But That's Ridiculous!


Book Description

This book is intended for people who like to think, discuss, argue. Its theme is human error. Unfortunately this is ever-present; it occurs throughout our history, in all areas. The errors targeted here are quite 'ordinary'. They are ones that can occur to thoughtful people through reading the news, watching TV, going to work, discussion with friends and colleagues, and generally just pondering. Topics discussed range from everyday things like sport, education and transport, to a few more serious subjects like religion and the moral law. Readers will almost certainly have had similar (and no doubt similarly critical) thoughts to the author on some if not all of these matters.Quite often the stance is deliberately controversial, provocative - thinking, or arguing, 'outside the box'. But - as the title implies - an attempt is always made to show that the normal, standard way of looking at things is flawed, irrational. Readers will not always agree with the line taken, but it is hoped that considering the arguments will be challenging and enjoyable.Dr Philip Holt has taught philosophy, mathematics and physics, and is the recipient of the Joad Prize for philosophy. He is the author of a recent book, God: The Case Against, published by Sussex Academic Press.




That's Ridiculous, Said Nicholas


Book Description

Nicholas Jon Paul Martin William Annabelle Tydings is a curious young daredevil who walks to the beat of his own drum. His sensible side also yearns for respect. Why do people often tell him things that he knows cannot be true? Young Nicholas brushes off the hype in his matter-of-fact way, silently longing for the love and admiration of the people he holds dear. Will energetic curiosity and a daredevil attitude keep Nicholas from learning the truth about the world around him?




Nicholas, That's Ridiculous!


Book Description

A book talk to engage children in discussion, imagination, and perception.




Peasants in Revolt


Book Description

Based on extended interviews at the Culiprán fundo in Chile with peasants who recount in their own terms their political evolution, this is an in-depth study of peasants in social and political action. It deals with two basic themes: first, the authoritarian structure within a traditional latifundio and its eventual replacement by a peasant-based elected committee, and second, the events shaping the emergence of political consciousness among the peasantry. Petras and Zemelman Merino trace the careers of local peasant leaders, followers, and opponents of the violent illegal land seizure in 1965 and the events that triggered the particular action. The findings of this study challenge the oft-accepted assumption that peasants represent a passive, traditional, downtrodden group capable only of following urban-based elites. The peasant militants, while differing considerably in their ability to grasp complex political and social problems, show a great deal of political skill, calculate rationally on the possibility of success, and select and manipulate political allies on the basis of their own primary needs. The politicized peasantry lend their allegiance to those forces with whom they anticipate they have the most to gain—and under circumstances that minimize social costs. The authors identify the highly repressive political culture within the latifundio—reinforced by the national political system—as the key factor inhibiting overt expressions of political demands. The emergence of revolutionary political consciousness is found to be the result of cumulative experiences and the breakdown of traditional institutions of control. The violent illegal seizure of the farm is perceived by the peasantry as a legitimate act based on self-interest as well as general principles of justice—in other words, the seizure is perceived as a “natural act,” suggesting that perhaps two sets of moralities functioned within the traditional system. The book is divided into two parts: the first part contains a detailed analysis of peasant behavior; the second contains transcriptions of peasant interviews. Combined, they give the texture and flavor of insurgent peasant politics.




None Other Gods


Book Description




Mr. Prohack


Book Description

This is a humorous story of a civil servant struggling with financial pressures post-World War I when he unexpectedly inherits £100 000 from someone to whom he did a good turn. This fortune affects him and his family (wife Eve, son Charlie, daughter Sissie) in different ways. He tries various tactics to handle the novelty: spending, scrupulously planned idleness, even visits to Turkish Baths. His son tries speculation, his daughter a dance school, his wife becoming a society hostess. The story reveals how Mr Prohack grapples with the reality of the power of riches without losing his integrity and sense of self.




The Earth and All It Holds


Book Description

The Brussacs were rich, powerful, blessed, and envied. Yet through their lives ran a thread of tragedy and heartbreak that could not be broken, forever linking them in a hellish alliance. This epic tale soars from Nob Hill to the Barbary Coast to the Los Angeles oil fields in a stunning story of the tangled lives of an extraordinary family. "V. J. Banis outdoes himself...all-stops-out historical romance. --"Publishers Weekly "A rip-roaring romantic novel." --Library Journal




Longman's Magazine


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The Delineator


Book Description




Our Ridiculous World (Trip)


Book Description

This fast-paced, often-humorous travel book tells the truly ridiculous story of how two British friends, Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes, became the first people to circumnavigate the globe on a scooter with a sidecar. Their world-record-breaking 34,000-mile-long journey took them through thirty-five countries and across five continents. With no experience of mechanics, overlanding, or even riding motorbikes, the pair took their Honda scooter and barn-built sidecar through some of the world's toughest environments, including a scorching Sahara Desert and the frozen wilds of a Siberian winter.This heartwarming story will restore your faith in humanity as strangers all over the world save the pair from the life-threatening and downright idiotic situations in which they find themselves. At the same time, the book lifts the curtain on the issue of modern slavery, which still plagues every country on earth. Matt and Reece meet survivors of modern slavery and organisations fighting it all over the world, and the hard-hitting stories they share will leave you questioning your role in the issue-and asking how you can help. "Reading this refreshing book is easy-time just slips by-but that's the only easy thing about the whole affair. So my advice is: Think of something you'd love to do that's really quite ridiculously impossible. Then read the book. Then go and do it. I must say, it really takes me back . . ." - Ted Simon, author of Jupiter's Travels "The many threads of this gripping adventure unfold as a powerful, at times opinionated, heart-tweaking, fast-flowing journey of surprises. Woven into the stories are top tips, quirky facts about the lands traversed, and a wonderfully self-depreciating sense of humour. This story is proof that a positive attitude, determination, respect towards others, and wide-open minds can change the world. Adventurists are going to love the challenges and, at times, readers are going to have to put this book down so they can really think about the images attached to the words they have just read." - Sam Manicom, author of Into Africa."A powerfully-written tale about travelling with purpose. But what a daft machine to use!" - Paddy Tyson, Overland MagazineYou can also get a signed copy of this book with colour pictures at www.armchairadventurefestival.com/shop.