Two great new ‘coffee table’ books
Sue Blechl
Originally published 09:35 a.m., November 17, 2007
Updated 09:35 a.m., November 17, 2007
“The War: an intimate history 1941-1945,” by Geoffrey C. Ward with Ken Burns, published by Alfred A. Knopf, $35
“The Knowledge Book: everything you need to know to get by in the 21st century,” by National Geographic, $50
On my coffee table at this very moment are two of the library’s newest books: “The War” by Geoffrey Ward and “The Knowledge Book”. Both are wonderful examples of what can be created with attractive design and compelling text. While they could be considered coffee table books, they elevate the genre by their subject matter, treatment and readability.
“The War” is the companion book to the recent PBS series by that name. Following in the tradition of other Ward and Burns collaborations, such as “The Civil War”, “Baseball”, and “The West”, this book is not a standard history of the Second World War. It is an intimate history, focusing on the people involved, rather than the events themselves. The authors follow about fifty individuals from four American towns through the war years. From the four compass points we examine the impact of the war on its soldiers and those left behind in Luverne, Minnesota; Sacramento, California; Mobile, Alabama; and Waterbury, Connecticut. Black and white photographs make up about half of the material. Well chosen and graphic, they support and complement the text. The captions are more detailed than in many books, allowing the pictures to stand on their own. A browser of “The War” could gain many insights from just paging through the book. The resulting compilation of journal entries, newspaper clippings, and descriptions of key events is powerful and resonant.
“The Knowledge Book” is rather different, but no less interesting and significant. The editors have undertaken a daunting task: to put into one 500-page volume all of the major scientific and cultural principles that are part of the modern world. Organized by six general subjects (Discoveries and Inventions, Mind and Soul, etc.), the book is a compendium of current information, featuring color illustrations and graphics, analytical boxes, key facts, and more. With a single topic on each page, the appealing result draws the reader to try first this, then that. You may recall other books that bring together an amazing amount of data. “The People’s Almanac” contained mostly text, but was a fun read. “The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy” by Hirsch is similar in style to “The Knowledge Book”, but without the colorful illustrations and the scientific aspects. This is both a reference book and a sampling book. The several sections that I’ve read provide facts and insights. It’s hard to decide what to delve into first with headings like: Plastics Everywhere; Global Economy and World Domestic Policies; Literature between Thrill, Sensation and Conflict; Air Pollution from Human Activity; and Holistic and Alternative Exercises. Each of these reviewed books would make a fine gift this holiday season. Indeed, I may treat myself to one or both, since I’ve been a pretty good girl this year.