Essays

A witty and razor-sharp look at the many ways our individually rational decisions can combine into some truly weird collective results—and some hilarious and serious ways to fix just about everything.Economics is no longer the “dismal science” dreaded by college freshmen. In recent years, a band of economists has broken away from the charts and graphs of college textbooks, and begun to explain ordinary behavior in plain and often entertaining English. Steve Landsburg was one of the first of the new breed, in his book The Armchair Economist and long-running “Everyday Economics” column in Slate magazine. Now he is back, and more provocative than ever.In More Sex Is Safer Sex , Landsburg shows how the rational behavior of each one of us—when combined together—produces the often bizarre, seemingly irrational behavior of crowds. We all stand up at the ballpark, so none of us can see. We avoid casual sex, from fear of disease, and we thereby make sex more dangerous. Things really get interesting when Landsburg suggests ways to change the rules, and game the system. Why not charge juries if a convicted felon is exonerated? Why not have each member of Congress represent a national subset of voters, chosen alphabetically? Why not solve the “overpopulation” problem by having more children, who will help think of ways to improve our use of resources?More Sex Is Safer Sex will make you laugh and argue—and it will make you think about the world around you in new and unforgettable ways.

A Slip of the Keyboard is a must-read for diehard Terry Pratchett fans who wish to know more about the author's personal life and the passionate causes dear to him. Through a fine blend of humor and humanity, the book covers a range of subjects, from his own writing process and the importance of banana daiquiris, to serious issues such as Alzheimer's research and animal rights. This book would be an excellent addition to any reader's collection, providing insight into the author's personal life and his activism on issues close to him.

If you're fascinated by the interplay between literature and film, "Granta 86: Film" offers an insightful exploration. You'll journey through the challenges of adapting novels into movies, such as with "The French Lieutenant's Woman", and delve into the personal stories behind iconic films like "Schindler's List". This edition is a portrait gallery where the images are penned, not filmed – perfect for those who cherish both the written word and the flickering screen.

The Rise of the Meritocracy is a thought-provoking satirical piece that presents a future where merit is essential to achieve status and power. This book would be an excellent read for someone interested in sociology, politics and philosophy, as it offers a unique perspective on the idea of meritocracy in society. Michael Young's wit and style of writing make the book an enjoyable read from cover to cover.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply personal and moving account of one woman's journey through life. Amy Tan's raw and honest storytelling will captivate you from the very first page. Through her exploration of love, identity, and family, Tan beautifully intertwines the threads of her Chinese heritage with her own experiences as an American. Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and inspired by this unforgettable memoir. So whether you're a fan of Amy Tan's novels or simply a lover of powerful memoirs, "The Opposite of Fate" is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart.

This book is perfect for those who are fascinated by stories of love affairs between artists and their muses. It offers a unique insight into the relationships between artists and their muses. Francine Prose approaches this topic with great sensitivity and intelligence, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the emotional complexities of creativity.

"More Than a Woman" is a must-read for any woman navigating the complexities of middle-age. Through honest and humorous anecdotes, Moran tackles tough questions about aging parents, teenage daughters, and personal identity. Her manifesto for change is a celebration of all those middle-aged women who keep the world turning.

The Unheard Cry for Meaning could be a good read for individuals who are interested in the role of humanism in psychotherapy and psychology. This book captures the essence of human potential, and provides a unique perspective on traditional theories such as Freudian analysis and behaviorism. The author uses various subjects including sex, morality, modern literature, competitive athletics, and philosophy to highlight the significance of individuality in psychotherapy. The book is a must-read for those who want to understand the importance of the human dimension in psychology and celebrate each person's unique potential.

With thousands applying every year to business schools, sometimes the only thing that can make an applicant stand out, is the application essay. Here are 35 essays that were considered some of the best by admssions officer at the natino's top business schools. They are bold, brief, sincere, or off-the-wall. But they are unique and they worked!

