In the book that he was born to write provocateur & best-selling author Christopher Hitchens inspires future generations of radicals gadflies mavericks rebels angry young (wo)men & dissidents. Who better to speak to that person who finds him or herself in a contrarian position than Hitchens who has made a career of disagreeing in profound & entertaining ways. This book explores the entire range of contrary positions"-from noble dissident to gratuitous pain in the butt. In an age of overly polite debate bending over backward to reach a happy consensus within an increasingly centrist political dialogue Hitchens pointedly pitches himself in contrast. He bemoans the loss of the skills of dialectical thinking evident in contemporary society. He understands the importance of disagreement-to personal integrity to informed discussion to true progress-heck to democracy itself. Epigrammatic spunky witty in your face timeless & timely this book is everything you would expect from a mentoring contrarian. Ranging broadly in subject matter these brief intellectual primers to life are a stimulating read for anyone who wants to experience the insights wisdom & advice of todays leading minds. Now available for the first time in handsome & affordable new paperback editions." ...

This is an astute & lively exploration of what it's really like to do mathematics by well-known mathematician & writer Ian Stewart. The first scientific entry in Basic Books' renowned Art of Mentoring" series " Letters to a Young Mathematician" tells readers what Ian Stewart wishes he'd known when he was a student. Subjects ranging from the philosophical to the practical
- what mathematics is & why it's worth doing the relationship between logic & proof the role of beauty in mathematical thinking the future of mathematics how to deal with the peculiarities of the mathematical community & many others
- are dealt with in Stewart's much-admired style which combines subtle easygoing humour with a talent for cutting to the heart of the matter. Like GH Hardy's classic "A Mathematician's Apology" this book is sure to be a perennial favourite with students at all levels as well as other readers who are curious about what mathematics is all about. Ranging broadly in subject matter these brief intellectual primers to life are a stimulating read for anyone who wants to experience the insights wisdom & advice of today's leading minds."

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Have you ever had a crush? Fallen out with your best friend? Cathy Cassidy is here for you. There are no questions Cathy hasnt been asked & isnt afraid to answer from growing-up to dating making friends following your dreams & much more. Through the happy times the mad & crazy times & the days when you simply find yourself asking Why?
- whatevers bugging you Cathy can help...
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In a frank & unpretentious series of letters addressed to a teenage granddaughter this highly original book teaches us to know & understand the world we live in & its rules & how to behave in it. In these thirty letters Alan Macfarlane answers his granddaughters questions about how the world works how it got to be as it is what it could be & where she fits in. Lilys enquiries range from the intimate personal & moral to the political social & philosophical. What is the nature of good & evil? What is religion? How can I be truly me? Is right & wrong the same wherever you are? What is beauty? Does there have to be torture? Does money matter? Is knowledge always good? What is progress? What is truth? What is sex? Is democracy a good idea? These are just a few of the questions. In responding to Lilys challenging problems Alan Macfarlane from a lifetimes experience as a historian anthropologist & teacher ranges through history & across the worlds cultures. Her questions are timeless. His answers add up to a classic. ...

As a diarist I have chronicled the time through which I have lived in meticulous detail: but all that is history. What matters now is the future for those who will live through it. The past is the past but there may be lessons to be learned which could help the next generation to avoid mistakes their parents & grandparents made. Certainly at my age I have learned an enormous amount from the study of history
- not so much from the political leaders of the time but from those who struggled for justice & explained the world in a way that shows the continuity of history & has inspired me to do my work. Normality for any individual is what the world is like on the day they are born. The normality of the young is wholly different from the normality of their grandparents. It is the disentangling of the real questions from the day to day business of politics that may make sense for those who take up the task as they will do. Every generation has to fight the same battles as their ancestors had to fight again & again for there is no final victory & no final defeat. Two flames have burned from the beginning of time
- the flame of anger against injustice & the flame of hope. If this book serves its purpose it will fan both flames.

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This quirky & nostalgic diary displays timeless imagery of 1960s inspired skirts. This A6 diary will fit in your bag with ease & has a range of useful features. Features include: page marker day to page diary conversion tables & a year planner. ...

This tasteful brown faux leather diary will never let you miss a date again. With its light & portable design its ideal for carrying in a briefcase or satchel. Features include: two weeks to view diary internal pockets pen holder calendar maps & note pages. ...

What can you say about the Letts Ladydate? The Ladydate has been a phenomenally popular diary year after year. There&8217;s no mistaking the gold grained cover & gilt edges; this mini pocket diary is the perfect accompaniment to the socialite with the busy schedule. The Letts Ladydate Mini Pocket incorporates a handy pencil for making notes of those last minute diary changes. The Week to View layout lets you keep up to date with upcoming appointments while the inclusion of the Forward Year Planner means you&8217;ll always be able to keep on top of those further off dates. With plenty of room for Addresses & Telephone numbers it&8217;s no wonder the Ladydate has been a Letts institution for years. ...

This elegant pink diary will make a great addition to your bag or desk & has an array of useful features to suit all needs. To top it all off £1 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Campaign for each purchase. Features include: pink page marker day to page diary calendar planner advice & helpline information. ...

This beautiful academic diary from Letts for 2013-2014 features stunning foiled butterflies & foliage on the sturdy frosted ...