Recommended reading by subject:
BIOLOGY | CHEMISTRY | DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
ECONOMICS | FRENCH | GEOGRAPHY | GERMAN | HISTORY | ITALIAN
MATHEMATICS | MUSIC | PHILOSOPHY | PHYSICS | POLITICS |
RELIGIOUS STUDIES | SPANISH | THEATRE STUDIES
In all cases the links will take you to the appropriate record in the Library catalogue. Where there is no link then the book is currently unavailable from the Library.
Foundations of Art and Design by Alan Pipes
Very clear and practical introduction to the fundamentals of Art and Design.
The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher
Clever, witty and enlightening book to dip in and out of when searching for ideas.
The Shock of the New: Art and the Century of Change by Robert Hughes
Ways of Seeing by John Berger
Absolute classic, analysing how we perceive the world. Still fresh after all this time!
The Nature of Photographs: A Primer by Stephen Shore
A thought provoking book on the nature of photography by one of America’s most important photographers.
The Birth and Rebirth of Pictorial Space by John White
Erudite and fascinating analysis of conventions of depicting space on a two dimensional surface.
The Journal of Eugene Delacroix by Eugene Delacroix, translated by Lucy Norton
Matisse on Art by Jack Flam
Modernism : Designing a New World edited by Christopher Wilk
Antony Gormley : Blind Light by W J T Mitchell and others
Paper Museum : Writing about Paintings, Mostly by Andrew Graham-Dixon
A selection of reviews originally written for The Independent
A Short Guide to Writing about Art by Sylvan Barnet
Really useful practical guide – recommended for both artists and art historians as a real help in clarifying thoughts.
The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
A very readable and fascinating insight into drawing – both practical and theoretical.
Headlong by Michael Frayn
Brilliant novel with an amazing plot revolving around an Art Historian’s obsession with the authenticity of a group of paintings by Bruegel.
There are many thousands of excellent History of Art books: obvious ones to give you a general, brief, run through of the whole of Art History from prehistoric through to today are:
The Story of Art by Ernst Gombrich
The best selling History of Art book of all time!
From Giotto to Cezanne : A Concise History of Painting by Michael Levey
This is part of the Thames and Hudson World of Art series, all of which are excellent.
Books I should like to suggest you read for pleasure are:
BLIMEY! From Bohemia to Britpop : The London Artworld from Francis Bacon to Damien Hirst by Matthew Collings, who has also written the following, all highly recommended:
Matt's Old Masters : Titian, Rubens, Velazquez, Hogarth
and
It Hurts : New York Art from Warhol to Now with Ian MacMillan
Two books by Stephen Farthing, a Professor at Chelsea School of Art, both very readable.
1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die
501 Great Artists : A Comprehensive Guide to the Giants of the Art World
Finally anything you can get your hands on by Dr Richard Stemp. He has a Doctorate in History of Art and he is an actor so he knows how to communicate.
The Secret Language of the Renaissance: Decoding the Hidden Symbolism of Italian Art
Other highly recommended series are the Taschen monographs, Taschen 25 and the Taschen 25th Anniversary series.
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This list of reading material should not be seen as compulsory, nor is it an exhaustive survey of all the books that you might find useful. Rather, it is a suggestion of books with a biological theme that you may find interesting. This said, university admissions tutors are keener than ever to find candidates who can demonstrate that they have read beyond the confines of the A level specifications. It is strongly recommended that if you are applying for a biologically based subject (especially medicine) you should mention at least one book that you have read, possibly drawn from the following list, in your personal statement to UCAS.
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
A biological classic, this was Dawkin's first book. Everything he has written subsequently builds upon the theories expounded in it. The idea that the gene determines all might now be considered a little naïve but many of the concepts described here represent the cornerstones of modern Biology.
Climbing Mount Improbable and The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins
How could, amongst other things, the human brain, the squid's eye and the albatross's aeronautical prowess have arisen through evolution by natural selection? Both these titles explain clearly how astonishingly complex structures and behaviours can evolve, while simultaneously rubbishing the claim that such things provide evidence for the existence of God. All A level biologists should read at least one of Dawkin's books; whether you agree or not with his views on religion it cannot be denied that he is a wonderfully persuasive writer.
Why is Sex Fun? by Jared Diamond
Come to think of it, why don't men breast feed babies? Why do only women undergo menopause? Everything you wanted to know about sex but were afraid to ask your Biology teacher.
Snake Oil by John Diamond
Particularly relevant to potential medics, this is a well written and hard-hitting account of the sham that is the alternative health industry. The author died of cancer before he could complete the book and it was left to his brother-in-law, the journalist Dominic Lawson, to finish the job. Easy to read and often very moving.
Ever Since Darwin by Stephen Jay Gould
One of evolutionary biology's most eloquent authors. Rather less strident than Dawkins ( the two disagreed about some aspects of evolutionary theory) but equally as enjoyable to read.
The Panda's Thumb and The Flamingo's Smile by Stephen Jay Gould
In these books Gould discusses how a variety of organisms have evolved curious characteristics. Very entertaining.
Your Body: The Fish That Evolved by Keith Harrison
Entertaining account of human evolution from our fishy ancestors. Why is childbirth so painful? Why do our elbows and knees bend in opposite directions? Why do we sleepwalk? These, and many other questions answered!
The Language of the Genes by Steve Jones
Simply written account of the principles of genetics. Many interesting examples chosen to illustrate the ideas.
Y: The Descent of Men by Steve Jones
“ An engaging tour of the male body and all its fluids, written with a style that is more than capable of competing for the attention of testosterone-addled minds… enlightens and explains masculinity in a way that the therapists and theorists who have tried to define the subject could never do.” The Times
Almost like a Whale by Steve Jones
In my opinion this is Jones' best book.. He re-writes Darwin 's Origin of Species in the light of current knowledge of genetics. Far easier to read than the original, anyone applying to read biological sciences, especially at Oxbridge, should give this a go.
The Threat and the Glory by Peter Medawar
A collection of essays about medicine and ethics – somewhat cerebral but may be worth a look for potential medics.
How the Mind Works by Stephen Pinker
What is the mind? How did it evolve? Why is the thought of eating worms disgusting? Why are children bratty? Why do men challenge each other to duals and murder their ex-wives? Why do fools fall in love? A highly intelligent and readable attempt to answer these and many other questions.
Genome- The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters by Matt Ridley
Each chapter is devoted to one of the 23 human chromosomes. Packed full of interesting facts about genetics and biology in general. This is one of the Biology department's favourites.
The Red Queen:Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature by Matt Ridley
Why are there only two sexes? Why have peacocks have tails which must make them very vulnerable to predators? What role have parasites played in our own evolution?
Nature via Nurture by Matt Ridley
What is the relative contribution of genetics and the environment to aspects of ourselves such as IQ, propensity to criminal behaviour and sexual orientation? Maybe not as easy to read as the previous two titles but very interesting (and relevant to the A level course) nonetheless.
The Problems of Evolution by Mark Ridley
Ridley sets out to do for evolution what Bertrand Russell's “The Problems of Philosophy” did for philosophy. Packs an awful lot into 159 pages!
The Origins of Virtue by Matt Ridley
An attempt to explain human morality and altruism from an evolutionary perspective.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
Fascinating account of what happens to our bodies after death.
The Diversity of Life by E O Wilson
An absorbing account of Earth's diversity which explores the theme from an evolutionary and ecological perspective. Very readable.
Sociobiology by E O Wilson
Very controversial when first published in 1975 because of the perceived emphasis that Wilson placed on the role of genetics in human behaviour.
The Moral Animal by Robert Wright
An evolutionary psychologist's view of human sexual behaviour and altruism, amongst other things. Widely praised upon its publication in 1994. Some of his ideas are considered a little out of date now in this rapidly developing field. Still very readable and quite entertaining in places.
