Author:Desmond Morris
The first book to bring together the many different everyday gestures that are used all over the world. Desmond Morris has travelled to over 60 countries while making field studies of human body language, and made notes of hand gestures and facial expressions. The result is a fascinating reference book of over 600 different gestures from Europe, the Middle East, North & South America and the Far East. The book is arranged alphabetically under the part of the body used with Meaning, Action, Background and Locality and each gesture is illustrated with a line drawing. The World Guide to Gestures complements Desmond Morris's bestsellers Manwatching and Bodywatching.
This is a great book: tough and funny, metaphysical and earthy, passionate and honest. Most of all, honest: not just in the sense of 'candid', but honest also in that it reveals the sheer bloody awkwardness, and the sheer awkward bloodiness, of trying to live even semi-wild these days. What might seem like a gimmick turns out to be a way of discovering a great deal about that complicated thing we call 'land'. There's also some beautiful writing about place
—— Robert Macfarlane, author of the international bestseller, The Wild PlacesBeautifully written. The closest thing you can get to poetry in prose
—— Paul Blezzard , Hay on Wye Literary FestivalA fascinating account of each month as [John Lewis Stempel] tracks, kills and gathers what he needs to stay alive... But this is more than just a rundown of all the perfectly edible stuff out there that we tend to overlook in our everyday, supermarket-dominated lives. The Wild Life is also a meditation on survival and our connection to the land... A timely and compelling book
—— Jason Webster , Sunday TelegraphTough, honest, funny, poetic and informative, this is an initiatory and spiritual journey. A life lesson for us all
—— EcologistA large slice of nostalgia served up in an amusing and informative narrative
—— Manchester Evening NewsThis is a good-natured tale well studded with recipes
—— Katie Owen , Sunday TelegraphWhile Michell devotes much of his time to heartwarming penguin antics, he also recalls the less idyllic elements of his time in Argentina, including runaway inflation and a military coup. Michell's crisp, intelligent voice is equally at home chatting about motorcycling through the Argentine countryside and hiding a penguin for the duration of a bus trip. His classic dry British wit provides the perfect counterbalance to the inherent sweetness of the penguin's remarkable devotion. Animal lovers and travel fans alike will find Michell's adventures bright and charming
—— Shelf AwarenessLively and endearing ... In clever, entertaining vignettes accompanied by simple yet engaging illustrations, Michell ... interweaves introspection, travel tales, and penguin facts in a charming story that also reveals the charismatic nature of this gregarious and increasingly endangered species
—— Publishers WeeklyOne of the most touching tales we've read all year
—— Heat *****Packed full of funny, heart-warming anecdotes and peppered with interesting details of the political and economic picture of Argentina, this would make a perfect Christmas stocking filler
—— Irish ExaminerTom Michell seems like the sort of fellow you'd like to have dinner with sometime. He would no doubt regale you with fascinating tales of life in Argentina during the 1970s: living with high inflation and the collapse of the Perónist government, hiking in the high Andes, wandering the snowy, pine-covered wilderness of Tierra del Fuego. Oh, and he might tell you a little bit about a Magellanic penguin he used to know
—— Washington PostA crazy, witty, enchanting story
—— Woman & HomeAlexievich serves no ideology, only an ideal: to listen closely enough to the ordinary voices of her time to orchestrate them into extraordinary books
—— Philip Gourevitch , New YorkerAlexievich has become one of my heroes
—— Atul GawandeAwarding the Nobel Prize for Literature to Svetlana Alexievich is a brilliant choice that recalibrates the status of "non-fiction" in the literary canon
—— Arifa Akbar , IndependentThrough her books and her life itself, Alexievich has gained probably the world's deepest, most eloquent understanding of the post-Soviet condition
—— Masha Gessen , New YorkerAlexievich retreats into the wings to let her subjects speak. But this is the art that conceals art. Her editor's flair for selection, contrast and emphasis, her almost cinematic touch with cuts, pans and close-ups, make her a documentary virtuoso
—— Boyd Tonkin , SpectatorHer interviews go on for hours. She goes back for more. She transcribes. She discards three-quarters of her material. She polishes. She takes pains to convey the cadence of a person's words. It shows. The distilled work goes deep into the subject. She is after the ephemeral; the emotion behind written history; the "history of the soul." Here, she believes, is where the truth lies
—— Vanora Bennett , ProspectThis masterly new translation by Anna Gunin and Arch Tait retains the nerve and pulse of the Russian, conveying the angst and confusion of the narrators
—— Serguei Alex. Oushakine , Times Literary SupplementThe last book that made me cry... incredible
—— Joe Dunthorne , GuardianAn often thought-provoking and always elegantly written book.
