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Andy Warhol

The Philosophy of Andy Warhol

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Diving into this book, you're essentially sitting down to a candid conversation with Andy Warhol himself. It's not just a glimpse into his artistic vision but also a walk through his personal thoughts on everyday topics. You'll see Warhol in a more human light, far from the untouchable persona often portrayed in media—an endearing read for anyone intrigued by the mingling of celebrity culture with the mundane.

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Thomas Paine

Rights of Man

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"Rights of Man" by Thomas Paine could resonate with you if you're passionate about political philosophy and the fight for democracy and human rights. It's recognized as a foundational work that has shaped democratic ideals and advocacy for social justice. Paine's arguments are accessible, impassioned, and as relevant today as they were in the 18th century, especially if you're interested in the historical roots of modern political thought and activism.

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Joshua Wong, Ai Weiwei, Jason Y. Ng

Unfree Speech : The Threat to Global Democracy and Why We Must Act, Now

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Unfree Speech is an inspiring call to action, chronicling the story of Joshua Wong- a young activist and his journey to fight for democracy. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of democracy and wants to understand the importance of free speech in today's world. It is an urgent manifesto that highlights the need to defend our democracies, wherever we are in the world, and why we must act now. Joshua Wong's message is powerful- when we stay silent, no one is safe, but when we free our speech, our voice becomes one. This book is an inspiring guide to mobilizing for democracy, and it will leave readers motivated to take action and uphold democratic values.

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Ian Fleming

Thrilling Cities

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On November 2nd armed with a sheaf of visas...one suitcase...and my typewriter, I left humdrum London for the thrilling cities of the world...In 1959, Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, was commissioned by the Sunday Times to explore fourteen of the world’s most exotic cities. Fleming saw it all with a thriller writer’s eye. From Hong Kong to Honolulu, New York to Naples, he left the bright main streets for the back alleys, abandoning tourist sites in favour of underground haunts, and mingling with celebrities, gangsters and geishas. The result is a series of vivid snapshots of a mysterious, vanished world.

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The Gift: How the Creative Spirit Transforms the World
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Lewis Hyde

The Gift: How the Creative Spirit Transforms the World

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Are you feeling stifled by today's materialistic world? "The Gift" could be a breath of fresh air, reigniting your belief in the transformative power of creativity. Lewis Hyde masterfully weaves anthropology and literature to show how acts of creativity can be much more than a commodity – they can be life-changing gifts that resonate deeply within our personal and communal lives. It's a compelling read for anyone looking to rediscover the value of creativity and its enduring influence on the human spirit.

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Jean Delumeau, Stephen Jay Gould, Umberto Eco

Conversations About The End Of Time

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If you're drawn to interdisciplinary conversations that touch on philosophy, religion, and science, "Conversations About The End Of Time" could intrigue you. Picture a roundtable with some of the keenest minds, like Umberto Eco, dissecting humanity's fascination with finality and time. It's a blending of the profound with wry humor—a cerebral journey that will resonate if you enjoy contemplating life's great mysteries through a scholarly lens.

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Slavoj Žižek

Like A Thief In Broad Daylight : Power in the Era of Post-Humanity

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Like A Thief In Broad Daylight is a thought-provoking book that appeals to those interested in technology and society. Zizek's insightful analysis of the implications of technological advancement on our society will keep the reader captivated. With a deep understanding of philosophy and technology, Zizek provides a unique perspective on how these two domains intersect in our daily lives. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of technology on humanity.

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Toni Morrison

Race : Vintage Minis

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Is who we are really only skin deep? In this searing, remonstrative book, Toni Morrison unravels race through the stories of those debased and dehumanised because of it. A young black girl longing for the blue eyes of white baby dolls spirals into inferiority and confusion. A friendship falls apart over a disputed memory. An ex-slave is haunted by a lonely, rebukeful ghost, bent on bringing their past home. Strange and unexpected, yet always stirring, Morrison’s writing on race sinks us deep into the heart and mind of our troubled humanity.Includes selections from the books Song of Solomon, The Bluest Eye, Beloved by Toni MorrisonVINTAGE MINIS: GREAT MINDS. BIG IDEAS. LITTLE BOOKS.A series of short books by the world’s greatest writers on the experiences that make us humanFor the full list of books visit vintageminis.co.ukAlso in the Vintage Minis series:Sisters by Louisa May AlcottLove by Jeanette WintersonBabies by Anne EnrightLanguage by Xiaolu Guo