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The Periodic Kingdom by Peter Atkins
The one hundred or so elements listed in the table make up everything in the universe, from microscopic organisms to distant planets. Just how does the periodic table help us make sense of the world around us? Using vivid imagery, ingenious analogies, and liberal doses of humor P. W. Atkins answers this question. He shows us that the Periodic Kingdom is a systematic place. Detailing the geography, history and governing institutions of this imaginary landscape, he demonstrates how physical similarities can point to deeper affinities, and how the location of an element can be used to predict its properties.
Molecules at an Exhibition by John Emsley
What is it in chocolate that makes us feel good when we eat it? What's the molecule that turns men on? What's the secret of Coca-Cola? In this fascinating book, John Emsley takes us on a guided tour through a rogue's gallery of molecules, some harmful some pleasant, showing how they affect our lives. There are eight galleries in all, full of individual portraits on molecules that are to be found on a daily basis in the home, the environment, and in our bodies from caffeine to teflon, nicotine to zinc. Find out how Mozart met his death, how Hitler could have saved the Third Reich from defeat, and many more interesting snippets in this highly entertaining, and often surprising book. 'A broad audience, regardless of whether it has a background in chemistry, will enjoy browsing and reading it.' Nature. 'A fine example of popular science writing at its best. It is educational, interesting, may prove inspirational and therefore deserves to find a very wide readership.' THES. 'Highly readable and entertaining' New Scientist.
Nature's Building Blocks : an A-Z Guide to the Elements by John Emsley
A readable, informative, fascinating entry on each one of the 100-odd chemical elements, arranged alphabetically from actinium to zirconium. Each entry comprises an explanation of where the element's name comes from, followed by Body element (the role it plays in living things), Element of history (how and when it was discovered), Economic element (what it is used for), Environmental element (where it occurs, how much), Chemical element (facts, figures and narrative), and Element of surprise (an amazing, little-known fact about it). A wonderful 'dipping into' source for the family reference shelf and for students.
The Elements of Murder by John Emsley
This book is about elements that kill. Mercury, arsenic, antimony, lead, and thallium can be lethal, as many a poisoner knew too well. Emsley explores the gruesome history of these elements and those who have succumbed to them in a fascinating narrative that weaves together stories of true crime, enduring historical mysteries, tragic accidents, and the science behind it all. The colourful cast includes ancient alchemists, kings, leaders, a pope, several great musicians, and a motley crew of murderers. Among the intriguing accounts is that of the 17th century poet Sir Thomas Overbury, who survived four attempts to poison him with mercury but died when given the poison in enema form - under whose direction remains uncertain. Here, too, is detailed the celebrated case of Florence Maybrick, convicted of poisoning her violent husband James with arsenic, but widely believed at the time to be innocent. The question of her guilt is still disputed. Threaded through the book alongside the history is the growing understanding of chemistry, and the effects of different chemical substances on the human body.Thousands suffered the ill effects of poisonous vapours from mercury, lead, and arsenic before the dangers were realized. Hatters went mad because of mercury poisoning, and hundreds of young girls working in factories manufacturing wallpaper in the 19th century were poisoned by the arsenic-based green pigments used for the leaves of the popular floral designs. Even in the middle of the 20th century, accidental mercury poisoning caused many deaths in Minamata Bay, while leaded petrol poisoned the whole planet, and arsenic still continues to poison millions is Asia. Through vividly told stories of innocent blunders, industrial accidents, poisoners of various hues - cold, cunning, desperate - and deaths that remain a mystery, Emsley here uncovers the dark side of the Periodic Table.
Why Chemical Reactions Happen by James Keeler and Peter Wothers
By tackling the most central ideas in chemistry, "Why Chemical Reactions Happen" provides the reader with all the tools and concepts needed to think like a chemist. The text takes a unified approach to the subject, aiming to help the reader develop a real overview of chemical processes, by avoiding the traditional divisions of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry. To understand how chemical reactions happen we need to know about the bonding in molecules, how molecules interact, what determines whether an interaction is favourable or not, and what the outcome will be. Answering these questions requires an understanding of topics from quantum mechanics, through thermodynamics, to "curly arrows". In this book, all of these topics are presented in a coherent and coordinated fashion, showing how each leads to a deeper understanding of chemical reactions.
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Design for the Real World : Human Ecology and Social Change by Victor Papenak
A must read for any design student in any discipline this is a classic. The honest use of materials and having an honest approach are at the heart of Papanek's fundamental laws on how anything should be designed. His views on ecology, recycling and the social affects of design were ahead of his time.
What is Product Design? By Laura Slack
This handbook provides a guide to the world of industrial design. It looks at what makes good design, how it works and how product design creates a market for itself. It also looks at the role of product designers, as new technology and materials present new possibilities for both form and function it also considers issues of longevity and life cycles, concept generation, prototyping and product placement. Additionally it’s a portfolio of cutting-edge work from designers and studios around the globe so visually interesting too.
Emotional Design - Why we love (or hate) every day things by Donald Norman
New research on emotion and cognition has shown that attractive things really do work better. Emotional Design looks at the influence of the feelings that objects evoke, from our willingness to spend thousands of pounds on Gucci bags and Rolex watches, to the impact of emotion on the everyday objects of tomorrow. This book will appeal not only to design students but also to any student who loves to think about their stuff.
The Design of Everyday Things by Donald Norman
This book looks at user-centered design discussing how the design of physical objects (door handles, cooker dials, etc) is grounded in cognitive psychology.
Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far by Stefan Sagmeister
This book looks at the question “Can design touch someone's heart?” This and many other questions are answered.
Design: A Very Short Introduction by John Heskett
This book shows how integral design is to our daily lives, from the spoon we use to eat our cereal, and the car we drive to school in, to the medical equipment used to save lives. Design combines 'need' and 'desire'. This guide to contemporary design goes beyond style and taste to look at how different cultures and individuals personalize objects. There are also insights into how major companies such as Nokia, Ford, and Sony approach design.
Design Secrets: Products: 50 Real-Life Projects Uncovered by Industrial Designers Society of America
As a design student, it’s always good to see how the industry is thinking and what you can learn from others. This book includes great examples of sketch sheets, concept models, and final presented models all in colour.
Infact for anyone with a degree of interest in consumer goods, this book will be a very interesting read. There are lots of famous branded products here which can be related to.
Sustainable by Design: Explorations in Theory and Practice by Stuart Walker
A great book to read before an interview. "Sustainability" is likely to be the biggest and most important change in the future of Product Design.
Cradle to Cradle by Michael Braungart and William McDonough
'Reduce, reuse, and recycle' urge environmentalists; in other words, do more with less in order to minimize damage. This book makes an interesting case for putting eco-effectiveness into practice, and show how you as a designer can begin to do so as well.
Design in Context: History, Application and Development of Design by Penny Sparke
This critical account of the history and function of design sets design styles, from the eighteenth century to present day, in the context of the times that produced them and assesses what "good design" was at any given time and why it worked. The importance of design is discussed, and the author argues that designers shape the visual world around us, but at the same time prevailing social, economic and political conditions shape design ideas and developments. Case histories, individual examples and assessments are taken in various categories of design, including architecture, transport, appliances, furniture, lighting, metalwork, plastics, textiles and fashion. This is a brilliant book for anyone interested in pursuing a career in Product Design and a good one to read before an interview. If you’re only going to read one from the list make it this one.
Functional beauty Founded in Welmar in 1919, the Bauhaus school developed a revolutionary approach that fused fine art with craftsmanship and engineering in everything from architecture to furniture, typography, and even theater. Originally headed by Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus counted among its members artists and architects such as Paul Klee, Lyonel Feininger, Wassily Kandinsky, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, and Marcel Breuer. In 1930 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe took over as the leader, but soon after, in 1933, the Nazi government shut down the school. During its fourteen years of existence, Bauhaus managed to change the faces of art, architecture, and industrial design forever and is still hugely influential today. Anyone thinking of studying design beyond A-level will need to know about Bauhaus.
