Science

In 1953, in the presence of an investigator, Aldous Huxley took four-tenths of a gramme of mescalin, sat down and waited to see what would happen. When he opened his eyes everything, from the flowers in a vase to the creases in his trousers, was transformed.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERFrom the creator of the wildly popular xkcd.com, hilarious and informative answers to important questions you probably never thought to ask.Millions visit xkcd.com each week to read Randall Munroe's iconic webcomic. Fans ask him a lot of strange questions: How fast can you hit a speed bump, driving, and live? When (if ever) did the sun go down on the British Empire? When will Facebook contain more profiles of dead people than living? How many humans would a T Rex rampaging through New York need to eat a day?In pursuit of answers, Munroe runs computer simulations, pores over stacks of declassified military research memos, solves differential equations and consults nuclear reactor operators. His responses are masterpieces of clarity and hilarity, complemented by comics. They often predict the complete annihilation of humankind, or at least a really big explosion.

In a time when astrological analysis can begin within seconds of an on-screen click, we do not often consider the methods that were previously used to individually calculate a chart as correctly and simply as possible. This text contains the fundamental processes of attaining astrological data so that we may understand and benefit from this tradition which grants us infinite knowledge, reflection, and growth. Concise, descriptive, at times even poetic, Simplified Scientific Astrology includes instructions and examples on accurately determining planetary positions for a given time and location, and demonstrates an organized method of indexing to derive overall conditions and effects. The second, extensive portion of the book is an encyclopedia of astrological terms which defines these distinctly and lucidly. The work of this master of Astrology is complemented through this elegantly restored volume. Within these pages, Max Heindel succinctly elaborates the procedures of astrological calculation and the integral concepts of this tremendous discipline.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu, published in 2009, is a riveting piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This book, a classic within the genre of military strategy, encapsulates the wisdom of Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese military strategist. Published by Pax Librorum, the book provides a comprehensive guide on strategic thinking, which is as relevant today as it was over two millennia ago. It delves into various aspects of warfare, from the importance of intelligence gathering to the significance of terrain in battle. The Art of War is more than just a book about warfare; it offers profound insights that can be applied to different facets of life, including leadership, management, and personal development. Sun Tzu's timeless wisdom makes this book a must-read for those interested in strategy, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom.

Discover the very special book that has captured the hearts of millions of readers all over the world. 'A wonderful work of art and a wonderful window into the human heart' Richard CurtisA book of hope for uncertain times. Enter the world of Charlie's four unlikely friends, discover their story and their most important life lessons.The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse have been shared millions of times online - perhaps you've seen them? They've also been recreated by children in schools and hung on hospital walls. They sometimes even appear on lamp posts and on cafe and bookshop windows. Perhaps you saw the boy and mole on the Comic Relief T-shirt, Love Wins? Here, you will find them together in this book of Charlie's most-loved drawings, adventuring into the Wild and exploring the thoughts and feelings that unite us all.

Packed full of information yet always entertaining. From text messages and plastic bags to wars and volcanoes, How Bad Are Bananas? has the carbon answers we need.

Foucault shows the development of the Western system of prisons, police organizations, administrative and legal hierarchies for social control - and the growth of disciplinary society as a whole.

How to Read a Book, a masterpiece penned by Mortimer J. Adler, is a must-read for book lovers and learners alike. Published by Simon & Schuster in 2008, this book transcends the boundaries of a conventional read. It's not just a book; it's a comprehensive guide that teaches you how to extract the maximum knowledge and understanding from any book you read. This book, belonging to the genre of self-help, provides a profound perspective on reading, treating it as a conversation between the reader and the author. Mortimer J. Adler, with his expertise and understanding, takes the readers on a journey, empowering them to indulge in the art of effective reading. Simon & Schuster, a publisher known for its diverse and influential books, adds another gem to its collection with this publication. In essence, 'How to Read a Book' is a valuable resource that equips readers with the tools to become more engaged and thoughtful readers.

The definitive work by B.K.S. Iyengar, the world's most respected yoga teacher.

Ikigai is a captivating book penned by the talented author, Francesc Miralles. Published by Cornerstone in 2017, this book falls under a genre that promises to intrigue and inspire its readers. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that combines the terms 'iki', meaning 'life', and 'gai', meaning 'value or worth'. Miralles beautifully explores this concept, offering the readers a path to discover their personal Ikigai, thus finding their purpose in life. This book is more than just a read; it is an existential journey. If you're looking for a book that challenges you to look within and find your true purpose, then Ikigai by Francesc Miralles, proudly published by Cornerstone, is the book for you.