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Stephen Hawking

Brief Answers to the Big Questions : the final book from Stephen Hawking

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This book is a must-read for anyone curious about the mysteries of the universe. With his characteristic wit and wisdom, Stephen Hawking provides thought-provoking insights into some of the most profound questions humanity has pondered. From the existence of God to the possibility of time travel, this book will stretch your mind and spark deep conversations. Prepare to have your worldview challenged and expanded as Hawking guides you through the frontiers of science and philosophy.

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Susan Sontag

On Photography

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Winner of the National Book Critics' Circle Award for Criticism.One of the most highly regarded books of its kind, On Photography first appeared in 1977 and is described by its author as “a progress of essays about the meaning and career of photographs.” It begins with the famous “In Plato’s Cave”essay, then offers five other prose meditations on this topic, and concludes with a fascinating and far-reaching “Brief Anthology of Quotations.”

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Bertrand Russell

Roads to Freedom

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This book could be a good read for you if you've ever felt confined by the expectations of society and are searching for intellectual and philosophical freedom. Bertrand Russell takes you on a thought-provoking journey towards liberation, challenging conventional beliefs and offering alternative perspectives. Through his lucid writing and sharp analysis, he invites you to question the status quo and explore new paths towards personal and societal freedom. Prepare to have your mind expanded and your worldview transformed.

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Slavenka Drakulić

Cafe Europa Revisited : How to Survive Post-Communism

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An evocative and timely collection of essays that paints a portrait of Eastern Europe thirty years after the end of communism.An immigrant with a parrot in Stockholm, a photo of a girl in Lviv, a sculpture of Alexander the Great in Skopje, a memorial ceremony for the 50th anniversary of the Soviet led army invasion of Prague: these are a few glimpses of life in Eastern Europe today. Three decades after the Velvet Revolution, Slavenka Drakulic, the author of Cafe Europa and A Guided Tour of the Museum Of Communism, takes a look at what has changed and what has remained the same in the region in her daring new essay collection.Totalitarianism did not die overnight and democracy did not completely transform Eastern European societies. Looking closely at artefacts and day to day life, from the health insurance cards to national monuments, and popular films to cultural habits, alongside pieces of growing nationalism and Brexit, these pieces of political reportage dive into the reality of a Europe still deeply divided.

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William Howarth, W.S. Merwin, Henry David Thoreau

Walden, or, Life in the Woods and "Civil Disobedience"

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"Walden" isn't just a book; it's an experience to remind us of the joy of simplicity. Thoreau's thoughtful insights into self-sufficiency and his critique of materialism resonate even in today's busy world. You might find yourself reassessing what's truly important in life. Plus, "Civil Disobedience" complements this by questioning society's norms and encourages you to think about the role of governance in personal freedom. It's a compelling duo for anyone yearning for a deeper connection with self and nature, or those seeking intellectual stimulation about individual and societal values.

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Anne Drayton, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

The Physiology of Taste

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First published in 1825, this book is a brilliant treatise on the pleasures of eating and the rich arts of food, wine, and philosophy, written by a famed French gastronome. This edition includes recipes.

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Timothy Ferris

The World Treasury of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics

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More than sixty works by famous science writers including Richard Feynmen, and Albert Einstein.

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Botton Alain De

The Architecture of Happiness

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The Architecture of Happiness is a great read for anyone interested in understanding the significance of design and architecture and how they can impact our well-being. Alain de Botton explores the philosophy behind the design of buildings and questions why we find certain spaces aesthetically pleasing. His writing style is thought-provoking and engaging, making this book a must-read for architecture enthusiasts and anyone looking to create their dream space.