Mies Van Der Rohe by Auroa Cuito and Cristina Montes
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who emigrated to the US in 1938, was one of the foremost architects of the 20th century. His work includes the German pavilion for the International Exhibition at Barcelona, for which he designed his famous Barcelona chair and the steel and glass Seagram Building in New York, built with Philip Johnson. This is an interesting biography of a man who was and still is today extremely influential.
Automobile Design: Twelve Great Designers and Their Work by Ronald Barker and Anthony Harding
This book takes a look at the lives, personalities and technical achievements of twelve engineers who made significant and lasting contributions to the design and development of the automobile over the last century. From early pioneers such as Amedee Bollee pere, whose first steam-driven vehicle took the road in 1878, to more recent innovators such as Colin Chapman, acknowledged pace-setter of the Grand Prix scene. An interesting book with great pictures looking at car development in the last 100 years. [Not available from the Wodehouse Library, but if you would like to read it we can obtain it from another library.]
Charles and Ray Eames: Designers of the Twentieth Century by P Kirkham
The American design partnership of Charles and Ray Eames created some of the pioneering 20th-century work in furniture, film, architecture and exhibition design. The book presents a detailed study of the designers and their work from 1941 to 1978.
Philippe Starck : Subverchic Design by Fay Sweet
Philippe Starck is arguably the most famous designer on the planet. This is a catalogue of some of his sketches, ideas and drawings. It also contains photographs of many of his famous products most of them you will recognize.
Philippe Starck by Conway Lloyd-Morgan
This book includes essays and commentaries by Starck and helps to explain the inspiration and creative process of this modern designer.
Alessi: Art and Poetry by Fay Sweet
Alessi is one of the world's most influential and challenging design companies. This book includes Alberto Alessi's own reflections that provide an insight into the creative ethos of one of the giants of design.
I'm No Lady: When Objects Have Women's Names by Augusto Morello, Ugo Volli and Silvana Annicchiarico
A brilliant title! Many Italian design objects carry a women's name. The Ancient Romans upheld "nomen omen" (a name is a sign), and we still believe that a name gives identity and character to the person or object that carries it. This book takes a look at how names interfere with the nature of named objects; in the conceptual and designing stages as well as the way the object is perceived and received. An interesting book if you’re interested in reading “around” the topic of design.
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The list below has been compiled by Geoff Riley of www.tutor2u.net
To see the original list including recommended journals click here
All of the books below can be found in the Wodehouse Library. Click on the titles to check current availability. Items on loan can be reserved.
Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World by Alan Greenspan
Basic Instincts by Pete Lunn
Chancellor’s Tales by Howard Davies
Common wealth : Economics for a Crowded Planet by Jeffrey Sachs
Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen
Discover Your Inner Economist by Tyler Cowen
The Economic Naturalist : Why Economics Explains Almost Everything by Robert H Frank
Economics A Very Short Introduction by Partha Dasgupta
Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets by Nassim Taleb
Game Theory A Very Short Introduction by Ken Binmore
The Great Crash of 1929 by JK Galbraith
New Ideas from Dead Economists by Todd Buchholz
New Paradigm for Financial Markets by George Soros
Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard H Thaler and Cass R Sunstein
Predictably Irrational: Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely
Prophet of Innovation: Joseph Schumpeter and Creative Destruction by TK McCraw
The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing by Paul Collier
The Long Tail: How Endless Choice Is Creating Unlimited Demand by Chris Anderson
The Mystery of Capital by Hernando de Soto
Thinking Strategically by Avinash K Dixit and Barry J Nalebuff
Who Runs Britain? How the Super-Rich are Changing our Lives by Robert Peston
Why Popcorn Costs So Much at the Movies: And Other Pricing Puzzles by Richard B McKenzie
Wikinomics by Don Tapscott
Worldly Philosophers by Robert Heilbroner
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Translations are available for many of the items.
Un aller simple by Didier van Cauwelaert
Les Mains Sales by Jean-Paul Sartre
Huis Clos by Jean-Paul Sartre
En attendant Godot / Waiting for Godot (English translation) by Samuel Beckett
Fin de partie by Samuel Beckett
Moderato Cantabile / Moderato Cantabile (English translation) by Marguerite Duras
Les Gommes by Robbe-Grillet
La Jalousie by Robbe-Grillet
Cyrano de Bergerac / Cyrano de Bergerac (English translation) by Edmond Rostand
L’Evangile selon Pilate by Eric Emmanuel Schmitt
Monsieur Ibrahim et les Fleurs du Coran / Monsieur Ibrahim and the flowers of the Qu'ran (English translation) by Eric Emmanuel Schmitt
Cosmetique de l’Ennemi by Amelie Nothomb
Extension du Domaine de la Lutte by Michel Houellebecq
Je Voudrais Que Quelqu’un M ’attende Quelque Part / I wish someone were waiting for me somewhere (English translation) by Anna Gavalda
Kiffe-Kiffe Demain / Just Like Tomorrow (English translation) by Faiza Guene
L’Etranger / The Outsider (English translation) by Albert Camus
La Chute / The Fall (English translation) by Albert Camus
La Peste / The Plague (English translation) by Albert Camus
Thérèse Desqueyroux / Therese (English translation) by Francois Mauriac
Le gône du Chaâba by Azouz Begag
Un Sac de billes / A Bag of Marbles (English translation) by Joseph Joffo
Vol de Nuit / Night Flight (English translation) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Le père Goriot / Old Goriot (English translation) by Honore de Balzac
Le Rouge et le Noir / The Scarlet and the Black (English translation) by Stendhal
L'Immoraliste / The Immoralist (English translation) by Andre Gide
Boule de Suif et autres contes de la guerre / Short Stories (a similar collection in English) by Guy de Maupassant
Madame Bovary / Madame Bovary (English translation) by Gustave Flaubert
L’Education sentimentale / A Sentimental Education (English translation) by Gustave Flaubert
L’Assommoir / L’Assommoir (English translation) by Emile Zola
Germinal / Germinal (English translation) by Emile Zola
Candide / Candide (English translation) by Voltaire
Les Liaisons Dangereuses / Les Liaisons Dangereuses (English translation) by Choderlos de Laclos
L' Avare by Molière
Le Malade Imaginaire by Molière
Tartuffe by Molière
Le Misanthrope by Molière
Five plays by Moliere (contains English translations of The Misanthrope; The Miser; Tartuffe and The Hypochondriac
Fables / Selected Fables (English translation) by La Fontaine
Selected works by:
Baudelaire
Rimbaud
Verlaine
Apollinaire
Desnos
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India: One Man's Personal Journey Round the Subcontinent by Sanjeev Bhaskar
An account of actor Sanjeev Bhaskar's (Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42) personal journey around India. He compares the India that he experienced as a young boy visiting the country to the modern day high-tech version, tracing the historical roots of his Indian born parents around the country. The book particularly emphasises the transformation from British rule through Partition in 1947 to independence and the current imbalance of technology, glamour and poverty. A very interesting read which will put India very high up on your list of places to visit.
I dreamed of Africa by K Gallman (not currently available)
This book tells the true story of a middle/upper class Italian family that go to live in Kenya in 1972. The book was well written and engaging; however, I found it a somewhat uncomfortable read. Gallman reflects the experience of the white European in Africa rather than the experience of African people. Her account of Kenya seemed thoroughly romanticised and did not reflect the lives of Kenyan people at all. The first half of the book was almost entirely taken up with tales of hunting buffalo and elephant (!) and flying to lavish parties and dinners with other European families. If you are interested in the lives of colonial expatriates in Africa then you would enjoy this book. If you're not so interested in them, I suggest giving it a miss.
