FiveBooks weekly newsletter

Links to all our original FiveBooks interviews of the week before, plus a pick of the best content on The Browser. FiveBooks at The Browser       11 May 2012 Dear readers, On FiveBooks this week: former IMF chief economist Simon Johnson asks why economic history matters; astronomer Stuart Clark ponders the mysteries of the universe; best-selling author Edmund de Waal discusses ceramics and literature; and sports columnist Bruce Dowbiggin talks about ice hockey. Next week, keep your eyes peeled for book recommendations on horse riding, Elizabeth II, the opium wars, and much more. Thanks for reading us!  FiveBooks News Simon Johnson on Why Economic History Matters Friday May 11 History contains useful warnings and lessons. And, says the former IMF chief economist, today's economic policymakers would do well to heed them Continue reading… Stuart Clark on Astronomers Thursday May 10 Can’t tell your nebula from your black hole? The New Scientist writer introduces us to some of the wonders of the universe and tells the stories of astronomers who discovered them Continue reading… Edmund de Waal on Inspiration for Writing and Art Wednesday May 9 The author of The Hare with Amber Eyes, who is also a ceramic artist, tells us about books that have influenced both his careers, from the life of a celebrated potter to a collection of Japanese haiku Continue reading… Bruce Dowbiggin on Ice Hockey Tuesday May 8 Fast, violent and with a passionately political history, hockey is the sport that defines Canada. The sports columnist tells us how this came to be, and why hockey, still a thrilling spectacle, has also become more dangerous to play Continue reading…  Best of the Moment The Maturation Of The Billionaire Boy-Man Henry Blodget | New York | 6 May 2012 Big profile of Zuckerberg, in advance of Facebook IPO. Was he lucky? Did he have the right idea, at the right time? Yes, on both counts. But he's also a talented leader. A much more impressive man than many are prepared to admit  Featured Topic London and the Olympics The Games creep ever closer, though in London you'd hardly know it. Here's a sideways look at the event and its host city  Book of the Week Austerlitz by WG Sebald Edmund de Waal says: "An incredibly beautiful book. Sebald blows away genre"  Video of the Week Five Reasons To Care About The Middle East Stephen Walt lists them. First up: Half a billion people live there  Quote of the Week Harry Truman, on negotiating "It's amazing what you can achieve if you don't care who gets the credit"  Reader Recommendations @torontostar My afternoon with Ernest Hemingway's sister: http://t.co/wfK3q07F #browsings | Homepage | Mobile Apps | RSS Feeds | Twitter | Facebook | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Having trouble reading this email? View it in your browser. You are receiving this email because you signed up for FiveBooks newsletter on thebrowser.com Click here to unsubscribe The Browser Ltd, 106 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 6PF