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Albert Einstein

Ideas And Opinions

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Ideas and Opinions is an excellent read for those interested in exploring Einstein's eclectic views in science and society. The book covers various aspects of his life, including his scientific accomplishments, religious and political beliefs, cultural and social opinions, and economic views. The book is a unique and compelling insight into the mind of one of the most significant thinkers of the 20th century, and its engaging and thoughtful content is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

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Stephen Hawking

Black Holes and Baby Universes : And Other Essays

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NY Times bestseller. 13 extraordinary essays shed new light on the mysteries of the universe & on one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time.In his phenomenal bestseller A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking literally transformed the way we think about physics, the universe, reality itself. In these thirteen essays and one remarkable extended interview, the man widely regarded as the most brilliant theoretical physicist since Einstein returns to reveal an amazing array of possibilities for understanding our universe. Building on his earlier work, Hawking discusses imaginary time, how black holes can give birth to baby universes, and scientists’ efforts to find a complete unified theory that would predict everything in the universe. With his characteristic mastery of language, his sense of humor and commitment to plain speaking, Stephen Hawking invites us to know him better—and to share his passion for the voyage of intellect and imagination that has opened new ways to understanding the very nature of the cosmos.

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Robert McAfee Brown, Reinhold Niebuhr

The Essential Reinhold Niebuhr: Selected Essays and Addresses

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Recommended for readers seeking accessible theological insights. The selection of essays provides a good introduction to Niebuhr's thoughts on the life of faith and theological ethics. Users may appreciate Niebuhr's clear communication style and practical understanding of theology.

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Alain de Botton

The Architecture Of Happiness

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Recommendation: This book is a unique and thought-provoking exploration of how our environment influences our happiness and wellbeing. De Botton expertly weaves together philosophical musings with practical applications, making it an excellent read for anyone interested in architecture and design theory. The book offers a fresh perspective on how the aesthetics of our surroundings impact our emotions and experiences.

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Theodore Zeldin

An Intimate History of Humanity

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ASIN: B000UXVDTE Title: An Intimate History of Humanity Product ID: 9780060171605 Product ID Type: ean Binding: hardcover Publication date: 1995

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Ta-Nehisi Coates

Between the World and Me

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This book is a powerful portrayal of the lived experiences of Black Americans and the systemic racism that continues to plague our society. Coates writes with raw honesty and vulnerability to his son, inviting readers to witness his journey of grappling with America's dark past and uncertain future. It is a necessary read for anyone seeking to understand the Black experience in America today.

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Soetsu Yanagi

The Beauty of Everyday Things

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The daily lives of ordinary people are replete with objects, common things used in commonplace settings. These objects are our constant companions in life. As such, writes Soetsu Yanagi, they should be made with care and built to last, treated with respect and even affection. They should be natural and simple, sturdy and safe - the aesthetic result of wholeheartedly fulfilling utilitarian needs. They should, in short, be things of beauty.In an age of feeble and ugly machine-made things, these essays call for us to deepen and transform our relationship with the objects that surround us. Inspired by the work of the simple, humble craftsmen Yanagi encountered during his lifelong travels through Japan and Korea, they are an earnest defence of modest, honest, handcrafted things - from traditional teacups to jars to cloth and paper. Objects like these exemplify the enduring appeal of simplicity and function: the beauty of everyday things.

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Ottmar Edenhofer, Naomi Oreskes, Jon Krosnick

Why Trust Science?

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"Why Trust Science?" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand why science is trustworthy despite its imperfections. With insights from the history and philosophy of science, Naomi Oreskes shows that scientific claims are rigorously vetted through a social process which includes consensus. The book also examines cases where scientists got it wrong and discusses the vital lessons we can learn from them. If you are interested in understanding the role of science in society and how to differentiate truth from falsehood, this book is a great place to start.

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Reni Eddo-Lodge

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race : The #1 Sunday Times Bestseller

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'Every voice raised against racism chips away at its power. We can't afford to stay silent. This book is an attempt to speak'The book that sparked a national conversation. Exploring everything from eradicated black history to the inextricable link between class and race, Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race is the essential handbook for anyone who wants to understand race relations in Britain today.

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Tom Overton, John Berger

Portraits : John Berger on Artists

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This book is perfect for art enthusiasts who want to discover new ways of understanding their favorite artists. Berger's unique storytelling style and analysis provides a fresh perspective that will deepen one's appreciation of great artists. Users can expect to be taken on a journey through centuries of art, exploring the works of the most well-known and cherished artists, as well as discovering the hidden gems in the world of art.

