OneHourAhead

Books to read

Nonviolence: The History of a dangerous idea (Mark Kurlansky)

An excellent, easy read about the history of nonviolent action and protest. From the early nonviolent teachings of religions and how they have come to be corrupted for political gain and to establish the ‘just war’ to the civil rights movement of the last century and how the nonviolent protesters have needed more resolve than the warriors to win their battles, this is an excellent, informative read that really does make you want to be the first to the barricades, and then talk to the soldiers. A must read for anyone who thinks war is shit.

Books about economics or economists are a particular favourite of mine. Lots of people read pop science books about the brain and the mind, but as that is my particular field then i choose to relax with pop books about economics and maths, as it is that stuff that i know nothing about. Two favourites are:

The Undercover Economist (Tim Harford)

A great little book essentially about the free market, written by the undercover economist from the FT. This book gives an insight into the economy on a consumers level from why your cup of coffee from starbucks costs a specific price (essentially because you’re willing to pay it) and how supermarkets try to get you to buy what they want to sell, to why there is an economic boom in Asia, but not in Africa. It allowed me to the ideas behind the free market in a much more utilitarian light.

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Dr Strangelove’s Game: A Brief History of Economic Genius (Paul Strathern)

A good read for those interested in the history of economics and the people that have been instrumental in shaping our society. I original bought it as I was interesed in game theory but this takes up only the last sections of the book. Just as interesting is the stories about the Scotsman who ruled France and the most expensive tulip ever. However, the most interesting part of this book is to realise how people continually make the same mistakes with their money

Just Read:

My Booky Wook (Russell Brand)

Currently reading:

Diaries 1969 - 1979: The Python Years (Michael Palin)

Ricardo’s Law: House Prices and the Great Tax Clawback Scam (Fred Harrison)

Bad Thoughts: A Guide to Clear Thinking (Jamie Whyte)

Prisoner’s Dilemma: John Von Neumann, Game Theory and the Puzzle of the Bomb (William Poundstone)

Currently waiting on my bookshelf:

Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything (Don Tapscott, Anthony Williams)

Homo Britannicus: The Incredible Story of Human Life in Britain (Chris Stringer)

The Architecture of Happiness (Alain de Botton)

Liberal Lion: Jo Grimond, A Political Life (Peter Barberis)

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