If you have a penchant for the quaint and historical, "A Cordiall Water" might just be your cup of tea. Delving into Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher's collection is like rummaging through an old apothecary's chest—each remedy and receipt a snippet of past worlds intertwined with the healing practices. It's a restful read that imbues a sense of continuity with generations before us, and provides a charming glimpse into the curative customs that have soothed humans and animals alike.

There's a current that courses through the old Chelsea Hotel, an electricity that drives people relentlessly to create. It's an energy that longtime resident Ed Hamilton will tell you often drives inhabitants to madness. In a series of linked cyanide capsules, Legends of the Chelsea Hotel tells the odd, funny, and often tragic truth of the writers, artists, and musicians — the famous and the obscure alike — who have fallen prey to the Chelsea. Readers enter one of Dee Dee Ramone's flashbacks; meet the ghost of author Thomas Wolfe; learn of movie star Ethan Hawke's mystical powers over women; see the ungodly acts allegedly being perpetrated in the basement club Serena's; and feel the dark aura of Room 100, where punk rocker Sid Vicious killed his girlfriend Nancy.

"This Is What Inequality Looks Like" is an eye-opener that unveils the nuanced reality of poverty in Singapore—a city often seen as a bastion of wealth and success. Teo You Yenn's engaging ethnographic essays urge you to reconsider societal structures from the perspective of those who are often invisible in mainstream discourse. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in social justice and the complexities of inequality that challenge common perceptions, offering not just a narrative but a catalyst for reflection and change.

"Do Penguins Have Knees?" is perfect for those who are naturally curious and love to learn new things. This book has a unique approach to satisfying the reader's curiosity, making it a must-read for the inquisitive type. The author uses humor to provide answers to complex, inexplicable questions, making this book both entertaining and informative. Readers will find themselves entertained and educated in equal measure, a definite must-have for all trivia lovers out there.

If you relish the blend of language and art, this book is a treasure you can't let slip by. It's a stroll through the beautiful garden of French poetry with the aid of thoughtful English translations by your side—a perfect companion for both the lover of poetry and the student of language.

A glorious, edible tour of Paris through six decades of writing from Gourmet magazine, edited and introduced by Ruth ReichlFor sixty years the best food writers have been sending dispatches from Paris to Gourmet. Collected here for the first time, their essays create a unique and timeless portrait of the world capital of love and food. When the book begins, just after the war, we are in a hungry city whose chefs struggle to find the eggs and cream they need to re-create the cuisine from before the German occupation. We watch as Paris comes alive again with zinc-topped tables crowded with people drinking café au lait and reveling in crisp baguettes, and the triumphant rebirth of three-star cuisine. In time, nouvelle cuisine is born and sweeps through a newly chic and modern city. It is all here: the old-time bourgeois dinners, the tastemakers of the fashion world, the hero-chefs, and, of course, Paris in all its snobbery and refinement, its inimitable pursuit of the art of fine living. Beautifully written, these dispatches from the past are intimate and immediate, allowing us to watch the month-by-month changes in the world’s most wonderful city. Remembrance of Things Paris is a book for anyone who wants to return to a Paris where a buttery madeleine is waiting around every corner.Contributors include Louis Diat, Naomi Barry, Joseph Wechsberg, Judith and Evan Jones, Don Dresden, Lillian Langseth-Christensen, Diane Johnson, Michael Lewis, and Jonathan Gold.

The Scent of Desire is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the captivating world of smell. Rachel Herz's insightful and comprehensive investigation into the science and psychology of smell provides answers to why certain scents affect us differently and the impact it has on our lives. Through personal anecdotes and scientific research, this book is a delightful and informative read that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of smell.

"The Great Cat Massacre and Other Essays" could be a good read for a history enthusiast looking to gain a deeper understanding of Enlightenment thinkers through unconventional stories and thought-provoking questions. Darnton's essays are not just informative; they are fascinating and almost absurd. Through these anecdotes, he provides insight into the minds of 18th century French printers, writers, and townspeople. Readers may find themselves laughing, arguing, and thinking deeply about the Enlightenment period.