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Chuck Klosterman

Chuck Klosterman X - A Highly Specific, Defiantly Incomplete History Of The Early 21St Century

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Chuck Klosterman X is a great read for pop culture enthusiasts who want to delve into the intricacies of 21st-century art, books, sports, and TV shows. Klosterman provides a unique perspective that is both informative and witty, making the book enjoyable and engaging. The book's most distinctive feature is the author's way of analyzing complex phenomena in a way that makes sense to average readers.

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Bernard Lewis, Edward W. Said, Leon Wieseltier

Power, Politics and Culture : Interviews with Edward W. Said

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No single book has encompassed the vast scope of Edward Said's erudition quite like Power, Politics and Culture - a collection of his interviews from the last three decades. In these twenty-nine interviews, Said addresses everything from Palestine to Pavarotti, from his nomadic upbringing under colonial rule to his politica

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Albert Einstein

The World As I See It

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In a group of essays, letters, and speeches, Einstein relates his views on politics, religion, morality, and the place of science in the modern world

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Olympe de Gouges

The Declaration of the Rights of Women

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This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the origins of feminism and the ongoing struggle for women's rights. Olympe de Gouges' powerful and sarcastic writing style will captivate you, while the inclusion of articles from the UN Declaration on Women's Rights adds a contemporary perspective. With thought-provoking artist interpretations and inspiring quotes from feminist icons, this book brings history to life and reminds us of the importance of continuing the fight for gender equality. Celebrate International Women's Day by rediscovering the texts that paved the way for feminism today.

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George Orwell

Essays by George Orwell

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This outstanding collection brings together Orwell’s longer, major essays and a fine selection of shorter pieces that includes My Country Right or Left, Decline of the English Murder, Shooting an Elephant and A Hanging.With great originality and wit Orwell unfolds his views on subjects ranging from the moral enormity of Jonathan Swift’s strange genius and a revaluation of Charles Dickens to the nature of Socialism, a comic yet profound discussion of naughty sea-side picture postcards and a spirited defence of English cooking. Displaying an almost unrivalled mastery of English plain prose style, Orwell’s essays challenge, move and entertain.

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Peter Conrad

Mythomania : Tales of Our Times, From Apple to Isis

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Despite a proclaimed respect for scientific reason, humans are still as intrigued by myth as their remote ancestors. Laptops and smartphones are sold under a logo that invokes the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden; skimpily clad classical nymphs cavort in TV reality shows; Narcissus makes a comeback whenever we snap a selfie. Mythical creatures such as handsome vampires abound in best-selling novels. Myth has also invaded the political realm, now that terrorists brandish black flags and recite theological mantras as they martyr themselves.In twenty-seven self-contained entries, Peter Conrad illuminates in his own remarkable way subjects from the British Queen to the Kardashians, via Banksy, vaping, Trump’s penthouse, and the inception of the Large Hadron Collider. In Judge Judy, he shows a matronly Roman goddess dispensing justice with a fly swatter. In the metamorphosis of Caitlyn Jenner from Olympic athlete and paterfamilias into idealized female form, he finds parallels to the transformations of the residents of Mount Olympus.Myths used to tell us where we came from. Now, alarmed but also elated by the pace of change in our society, we need them to tell us where we are going.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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This book is for those seeking more than just a travel guide. It delves into the deeper meaning of travel and explores the emotional and philosophical aspects of our journeys. With insightful observations and thought-provoking reflections, Alain de Botton takes readers on a transformative exploration of the art of travel, offering a new perspective on why we travel and how it can enrich our lives. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone dreaming about your next adventure, this book will inspire you to see the world with fresh eyes and find beauty in the everyday.

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Alastair Bonnett

Off the Map : Lost Spaces, Invisible Cities, Forgotten Islands, Feral Places and What They Tell Us About the World

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Off the Map could be a great read for anyone interested in exploring the world beyond the usual tourist destinations. The book provides a fascinating insight into hidden enclaves, secret military towns, and forgotten islands that are not typically found in travel guides. Alastair Bonnett's witty and engaging storytelling makes the book a joy to read, and it is sure to spark the curiosity of those who love to explore the unknown.

