中晚期作品,收录了尼采四篇“沉思”:《《施特劳斯――表白者和作家》《历史学对于生活的利与弊》《作为教育者的叔本华》和《瓦格纳在拜雷特》,前两篇探讨消极的,令人忧虑的现象:“知识庸人”施特劳斯和历史学,后两篇是对神圣的救世主形象叔本华和瓦格纳的颂歌。尼采在本书中完成了一种彻底的重新评价,他将“不合时宜”等同于单纯性和真诚性的高贵品质,认为被敬仰和喜爱的哲学家在其关于生活价值的问题中想到的从来不是合乎时宜的德性,而是一种应当追求的更高和更纯洁的品质。

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Chuck Klosterman

I Wear the Black Hat : Grappling with Villains (Real and Imagined)

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I would recommend this book to those interested in analyzing modern culture's understanding and fascination with villainy. Klosterman's humorous tone and thought-provoking hypotheticals make for an accessible yet perceptive read. Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the complexity of antiheroes and the contradictory ways we perceive them in American culture.

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Yvette Cooper

She Speaks : Women's Speeches That Changed the World, from Pankhurst to Thunberg

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Looking at the greatest speeches of all time, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Elizabeth I and Boudica were about the only women to have dipped a toe into the pool of public oratory. But the truth is very different - countless brave and bold women have used their voices to inspire change, transform lives and radically alter history.In this timely and personal anthology, Yvette Cooper MP tells the story of 30 inspirational speeches given by women. From Boudica to Margaret Thatcher and from Malala to gun-control activist Emma Gonzalez, each speech will be reproduced in full and introduced by Yvette. This is not only a much-needed celebration of women's speeches throughout history, but also proof that powerful and persuasive oratory can be decidedly female.

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John Stuart Mill

On Liberty

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If you're intrigued by the vital importance of personal freedom and the dangers of societal conformity, John Stuart Mill's "On Liberty" is a cornerstone text that you shouldn't miss. This engaging classic offers a profound insight into the rights of individuals versus the powers of society and government, and its arguments continue to resonate in today's discussions on liberty and individuality. It's a compelling read for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, philosophical contemplation on human rights.

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Joseph Campbell

The Flight of the Wild Gander: Explorations in the Mythological Dimension―Selected Essays 1944–1968

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If you're fascinated by how stories shape our understanding of the world, "The Flight of the Wild Gander" by Joseph Campbell is a journey worth taking. Campbell's expertise in mythology illuminates the paths these ancient narratives have carved through history and into our collective psyche. It's an exploration of the enduring power of myth and its relevance in modern life, ideal for anyone seeking to delve into the complexities of human storytelling and cultural evolution.

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Primo Levi

The Drowned and the Saved

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The Drowned and the Saved is a must-read book for anyone interested in understanding the Holocaust and its long-term impact. Through his honest and powerful essays, Primo Levi challenges the popular narratives about the Holocaust and sheds light on the experiences of both victims and oppressors. His introspective approach to memory and trauma makes this book a valuable resource for students and literary readers alike. His personal experiences as a survivor bring the Holocaust to life and honor the resiliency of the human spirit.

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Seneca

On the Shortness of Life

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"This book is a must-read for those seeking guidance on how to live a fulfilling life. Seneca's Stoic teachings remind us to value time, exercise reason, and live with moral integrity. The author's eloquence and lucidity add a timeless appeal to a topic that remains relevant today. Readers will come away with a different perspective on the brevity of life, and how to make the most of the time they have."

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Brief Answers to the Big Questions
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Stephen Hawking

Brief Answers to the Big Questions

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If you've ever been captivated by the night sky or found yourself pondering the purpose of our existence, Stephen Hawking's "Brief Answers to the Big Questions" can offer you the intellectual company of a brilliant mind. It's written for anyone who's curious about the universe beyond our day-to-day, merging science with philosophy in a way that's both challenging and accessible. It's a book that invites you to stretch your mind, providing both wonderment and clarity.

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Alain de Botton

The Architecture of Happiness

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The Achitecture of Happiness is a dazzling and generously illustrated journey through the philosophy and psychology of architecture and the indelible connection between our identities and our locations.One of the great but often unmentioned causes of both happiness and misery is the quality of our the kinds of walls, chairs, buildings, and streets that surround us. And yet a concern for architecture is too often described as frivolous, even self-indulgent. Alain de Botton starts from the idea that where we are heavily influences who we can be, and argues that it is architecture's task to stand as an eloquent reminder of our full potential.

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Omar Saif Ghobash

Letters to a Young Muslim

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"In a series of personal letters to his sons, Omar Saif Ghobash offers a short and highly readable manifesto that tackles our current global crisis with the training of an experienced diplomat and the personal responsibility of a father. Today's young Muslims will be tomorrow's leaders, and yet too many are vulnerable to extremist propaganda that seems omnipresent in our technological age. The burning question, Ghobash argues, is how moderate Muslims can unite to find a voice that is true to Islam while actively and productively engaging in the modern world. What does it mean to be a good Muslim?What is the concept of a good life? And is it acceptable to stand up and openly condemn those who take the Islamic faith and twist it to suit their own misguided political agendas? In taking a hard look at these seemingly simple questions, Ghobash encourages his sons to face issues others insist are not relevant, not applicable, or may even be Islamophobic. These letters serve as a clear-eyed inspiration for the next generation of Muslims to understand how to be faithful to their religion and still navigate through the complexities of today's world. They also reveal an intimate glimpse into a world many are unfamiliar with and offer to provide an understanding of the everyday struggles Muslims face around the globe."

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