Recommended because it offers a heartfelt account of growing up in a Christian family in Missouri. This book is for readers who enjoy candid memoirs that explore the complex nature of one's growth and development. Franzen's writing style immerses readers in his world, making it easy to empathize with his experiences and struggles.

This book would be a good read for someone who appreciates introspective and thought-provoking essays. Paul Auster's collection of prose offers a deep dive into a wide range of subjects, from famous literary figures to personal experiences. The unique appeal of this book lies in Auster's ability to blend his personal reflections with insightful observations about the world around him, particularly his beloved New York City. Dive into this collection to embark on a literary journey filled with wit, wisdom, and a profound understanding of human experiences.

The Argumentative Indian is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian history, culture, and identity. Amartya Sen's intellectual and political analysis provides a unique perspective on the country's diverse and complex issues, including Hindu traditions, social and economic disparities, and its role in the world. Sen's emphasis on the importance of India's argumentative tradition for the success of its democracy and secular politics is a standout feature of the book. Overall, this book is highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of India.

Imagine yourself submerged in the depths of a world at war, where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur. Cyril Connolly's "The Unquiet Grave" offers an intimate glimpse into the author's personal struggles with aging, lost love, and the horrors of war. With its unique blend of aphorisms, quotes, and reflective passages, this book will transport you to a time of chaos and introspection. Prepare to be captivated by its dazzling originality and profound insights that have captured the hearts of readers for generations.

If you're someone who appreciates fine writing across different epochs and styles, "One Hundred Great Essays" is like a grand buffet for your intellect. It's not just text on pages but a collection of voices, each essay offering its unique depth, wit, and wisdom. Imagine a tapestry woven from threads of diverse perspectives that could transform your own thinking and discourse—this book is that tapestry in literary form.

This book is a must-read for architecture enthusiasts who are intrigued by the unconventional and uncanny elements in modern buildings. Through a captivating blend of history and theory, Anthony Vidler delves into the complex relationship between architecture, social thought, and politics. With a keen focus on renowned architects and their thought-provoking projects, Vidler unravels the disconcerting aspects of today's architecture, offering profound insights into themes of estrangement, alienation, and homelessness. Prepare to have your perspective challenged and expanded as you navigate the enigmatic world of contemporary design.

Pets are such a big part of so many of our lives. As any pet lover knows, a wagging tail or a tender purr can soothe the soul after a hard day. And sometimes, the presence of dogs and cats in our lives can do even more. In these delightful books, Callie Smith Grant collects stories that celebrate the dogs and cats in our lives--stories that touch our hearts, renew our spirit, and show us how God created these beasts for unique purposes. A funny little dog named Prince earns his title by protecting the children of the house. A "dickens of a cat" gives a cancer survivor something else to think about. A lively litter of puppies soothes a troubled child. A scrawny kitten helps an anorexic girl begin to eat.Well-known authors, including Melody Carlson, Tracie Peterson, and Robert Benson, as well as new voices share their inspirational true stories of these otherwise ordinary cats and dogs whose presence in the lives of humans make them remarkable. Each book also includes interesting sidebars, memorable quotes, helpful hints for living with dogs and cats, and forewords by H. Norman Wright. The stories are warm, captivating, and ideal for a good curl-up-and-read or for a gift to any pet lover. Cat lovers, dog lovers, and anyone who likes to read uplifting stories will cherish these books.

This book is a must-read for educators and students who want to challenge the traditional classroom setting. Kohl's essays promote the idea of "creative maladjustment," encouraging readers to resist and refuse to conform. The autobiographical essay "The Tattooed Man" provides insight into the importance of hope in teaching. Readers may appreciate Kohl's unconventional and thought-provoking approach to education and social issues.

Suspensions of Perception is a recommended read for those interested in the evolution of attention and perception in modern Western culture. The book delves into the changes in perception that occurred in the second half of the nineteenth century, which affected how individuals experienced subjects and things. By analyzing the works of key modernist painters who confronted the disruptions and rifts in perceptual fields, the book highlights the paradoxical nature of modern attention and its role in the functioning of economic and disciplinary institutions and spaces of mass consumption and spectacle. The book provides a framework for understanding the current social crisis of attention, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the impact of technology on attention and perception.

