Oli 1 Report post Posted April 27, 2009 Hello all, I have the pleasure of traveling to Mauritius in 2 weeks. This unfortunately means nearly 52 hours of total fliying time, and whilst for much of this I will be asleep, I still need some good books to read when I discover I've watched everything on VPort. Here's the kicker- I'm not in the mood for any fiction at all, and haven't been for several years. I like: Twentieth Century History Science Humour Biographies In that sort of order. Plus anything else really, as long as it's non-fiction. Has anyone read anything good lately? All suggestions welcome. I'd also be interested if anyone knows of any podcasts I should be downloading. Thanks! Oli (BTW don't try and impress me by claiming to have read a bunch of Wittgenstein tractata- when I'm on a plane I find it hard to concentrate (especially after 5 glasses of champagne) so nothing too heavyweight please......) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Medilloni 6 Report post Posted April 27, 2009 Both 'Puccoon' and 'Adolf Hitler: My part in his downfall' by Spike Milligan. Both of them are humour classics by one of the most original comedians of all time 'Jim Clark: Racing Legend', by Eric Dymock. It's about Him, what more do you want to know 'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller. It's Marmite, love it or hate it. I love it. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams, indeed, spoil yerself and buy..... 'The Restaurant at the End of the Universe' 'So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish' 'Life, The Universe and Everything' 'Mostly Harmless' .........which is the full 'Galaxy' set. Also, 'The Meaning of Liff' is a corker. Maybe a bit old fashioned to some, but I still like 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (Oscar Wilde). Wonder if he invented tongue in cheek? Good luck Oli, have a great time. Disclaimer: We all have different tastes EDIT: I was going to suggest a bit of light porn, but I find there's not enough leg room on 'planes as it is Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cavallino 2 Report post Posted April 27, 2009 For history, Keegan's accounts of the two world wars Anything by Anthony Beevor - start with Stalingrad Science: Richard Dawkins - his science books are exemplary, unlike some of his other writings. Try The Ancestor's Tale Humour: The Complete Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister - classic British humour Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quiet One 15 Report post Posted April 27, 2009 "Short story of WWI" by James Stokesbury. Excellent overview of the first world war. "The Creators" or "The Discoverers". both by Daniel Boorstin. Excellent books on the history of science and arts. Not that they are THE definitive book on any of these subjects, but they are both those kind of books that once you start reading them, you can't stop. They are very addcitive and entertaining. You will not ven care what are they really about. For a hilarious approach to history, my all time favorite is Will Cuppy's: "The Decline and Fall of Practically Everybody". Is an old book, but worth it if you can find it. On a more serious note, Eduardo Galeano's books are among my favorites, too. Last week Hugo Chavez gave one of Galeano's books to Obama as a present which I think will make those books avaiilable in english very soon. "Mirrors" is his last book. The "Memories from the Fire" trilogy is his best, IMHO. He writes very short stories and anecdotes, from history. They are great Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monza gorilla 1 Report post Posted April 27, 2009 Schott's Miscellany. Or the Book of General Ignorance. Good for browsing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Rumble Strip 0 Report post Posted April 27, 2009 In terms of F1 books. Try Louise Goodman's look at the 2000 season, called Beyond the Pit Lane. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Argento Reloaded 1 Report post Posted April 29, 2009 I Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikathegreat2 2 Report post Posted April 29, 2009 Top Gear Magazine! There's a new issue out where the Stig tests all the new FIA GT3 cars! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oli 1 Report post Posted April 29, 2009 Thanks for the suggestions! That should give me plenty to be going on with. But let me know if you think of any more :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Rumble Strip 0 Report post Posted April 30, 2009 For the dark side of F1, try The Pits by Beverley Turner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Max Mosley 2 Report post Posted April 30, 2009 Funny you don't like fiction. I don't either. I've often wondered why I don't. I used to read a lot of it as a kid: Sherlock Holmes, King Arthur stories etc. Nowadays I read a lot of poetry but that's not in your list. I've always thought history is bunk, albeit sometimes interesting bunk. Science books bore me now, which is quite sad in a way - I'd rather just read the original research, otherwise I get frustrated and end up with more questions than answers. And biographies are so damn long. As you can see, I can't really offer any sensible suggestions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oli 1 Report post Posted April 30, 2009 Thanks for your input...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Rumble Strip 0 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 Martin Brundle's book, Working the Wheel, is a biography with a difference. Rather than focusing on his early life, he gives us his memories of each circuit he has raced at. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainmaster 7 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 Yeah, Working the Wheel is good. I like the Enzo Ferrari bio by Richard Williams. As for podcasts, well Stephen Fry, David Mitchell and Ricky Gervais have all got some damn funny/informative podcasts iirc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Rumble Strip 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2009 Murray Walker's biography is ok and includes his F1isms. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
