Friday, November 27, 2009

NY Times: 100 notable books, 2009 -- nonfiction

The staff of the New York Times Book Review named their "100 Notable Books of 2009."

A couple of the books and writers from the non-fiction side of the list that have appeared here on the blog:
'Cold: Adventures in the World’s Frozen Places'
By BILL STREEVER
From the physics of absolute zero to the cold-resistant gluttony of small birds, Streever reports on the extreme regions of low temperatures and the scientists who love them. (Little, Brown, $24.99.)
Read an excerpt from Cold, and learn more about the book and author at Bill Streever's website.

The Page 99 Test: Cold.
'The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found'
By MARY BEARD
A Cambridge classics professor leads a fine tour, turning up surprises around every corner. (Belknap/Harvard University, $26.95.)
Read an excerpt from The Fires of Vesuvius, and learn more about the book at the Harvard University Press website.

Visit Mary Beard's University of Cambridge faculty webpage and read her blog, “A Don's Life.”

The Page 99 Test: The Roman Triumph.

The Page 99 Test: The Fires of Vesuvius.
Read about a few books from the fiction side of the list.

--Marshal Zeringue