Hennessy's classic text tells you everything you need to know about writing successful features. You will learn how to formulate and develop ideas and how to shape them to fit different markets.Now in its fourth edition, Writing Feature Articles has been fully revised and updated to take into account the changing requirements of journalism and media courses. You will also discover how to exploit new technology for both researching and writing online.Learn step-by-step how to plan, research and write articles for a wide variety of 'popular', 'quality' and specialist publications. Discover more and make the advice stick by completing the tasks and reading the keen analysis of extracts from the best of today's writing.Packed with inspirational advice in a friendly, highly readable style, this guide is a must-have for practising and aspiring journalists and writers.

Culture and Imperialism is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of Western culture and its relationship to imperialism. Edward Said delves into the works of several great writers, dissecting the underlying messages and cultural implications. Written with great depth and critical analysis, this book is suitable for anyone interested in the relationship between history, literature, and culture.

This book would be a great read for fans of the movie who want to delve deeper into its philosophical concepts. It offers a variety of perspectives on the movie's key themes including dreams, reality, free will and the unconscious mind. In addition, it provides different interpretations of the movie's ending and raises thought-provoking questions that will keep readers engaged and contemplating long after they finish the book.

Bazin at Work is an intellectual anthology of essays and critiques that shaped film studies. Film enthusiasts and students of film will benefit from Bazin's seminal works that laid the foundation for modern filmmaking. Bazin's unique perspective on cinema's artistry and its role in society remains thought-provoking and insightful.

If you could send a letter back through time to your younger self, what would the letter say?In this moving collection, forty-one famous women write letters to the women they once were, filled with advice and insights they wish they had had when they were younger.Today show correspondent Ann Curry writes to herself as a rookie reporter in her first job, telling herself not to change so much to fit in, urging her young self, "It is time to be bold about who you really are." Country music superstar Lee Ann Womack reflects on the stressed-out year spent recording her first album and encourages her younger self to enjoy the moment, not just the end result. "Your hair matters far, far less than you think," is the wry advice that begins the letter bestselling mystery writer Lisa Scottoline pens to her twenty-year old self. And Maya Angelou, leaving home at seventeen with a newborn baby in her arms, assures herself she will succeed on her own, even if she does return home every now and then.These remarkable women are joined by Madeleine Albright, Queen Noor of Jordan, Cokie Roberts, Naomi Wolf, Eileen Fisher, Jane Kaczmarek, Olympia Dukakis, Macy Gray, and many others. Their letters contain rare glimpses into the personal lives of extraordinary women and powerful wisdom that readers will treasure.Wisdom from What I Know Now"Don't let anybody raise you. You've been raised." -Maya Angelou"Try more things. Cross more lines." -Breena Clarke"Learn how to celebrate." -Olympia Dukakis"You don't have to be afraid of living alone." -Eileen Fisher"Please yourself first...everything else follows." -Macy Gray"Don't be so quick to dismiss another human being." -Barbara Boxer"Work should not be work." -Mary Matalin"You can leave the work world--and come back on your own terms." -Cokie Roberts"Laundry will wait very patiently." -Nora Roberts"Your hair matters far, far less than you think" -Lisa Scottoline"Speak the truth but ride a fast horse." -Kitty Kelley

Releasing the Imagination is a thought-provoking book that examines the role of imagination and art in education and society. Maxine Greene passionately advocates for the use of art to help break down cultural barriers and open minds to new perspectives. This book is perfect for educators seeking to incorporate creative and imaginative teaching techniques into their practice, as well as anyone interested in the transformative power of the arts.