Half of a Yellow Sun by C N Adichie
This book follows the lives of three main characters during the Biafran struggle for independence in Nigeria in the 1960s. Africa has been described as a lost continent, forever traumatised by tribal warfare yet Adichie refreshingly challenges this image by subtly exploring the historical depth and complex politics which shaped the continent. This book was an excellent read, it touched on ideas of political corruption, colonialism, oil, media influences, class, race and ethnicity within a deeply troubled setting.
African Diary by Bill Bryson
Provides an interesting account of Bryson's trip to Kenya, with particular focus on the perceptions he had prior to his visit - similar to many Westerners, this was largely based on television and film - and the reality he encountered. This book provides excellent observations of the contrasts within Kenya, dealing with the vast and changing landscape, the different stages of economic development within the country, and the character of the people.
Down under by Bill Bryson
A humorous account of Bill Bryson's travels in Australia. His love and (sometimes cynical) affection for Australia shines through, as does his 'dry' take on viewing life down under. Not only does Bryson comment on his numerous personal experiences, he also brings to life some amusing and interesting facts about Australia, with some attention given to geology, flora and fauna, folklore and Aborigine way of life.
A Ride In The Neon Sun, A Gaijin In Japan by Josie Dew
A personal account of one woman’s travels around Japan, it goes off on many tangents (a useful one being Japanese education), but also has many funny stories which give you a great insight into the real Japan. Probably a bit too long for most students at 664 pages and it does contain plenty of sexual references (I didn't realise when I picked up the book!!). It is a very detailed account which pays particular attention to the customs which are very important in the Japanese culture and challenges traditional views for example, that Japanese people have no sense of humour. If you have plenty of time or are looking for a lot of detail on Japan, then well worth reading.
Going to Extremes: Mud, Sweat and Frozen Tears by Nick Middleton
This book documents Nick Middleton’s adventure to four locations across the world. He takes in the coldest, hottest, driest and wettest inhabited places on the Earth providing an informative insight into these locations. Middleton explores how communities and cultures have adapted to cope with extreme weather conditions, which in turn, challenges his preconceptions about the locations in question. The book is divided into the four sections with many funny and interesting stories about the locations as he goes. His journeys to Siberia, Chile, Ethiopia and India are not only captivating, but rich with relevant facts, figures and geographical knowledge, offering useful contributions to classroom geography. An added bonus is included with photos of each place. I would recommend this if doing any work on the extremes of climate environments.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
This quintessential travel novel is a thinly fictionalised autobiography exploring 1950s America based on the spontaneous road trips of Kerouac and his friends. Quite philosophical in places, Kerouac bombards the reader's sensory imagination by blending detailed description and imagery with informal language and slang. Initially I found this quite hard to get into but once he gets out of New York and starts travelling it becomes incredibly enjoyable.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
A fictional story of two women’s’ experiences of life in Kabul (Afghanistan), and how their lives come together. Hosseini provides a brilliant description of Afghanistan pre and post Taliban rule, and paints a vivid and at times very brutal picture of the wounded country. Told through the eyes of the two women Hosseini is a brilliant storyteller describing the landscape, culture and customs of life in a country coping with starvation, brutality and fear.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Twelve year old Amir is desperate to gain the approval of his father and resolves to win the local kite-fighting tournament. His loyal friend, Hassan, promises to help him, but this is 1970s Afghanistan and Hassan is a disfigured, low-caste servant who is jeered at in the street. Neither of the boys could foresee what would happen to Hassan on the day of the tournament and the effect this would have on both their lives. The book contrasts pre and post Taliban Afghanistan as well as a section on America and how the migrants were accepted into their communities. The book was made into a film in the last couple of years.
The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
A fiction story documenting the mysteries Mma Ramotswe must solve after opening a detective agency in Africa. This book highlights the problems Mma Ramotswe faces as she attempts to make the only ladies detective agency in Botswana a success. Indeed, Mma Ramotswe's determination to successfully solve all her cases leads her into many strange and often dangerous situations. An excellent read with vivid descriptions of the African landscape enabling the reader to clearly picture the scenery.
Dangerous Beauty by M C Ross
Personal account of Ross' experiences as a safari guide in Kenya and other African countries. He creates a great sense of place whilst describing exciting encounters with animals and people. There are descriptions of lion kills that might interest some more disruptive students, as well as an emotional account of Ross' capture by Hutu rebels whilst on a Ugandan gorilla trek.
Spanish Lessons by D Lambert
An autobiographical account of a year in the life of a cosmopolitan journalist deciding to settle in village in southern Spain. Having lived and worked in many different countries, the author displays an intricate understanding of the processes of settling in and being accepted in an unfamiliar culture. The stressful aspects of starting a new life are balanced by a wonderful sense of humour - the ability to see the funny side of practical mishaps is clearly a must for living in the Mediterranean!
Fried eggs with chopsticks by P Evans
This book gives an account of the journey of Polly Evans as she travels round China using only public transport having heard that 'the Chinese had built enough roads to circle the equator sixteen times'. Although the relatively large sections of China's history were not that easy to read in my opinion, the anecdotes of her personal experiences as she learns that a number of the roads are uncompleted, anecdotes such as, being faced with the challenge of eating a soft fried egg with chopsticks, are interesting and entertaining and gave an insight into her experiences in China.
Born Fighting: How The Scots-Irish shaped America by J Webb
This book traces the emigration of the Scots-Irish to the USA in the 18th century, how they settled in the mid east originally in land that no-one else wanted, because there was nothing else available to them. It then chronicles the history of these people and how they obtained a stubborn and fighting spirit from William Wallace and being relocated to plantations in Ulster. Webb then argues that with 27 million people now claiming Scotch-Irish roots that these people went on to form the backbone of working-class America and its Social, Cultural and Political landscape. It's an alternative to the normal emigrant story told about the Irish and Scottish in America and is a very timely book with the notion of "Diaspora" very fashionable and topical at the moment.
Long way round: chasing shadows across the world by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman
This book follows the adventure of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they set out on bikes to ride 'around the world' - through Europe onto Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia - and the rather infamous 'Road of Bones', then across into America where they ended up in New York. Autobiographical in style, it includes extracts from their diaries, talking about the people they met and the places they saw as well parts from the Unicef projects which they visited. It is an easy read, developing a sense of place through descriptions of the landscape, the terrain and the kind of people/industry seen. Pupils would enjoy it - especially as many may have seen the accompanying television series.
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Dulwich College German Department
Recommended Reading List for Year 11 and Upper School Boys
Alfred Andersch
Flight to Afar (Not available in English translation)
A boy dreaming of Huckleberry Finn, a mortally ill Pastor, a disillusioned Communist, a young Jewish girl running for her life all meet in a half-derelict Baltic fishing village and are drawn into a daring plan of escape from Nazi Germany.
Heinrich Böll
Die Verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum
The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum
Katharina Blum is an innocent housekeeper whose life is ruined by an invasive tabloid reporter and a police investigation when the man with whom she has just fallen in love turns out to be wanted by the police because of a bank robbery. Later it transpires that he is not a bank robber: he is a deserter from the Army who had stolen money from his camp.
Bertolt Brecht
The play follows a young prostitute, Shen Te, as she struggles to lead a life that is ‘good’, without allowing herself to be abused by those who would accept and abuse her goodness. Her neighbours and friends prove so brutal that Shen Te is forced to invent an alter ego to protect herself: a male cousin named Shui Ta, who becomes a cold and stern protector of Shen Te's interests…
Bertolt Brecht
Mutter Courage und ihre Kinder
Mother Courage and her Children
This is among Brecht's most famous plays, and has been called by some to be the greatest play of the twentieth century. His work attempts to show the dreadfulness of war and the idea that virtues are not rewarded in corrupt times. He used an epic structure so that the audience focuses on the issues being displayed rather than getting involved with the characters and emotions. Epic plays are of a very distinct genre and are typical of Brecht.
