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Another perspective on the history of humankind

Democracy, like science and important software, needs to happen in the open for it to work. This book exposes some of the means by which some people attempt to obscure the process. I have a more complete review on my blog

This is in the context of the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666, but still applies.

Gripping finale set in Oxford.

I enjoyed this fascinating tale set in Edinburgh at the time of the visit of King George IV.

In its mixture of real Edinburgh places and characters it reminds me of the 44 Scotland Street series of novels by Alexander McCall Smith. Like many good novels it inspired me to learn more about some of the real life characters, places and events depicted in the story.

The descriptions of lives and particularly deaths of the people in the area, now Belarus, at the time of WW2 make grim reading. In some respects the events of the time have kept the people in a mediaeval existence today, while, for example the people of Poland, just across the river have moved on. The character of Andrusha Sawoniuk reminded me of the chapter "Petty Tyrants and Psychopaths" in Corruptible I did find the details of the cross examinations and legal wrangles a bit too detailed, and it could have been edited down without losing much.

An excellent read to explain how in some situations power is abused if it gets into the wrong hands.

Features the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh at the time of its creation.

Espionage fiction, with more realism than most. I have enjoyed others in the series.