What I've been reading
Recently I have been reading books on security, design, psychology, history and politics.
Schneir on Security – Bruce Schneier
Essays from a leading security expert. Presents common sense analysis of the security problems that we face in the post-9/11 world. To get a taste of the content, and to find essays from the book, you should read Bruce Schneier’s blog.
The Wayfinding Handbook – David Gibson
Inspired to read by the Slate series on signage. An overview of wayfinding and environmental graphic design presented in an attractive small book. Very readable for non-designers.
The Math Book – Clifford A. Pickover
A beautifully presented history of 250 milestones in maths. Excellent and interesting to flick through.
Up from Slavery – Booker T. Washington
I am always shocked at slavery. This is a good autobiography, with glimpses into a past that I don’t know enough about. The full text of this book can be found on Project Gutenberg.
59 Seconds – Richard Wiseman
A self-help book based on psychology. Familiar advice presented in a pop-science format. A good read. For a taste, read Richard Wiseman’s blog on science and psychology.
A History of the Queen Margaret Union – Gary R. Brown
Written and compiled by a good friend, the history is a series of interesting personal perspectives on one of the Unions at the University of Glasgow, including a short piece that I was honoured to contribute.
Why vote Liberal Democrat – Danny Alexander
One of the ‘Why vote’ series of books for the 2010 General Election. Provides an overview of Liberal Democrat principles and policy from a wide selection of authors. A small book that I intent to pass on to interested friends before the election. You can find out more about Lib Dem policy on the official Lib Dem website.
Queen Margaret Union – the book
I am please to have been able to contribute to the book Ladies First: A History of the Queen Margaret Union of the University of Glasgow
The book is an excellent look at the history of the Union in a series of articles written by the Presidents and Board Members of the Union from the 1940s onwards. I contributed an article on ‘Freshers’ Week’, focusing on the team spirit in the Freshers’ Weeks I ran in 2003 and 2004.
Jamie McHale 