But then there's that other list: the things that are smart, written by scholars for a popular audience, or journalists for a smart audience. Books that make you think, but that manage to do so without feeling like work.
Often, what visually differentiates these books from the "have to reads" is a lack (or paucity) of footnotes. Which is what makes my choice for September particularly ironic: it's Anthony Grafton's The Footnote: A Curious History. It's a book about the way knowledge is presented in written and visual form. I think. I haven't read it yet. And yes -- it does have footnotes.
In any case, my friend J and I were planning on reading this during the month of September, and then talking about it. So if anyone would like to join in, grab a copy (did I mention it's a slim volume, perfect for a quick-but-smart read?), get reading, and let's meet back here around September 30th.
Who's in?
8 comments:
I remember reading this some few years ago, and finding it fascinating. I should pull it out again. I'll be interesting to see what you folks have to say (since I'm not a historian, and it's very interested in how historians write and think).
YES.
I'm IN!
Cool! I'll post a reminder mid-month, I think...
Longtime lurker Emily B would love to join!
This looks intriguing. I've been meaning to read it for a while (and to get back to more reading-in-books, period), and I'm doing some work on citation now (mostly from a teaching perspective, but that works, I think). So I'm in; will write myself a note to check in in late Sept.
I read it earlier this year because it was relevant to one of my diss chapters, and I really enjoyed it. I got so excited when it came in the mail that I showed to my husband and said (somewhat wryly), "Look what I get to read! You can read it when I finish."
He's a math and engineering guy. HIs response? "I'd rather eat glass."
I'd be really interested!
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