Book 2: African History

African HIstory: John Merriman says in his History of Modern Europe (itunesU) that "all histories have their history" and that is certainly the case with African History. This is an excellent short introduction, but certainly not a potted history of Africa. Though some of the key points in African History are covered much of this book is a discussion of how the study of Africa has developed over the last 200 years. All the major periods are covered pre-colonial with its paucity (in most cases) of evidence both written and archeological. The colonial period, which was quite short and has much written evidence though much of it written by the conquerors. And, finally, the tumultuous post-colonial period where culture and, inevitably history, are determined by the powerful.This book reminded me of the necessity of reading history books that are up to date. 

A wonderful book which  also serves as  an introduction to the conflicts within the discipline of history itself.

Book 1: Advertising

Advertising: My first alphabetical read. This book is mis-titled, it should be titled "the advertising business". This wasn't a particularly illuminating book. Mostly it describes the history and structure of an advertising agency, who sells, who buys and where it goes. Having just finished the fourth MadMen series much of this was familiar territory, though I do now understand that in the post 1970 world the account does not move agencies when the account manager does.  I had hoped that it would explain, at greater length, the psychology behind the buying impulse and the phenomenon of brand loyalty. It does mention these concepts but they are clearly a minor issue for the author. More important to him is the structure of the agency and the various roles and responsibilities therein. There are a number of interesting illustrations and it is clearly written for the UK reader (luckily I grew up in London as much of this would have been lost on me). 


It was certainly interesting to red about some of these but I felt that the thrust of the book was in the wrong direction, I also felt that much of it was stating the obvious and its tone was that aimed at a high school student.


So for my first alphabetical read it was rather a disappointment  but I have already ordered African History which will be number 2.

Why?

A very short  introduction to my very short introduction blog.

I read a lot and I am intellectually curious, so for a long time I have been buying non-fiction books about every subject that has interested me. Some of these are very long, some of these are too technical and , in total, only about half of these ever get read. I am looking at you "The Force of Destiny".

I have decided to take a different approach. I am going to try and read as many of the Oxford University Press Very Short Introductions as I can. I have read a few in the past (the First world war, the French Revolution, Classics)  and have found them to be excellent reviews for the curious reader.

To add a random twist, I am going to read them in alphabetical order starting with Advertising, this may take me the rest of my life and will cost a considerable amount but I will be satisfied that I will die knowing something about a wide and strange range of subjects.