Matt Ridley

Explore the upsides of the West with this thought-provoking love letter to the region by an immigrant who experienced extreme poverty in the Soviet Union. Funny, unswervingly perceptive and offering an alternative perspective, discover how the author argues that wrongdoing and guilt need not pervade how we feel about the West today. With race politics, free speech, immigration and more covered, this book is a must-read for anyone questioning their appreciation of this region.

Discover the extraordinary power of speech and how it made us human. This book explores the simple yet radical shift that turned our grunts and shrieks into language, allowing us to share ideas and link up our minds. Follow the epic tale of our roller-coaster ride with language from hunter-gatherer to modern-day urbanites. This fascinating journey traces the struggle for knowledge against culture, religion and identity, leading to a destination we may still resist, but ultimately cannot escape.

A thrilling exposé of Vladimir Putin's campaign to steal and launder billions of dollars, and the man who dared to stand in his way. Following his bestseller Red Notice, author Bill Browder chronicles his mission to bring justice for his young lawyer who was killed in a Moscow jail. Browder uncovers Putin's involvement in a $230 million tax refund scheme, leading to a dangerous battle that includes honey traps, murder, and even Russia's intervention in the 2016 US presidential election. Freezing Order is a stunning account of one man's crusade against corruption and the lengths Putin will go to protect his fortune.

In Kiss Myself Goodbye, Ferdinand Mount uncovers shocking secrets about his mysterious Aunt Munca, a millionairess who never told the truth about anything. From the back streets of Victorian-era Sheffield to high society in the interwar years, Mount's journey takes readers on an enchanting, unconventional voyage into a vanished moral world. This personal memoir is a cryptic and unforgettable tale of British social history told backwards, with Munca joining the ranks of memorable aunts in literature.

Explore the unique uplands of Britain and the birds that call it home in this highly anticipated addition to the New Naturalist series. Author Ian Newton delves into the ecological significance of the grazing animals that shape the land, and the vital role of the uplands in carbon storage and water supply. With stunning illustrations and expert insights, this book is a must-read for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Discover the fascinating truth about the origin of behavioral innovations. In this thought-provoking book, Edward A. Wasserman explores the history of important creations like the high five, Heimlich maneuver, butterfly stroke, moonwalk, and Iowa caucus. Instead of attributing their success to the myth of the "eureka moment," the author reveals their true nature as arising "as if by design" through a combination of context, consequence, and coincidence. Elevating behavior to the center of human creativity, this book is a fascinating read for anyone who loves exploring the process of innovation.

"Darwin Comes to Town" takes readers on a journey exploring how our manmade environments are changing the evolution of animals and plants everywhere. Expertly written by evolutionary biologist Menno Schilthuizen, the book provides a stunning vision of urban evolution, where humans and wildlife coexist in a unique harmony. Prepare to see yourself and the world around you in an entirely new way as you learn about how plants and animals are thriving in extreme urban environments.

Explore the economics of the COVID-19 pandemic in Economics in One Virus. Discover why certain products were scarce, why employee and employer relations changed, and why airlines received bailouts. Using real data and academic evidence, this fast-paced and thought-provoking book teaches economic principles through the lens of the pandemic. You'll learn how economists value lives and the role of the price mechanism. Gain the skills to think like an economist when evaluating political choices and make sense of the events you've lived through.

Discover the groundbreaking gene-editing tool CRISPR and the ethical implications of manipulating DNA in this book, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Co-author Jennifer Doudna, a biologist and one of the creators of CRISPR, shares the powerful potential of the technology to cure diseases, but also warns of the unforeseeable consequences and risks that come with rewriting the human genetic code. This book is required reading for every concerned citizen, according to the New York Review of Books.

Explore the origins and evolution of the Western mind and its impact on the world in The WEIRDest People in the World. By delving into global psychological diversity, Harvard professor Joseph Henrich illuminates the cultural transformations that led to highly individualistic, nonconformist societies like ours. Drawing on research in anthropology, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology, Henrich maps the shifts in family structures, marriage, and religion that laid the foundation for the modern world. This highly engaging and provocative investigation reveals the fascinating interplay between culture, institutions, and psychology that shapes human history.