This book is a treasure trove for movie lovers, as it encompasses decades of film criticism from the legendary Pauline Kael. With her unparalleled ability to capture the essence of a film, Kael takes readers on a journey through iconic movies like Breathless, Bonnie and Clyde, and The Godfather. Her witty and opinionated prose style makes each review an entertaining and enlightening experience, offering invaluable insights into the art of cinema. For anyone seeking to expand their knowledge and appreciation of film, The Age of Movies is an absolute must-read. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the masterful observations and spirited debates that await you in these pages.

The book provides a unique commentary on the events that led up to and followed 9/11. It captures the raw emotions and reactions that many people experienced during that time, making it an insightful read for anyone seeking a better understanding of the post-9/11 world. Friedman's deep understanding of the international scene also allows him to contextualize the events in a way that is easy for readers to comprehend. Overall, the book is highly recommended for those interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the impact of 9/11 on the world.

Written by a team of leading international scholars, this Companion is designed to illuminate Shakespeare's works through discussion of the key topics of Shakespeare studies. Twenty-one essays provide lively and authoritative approaches to recent scholarship and criticism for readers keen to expand their knowledge and appreciation of Shakespeare. The book contains stimulating chapters on traditional topics such as Shakespeare's biography and the transmission of his texts. Individual readings of the plays are given in the context of genre as well as through the cultural and historical perspectives of race, sexuality and gender, and politics and religion. Essays on performance survey the latest digital media as well as stage and film. Throughout the volume, contributors discuss Shakespeare in a global as well as a national context, a dramatist with a long and constantly mutating history of reception and performance.

An anthology of essays, criticism, and reviews, unpublished for fifty years, includes a selection of writings by W. H. Auden, Jacques Barzun, and Lionel Trilling from the publications of The Reader's Subscription Book Club and the The Mid-Century Book Society, including Trilling's thoughts on The Wind in the Willows, Auden on drugs and cooking, and Barzun on the work of Robert Lowell. 17,500 first printing.

A collection of hilarious spoof letters from a major new comedy talent   Whether he's offering himself up for adoption to Elton John or attempting to offload his live ostrich collection—"a big hit with the children and simpletons"—on Bernie Clifton, Stan Madeley is a fearless and dynamic correspondent. He’s also a cabaret star, nobleman, plastics expert, chisel thrower, owl warden, porn star, rubber duck magnate, conservationist—and much more. Using his "celebrity status" as an innovative excuse to plague, pester, and pen letters to many well-known faces, politicians, and organizations, he writes in the bestselling tradition of Robin Cooper's The Timewaster Letters to undeniably hilarious results. A witty and joyously surreal collection from an extraordinary new voice, the book includes replies from Alan Bennett, Sir David Attenborough, John Prescott, the British Flute Society, some nuns, and a terse email from Su Pollard's assistant.

Recommendation for "At Wit's End": - Trust me, this book is like therapy for exhausted moms. Erma Bombeck's witty observations and relatable anecdotes about the chaos of motherhood will have you doubled over with laughter. From dealing with wet beds to school play dilemmas, Bombeck's humor will make you feel like you're not alone in the craziness of parenting. So grab a cup of coffee, cozy up with this book, and get ready for some much-needed laughs and solidarity.

This essay by Katherine Rundell can inspire adults to revisit their favorite children's books and encourage them to discover new stories that can rekindle lost wonder and imagination. It highlights the unique ability of children's literature to awaken untapped emotions and offer fresh perspectives on life. The author's engaging storytelling and expert analysis make this essay a compelling read for anyone seeking to reignite their sense of curiosity and joy.

This book would be a great read for those who enjoy exploring various beliefs and how they impact different aspects of life. The collection of essays covers a range of topics and spiritual traditions, making it an engaging and enlightening read. Readers will appreciate the diverse perspectives and thought-provoking insights offered in this book.

Recommended for those who enjoy satirical humor. Contains spoofs of works from famous authors, including Martin Amis’ tale on Hogwarts, and Philip Larkin’s banned poem, making for an entertaining read that pokes fun at literary works.