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Arguing With Zombies: Economics, Politics, and the Fight for a Better Future
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Paul Krugman

Arguing With Zombies: Economics, Politics, and the Fight for a Better Future

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If you're trying to wrap your head around today's intricate economic and political landscapes, "Arguing With Zombies" can be a game-changer. Paul Krugman breaks down complex concepts with the ease of a seasoned educator. His ability to navigate through the misinformation maze with clarity might be just what you need to make sense of policy debates and the economic jargon thrown around in the news. It's like having a no-nonsense guide by your side, transforming you into a more informed citizen.

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David Runciman

How Democracy Ends

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"How Democracy Ends" is an essential read for those who want to understand the current political climate. Author David Runciman provides a fascinating analysis of how democracy has collapsed in the past and the ways in which it is unraveling in the present day. He offers a sobering warning about the state of democracy and argues that it's up to the people to take responsibility and work to protect it. This book is perfect for those who are interested in politics and want to deepen their understanding of how we got to where we are today.

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Daniel Klein, Thomas Cathcart

Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . . : Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes

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If philosophy always seemed daunting or dry, give this book a whirl. Through clever jokes and approachable language, Cathcart and Klein turn complex philosophical concepts into digestible, entertaining bites. It's like having a chat with your witty friends who can simplify the wisdom of the ages without losing its essence. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of humor with their heavy reading? It might just change the way you think about life's big questions.

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Slavoj Žižek

First As Tragedy, Then As Farce

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Billions of dollars have been hastily poured into the global banking system in a frantic attempt at financial stabilization. So why has it not been possible to bring the same forces to bear in addressing world poverty and environmental crisis?In this take-no-prisoners analysis, Slavoj Žižek frames the moral failures of the modern world in terms of the epoch-making events of the first decade of this century. What he finds is the old one-two punch of history: the jab of tragedy, the right hook of farce. In the attacks of 9/11 and the global credit crunch, liberalism dies twice: as a political doctrine, and as an economic theory.First as Tragedy, Then as Farce is a call for the Left to reinvent itself in the light of our desperate historical situation. The time for liberal, moralistic blackmail is over.

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Thomas Browne

Religio Medici - The Religion Of A Doctor

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Religio Medici The Religion of a Doctor Sir Thomas Browne Religio Medici (The Religion of a Doctor) by Sir Thomas Browne became a European best-seller which brought its author fame and respect throughout England and the continent. Browne's spiritual testament and early psychological self-portrait was finally published in 1643 after an unauthorized version was distributed and reproduced with added text the previous year. Structured upon the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, Religio Medici while thematically upon the Christian faith is also a psychological self-portrait. Whilst discussing Church authority and religious ritualism, Browne rejects them in favour of Reason and The Bible. Browne expresses a belief in salvation "by faith alone," the existence of hell, the day of judgement, the resurrection and other tenets of Protestantism, rejecting the religious dictations of the Pope. There is no Church whose every part so squares unto my Conscience; whose Articles, Constitutions, and Customs seem so consonant unto reason, and as it were framed to my particular Devotion, as this whereof I hold my Belief, the Church of England; to whose Faith I am a sworn Subject, and therefore in a double Obligation subscribe unto her Articles, and endeavour to observe her Constitutions. Whatsoever is beyond, as points indifferent, I observe according to the rules of my private reason, or the humor and fashion of my Devotion; neither believing this, because Luther affirmed it, or disproving that, because Calvin hath disavouched it. I condemn not all things in the Council of Trent, nor approve all in the Synod of Dort. In brief, where the Scripture is silent, the Church is my Text; where that speaks, 'tis but my Comment: where there is a joynt silence of both, I borrow not the rules of my Religion from Rome or Geneva, but the dictates of my own reason.

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Alain de Botton

Status Anxiety

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This book could be a good read for someone who has ever felt the pressure of societal expectations and questioned their own self-worth. Through philosophical insights and thought-provoking analysis, "Status Anxiety" sheds light on why we worry about our social status and offers a perspective that can liberate us from this burden. Whether you're seeking guidance on finding inner peace or are curious about the psychological forces at play in our obsession with status, this book will encourage you to rethink the importance you place on societal judgments.

