Retired scientist, I read a lot, fiction and non-fiction, on a wide range of subjects, though science, politics, philosophy, law, science fiction and historical detective stories are favourites.
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ISHAK: We travel not for trafficking alone; By hotter winds our fiery hearts are fanned: For lust of knowing what should not be known, We take the Golden Road to Samarkand.
— Hassan by James Elroy Flecker (The Drama library) (Page 122)
Ishak is poet and companion to the Caliph of Baghdad, and is leaving the city in the company of Hassan and other members of the caravan.
The chapter on The Visible Cell features the observation of 'cells' in cork by Robert Hooke, published in Micrographia, in 1665. This was shortly before the Great Fire of London, and shortly after that Ashes of London has a scene set in the laboratory of Charles II as well as giving some historical context to the science.
Interesting view from the other side of the Justice System, agreeing with Nothing but the Truth on percentage of prisoners with mental health issues, and how Justice is a complex problem.
A royal scandal… In the Court of Charles II, it’s a dangerous time to be alive – a wrong move …
A royal scandal… In the Court of Charles II, it’s a dangerous time to be alive – a wrong move …
A time of terrible danger… The Great Fire has ravaged London. Now, guided by the Fire Court, the city is …
The renowned activist and public intellectual David Graeber teams up with the professor of comparative …
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
A time of terrible danger… The Great Fire has ravaged London. Now, guided by the …
You could not destroy a city merely by destroying its buildings
— The Fire Court by Andrew Taylor (Marwood and Lovett, #2) (32%)
This is in the context of the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666, but still applies.
A time of terrible danger… The Great Fire has ravaged London. Now, guided by the Fire Court, the city is …
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.
