Shelfology Book Pairing

An American Life

by Walter Isaacson

Rescuing Benjamin Franklin from the clich of genial codger, this book celebrates the most interesting, advanced, and earthy of the founding fathers. 16-page four-color insert.

Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps

by Tim Marshall

How did the USA become a superpower? Why do people go to war? And why are some countries rich while others are so poor? The answers to these questions and many more in this eye-opening book, which uses maps to explain how geography has shaped the history of our world. Discover how the choices of world leaders are swayed by mountains, rivers and seas - and why geography means that history is always repeating itself. This remarkable, unique introduction to world affairs will inspire curious young minds everywhere. Praise for Prisoners of Geography: "A fresh way of looking at maps . . . as guideposts to the often thorny relations between nations" - New York Times "One of the best books about geopolitics you could imagine" - Nicholas Lezard, Evening Standard