—— Steven Poole , SpectatorBrilliant, mind-expanding…explores where Homo Sapiens might go from here, via his signature blend of science, history, philosophy and every discipline in between.
—— BooksellerHis reasoning is laid out with a lucidity that makes it a joy to read.
—— UK Press SyndicationYuval Noah Harari is the most entertaining and thought-provoking writer of non-fiction at the moment. In Homo Deus he covers broad terrain, touching on everything from Zen Buddhism to the Second World War to how bats read the frequency of echoes, to explore the largest most difficult and sometimes frightening subject of all: our own future. As with Sapiens you finish the book feeling much wiser, but not having noticed any hard work along the way. I loved this book.
—— Matt HaigSapiens showed us where we came from. Homo Deus shows us where we’re going
—— Eastern Daily PressChallenging, readable and thought-provoking… He has provided a smart look at what may be ahead for humanity.
—— TimeExhilarating.
—— Nick Curtis , Evening StandardOriginal, compelling, and provocative.
—— Gary Ogden , ShortlistYuval Noah Harari is the most entertaining and thought-provoking writer of non-fiction at the moment. In Homo Deus he covers broad terrain, touching on everything from Zen Buddhism to the Second World War to how bats read the frequency of echoes, to explore the largest most difficult and sometimes frightening subject of all: our own future. As with Sapiens you finish the book feeling much wiser, but not having noticed any hard work along the way. I loved this book.
—— Matt HaigUtterly blown away by the concise beauty of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli. Science as poetry. Awe inspiring
—— Michael Bhaskar, author of The Content MachineNo one should hold office unless they have read Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons on Physics
—— Nick Harkaway, author of The Gone-Away World and AngelmakerBrilliant... Rovelli writes with clarity and verve, vividly bringing to life concepts that can often appear incomprehensible, and inviting readers to see the world anew. Few writers, let alone physicists, capture the beauty of nature and the excitement of its discovery in such clear, rich prose... It's hard to imagine a more coherent, inspiring introduction to modern physics. It really is an enchanting little volume
—— New ScientistCarlo Rovelli has never been afraid to challenge the status quo
—— Morgan Freeman , Science ChannelIt's like a love letter to physics. You can't believe everyone isn't reading this, and you want to tell everyone about it... to be able to have access to these ideas in a way that inspires me is thrilling
—— Felicity WardI loved this book. The final chapter is filled with breathless amazement and humble awe... it's almost trippy
—— Harriet GilbertA deep and sensible dive in to this complex and fascinating dimension of biology.
—— Irish Times, Book of the Year[It] is superbly judged. It brilliantly synthesises the surprising and recently-revealed inter-dependencies of visible and invisible organisms… Look out for it on numerous book prize shortlists in 2017.
—— Guardian, Book of the YearYong will make you think about yourself – and the world around you – in a different way.
—— Brad Davies , iIt is a fascinating account of the unseen creatures that live within and all around us. Yong takes us on this journey through the microscope to discover the most recent research from scientists all round the world and tell us of the secrets that are being discovered about microbes… Yong writes with an engaging and eloquent style and makes the science in here really accessible. Well worth reading.
