GUNPOWDER
By Jack Kelly
Apparently, Chinese alchemists invented gunpowder to frighten evil spirits way back in the 10th century. It was a mixture of saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal (well, it probably still is - clearly I am one who should read this book all the way through instead of skimming!).
It is probably responsible for Western expansionism, the industrial revolution, the end of feudalism, and all sorts of technological innovations.
This book about gunpowder blends science and technology with military, economic. and social history. It also gives some fascinating insights into people as diverse as Guy Fawkes (no surprise there), Hernan Cortes (less obvious) and Michelangelo (a bit of an unexpected entrant in the cast of gunpowder heroes).
Wendell Phillips said, "What gunpowder did for war, the printing press has done for the mind.” so if gunpowder is anywhere near as important as the printing press, then it is definitely worth reading this fascinating volume and learning a bit more about it.
The Beatles - by Julian Lennon & Brian Southall
With the new Beatles documentary/film coming out any day, this is a timely reminder of the huge collection of Beatles books we have, both in the shop and online.
Julian Lennon (son of John Lennon, just in case there is someone out there who doesn't know) is the owner of a unique collection of memorabilia, including guitars, clothing, letters, postcards, photographs and much more. In this book he explains the sentimental value of many of these articles and shares the memories that they carry for him. Here is his complete collection beautifully presented and fascinatingly discussed.
The book is brand new and priced very reasonably (under $20.00 per copy). It would make a great gift for the Beatles' fan in your life.
The Sleepwalkers
In this detailed and interesting book Arthur Koestler takes a look at the history of cosmology. Beginning with the Babylonians and Ancient Greeks and working his way through several important figures such as Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo and Newton, he shows how our understanding of the universe has changed throughout the centuries.
While the history of science is an interesting topic on its own, this book goes much further. Delving into the political and personal biases of each great figure we also learn about how changing attitudes affected scientific discovery and research. The influence of religion and spirituality is also discussed, making this not only a fascinating account of scientific thought but also a study in philosophy and sociology.
Fair warms the cockles of your heart (well, ours anyway)
Dear Ruth, Tessa, Lily & Richard (and if possible, Mr. Jordan & Ms. Ewington):
Sorry for taking so long to provide you with feedback. I wanted to make a special effort to thank you for my latest purchase “Farm Life in NE Scotland” by Ian Carter.
It arrived promptly and was very well packaged. I received it in pristine condition – which was a real treat, considering it was a rare & used book. I’m thrilled with my purchase all-in-all and want you all to know it, OK? I would also like this praise to reach the ears of Mr. Jordan and Ms. Ewington if possible... please know that your Dunedin Store staff are superlative and efficient!
Rest assured that I will be purchasing from your store again in future – as I am now a loyal customer!!! Feel free to use this feedback in any way you wish. I shall shout your praises from the rooftops (if ever given the chance).
Respectfully yours,
Alan M
(Wish we could say we get one of these every day!!)
Office Move at Dowling Street
The office has moved from the back to the front of the building. This may not seem a big deal to the rest of the world but it is to us.
For a start, the new office has natural light pouring in through a huge window and as summer is approaching we will be working in a sun-filled, light and airy office. A real treat.
Ngaio Marsh has also decided to move with us (as you can see from the attached pictures) and we are very pleased to welcome her as an office-mate. When you're in the shop, you'll be able to see her staring out over the top of the office door.
The hardworking staff have a new packaging and processing area too right beside the window. A good move for all concerned.
Sun Tzu - The Art of War
Sun Tzu was a Chinese general and philosopher. His work The Art of War is probably one of the most famous and most widely read books ever. It is arguably more about philosophy than it is about warfare and military strategy. It is definitely one of the most quoted of texts.
It has been widely used for teaching competitive tactics in fields as diverse as sport, politics, business and, of course, warfare. It is often used for inspirational quotes in managing conflict and winning battles. It is considered to be a masterpiece of strategy.
If you are not yet acquainted with this book, now might be a good time to read it. It will give you food for thought for a long time. Come in and pick up a copy or order on line.
"He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight."
The Holy Bible
It is superbly illustrated with fine engravings and elegant steel plates throughout. There is gilt lettering & gilt decorative rule to the tooled leather spine. The dark brown leather boards are decorated with gilt rule and a magnificent gilt raised cross to the front and rear boards. All page edges are gilt and there is gilt dentelle to the board edges. The end papers are cream textured silk and there is a beautiful hand-coloured title page.
This magnificent volume has to be seen to be appreciated as my poor words cannot do it justice.
We also have a great selection of less ornate and less valuable Bibles if you are looking for one but do come in and see this beautiful book when you visit the shop.
Graffiti or Art?
Banksy: Wall and Piece
Graffiti is the lowest form of art. Graffiti is even lower than that and is just plain vandalism. Graffiti is art at its most pure and honest. Graffiti is a symbol of a decline in society. Whatever your opinion, this book of Banksy's will certainly make you think.
Banksy's own opinion is, "The people who truly deface our neighbourhoods are rhe companies that scrawl giant slogans .. trying to make us.. buy their stuff. They expect to be able to shout their message.. from every available surface but you're never allowed to answer back."
He says a lot more and says it succintly and wittily. If his words are thought-provoking, the work itself is more so. Treat yourself to a really fascinating look at a world many of us don't bother to think about and after you've perused this book carefully then you can decide what your answer to the art vs. vandalism question is.
PS. Banksy also said, "Copyright is for Losers." However, he is identified as the author of the above book under the Copyright Act.
