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       8 June 2012 Dear readers, This week on FiveBooks: Mafia Brotherhoods author John Dickie considers the Italian mob; Israeli economist Ariel Rubinstein reveals the inner workings of game theory; sports pundit Michael Carlson points us to his favourite baseball novels; and royal biographer Robert Lacey discusses 60 years of Elizabeth II's reign. Next week, look out for book recommendations on mathematics, class, gang crime, "divine women" and more. Thank you for reading – and to all of you who've joined our new membership scheme. For those who haven't, please consider supporting us. Click here to find out about the extra benefits available to members.  FiveBooks News John Dickie on the Italian Mafia Friday June 8 The three biggest Italian mafias remain a powerful presence, with tentacles reaching deep inside Italian business and politics. The author of Mafia Brotherhoods busts the myth that it's all in the family Continue reading… Michael Carlson on Baseball Novels Wednesday June 6 The sports pundit says baseball reflects an American ideal which is now an American fantasy. It works well as a metaphor for life, which may be why there have been so many good novels written about it Continue reading… Ariel Rubinstein on Game Theory Wednesday June 6 Game theory is marketed as a system you can apply to any sphere of life, but what's the reality? The professor of economics guides us through some classic studies Continue reading… Robert Lacey on the Queen Sunday June 3 The royal biographer Robert Lacey considers Queen Elizabeth II in her diamond jubilee year, her legacy, her family history, and her ambivalent relationship with Princess Diana Continue reading…  Best of the Moment How Silence Works Jeremy Mesiano-Crookston | Awl | 1 June 2012 Surpisingly open email conversation with four trappist monks. Turns out they don't take a vow of silence, can talk when necessary. "Cultivating silence in a group is hard and a discipline we have to commit to over and over again"  Featured Topic Wine From filthy plonk to first growth Bordeaux, there's something for every palate in our cultural and historical survey of wine  Book of the Week The Universal Baseball Association by Robert Coover Michael Carlson says: "Deserves to be read even if you are not a fan of baseball”  Video of the Week Making A Flamenco Guitar Usually takes 299 hours. Done here in three minutes  Quote of the Week Ray Bradbury, on art "We have our Arts so we won’t die of Truth"  Reader Recommendations @sarahmenkedick Summer People: http://t.co/LPqVCP3i Lovely, timely essay from @AmandaGiracca on life in a tourist town. #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