12 Books That Changed the World - Softcover

Melvyn Bragg

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340839813 ISBN 13: 9780340839812

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, 2006

Synopsis

In this digitised age of shared information, it is easy to take for granted the power of the printed word. Here Melvyn Bragg presents a vivid reminder of the book as agent of social, political and personal revolution. In the fascinating book accompanying the ITV series, Melvyn Bragg takes a look at the most important British books in history, and their long-lasting effects which can still be felt throughout the world today. Far from being a study of dry texts, "12 Books That Changed The World" presents a rich variety of human endeavour and a great diversity of characters. From scientific breakthroughs to seminal human rights treatises; from dramatic works of staggering emotional depth to what were at the time seemingly innocuous documents - all these works have shaped the history of Britain and beyond. Definitive, always illuminating and sometimes controversial, the hidden story of these twelve books is a journey through the colourful history of our island and its people.

About this title

About the Author

Melvyn Bragg's first novel, For Want of a Nail, was published in 1965 and since then his novels have included The Hired Man, for which he won the Time/Life Silver Pen Award, Without a City Wall, winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, Credo, The Maid of Buttermere and The Soldier's Return, which was published to huge critical acclaim in 1999 and won the WHSmith Literary Award. He has also written several works of non-fiction including Speak for England, an oral history of the twentieth century, Rich, a biography of Richard Burton and On Giants' Shoulders, a history of science based on his BBC radio series. He was born in 1939 and educated at Wigton's Nelson Tomlinson Shool and at Oxford where he read history. He is controller of Arts at LWT and President of the National Campaign for the Arts, and in 1998 he was made a life peer. He lives in London and Cumbria.

Review

'Bragg writes with passion...and once again, shows his capacity to make science and technology both exciting and accessible.' -- Independent 'Bragg has established himself over the past decades as a fearlessly dedicated, popular educator ... a highly and easily readable book.' -- John Sutherland, The Sunday Times 'It can charm almost anyone of any age ... yet again Bragg has displayed his extraordinary and unique gifts as a communicator' -- Christena Appleyard, Daily Mail 'This is an inspiring, fascinating and stimulating book with marvellous illustrations' -- Niall MacMonagle, Irish Times

Edition details

• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0340839813
• ISBN 13: 9780340839812
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384