—— Paul Cheney , NudgeYong’s enthusiasm for bacteria is infectious, as he describes the beauty of luminescent bacteria in the Hawaiian bobtail squid and the benefits of our microscopic neighbours.
—— Jane Shilling , Daily MailA master class in popular scientific education.
—— Simon Shaw , Mail on SundayYong made me think “wow” over and over again. He tells us that there is a universe of tiny things. We should think about them.
—— William Leith , Evening Standard[Kalanithi] wrote about practising medicine, about mortality, about finite time, with unfathomable tranquility and humour.
—— Radio TimesHe writes with clarity, elegance, and honesty… When Breath Becomes Air is a deeply personal and moving book… Kalanithi died leaving the book unfinished. He left, though, his voice, speaking through this book about death and implicitly about life.
—— Frieda Klotz , Irish IndependentWriting isn't brain surgery, but it's rare when someone adept at the latter is also so accomplished at the former... A moving meditation on mortality by a gifted writer whose dual perspectives of physician and patient provide a singular clarity.
—— Kirkus Starred ReviewAn extraordinary voice… His account is matter-of-fact, never self-pitying and often funny.
—— Jennifer Rohn , Times Higher EducationWrenching memoir… Moving, humble, and impossible to ignore.
—— UK Press SyndicationA sparely lyrical account of excruciated ambition… Fairly dotted with insights.
—— Iain Bamforth , Times Literary SupplementIn this slim but extraordinarily powerful memoir, Kalanithi grapples with the hardest questions with grace and courage... Lucid, humbling and heartbreaking.
—— Stephanie Cross , The LadyHeart-wrenching memoir
—— Eastern Daily PressWhen Breath Becomes Air is an eloquent evocation of a life defined by success and tragedy… Paul’s unravelling of unimaginable circumstances is terrifyingly real and heartbreakingly honest.
—— Lydia Yaritt , British Journal of General PracticeThe line between life and death has never been explored quite so personally as in Paul Kalanithi’s wrenching memoir… The Final pages, from Paul and then Lucy, are moving, humble, and impossible to ignore’
—— Woman's WayIt’s elegantly constructed, as befits a man who had a lifelong passion for reading and writing, and heartbreakingly honest too, with unflinching reflections on all the beloved people he must leave behind, and all the things left undone’
—— PsychologiesAbsolutely compelling… This is not a depressing book, but it will stay with you for a long time.
—— Stephen Meyler , RTE GuideA true and heart-breaking tale.
—— Love it!This dying doctor’s gripping memoir is a natural, honest, and unflinching account of his journey. Paul’s willingness to reflect and share and not avert his eyes from death, will undoubtedly inspire and comfort others who are ill or who experience loss. The final paragraph is directed towards his infant daughter and it is breathtakingly beautiful… one to recommend to anyone and everyone.
—— Joanne Booy , NudgeBeautifully written… Healthcare professionals and civilians alike should find much that resonates here.
—— Lisa Berry , Cancer Nursing PracticeHis book is suitable for, and deserves, a wide audience… Whilst this book is emotional and moving to read, it is beautifully written and many readers will find Paul's way of dealing with terminal illness inspirational. It is a book that I will go back to again and again for emotional support.
—— MacmillanThis is a tearjerker… Kalanithi was as skilled with words as he was with the knife.
—— Helen Davies , Sunday Times, Book of the YearKalanithi is warm and full of wit... His writing is seamless, poetic, beautiful and transfixing. His bravery is rather astonishing at times… He is a wonderful storyteller and dizzily sweeps you along.
—— Avpura TimesYou’ll read this in one unforgettable afternoon.
—— A Little BirdA gripping and emotionally charged account.
—— Today FM, Book of the YearPoignant, honest, brave and yes, at times, incredibly raw… A beautiful and unforgettable book.
—— Heat[A] beautiful memoir… Kalanithi’s eloquent and elegant writing is deeply affecting.
—— Daily Express, Book of the Year[An] inspiring book.