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Siegfried Kracauer

The Mass Ornament : Weimar Essays

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Siegfried Kracauer was one of the twentieth century’s most brilliant cultural critics, a daring and prolific scholar, and an incisive theorist of film. In this volume his finest writings on modern society make their long-awaited appearance in English.This book is a celebration of the masses―their tastes, amusements, and everyday lives. Taking up themes of modernity, such as isolation and alienation, urban culture, and the relation between the group and the individual, Kracauer explores a kaleidoscope of shopping arcades, the cinema, bestsellers and their readers, photography, dance, hotel lobbies, Kafka, the Bible, and boredom. For Kracauer, the most revelatory facets of modern life in the West lie on the surface, in the ephemeral and the marginal. Of special fascination to him is the United States, where he eventually settled after fleeing Germany and whose culture he sees as defined almost exclusively by “the ostentatious display of surface.”With these essays, written in the 1920s and early 1930s and edited by the author in 1963, Kracauer was the first to demonstrate that studying the everyday world of the masses can bring great rewards. The Mass Ornament today remains a refreshing tribute to popular culture, and its impressively interdisciplinary essays continue to shed light not only on Kracauer’s later work but also on the ideas of the Frankfurt School, the genealogy of film theory and cultural studies, Weimar cultural politics, and, not least, the exigencies of intellectual exile.In his introduction, Thomas Levin situates Kracauer in a turbulent age, illuminates the forces that influenced him―including his friendships with Walter Benjamin, Theodor Adorno, and other Weimar intellectuals―and provides the context necessary for understanding his ideas. Until now, Kracauer has been known primarily for his writings on the cinema. This volume brings us the full scope of his gifts as one of the most wide-ranging and penetrating interpreters of modern life.

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John Gray, John Stuart Mill

On Liberty and Other Essays

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Collected here in a single volume for the first time are John Stuart Mill's On Liberty, Utilitarianism, Considerations on Representative Governmen t, and The Subjection of Women . These essays show Mill applying his liberal utilitarian philosophy to a range of issues that remain vitaltoday--the nature of ethics, the scope and limits of individual liberty, the merits of and costs of democratic government, and the place of women in society. In his Introduction John Gray describes these essays as applications of Mill's doctrine of the Art of Life , as set out in A System ofLogic . Using the resources of recent scholarship, he shows Mill's work to be far richer and subtler than traditional interpretations allow.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expertintroductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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Ta-Nehisi Coates

We Were Eight Years in Power : 'One of the foremost essayists on race in the West' Nikesh Shukla, author of The Good Immigrant

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THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER'I've been wondering who might fill the intellectual void after James Baldwin died. Clearly it is Ta-Nehisi Coates' Toni Morrison'Searing. One of the foremost essayists on race in the West... [He] is responsible for some of the most important writing about what it is to be black in America today' Nikesh Shukla, editor of The Good ImmigrantAn essential account of modern America, from Obama to Trump, from black lives matter to white supremacists rising - by the bestselling author of Between the World and MeObama's presidency was a watershed moment in American history. From 2008-2016, the leader of the free world was a black man. In those eight years, Obama transformed the conversation around race, gender, class and wealth - inspiring hope but also attracting criticism and breeding discontent.In this unflinching book, Ta-Nehisi Coates takes stock of Obama's eight years in power, through such iconic, unmissable essays as 'Fear of a Black President' and 'The Case for Reparations'. His account traverses the intersections of the political, the ideological and the cultural, presenting an America in radical flux and yet still in the grip of racial injustice, class warfare and institutional conspiracy. And it reflects on the author's own journey through these eight years, charting the public through the private in passages of startling intimate and piercingly relevant memoir.Ta-Nehisi Coates is one of our most brilliant, most fearless and most essential living writers - and his work is crucial to understanding race in America today.Finalist for the Los Angeles Book Prize 2018Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence 2018RAVE READER REVIEWS:'Brilliantly written, incisive, and extremely relevant. Read it with your families, use it in your classrooms, give copies to your friends' (Liz)'Coates thinks more deeply and writes more clearly about the national tragedy and disgrace that is our collective failure to confront the legacy of White Supremacy than just about anyone... I can't recommend it highly enough' (Worddancer Redux)'Every white person who wants to really know how it looks from 'the other side' should take on the responsibility of reading Coates' eye-opening, informative book... A must read for everyone of every colour' (Indy JV)'A masterful understanding of how the USA really works' (shedgirl)'If you want to know the wellsprings of racism in America - then read this book!' (David C. R. Hancock)

