I spent the weekend working on an article that I plan to submit to an academic journal. (Fingers crossed.) Needless to say, I needed a break. So, on Labour Day morning, a friend called, and off we went for our usual weekend breakfast, yak-session, and trip to the mall. First stop: Chapters. As if I don’t already have a pile of books by my bed awaiting my attention.

I happened to notice a new book by Ronald Wright! The last book of his that I read was Stolen Continents. Having a few archaeology courses under my belt, I was impressed by the author’s knowledge. But, mostly, I was delighted by his ability to tell a good story. Stolen Continents recounts some of the highest achievements of the pre-contact world . . . but also some of the most devastating tragedies of the conquest. His new book, What is America? A Short History of the New World Order, did not appeal to me. But, I noticed The Illustrated Short History of Progress. Among the archeological and anthropological facts, he sprinkles in some good humour and interesting anecdotes--the kind guaranteed to impress friends at dinner parties. So far, it is easy and pleasant to read.

Now, if only I could finish reading a small tome called Ideas: A History from Fire to Freud by Peter Watson. It is a mere 1118 pages long, small type, and jam-packed with interesting information.  I started reading it on my trip to the Middle East earlier this year. It was interesting reading about the ancient cities of UR and Uruk, the birth of agriculture and cuneiform—and being there at the same time. Fascinating stuff.