—— Business Insider, Book of the YearA thoughtful, deep and learned meditation on the meaning of life… The best book of the year
—— Sheer Luxe, Book of the YearAn emotional ride.
—— Julie Vuong , Running in Heels, Book of the YearA book that leaves its reader full-hearted… moved and enriched by its humanity and accomplishment.
—— Lettie Kennedy , ObserverA fast read that won’t fail to move you.
—— IJohn Updike said that every writer is simply unpacking their own bag, describing writing as a way to come to terms with one’s current and historical life experience. If that is the case Paul Kalanithi, in When Breath Becomes Air, is unpacking a very large bag indeed, and not just his own.
—— Paul D'Alton , Irish ExaminerWhen Breath Becomes Air is a life-affirming reflection on facing our mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both.
—— Mojo MumsFar more than a beautifully written account of a life cut cruelly short: it is a meditation on living well.
—— Jane Shilling , Mail[H]e writes with an eloquence that befits his love of the literary.
—— Brad Davies , iAn eloquent meditation on our mortality, the brain, the meaning of life, fatherhood and the doctor-patient relationship, this powerful, inspirational book should appeal to readers who are enjoying watching BBC2’s current Hospital series. I couldn’t put this profoundly moving memoir down – but it is not for the squeamish or faint-hearted, and may scare hypochondriacs.
—— Rebecca Wallersteiner , The LadyIt’s not just that Kalanathi has a remarkable story to tell. The way he tells it is phenomenal… This is a superbly written and must-read autobiography – beautiful, poignant and thought-provoking.
—— Sam Hailes , ChristianityHe writes movingly about how to make sense of a life so suddenly interrupted and what makes life worth living even as it fades away. A beautiful book about the resilience of the human spirit.
—— RedKalanithi’s candid yet artistic prose, peppered with medical terminology, conveys his life beautifully. We are taken on a journey from the nostalgic memories of his childhood in Arizona to his final days in the hospital bed… he raw and emotional portrayal of his pain and their family’s grief is not an easy read, but a compelling one.
—— Angela Huang , BoarA thoroughly enjoyable, epic read, When Breath Becomes Air should be at the top of everyone’s ‘to read’ list. Paul Kalanithi beautifully bridges the gaps between philosophy, science and literature in his memoir which depicts the reality of life lived in the face of death… Kalanithi writes sublimely, elegantly and honestly. His words are spun together as though with a golden thread, and all that he writes is from the heart. His admiration for the written word shines through and the mammoth task of composing his memoir, after receiving his diagnosis, is executed exquisitely… It is a novel filled with tenderness, heartbreak and bittersweet nostalgia. It is a novel containing power, strength and beauty. And it is a novel that will stay with you long after its cover has been closed.
—— Lauren Molyneux , LiveInformative, emotive, honest and a stark look at the path one takes when life pulls the rug out from under you.
—— NudgeThis book has stayed with me ever since I put it down. Absolutely extraordinary. This book is an example of how fragile and unfair life can be.
—— Molly EllisIt was a really incredible read and I couldn’t recommend it more.
—— Ella Mills , Good Web GuideAs a book detailing the insight into our own mortality, and the dedication of medical professionals who place their lives on hold to learn their craft, it’s fascinating. His accounts of coming face to face with cadavers – "donors" – and performing autopsies, his experiences with patients as he gave good and bad news, his mistakes as a surgeon which caused irreparable damage coupled with his success as a physician are an incredible insight into his life’s work… A melancholic read that I’d recommend to all student nurses, and anyone interested in reading the final thoughts of a doomed surgeon.
—— Six Out of TenPoignant and life-affirming, it's a devastating must-read
—— Woman & HomeBeautifully written... utterly heartbreaking and yet somehow life-affirming
—— Mike Gayle, author of THE MUSEUM OF ORDINARY PEOPLE , Good HousekeepingThe writing is beautiful and the whole book feels like a wondrous gift
—— Good Housekeeping