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Arundhati Roy

Azadi - Freedom. Fascism. Fiction

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FROM THE BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF MY SEDITIOUS HEART AND THE MINISTRY OF UTMOST HAPPINESS, A NEW AND PRESSING DISPATCH FROM THE HEART OF THE CROWD AND THE SOLITUDE OF A WRITER'S DESKAzadi-Urdu for Freedom-is the refrain in the iconic chant of the Kashmiri freedom struggle. And now, while Kashmir's streets have been silenced, the irony is that its people's anthem, with similar lyrics, rhythm and cadence, echoes on the streets of the country that most Kashmiris view as their coloniser. What lies between the silence of one street and the sound of the other? Is it a chasm, or could it become a bridge?In this series of penetrating essays on politics and literature, Arundhati Roy examines this question and challenges us to reflect on the meaning of freedom in a world of growing authoritarianism.Roy writes of the existential threat posed to Indian democracy by an emboldened Hindu nationalism, of the internet shutdown and information siege in Kashmir-the most densely militarized zone in the world-and India's new citizenship laws that discriminate against Muslims and marginalized communities and could create a crisis of statelessness on a scale previously unknown. The essays include mediations on language, public as well as private, and the role of fiction and alternative imaginations in these disturbing times.Azadi, she warns, hangs in the balance for us all.

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Alain de Botton

The Art of Travel

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travel

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Alain de Botton

Status Anxiety

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We all worry about what others think of us. We all long to succeed and fear failure. We all suffer to a greater or lesser degree, usually privately and with embarrassment from status anxiety. For the first time, Alain de Botton gives a name to this universal condition and sets out to investigate both its origins and possible solutions. He looks at history, philosophy, economics, art and politics and reveals the many ingenious ways that great minds have overcome their worries. The result is a book that is not only entertaining and thought-provoking but genuinely wise and helpful as well.

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Sarah Thornton

Seven Days In The Art World

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From London to Beijing to New York, art sales are booming, and the art world receives the sort of breathless media attention once reserved for celebrities and royals. In "Seven Days in the Art World", Sarah Thornton, a brilliant young sociologist, looks at all aspects of buying, selling, and creating serious art. Thornton has exceptional access, and brings a keen critical eye to her coverage of this glamorous milieu, offering the first authoritative account of what is now a multi-billion dollar global marketplace-cum-playground for an ever-expanding number of collectors, investors, and enthusiasts.

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Harold Bloom

Genius: A Mosaic of One Hundred Exemplary Creative Minds

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Recommendation: This book is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by literary geniuses throughout history. Bloom's expert analysis and passionate writing style bring these remarkable writers to life, allowing readers to gain a deeper appreciation for their works. From the well-known figures to the hidden gems, this book is a journey that will expand your literary horizons and leave you in awe of the incredible minds that have shaped the world of literature.

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Mark Philp, Thomas Paine

Rights of Man, Common Sense, and Other Political Writings

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The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of political thought and social change. Paine's writings provide an essential insight into the importance of individual rights, natural justice, and the need for political control by the people. The author's ideas have shaped the Western liberal democratic tradition and also inspired social liberation movements all over the world. The book itself is fully annotated, providing helpful notes and up-to-date bibliographies to further explore the topic.

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Michel de Montaigne

On Solitude

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Blending intellectual speculation with anecdote and personal reflection, the Renaissance thinker and writer Montaigne pioneered the modern essay. This selection contains his idiosyncratic and timeless writings on subjects as varied as the virtues of solitude, the power of the imagination, the pleasures of reading, the importance of sleep and why we sometimes laugh and cry at the same things.

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