Martin Corzillius
The Executioner of Aix (currently unavailable)
Three murders have taken place in Aix. The precise nature of the killings leaves room for only one suspect: the executioner. The perplexed young man tries to prove his innocence, but no one believes him. He must flee with his beloved. In Paris, he discovers the guillotine and a terrible conspiracy which threatens more than just his life...
Friedrich Christian Delius
The Pears of Ribbeck (Not available in English translation)
A group of west German tourists travel to the east German village of Ribbeck and decide to plant a pear tree in memory of a nineteenth-century author. Bearing all manner of gifts, the west Germans seek to win favour, but fail to comprehend that they are reinforcing a colonial relationship. The text casts a critical eye over events in East Germany shortly after reunification in 1990.
Annette von Droste-Hülshoff,
The beech tree becomes a significant symbol in a story which has been considered as one of the first murder mysteries and is often viewed as a crime thriller. The novella is full of implications and red herrings, whilst there is no definitive answer to what actually happened.
Friedrich Dürrenmatt
The play takes place 'somewhere in Central Europe' and tells of an elderly millionairess who, merely on the promise of her millions, swiftly turns a depressed area into a boom town. But the condition attached to her generosity, which the locals learn of only after they are enmeshed, is murder.
Gisbert Haefs
And a Raven Sits Above (currently unavailable)
After the double murder of a woman and her lover, the motive seems clear: jealousy and greed. The husband is arrested. Then comes Baltasar Matzbach. Although everything points to the suspect's guilt, the amateur detective is convinced of his innocence. The proud owner of a mangy raven called Poe which he spoils with strawberry cake cannot be a murderer.
Stefan Heym
Built on Sand (Not available in English translation)
A series of short stories which vividly depicts the problems faced by Germans in both East and West Germany after the fall of the Berlin wall. The stories present the problems faced by the German people as they try to reintegrate with one another.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Die Leiden des Jungen Werthers
A collection of letters written by Werther sent to his friend Wilhelm. Werther gives a very intimate account of his stay in the fictional village of Wahlheim where he meets and falls instantly in love with Lotte. Charlotte is, however, already engaged to Albert. Despite the pain this causes Werther, he spends the next few months cultivating a close friendship with both of them, and tragedy ensues.
Günter Grass
Grass examines a subject that has long been taboo - the sufferings of the Germans during the Second World War. He explores the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, the deadliest maritime disaster of all time, and the repercussions upon three generations of a German family.
Gerhart Hauptmann
Thiel's deep religious conviction and strong spiritual bond with Minna, his first, now deceased, wife are plain from the outset, whilst his subsequent marriage to Lene begins to show signs of failure. It is Lene's inexcusable neglect of Tobias and Minna's appearance during Thiel's vivid dreams which lead to the powerful change in his psychological state and the plot's climax.
Franz Kafka
The protagonist, known only as K, struggles to gain access to the mysterious authorities of a castle who govern the village where he wants to work as a land surveyor. Dark and at times surreal, Das Schloß is about alienation, bureaucracy, and the seemingly endless frustrations of man's attempts to stand against the system.
Franz Kafka
Often cited as one of the seminal works of short fiction of the twentieth century, the story begins with a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa, waking to find himself transformed into a man-sized insect. The story is a powerful exploration of alienation and is regarded as a landmark work of existential literature.
Karin König
The Fifty-Fifty Feeling (Not available in English translation)
This book depicts the dilemma of a young girl who leaves the German Democratic Republic before the fall of the wall in 1989, and her feelings thereafter. It brings to life the situation for people in the GDR at their historical period in the twentieth history, whilst dealing with everyday problems of school life, friendship, spit families and anxieties about the future.
Thomas Mann
The narrative follows the course of a man’s life, from schooldays to adulthood. The son of a north German merchant and an Italian artist, Tonio has inherited qualities from both sides of his family. As a child, he feels both superior to and envious of the bourgeois people around him. This conflict continues into Tonio’s adulthood and are only partially resolved when he travels north to visit his hometown where he is mistaken for an escaped criminal.
Lisa Pei
The Candidate (Not available in English translation)
What was supposed to be the best day of her life turns into a nightmare for Verena Schirmer. Five minutes before the wedding, her bridegroom is arrested at the registry office. He stands accused of killing a student during Karneval. The accusation is absurd and flimsy - or so Verna believes. But as Manuel stubbornly remains silent, the body of evidence becomes ever more substantial.
Bernhard Schlink
A tale about sex, reading and shame in post-war Germany. Michael Berg is fifteen when he begins an affair with Hanna, an enigmatic older woman. Later, Michael sees Hanna again when she is a defendant in a trial related to Germany's Nazi past. As Michael follows the trial, he struggles with an overwhelming question: how should his generation come to terms with the Holocaust?
W G Sebald
Raised as Dafydd Elias by a strict Welsh Calvinist ministry family, it is only at school that Austerlitz learns his true name – and only years later, by a series of chance encounters, that he allows himself to discover the truth of his origins, as a Czech child spirited away from his mother and out of Nazi territory on the Kindertransporte. He returns to confront the childhood traumas that have made him feel that he must have made a mistake, and now living the wrong life.
Steve Crawshaw
Easier Fatherland. Germany and the Twenty-First Century
Anna Funder
Leon Goldensohn
Ernst Gombrich
Eine Kleine Weltgeschichte für Junge Leser
Tom Heneghan
Unchained Eagle. Germany after the Wall
Christopher Hilton
Pol O'Dochartaigh
Stuart Parkes
Understanding Contemporary Germany
Peter Pulzer
Frederick Taylor
The Berlin Wall: 13 August 1931 – 9 November 1989
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Virtual History / Empire / Colossus by Niall Ferguson
America: Empire of Liberty by David Reynolds
The Origins of the Second World War by A.J.P. Taylor
Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
The Russian Revolution by Richard Pipes
Redcoat by Richard Holmes
A People’s Tragedy by Orlando Figes
Stalingrad / Berlin / D-Day by Anthony Beevor
Montaillou by Emmanuel La Roy Ladurie
The World Turned upside Down by Christopher Hill
The English Civil Wars: 1640 - 1660 by Blair Worden
The Last Days of Hitler by Hugh Trevor Roper
Denying the Holocaust : The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory by Deborah Lipstadt
The Third Reich: A New History by Michael Burleigh
Europe: A History / The Isles by Norman Davies
Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives by Alan Bullock
Britons: Forging the Nation, 1707 - 1837 by Linda Colley
The Invention of Tradition by Eric Hobsbawm
Citizens by Simon Schama
Young Stalin / Stalin : The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore
The Face of Battle: A Study of Agincourt, Waterloo and the Somme by John Keegan
The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers by Paul Kennedy
In Pursuit of History by John Tosh
In Defence of History by Richard Evans
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World Cultures: Italy by Mike Zollo & Derek Aust
This is a very simple book in English which will give you an overview of Italy and its people. I recommend all A2 students read this before the exam course.
Italy and its Discontents 1980-2001 by Paul Ginsborg
A comprehensive look at Italy and how it has changed in the last 20 years. Slightly hard going but very informative and very likely to be a recommended University text.
The Dark Heart of Italy by Tobias Jones
Italy from a slightly different perspective, concentrating on the ‘real’ Italy as perceived by the author. Lots of stuff about corruption and Mafia.
The Cambridge Companion to Modern Italian Culture
The following can be considered as the ‘fathers’ of Italian literature. They are however tough in the original language and I think it is more important to know of them rather than to have read them extensively before university. Where available the English translation is listed underneath its Italian original.
Dante Alghieri
You cannot study Italian without spending some time on Dante!
Giovanni Boccaccio
Baldesar Castiglione
Described as ‘a deeply felt account of ideals of Italian Renaissance at the moment of it’s greatest splendour’
Allesandro Manzoni
Set in 1630, written in 1827, this is a fantastic example of Italian Romanticism and a set text in all Italian schools.
