Inverting the Pyramid by Jonathan Wilson Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics, by Jonathan Wilson

Fascinating, enriching exploration of the history of football formations & the resulting tactical effect on results. It starts with the inception & codification of the game in England but diverges into the history of other countries' developments & innovations (guided by British coaches, some alienated by the buffoonish FA) that soon apparently left England behind. During these explorations some of the author's possible preferences for Latin America & Continental Europe over Britain seep through, with chapters on Sir Alf Ramsey's success, English clubs' 1980s European dominance & Graham Taylor being somewhat lightweight or esoteric in comparison. The chapters on other nations are excellent, with Sacchi's Milan being my favourite, especially as Sacchi had not been a pro player, adding depth to my memories of watching them as a youngster. The less appealing parts of the game, the 'dark arts' aka cheating, are also openly discussed illuminating their historical context. What especially resonated for me were comments from the game's inception 100+ years ago on the merits of passing the ball (Scotland) versus running more directly with it (England), a debate that continues today with complaints about Guardiola & system players, even though the positive results are quite clear, as they were then! 4/5. Completed 19 August, 2024.

Children of Time, By Adrian Tchaikovsky

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this space opera romp. It contrasts the destruction and survival of the remnants of the human race with the rise of a new civilisation, and this intriguing premise kept me fascinated throughout; I finished the book quite quickly as a consequence. I also enjoyed how the vast passages of time of were related, and how time itself almost became a character in the book. A good twist at the end too.

Completed December, 2020.

The Song of the Dodo, By David Quammen

The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinctions by David Quammen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant, detailed but accessible; a description, analysis and travel journal of the complex factors around island biogeography and how they effect species and their extinctions. It's a complicated subject but Quammen is masterful in making the subject fascinating and compelling, even when dealing with complex topics.
I found the urgency of the descriptions and situations of the species he details, and in some cases, encounters, and the human advocates he also meets, particularly gripping and thought-provoking. I also found the ending of this book notably perfect.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4, by Sue Townsend

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable 80s classic - a re-read treat from my adolescence. Amusing phrases and descriptions of life and times from back then had me chortling away.

Read from June 15 to 25, 2016

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Those Damned Rebels, by Michael Pearson

Those Damned Rebels by Michael Pearson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To the victors the spoils, to the losers, a rather good book! As well as telling an exciting tale well, the correspondence of the British commanders and establishment has been tapped by the author to provide some fascinating insights into how the British waged the Revolutionary War. This viewpoint pretty much describes how the British snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, after winning battle after battle, but there are key elements within the narrative and particularly from the response back in Britain, that indicate that it was an un-winnable war, as many commented at the time.
Even though the genius of Washington is understandably muted in this book, it nevertheless shines through as the book progresses, as does the gradual but decisive growth of the Continental Army and the crucial support of France. By way of contrast, the glaring errors that the British military chiefs undoubtedly made are clearly illuminated and dissected; even without hindsight some of the mistakes were pretty amateurish.
Well worth a read for anyone who likes history, essential for those keen on the US Revolution.

Read from May 02 to June 13, 2016

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Men at Work, by George F. Will

Men at Work by George F. Will
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting if sometimes verbose with reams of stats. And it's not just the stats, most of the book requires quite a lot of baseball knowledge to understand it. Fortunately the internet was there to help me, but if I had read this in the 1980s when it was written, I would have been lost without web-help! It has given me a greater appreciation of the skills and application that go into each and every game though.

Read from March 03 to May 02, 2016

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Status Anxiety, by Alain de Botton

Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

de Botton is the master! Another dissection of modern life through the lens of history's philosophers. With their work as a canvas, de Botton paints a new picture for today, and it's fascinating to see that today's philosophical problems are nothing new. Highly recommended, along with all his other works.

Read from February 09 to March 03, 2016

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