My catch of the day, found in a public library planted in the middle of a bucolic landscape, is this book about books. In a series of enjoyable and illustrative essays, that read like book reviews across the centuries, the author presents the “50 most influential books in human history.” Although the selection may be debatable considered from a myriad points of view, it is, indeed, a good starting point for whomever decides to try and understand humanity from the perspective of every field of creativity. Each book is set in its historical context, with a clever summary that a lot of college students would love to get their hands on, and a reflection on its wider influence and legacy. The selection starts with The Iliad and ends with Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone, with The Bible, Kama Sutra, Don Quixote and even some definitely controversial titles in between. This is one of those books that helps you reawaken the pleasure of reading.
Books that changed the world : the 50 most influential books in human history. Andrew Taylor. London: Quercus Books, 2008.