This book is a collection of powerful commencement speeches given by brilliant minds from various fields. It offers a range of advice, from believing in the impossible to making small but impactful changes in our lives. The book's uplifting and universally applicable wisdom makes it a perfect read for graduates and anyone embarking on a new adventure. It's a valuable gift that provides life lessons and inspiration to navigate the challenges of life with bravery, empathy, and other important existential skills.

"Tell Me No Lies" offers a gripping anthology that can resonate with anyone interested in the raw power of investigative journalism. If you're drawn to the kind of stories that expose injustices and have a real-world impact, you'll find this book both enlightening and provoking. It's a compelling reminder of journalism's role as society's watchdog and its ability to reveal disturbing truths that can lead to change.

The big things in life look after themselves. Birth, love, death - they're all terrifically exciting but they happen whether we like it or not. It's the little things in life that cause the most trouble. How do you deal with the million and one everyday challenges? Help is at hand. For the first time you can get intelligent practical tuition on the level you need it. The trivial level. After years of exploring the small pockets in life's backpack in his celebrated 'How to' column in the Weekend Guardian, Guy Browning has the rules that can help you move safely and effortlessly through the micro-chicanes on life's byways, including: Should you cross your bridge when someone else is burning it? In a monogamous relationship is it morally acceptable to tuck your side of the duvet in? What's the clearest way of giving directions to a place you've never heard of? What is the best way of establishing a queue when you are the first person in it? In breaststroke what do you do with your head when it's underwater?

Slavoj Zizek's "First as Tragedy, Then as Farce" is a thought-provoking analysis of the global economic crisis. Zizek argues that the collapse of the liberal-democratic utopia and the subsequent economic meltdown proves the irrationality of global capitalism. He highlights the urgent need for action to tackle urgent issues, such as global warming, AIDS, and access to medicine and water, but also notes how the demands of capitalism often take priority over these pressing problems. Zizek's unique perspective offers an insightful critique of contemporary society and its challenges.

