The best books

Just an idiosyncratic list of my selections for the best books I’ve read recently.

Science fiction

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
by: Philip K. Dick
Del Rey, released: May 28, 1996
Easy reading, but an extraordinary pastiche: detective story, postapocalytic science fiction, philosophical treatise, and sardonic take on humankind’s humanity (or lack thereof). Mind-shattering.

The Lathe of Heaven: A Novel (Perennial Classics)
by: Ursula K. Le Guin
Harper Perennial Modern Classics, released: August 19, 2003
Short, provocative tale of a man whose dreams change the course of history. A blend of science, science fiction, and Eastern philosophy.

 

Computer security

Secrets and Lies: Digital Security in a Networked World
by: Bruce Schneier
Wiley, released: January 30, 2004
A sophisticated yet common-sense view of the threats with realistic approaches to dealing with them. A bit marred by some self-promotion near the end.

 

Ancient literature

Gilgamesh: A New English Version
by: Stephen Mitchell
Free Press, released: September 28, 2004
The best translation of the oldest extant written story (roughly 4000 years old) — a remarkably modern story about how arrogance and heroism do not mix well.

The Iliad / The Odyssey
by: Homer, Bernard Knox, Bernard Knox, Robert Fagles
Penguin Classics, released: November 1, 1999
a lively translation

 

History

Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion
by: Edward J. Larson
Basic Books, released: October 2, 2006
“Inherit the Wind” is not historically accurate. The play even includes a disclaimer stating so. Yet many get all their knowledge of the Scopes trial through that drama. This text, winnner of the Pulitzer Prize, sets the record straight, and is great reading. It also sets the context for today’s creationism vs. evolution debate.

 

Design

The Elements of Typographic Style
by: Robert Bringhurst
Hartley & Marks, released: December 1, 1996
a wonderful book about typographic design, very readable even for beginners