Edward Larkin finds the book’s greatest value to be in its exploration of what guides human behaviour.
Always foolish, always hungry, always different
Hassan Dar on Karen Blumenthal’s efficient and accessible new biography of the late Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs.
Beyond the House of Wisdom
Laurence Atchison reviews Jim Al-Khalili’s Pathfinders: The Golden Age of Arabic Science, a timely book that illuminates a neglected area of history.
Open City by Teju Cole
Wafi Abd-Manan doesn’t find much of a plot in Open City, but that doesn’t stop it’s author from delivering an alluring and entrancing novel.
More than a whistle-blower?
Ling Yah deems this analysis of the role and impact of whistle-blowing organisation WikiLeaks a terrific read.
The dearth and depth of nobility
Rachel Holmes talks us through the artistic ‘journey’ of poet Constantine P. Cavafy.
Humboldt’s Gift by Saul Bellow
Rachel Holmes is gripped by the powerful dynamics in one of Saul Bellow’s greatest novels.
Religion for Atheists by Alain de Botton
Edward Larkin on why Alan de Botton’s latest offering isn’t just another Dawkinsian crusade against believers.
What You Don’t Know
Rachel Holmes looks at why writing ‘what you know’ is not always as straightforward as it seems.
The Pale King by David Foster Wallace
Edward Larkin explores David Foster Wallace’s final, both humorous and profound, novel.