The Power of Habit is a compelling book by Charles Duhigg that delves into the science behind our habits. Published by Cornerstone in 2013, this book uncovers the power of habits in our lives, explaining how they work and how they can be changed. The Power of Habit is more than just a self-help book; it is a captivating exploration of human nature and its potential for transformation. It's an essential read for anyone interested in personal development and the psychology of habits. The book is written in English.

The #1 New York Times Bestseller: The essential universe, from a celebrated and beloved astrophysicist.

The Japanese phenomenon that teaches us the simple yet profound lessons required to liberate our real selves and find lasting happiness.

'Omoiyari is a form of selfless compassion - putting yourself in the shoes of others, and from their perspective anticipating their needs, acting in a way that might make them at ease, happy or comfortable.'

New York Times Bestseller'Digital Minimalism is the Marie Kondo of mobile phones' Evening Standard'An eloquent, powerful and enjoyably practical guide to cutting back on screen time' The Times'An urgent call to action for anyone serious about being in command of their own life' Ryan Holiday, author of The Obstacle is the Way'What a timely and useful book' Naomi Alderman, author of The Power Cut down on screen time and get your technology use in check The urge to pick up our phones every few minutes has become a nervous twitch that shatters our time into shards too small to be present. Our addiction to tech leaves us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. But it doesn't have to be that way.In this timely book, professor Cal Newport shows us how to pair back digital distractions and live better with less technology. Introducing us to digital minimalists -- the calm, happy people who can hold long conversations without furtive glances at their phones or obsessively document everything they eat -- Newport reveals how to live more intentionally in our tech-saturated world. By following a thirty-day 'digital declutter' process, you'll learn to: Rethink your relationship with social media Prioritize 'high bandwidth' conversations over low quality text chains Rediscover the pleasures of the offline worldTake back control from your devices and become a digital minimalist.

From a scientist and journalist working in the tradition of Olivia Judson comes a wonderfully witty and erudite exploration of how and why we kiss.

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERAs Heard on NPR's This American Life'The delights he extols here (music, laughter, generosity, poetry, lots of nature) are bulwarks against casual cruelties . . . contagious in their joy' New York TimesThe winner of the NBCC Award for Poetry offers up a spirited collection of short lyric essays, written daily over a tumultuous year, reminding us of the purpose and pleasure of praising, extolling, and celebrating ordinary wonders.Among Gay's funny, poetic, philosophical delights: a friend's unabashed use of air quotes, cradling a tomato seedling aboard an aeroplane, the silent nod of acknowledgement between the only two black people in a room. But Gay never dismisses the complexities, even the terrors, of living in America as a black man or the ecological and psychic violence of our consumer culture or the loss of those he loves. More than anything other subject, though, Gay celebrates the beauty of the natural world - his garden, the flowers peeking out of the sidewalk, the hypnotic movements of a praying mantis.The Book of Delights is about our shared bonds, and the rewards that come from a life closely observed. These remarkable pieces serve as a powerful and necessary reminder that we can, and should, stake out a space in our lives for delight.***'These charming, digressive "e;essayettes"e; surprise and challenge more than a reader might expect . . . experiences of "e;delight,"e; recorded daily for a year, vary widely but yield revealing patterns through insights about everything from nature and the body to race and masculinity.' New Yorker'Pure balm for your soul. Savor one at a time every morning, this summer, or wolf them all down en masse on a gorgeous sunny day.' Celeste Ng'A reminder of what the personal essay is best at: finding the profound in the mundane . . . His delight is infectious. It's hard to read Gay and not to be won over.' Seattle Times

A classic look at man's search for certainty from the acclaimed expert on Eastern philosophyIn this fascinating book, Alan Watts explores man's quest for psychological security, examining our efforts to find spiritual and intellectual certainty in the realms of religion and philosophy. The Wisdom of Insecurity underlines the importance of our search for stability in an age where human life seems particularly vulnerable and uncertain.Watts argues our insecurity is the consequence of trying to be secure and that, ironically, salvation and sanity lie in the recognition that we have no way of saving ourselves.Alan Watts was the foremost Western expert on Eastern thought, specialising in Zen Buddhism. He was the author of a number of books on the philosophy and psychology of religion, which have continued to be in popular demand over the past forty years.

In Meditations, now available in a highly designed hardcover gift edition, Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 161 to 180 AD, reflects on the philosophical idea of Stoicism, his day-to-day life, and issues that still plague us all.