Giovanni Verga
A widely studied novel, written during the Realist period.
Luigi Pirandello
Sei Personaggi in Cerca d’autore
Six Characters in Search of an Author
One of many plays written by Pirandello, there is also a filmed version of this in the library.
Niccolo Ammaniti
Ti Prendo e Porto Via
Alessandro Baricco
City [in English]
Short novels.
Italo Calvino
The Path to the Spiders' Nests
Written after the second world war, this tells of Partisan struggle, in which Calvino himself took part.
Our Ancestors : The Cloven Viscount, Baron in the Trees, The Non-existent Knight
SOm of Calvino's short stories.
Alberto Moravia
Moravia wrote novels and short stories as well as for theatre and many of his works have been made into films.
Primo Levi
you may remember from the Italian Study day. An Italian Jew, Levi wrote about his experiences in Auschwitz and has been widely translated. Harrowing but fascinating. There is also a very good biography on Levi in the library. [Primo Levi : the Biography by Ian Thomson]
Ignazio Silone
Leonardo Sciascia
A native Sicilian, Sciascia wrote novels about his homeland and the mafia.
Carlo Levi (Not to be confused with Primo Levi)
A memoir of Levi’s exile in Lucania.
Antonio Skarmeta
(also a wonderful film)
Tomaso di Lampedusa
(also a film)
Natalia Ginzburg
The Faber book of 20th Century Italian Poems
Babel Guide to Italian fiction
a short introduction on lots of major Italian writers with a short excerpt from each, translated into English.
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Nonplussed : Mathematical Proof of Implausible Ideas by Julian Havil
Maths - the application of reasonable logic to reasonable assumptions - usually produces reasonable results. But sometimes maths generates astonishing paradoxes - conclusions that seem completely unreasonable or just plain impossible but that are nevertheless demonstrably true: Conclusions that, for example, tell us that a losing sports team can become a winning one by adding worse players than its opponents. Or that the thirteenth of the month is more likely to be a Friday than any other day. Or that cones can roll unaided uphill. In "Nonplussed!" - a delightfully eclectic collection of paradoxes from many different areas of maths - popular-maths writer Julian Havil reveals the maths that shows the truth of these and many other unbelievable ideas. "Nonplussed!" pays special attention to problems from probability and statistics, areas where intuition can easily be wrong. These problems include the vagaries of tennis scoring, what can be deduced from tossing a needle, and disadvantageous games that form winning combinations. Other chapters address everything from the historically important Torricelli's Trumpet to the mind-warping implications of objects that live on high dimensions. Readers learn about the colorful history and people associated with many of these problems in addition to their mathematical proofs. "Nonplussed!" will appeal to anyone with a calculus background who enjoys popular maths books or puzzles.
Gamma : Exploring Euler's Constant by Julian Havil
Among the myriad of constants that appear in mathematics, p, e, and i are the most familiar. Following closely behind is g, or gamma, a constant that arises in many mathematical areas yet maintains a profound sense of mystery. In a tantalizing blend of history and mathematics, Julian Havil takes the reader on a journey through logarithms and the harmonic series, the two defining elements of gamma, toward the first account of gamma's place in mathematics. Introduced by the Swiss mathematician, Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), who figures prominently in this book, gamma is defined as the limit of the sum of 1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + ...up to 1/n, minus the natural logarithm of n - the numerical value being 0.5772156...But unlike its more celebrated colleagues p and e, the exact nature of gamma remains a mystery - we don't even know if gamma can be expressed as a fraction. Among the numerous topics that arise during this historical odyssey into fundamental mathematical ideas are the Prime Number Theorem and the most important open problem in mathematics today - the Riemann Hypothesis (though no proof of either is offered!).Sure to be popular with not only students and instructors but all maths aficionados, "Gamma" takes us through countries, centuries, lives, and works, unfolding along the way the stories of some remarkable mathematics from some remarkable mathematicians.
For reviews of the following books see the University of Cambridge Mathematical Reading List
A Mathematician's Apology by G H Hardy
Littlewood's Miscellany edited by B Bollobas (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
The Pleasures of Counting by T W Korner
The Quantum Universe by T Hey & P Walters
Was Einstein Right? by C M Will
Advanced Problems in Mathematics by S T C Siklos (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering by K F Riley, M P Hobson & S J Bence
A Concise Introduction to Pure Mathematics by Martin Liebeck
Yet Another Introduction to Analysis by V Bryant
A First Course in Mechanics by Mary Lunn
Probability and Statistics by M R Spiegel
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Oxford Histories of Music by Richard Taruskin, 5 Volumes Published by OUP
Style and Idea by Arnold Schoenberg (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Structural Harmony by Arnold Schoenberg
Wagner’s Music Dramas by Carl Dahlhaus
I Saw the World End by Derrick Cooke
A Guide to Music Analysis by Nicholas Cook
Music: a Very Short Introduction by Nicholas Cook
The Triumph of Music by Tim Blanning
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Beware of general introductions to philosophy: they are rarely neutral in their interpretations of philosophical trends and positions. Nevertheless, they can be very useful to provide a general overview and help you to decide what specific areas of philosophy you want to focus on. You might usefully have a look at one of the following:
A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell
The problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Philosophy - The Basics by N Warburton
Invitation to Philosophy by M Hollis
Introduction to Philosophical Analysis by J Hospers
The Empiricists by R Woolhouse
Philosophy in Practice by A Morton
Meditations on First Philosophy by Descartes
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke
Principles of Human Knowledge by Berkeley
Treatise of human nature by David Hume
Enquiries by David Hume
Descartes by J Cottingham
Descartes (NB Difficult!) by B Williams
Locke, Berkeley, Hume by J Bennett
Problems From Locke by J.L Mackie
Locke by M Ayers (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Hume's System by D Pears
Hume by B Stroud
The Secret Connexion by G Strawson
The Philosophy of Mind (good place to start) by Smith & Jones
The Character of Mind by C McGinn
Materialism and the Mind-Body Problem by D.M Rosenthal
Introduction and your selection of papers from sections 2-5
Mind-Body Identity Theories by C Macdonald (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Actions by J Hornsby (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Essays on Actions and Events by D Davidson
A Theory of Content by J.A Fodor
Representations by J.A Fodor (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Reasons and Persons by D Parfit
Knowledge and Belief by Phillips Griffiths (ed.) (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Theory of Knowledge by K. Lehrer
The Problem of Knowledge by A.J. Ayer (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Language, Truth and Logic by A.J. Ayer
Philosophical Papers by G.E. Moore (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
The Significance of Philosophical Scepticism by B. Stroud
Reason and Prediction by S.W. Blackburn
From a Logical Point of View by W.V. Quine
Moral Visions by D. McNaughton
Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong by J.L Mackie
Morality : An Introduction to Ethics by B Williams
Moral Luck by B Williams
The Methods of Ethics by Henry Sidgwick
Virtues and Vices by P Foot
Moral Thinking by R.M Hare
Conjectures & Refutations by K. Popper
What Is This Thing Called Science? by A. F Chalmers
Understanding Philosophy of Science by J. Ladyman
Philosophy of Science: A very short Introduction by S. Okasha
Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction by A. Rosenberg
The Philosophy of Science: Oxford Readings in Philosophy by D Papineau (ed.)
Fact, Fiction and Forecast by N. Goodman
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by T. Kuhn
The Politics by Aristotle
Two Treatises of Government by John Locke
Leviathan by Hobbes
Utilitarianism by J.S Mill
On Liberty by J.S Mill
A Theory of Justice by J Rawles (not currently available in the Wodehouse Library)
Anarchy, State and Utopia by R Nozick
Capital by Marx
There are more detailed reading lists on various philosophical questions in these various areas, together with ideas for essay titles. Please see Dr Kinch if you want to get hold of them.
