arabia in search of the golden ages by michael hamilton morgan

Arabia In Search of the Golden Ages
Michael Hamilton Morgan
AED 174.00
ISBN 9781601090553

Description

Sheltered between the cradle of civilization and the busiest trade routes of the ancient world, the Arabian Peninsula is home to millennia-old civilizations that have blossomed and thrived in some of the world's harshest conditions. For many Westerners, their vision of the Arab world is skewed by contemporary political news, but Arabia is a land with a rich tradition of enlightenment, a vibrant society and a past and present that is historically entwined with the cultural roots of the West.

The February 2010 film Arabia 3D shines a new light on the origins of this culture shrouded in mystery and the films companion book, Arabia: In Search of the Golden Ages, introduces readers to the rich tapestry of Arabian life: the hajj, where three million Muslims descend up on the holy city of Mecca to reaffirm their faith in the largest single human gathering on Earth; the depths of the Red Sea explored as part of an underwater search for ancient shipwrecks and clues to the past; and the everyday traditions of the region such as a festive henna party for a new bride-to-be. Former diplomat Michael Hamilton Morgan guides this journey and visual celebration that transforms how Western audiences view what is both an exotic land and cultural partner.

About the Author

Michael Hamilton Morgan is the author of three books of historical non-fiction, and has appeared on Al Jazeera, Good Morning America, and BBC World/Public Radio International. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking
Malcolm Gladwell
AED 63
ISBN 9780141014593

Description

How do we make decisions--good and bad--and why are some people so much better at it than others? Thats the question Malcolm Gladwell asks and answers in the follow-up to his huge bestseller, The Tipping Point. Utilizing case studies as diverse as speed dating, pop music, and the shooting of Amadou Diallo, Gladwell reveals that what we think of as decisions made in the blink of an eye are much more complicated than assumed. Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology, he shows how the difference between good decision-making and bad has nothing to do with how much information we can process quickly, but on the few particular details on which we focus. Leaping boldly from example to example, displaying all of the brilliance that made The Tipping Point a classic, Gladwell reveals how we can become better decision makers--in our homes, our offices, and in everyday life. The result is a book that is surprising and transforming. Never again will you think about thinking the same way.

About the Author

Malcolm Gladwell has been a staff writer with The New Yorker magazine since 1996. His 1999 profile of Ron Popeil won a National Magazine Award, and in 2005 he was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. He is the author of three books, "The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference," (2000) , "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" (2005), and "Outliers: The Story of Success" (2008) all of which were number one New York Times bestsellers.

From 1987 to 1996, he was a reporter with the Washington Post, where he covered business, science, and then served as the newspaper's New York City bureau chief. He graduated from the University of Toronto, Trinity College, with a degree in history. He was born in England, grew up in rural Ontario, and now lives in New York City.

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt

Freakonomics
Stephen J. Dubner & Steven D. Levitt
AED 42
ISBN 9780141030081

Description

How can your name affect how well you do in life? What do estate agents and the Ku Klux Klan have in common? Why do drug dealers live with their mothers? The answer: Freakonomics. It’s at the heart of everything we do and the things that affect us daily: from sex to crime, parenting to politics, fat to cheating, fear to traffic jams. And we can use it to get to the heart of what’s really happening under the surface of everyday life. This cult bestseller will show you how, by unravelling your life’s secret codes, you can discover a totally new way of seeing the world.

Video

Monocle Magazine Issue 33

Monocle Magazine
Issue 33 - Published April 15 2010
AED 75

Contents

The ascent of Brasilia: Sharpening Brazil’s foreign policy

Monocle flies the yellow and green flag in Issue 33 as it looks at how Brasilia is becoming the diplomatic capital that matters. Securing new alliances, beefing up its diplomatic corps, lobbying for power and expanding its embassy outposts – Monocle visits a nation out to change the world order, no matter whose feathers it ruffles.

From alliance makers to breakers, Monocle meets President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, which has fought with most of its neighbours and declined offers of aid from the West. Monocle’s Nairobi correspondent, Steve Bloomfield, feels the full force of Eritrea’s mistrust, including being accused of spying for British intelligence.

Also in this issue’s Expo Monocle attends the Winter Military Games in Valle d’Aosta, Italy, where armed forces from around the world are given the chance to bond with each other and promote peace while hurtling down mountains on skis.

Elsewhere in the issue:

— Hong Kong City Survey: Monocle goes behind the gleaming steel and glass towers of the economic powerhouse to unveil fresh boutiques, innovative dishes, art, culture, architecture and buzzing neighbourhoods outside the city centre.

— Design Directory: Our annual design directory reveals the best products and players in the worlds of architecture, home accessories and furniture.

— And it’s Monocle Shop China time, with our new seasonal space opening in Hong Kong at Lane Crawford’s Pacific Place Store on 15 April.

Online at Monocle.com:

— Monocle’s editor in chief Tyler Brûlé interviews Dr John Chipman, director- general of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, who recently launched an in-depth assessment of the military capabilities of 170 countries.

— Taipei Cycle Show – the wheels go round in this Monocle film documenting the world’s biggest bicycle trade fair.

— Milan Salone: Monocle’s newly appointed design editor Hugo Macdonald excavates the showrooms and warehouse spaces of Milan in his exploration of Italy’s premier furniture fair.