This long overdue collection gathers together sixteen of Gregory Nalpon’s short stories, eleven of his essays, and a selection of his sketches of life in coffee shops, hawker stalls and samshu shops. Through his writing, Nalpon poignantly records a lost, rich world: the colourful, exciting and sometimes perilous Singapore of half a century ago.With this collection, a vital Singaporean voice is finally recovered. Nalpon’s inspired blend of close observation, legend, local superstition and peculiarly eclectic reading results in some of the most imaginative and exciting writing produced in Singapore during the 1960s and 1970s, including authentic descriptions of indigenous culture and working-class men and women rarely found in Singaporean writing of the period.Praise:“I am glad that Gregory Nalpon’s work at last has a chance of being recognised. His stories are excellent.”—Edwin Thumboo, award-winning Singaporean poet and academic“[Nalpon's] stories often produce a resolution at the level of narrative but keep cultural elements in suspense, a series of intersecting gazes that never quite align…Angus Whitehead is to be congratulated both for making Nalpon’s works available to a new and wider audience, and also in the process enabling new perspectives on literary history in Singapore.”—Philip Holden, Asiatic IIUM Journal of English Language and Literature“Gregory Nalpon’s stories and evocative commentaries might seem nostalgic for a pre-development Singapore, but make no mistake—there is little sentimentality here, as marginalised characters get fleshed out with brutality, as well as compassion. His poetic, fable-esque narratives possess a sense of magic that is almost spiritual, full of moral lessons about the abjection of human desires, death, and a knowing presence at the heart of the natural world.”—Cyril Wong, author of Ten Things My Father Never Taught Me and Other Stories and The Last Lesson of Mrs de Souza“[Nalpon's] collected works in The Wayang at Eight Milestone seem to work as a veritable time machine, winding us readers back to the gritty world of old Singapore and immersing us in its saudade, its beautiful spirit of melancholy…[He is] a pioneer Singaporean storyteller like no other.”—Ng Yi-Sheng, Quarterly Literary Review Singapore“Gregory Nalpon wrote from the margins about a Singapore in the throes of great change, and I am convinced that he is our first true proponent of magical realism.”—Robert Yeo, playwright and author of The Adventures of Holden Heng“Enigmatic and evocative, Gregory Nalpon’s stories unsettle the reader, sometimes with unexpected tenderness, other times, startling violence. They usher us into a Singaporean world smudged and erased from public memory but throbbingly alive in a fictive universe uniquely shaped by Nalpon’s creative imagination and his spare but suggestively symbolic style. For this wonderful experience we have to thank Angus Whitehead, who with dedicated, perceptive, and historically sensitive scholarship, excavated these stories and brought them into the light of day.”—Dr Angelia Poon, Nanyang Technological University“Angus Whitehead’s timely recovery of Gregory Nalpon’s hitherto largely unknown but fascinatingly unique voice makes not only for gratifying reading but also helpfully challenges and enlarges our notions of postcolonial Singapore and its literature.”—Mohammad A. Quayum, International Islamic University“Gregory Nalpon’s stories are perfectly poised between gritty realism and mythic wonder. He observes and embraces the rich local diversity of Singapore with the eye of an enchanted poet and the heart of an honest friend. He fathoms the human soul through, and beyond, cultural identity. Editor Angus Whitehead’s love for Nalpon glows in this informative and accessible edition, which will be a treasure for Singaporeans, and a gratifying find for the rest of us who are eager for great reads from around the globe, or take interest in the development of postcolonial writing. Nalpon deserves to claim a place among the most unique and significant voices of the formative and vibrant 1970s.”—Tristanne Connolly, University of Waterloo“The modernity of Singapore tends to be regarded as functional and technocratic, pragmatically future-directed. The stories of Gregory Nalpon, light, deft and deceptively understated, restore an alternative past to the city, drawing on its richly diverse collective memory, its multiple cultural identities, and the shaping omnipresence of its coastal terrain. Editor Angus Whitehead has uncovered a distinctive and enchanting new post-colonial voice, wry, lyrical and humane, whose evocation of the local and particular is deserving of a wide international audience.”—Stephen Clark, University of Tokyo“Gregory Nalpon’s short stories and essays bring to life vibrant, colourful, and rich depictions of everyday cosmopolitanism of old Singapore. Vivid descriptions of fishermen working on islands southwest of Singapore complement stories in a diverse range of settings from a kampung in Bedok to a bee hoon factory in Upper Thomson, a one bedroom flat in Bukit Ho Swee, and a wayang by a graveyard. This collection is an absolute treasure; it provides an important literary archive of Singapore’s forgotten history and should be made essential reading in the Singapore literature classroom.”—Dr Suzanne Choo, National Institute of Education and author of Mining for Meaning and Reading the world, the globe, and the cosmos“If you cannot imagine local fiction without the urban ennui and stirrings against conformity and control, if you long for it to be some other creature altogether–then Gregory Nalpon's revelatory short stories are for you. Written in the 1960s and 1970s, they lucidly and lovingly capture the rhythms and textures of a more rustic Singapore steeped in mysticism, danger and a primaeval sense of wonder. People by an oddball, multi-ethnic cast of characters–loafers, bar girls, gangsters, cynics, dreamers, holy men, freaks and ghosts, The Wayang at Eight Milestone continues Epigram Books' project of publishing buried treasures of early Singapore literature.”—Clarissa Oon, The Sunday Times“A wonderful collection edited by Angus Whitehead.”—Lydia Kwa, fiction writer, in “My Book of the Year”, Singapore PoetryAbout the Author:Gregory Nalpon was born in 1938 in Singapore. After attending St Joseph’s Institution, he energetically embarked on a variety of peripatetic careers: disc jockey, journalist, trade unionist and ‘gentleman of leisure’. These assorted vocations took him from Singapore to Sarawak, Northern Malaysia, Thailand and Australia. During the 1960s and 1970s, Nalpon composed numerous stories, essays, plays and novels. His short story, “The Rose and the Silver Key” was studied by thousands of Singaporean secondary school students. With Nalpon’s sudden death in 1978 at the age of 40, the majority of his writings remained unpublished for over thirty years.