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A Book List for Physics compiled by J.A.Bardell
Great Physicists by William Cropper
A great book to dip into. AS/A2 students should really enjoy reading about their favourite physicists and the contribution they have made to the world of physics. It is very good and quite challenging, however it is written in such a style that it comes alive and puts the findings in a historical perspective. Year 11 might like it especially if they have taken to a particular area of physics.
Chaos by James Gleick
Beginning to show its age, however this is a challenging book for AS/A2 students and Oxbridge, in the past, have recommended it as a book to read before going to university. Interesting but it might be hard work.
Superstrings (A theory of Everything) edited by P.C.W.Davies and J.Brown
A paperback of reasonable size. The first 70 pages deal with the present day situation in physics. After this the book concentrates on superstrings as a theory. Rather too detailed I fear.
The Life of Isaac Newton by Richard Westfall
An excellent read and the definitive book on Isaac’s life.
Isaac Newton, The Last Sorcerer by Michael White
A very good book delving into Isaac’s life in a different way to the Richard Westfall book.
Any book by Richard Feynman has to be recommended, especially those produced in paperback and run to some 200 pages.
Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman by Richard Feynman
Excellent book, showing how even the best qualified people do not necessarily think the right way.
What do you care what other people think? by Richard Feynman
More adventures of a curious character (i.e. Richard himself).
The Character of Physical Law by Richard Feynman
Very readable book and excellent for the aspiring physicists.
Feynman’s Lectures by Richard Feynman
There are three books of these lectures and all should be recommended, however the first book is the one that most students at AS/A2 level will understand. This is real physics and it is very well explained. It is tough but students at A level should cope.
The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene
This excellent book, a follow up to his international best seller, Elegant Universe, is a great read and there are copious notes at the end of the book where references are made to other books on the subject.
Elegant Universe by Brian Greene
It was a best seller – enjoyed greatly by many. Sets out to introduce the reader to the fundamentals of physics and ends in challenging chapters to do with quantum mechanics and string theory. Students at A S/A2 level have really appreciated this book.
The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking
This is a beautifully presented book by the author of A Brief History of Time. The contents are really quite interesting and it is a great read with innovative pictures to illustrate the points being made.
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
Extraordinary book, a best seller and quite difficult to understand yet it is a good read.
Hyperspace by Michio Kaku
This is a well written account making quite difficult ideas seem accessible. It is another way of modelling the laws of the universe. It is quite dense and it will take some reading but it might interest some students.
Galileo’s Finger by Peter Atkins
A great book about ten great ideas in science. Highly recommended – you can dip into the sections you are interested in and it is very well written. It does describe the ideas in some detail.
Science: A History by John Gribbin
A thickish tome (600 pages) but for once written very well. It is an absorbing book and you can choose the period of science you wish to read about.
E = mc2 by David Bodanis
Not an extraordinary book but certainly an easy read. It could whet the appetite of a youngster and so make him read another more detailed book.
Electric Universe by David Bodanis
I started reading this but did not finish it. It is very much like the Bodanis before and most of what he writes about is well known to me. It has its merits and may be interesting to Year 10 onwards.
Black Holes and the Universe by Igor Novikov
This is a very good book of about 170 pages. It is certainly worth a read if you are interested in Black Holes , event horizons etc.
The Quantum Universe by Tony Hey and Patrick Walters
A highly recommended book and one that Oxbridge favour for students. Well written and can be understood by AS/A2 students.
Einstein’s Mirror by Tony Hey and Patrick Walters
A highly recommended book and also recommended to students going up to Oxbridge. Well explained and interesting.
Two books written by Abraham Pais which are extraordinary well written and both are regarded as the definitive biography of the said physicist.
Niels Bohr’s Times by Abraham Pais
Subtle is the Lord : the science and the life of Albert Einstein by Abraham Pais
He wrote a third book that can be recommended where he writes about matter and forces in the physical world. Here he writes about these things in chronological order.
Inward Bound by Abraham Pais
Understanding the Present by Bryan Appleyard
A really good writer who puts forward philosophical ideas with great clarity and precision. A really good read and some of this book has provoked topics for assemblies and the like.
Is Science Necessary? by Max Perutz
Max Perutz was in charge of the duo (Crick and Watson) who found the structure of DNA at Cambridge. This book was written 1989 and may show its age in that the facts are from that period and they will have changed since, but the book is good.
Physics and Beyond by Werner Heisenberg (Currently unavailable - if you would like to read it please inform a member of the Library and we will borrow it from another library.)
An historical book written by the man who gave us the Uncertainty Principle. There are sections in this book that describe what happen at the famous Solvay Congresses. Of course Neils Bohr and Einstein were there arguing or if you like discussing the new ideas. An atmospheric book.
The Nature of Matter by Otto R. Frisch
Although this was written 1972 it is still a very useful book to read and the illustrations are still worthwhile. He, the author, was a great physicist and he has written this book very well.
The Road to Reality by Roger Penrose
This is a complete guide to the laws of the universe. Roger Penrose is the equivalent of Stephen Hawking at Oxford University. He has written several books. The Emperor’s New Mind was the winner of the1990 Science Book Prize and it is recommended book for AS/A2 students. The Road to Reality is too long but as a reference book it is very good and it will take students past A level.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Very readable, thorough and yet findings in Modern Science are really easy to approach. A good book for the layman and indeed the budding scientist.
From Paradox to Reality by Fritz Rohrlich
A very good book with yet another way of presenting the complex ideas in physics. Perhaps a book to dip into and find out about a certain topic. Well explained and fairly easy to read.
The Principles of Quantum Mechanics by Paul Dirac
Paul Dirac is one of the cleverest physicist this country has known. His approach to theoretical problems have been recognised as inventive, clever and indeed accurate. His equation “iγ.δψ = mψ” gave rise to the prediction of antimatter. This book is written very well, however this is written for a student who is prepared to use advanced mathematics in places. We have had such a student at the College who learnt the relevant mathematics so that he could understand the book. It is certainly a book to recommend but don’t expect to understand it all.
Mr. Tomkins in Paperback by George Gamow
George Gamow is a notable contributor to physics and in this book he provides a delightful explanation of the concepts of modern physics. It is really a very good book (186 pages) and shows great enthusiasm for the subject.
Black Holes and Time Warps: Einstein’s Outrageous Legacy by Kip Thorne
A really interesting book with many pages of interesting ideas to the way physicists think. It is worth a dip into this book as some of the ideas are very lucid.
Now follows a series of books that are a great read and indeed expose the reader to the ideas of physics. However they are books written for the layman and so they contain their ideas without any mathematics or difficult steps. Mind you they are quite challenging books.
In Search of Schrődinger’s Cat by John Gribbin
This is a fairly contentious subject and it is good that a writer of John Gribbin’s ability has written something.
God and the New Physics by Paul Davies
This is an excellent book and it is easy to read.
The Matter Myth by Paul Davies and John Gribbin
A really good read. The authors have produced a compelling picture of the universe shaped by the new ideas drawn from the realm of science.
The Mind of God by Paul Davies
Scientists tend to believe that, given the laws of nature, a universe can come into being spontaneously without the need of a creator. Where do these laws come from? Have they been created by God? Discuss.
Other Worlds by Paul Davies (Currently unavailable - if you would like to read it please inform a member of the Library and we will borrow it from another library.)
Through this book one discovers the amazing quantum world where fact is stranger than any science fiction. A fascinating piece of work.
Companion to the Cosmos by John Gribbin
This is a single, user friendly, guide which nobody interested in the world around us can afford to be without.
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Politics Department Reading List
The Wodehouse Library contains many excellent books on British and world politics. Given the nature of the subject, most of these go out of date relatively quickly. However, below are listed some titles which Politics students should enjoy and find relevant to their studies. They are all to be found in the Wodehouse Library.
The fall-out : how a guilty liberal lost his way by Andrew Anthony
Fantasy island by Dan Atkinson and Larry Elliott
Ten years of New Labour by Matt Beech and Simon Lee
The truth that sticks by Martin Bell
Gordon Brown Prime Minister by Tom Bower
The Blair Years by Alastair Campbell
What's left? How liberals lost their way by Nick Cohen
Cameron : the rise of the new Conservative by Francis Elliott and James Hanning
Friends, voters, countrymen by Boris Johnson
Vote for who? by Jonathan Maitland
The day Britain died by Andrew Marr
The triumph of the political class by Peter Oborne
After Blair: Conservatism beyond Thatcher by Kieron O'Hara
Friends in high places: who runs Britain? by Jeremy Paxman
The political animal: an anatomy by Jeremy Paxman
The unfulfilled Prime Minister: Tony Blair's quest for a legacy by Peter Riddell
Blair Unbound by Anthony Seldon (editor)
The Blair effect: the Blair government, 1997-2001 by Anthony Seldon (editor)
Blair (The 20 British prime ministers of the 20th century) by Mick Temple
Yo, Blair! by Geoffrey Wheatcroft
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An introductory reading list for those considering studying Theology at University.
I have highlighted those of particular interest in Yellow.
Books highlighted in RED are essential.
A must for Philosophers.
This will keep you thinking...
Holocaust Theology: A reader by Dan Cohn-Sherbok
Relates to Holocaust Theology/Jewish Studies at University.
Marginalization by John Atherton
Public Theology for Changing Times by John Atherton (Currently unavailable - if you would like to read it please inform a member of the Library and we will borrow it from another library.)
Both Atherton books relate to Urban Theology/Role of Theology in regeneration, social policy etc.
Cultural Anthropology in relation to the New Testament by J. D Malina (Currently unavailable - if you would like to read it please inform a member of the Library and we will borrow it from another library.)
Gospel Commentaries by William Barclay
These are good.
‘…for everyone’ series by Tom Wright
These are good for each of the Gospels.
Introducing the Old Testament by John Drane (Currently unavailable - if you would like to read it please inform a member of the Library and we will borrow it from another library.)
Meditations by Rene Descartes
Ecce Homo by Friedrich Nietzsche
These three books are all good in relation to Christian anthropology courses.
The Body & Society by Peter Brown
This is good for History & RS courses on monasticism, asceticism, renunciation and martyrdom related areas. It’s also a fairly comprehensive starter book for early to late medieval are of study in RS.
Alister McGrath books, especially those published by Oxford/Cambridge which are introductions to Christian Theology.
The Puzzle of the Gospels, The Puzzle of Ethics, The Puzzle of Sex by Peter Vardy and Julie Arliss
…all are good and pitched at a good level for AS – University.
A Short History of the Interpretation of Scripture by R. M. Grant & D. A. Tracy
Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner's Handbook by J. H. Hayes & C.R. Holladay
The Literary Guide to the Bible by R. Alter & F. Kermode
The Living World of the Old Testament by B. W. Anderson
Teach Yourself the Old Testament by G. McConville
Introducing the Old Testament by R. J. Coggins
The Old Testament World by J.W. Rogerson & P. Davies
Beginning Old Testament Study by J.W. Rogerson (ed.)
Ancient Israelite Religion by S Nititch
The Writings of the New Testament by L.T Johnson
The Stories of Jesus' Birth by E.D. Freed
The New Testament World by J. & K Court
The Origins of Christianity by S. Brown
Reading the New Testament by C. Tuckett
The New Testament Background: Selected Documents by C.K. Barrett
The Birth of the New Testament by C. F. D. Moule
Evangelicalism in Modern Britain by D.W. Bebbington
The Bible and the Flag by B. Stanley
The Kingdom of God in America by H.R. Niebuhr
Christianity and Social Order by W. Temple
'Introduction’ to The Modern Theologians. An Introduction to Christian Theology since 1918 edited by David F. Ford with Rachel Muers
Theology : A Very Short Introduction by David F. Ford
The Cambridge Companion to Christian Doctrine edited by Colin Gunton
particularly Chapters 1-2, 5, 7, 10-11, and 13
The Oxford Companion to Christian Thought, edited by Adrian Hastings
particularly the entries on the following topics: Jesus, christology, faith, history, ethics, cross and crucifixion, redemption, resurrection, church, sacrament, baptism, eucharist
Religion in the Contemporary World by A. Aldridge
The Making of a Moonie: Brainwashing or Choice by E. Barker (Currently unavailable - if you would like to read it please inform a member of the Library and we will borrow it from another library.)
Religion in the Modern World by S. Bruce
Religion in Britain since 1945 by G. Davie
Europe: The Exceptional Case by G. Davie
The Sociology of Religion by M.B. Hamilton
Comparing Religions Through Law: Judaism and Islam by J. Neusner & T. Sonn
Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices by J.J. Lipner
The Darkness of God by D. Turner
Knowing the Unknowable God: Ibn-Sina, Maimonides and Aquinas by D. Burrell
The God of Faith and Reason by R. Sokolowski
The Origins of the Christian Mystical Tradition: from Plato to Denys by A. Louth
Beyond the Limits of Thought by G. Priest
After Virtue by A. Macintyre
The Making of Moral Theology by J.D. Mahoney
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Click on the author to check what other books the Library stocks by them.
SOUTH AMERICAN AUTHORS
The Time of the Hero (La Ciudad y los perros)
Set in Boys Military Academy in Lima. Burned in the streets when released!
The Feast of the Goat (La Fiesta del chivo)
About Dictatorship in Dominican Republic (quite gruesome!)
Conversation in the Cathedral (Conversación en la cathedral)
Peruvian dictatorship
The Green House (La Casa Verde)
Brothels, jungle and other religion
Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter (La Tía Julia y el escribidor)
Frustrated writer loses his mind but gains an aunt
Chronicle of a Death Foretold (Crónica de una muerte anunciada)
Detective whodunnit
No-one Writes to the Colonel (El coronel no tiene quien le escriba)
A Colonel waiting for his paycheque (like Godot)
One hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad)
Fantastic! Read it. 100 years of the Buendía family.
Love in the Time of Cholera (El Amor en los tiempos de cólera)
A tale of unrequited love
Leaf Storm (La hojarasca)
Short novela
All fires the fire (Todos los fuegos al fuego)
Various short stories
The Underdogs (Los de abajo)
Story of the Mexican Revolution
The dead walk the earth in this rather twisted short tale.
Various short stories
The House of Spirits (Las Casa de los espiritus)
A house of Spirits?!
The Explosion in the Cathedral (El siglo de las luces)
Story of the French Revolution in the Carribbean.
Fictions (Ficciones)
Ghost, detective, metaphysical, philosophical varied tales that defy definition
The Invention of Morel (La invención de Morel)
Tale of a time machine on a desert island
THE South American poet, diplomat, politician and statesman
SPANISH AUTHORS
The Shadow of the Wind (La Sombra del viento)
Spanish good version of Da Vinci Code
A Heart So White (Corazón tan blanco)
Failed relationships in modern day Spain.
The Family of Pascual Duarte (La familia de Pascual Duarte)
Simpleton commits the ultimate crime
Life in Francoist Spain
NON-FICTION
The Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett
News of a Kidnapping (Noticia de un secuestro) by Garcia Márquez
The Penguin History of Latin America by Edwin Williamson
A Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlanksy
The Labyrinth of Solitude by Octavio Paz
Memoirs by Pablo Neruda
For whom the bell tolls by Ernest Hemingway
Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell
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Waiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett
Hello & Goodbye by Athol Fugard
Metamorphosis by Stephen Berkoff
The Threepenny Opera by Bertholt Brecht
Look Back in Anger by John Osborne
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello
A Day in the Death of Joe Egg by Peter Nichols
The Art of the Actor by Jean Benedetti
Three Uses of the Knife by David Mamet