Home turned book store/library is a safe haven for many in South Africa's Soweto township. This book store/library caters for many people who love books and reading hug cannot afford. WION’s Kalden Ongmu Lachingpa explains.

Home turned book store/library safe haven for many

<p>Iceland's Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir has published her first thriller novel titled 'Reykjavik'. Jakobsdóttir, a crime fiction fan, has reportedly written the book with her close friend Ragnar Ragnar Jónasson, the Icelandic bestselling author of the 'Dark Iceland' series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For many, the idea of a head of states to have the time to write a novel may seem absurd and unbelievable but the case of Iceland is different.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The country consists of 375,000 people and has a strong tradition of reading and writing literature, with one in 10 Icelanders publishing a book in their lifetime, according to statistics.<br />
<br />
"Obviously, this is not something that I thought I would have any time to do", says the 46-year-old prime minister at the book launch event earlier this week.<br />
The Prime Minister said it was 'liberating to be working on this project during Covid'. The PM said that apart from writing, she doesn't have any other interests.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
This is not the first time that a serving PM of Iceland has published a novel. Jakobsdóttir's predecessor David Oddsson published a novel in 1997 while he was in office.<br />
<br />
The book 'Reykjavik' tells the story of an unresolved case involving a teenage girl who went missing 30 years ago in Videy, a small island near the Icelandic capital. Years later, a journalist dives into the case to solve it. The story is set in 1986.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The novel was published in Iceland on 25 October and publishers plan to translate it into other languages soon. It is expected to be out in the UK and the US in August 2023.</p>


Iceland's Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir has published her first thriller novel titled 'Reykjavik'. Jakobsdóttir, a crime fiction fan, has reportedly written the book with her close friend Ragnar Ragnar Jónasson, the Icelandic bestselling author of the 'Dark Iceland' series.

Iceland's Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir has published her first thriller novel titled 'Reykjavik'. Jakobsdóttir, a crime fiction fan, has reportedly written the book with her close friend Ragnar Ragnar Jónasson, the Icelandic bestselling author of the 'Dark Iceland' series. For many, the idea of a head of states to have the time to write a novel may seem absurd and unbelievable but the case of Iceland is different. The country consists of 375,000 people and has a strong tradition of reading and writing literature, with one in 10 Icelanders publishing a book in their lifetime, according to statistics. "Obviously, this is not something that I thought I would have any time to do", says the 46-year-old prime minister at the book launch event earlier this week. The Prime Minister said it was 'liberating to be working on this project during Covid'. The PM said that apart from writing, she doesn't have any other interests. This is not the first time that a serving PM of Iceland has published a novel. Jakobsdóttir's predecessor David Oddsson published a novel in 1997 while he was in office. The book 'Reykjavik' tells the story of an unresolved case involving a teenage girl who went missing 30 years ago in Videy, a small island near the Icelandic capital. Years later, a journalist dives into the case to solve it. The story is set in 1986. The novel was published in Iceland on 25 October and publishers plan to translate it into other languages soon. It is expected to be out in the UK and the US in August 2023.

Iceland PM publishes her first crime thriller novel 

<p>Five speech therapists were found guilty of sedition by a Hong Kong court after they produced a number of picture books for kids featuring cartoon animals. This case, according to opponents, demonstrates the city's increasing limits on liberties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020 and 2021, the industry association General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists published articles about a "sheep community" that had been harassed and harmed. The fables, according to the prosecution, were allegories that "indoctrinated" kids to embrace independence and hate Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On September 10, the speech therapists are scheduled to be sentenced. They might spend up to two years behind bars.</p>

<p>District judge Kwok Wai-kin of Hong Kong remarked, "Seditious intention stems not merely from the words, but from the words with the proscribed effects intended to result in the mind of children," as he announced his decision on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence attorneys for the therapists had contended that the alleged offence was "unconstitutional on the ground that it is inconsistent with their freedom of expression, speech, and publication."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case has been interpreted as a symbol of dwindling liberties in the financial centre since Beijing implemented a comprehensive national security law in 2020 as a result of widespread pro-democracy demonstrations the year before. The judiciary in Hong Kong has gotten much tougher on pro-democracy activists.</p>

<p>Jimmy Lai, a 74-year-old media entrepreneur and the creator of the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, lost last week's lawsuit to stop national security officials from checking his cell phones for journalistic data, setting a precedent that may apply to other cases. Lai just lost his bid for a jury trial.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maori-face-tattoo-filter-removed-from-snapchat-analysts-say-huge-disrespect-to-culture-513726">Snapchat removes Māori face tattoo filter after backlash over 'disrespect' to culture</a></p>

<p>47 opposition lawmakers who were charged with subversion in relation to efforts to choose candidates to run in the city's de facto parliament, the Legislative Council, election two years ago were also given a non-jury trial. Numerous members of the organisation have been detained since 2021, and 29 of them have said they will enter guilty pleas.</p>

<p>One of the books allegedly described how Chinese officials apprehended and detained 12 activists from Hong Kong who attempted to depart the city by boat two years prior. The other two books were allegories for the 2019 protests and a local doctors' strike in which they demanded that authorities close the borders with mainland China at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


Five speech therapists were found guilty of sedition by a Hong Kong court after they produced a number of picture books for kids featuring cartoon animals. This case, according to opponents, demonstrates the city's increasing limits on liberties.

Five speech therapists were found guilty of sedition by a Hong Kong court after they produced a number of picture books for kids featuring cartoon animals. This case, according to opponents, demonstrates the city's increasing limits on liberties. In 2020 and 2021, the industry association General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists published articles about a "sheep community" that had been harassed and harmed. The fables, according to the prosecution, were allegories that "indoctrinated" kids to embrace independence and hate Beijing. On September 10, the speech therapists are scheduled to be sentenced. They might spend up to two years behind bars. District judge Kwok Wai-kin of Hong Kong remarked, "Seditious intention stems not merely from the words, but from the words with the proscribed effects intended to result in the mind of children," as he announced his decision on Wednesday. Defence attorneys for the therapists had contended that the alleged offence was "unconstitutional on the ground that it is inconsistent with their freedom of expression, speech, and publication." The case has been interpreted as a symbol of dwindling liberties in the financial centre since Beijing implemented a comprehensive national security law in 2020 as a result of widespread pro-democracy demonstrations the year before. The judiciary in Hong Kong has gotten much tougher on pro-democracy activists. Jimmy Lai, a 74-year-old media entrepreneur and the creator of the pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily, lost last week's lawsuit to stop national security officials from checking his cell phones for journalistic data, setting a precedent that may apply to other cases. Lai just lost his bid for a jury trial. Also Read: Snapchat removes Māori face tattoo filter after backlash over 'disrespect' to culture 47 opposition lawmakers who were charged with subversion in relation to efforts to choose candidates to run in the city's de facto parliament, the Legislative Council, election two years ago were also given a non-jury trial. Numerous members of the organisation have been detained since 2021, and 29 of them have said they will enter guilty pleas. One of the books allegedly described how Chinese officials apprehended and detained 12 activists from Hong Kong who attempted to depart the city by boat two years prior. The other two books were allegories for the 2019 protests and a local doctors' strike in which they demanded that authorities close the borders with mainland China at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. (with inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong speech therapists convicted for publishing 'seditious' books that make kids hate Beijing

In pics | From Grimus to Quichotte: British-Indian writer Salman Rushdie's finest works

<p>Millions of students in Pakistan may not have books for the new academic session starting August 2022 as the paper industry association has warned of an impending acute shortage of paper.</p>

<p>The current crisis stems from the rising prices of locally manufactured paper. The association has blamed the government for failing to control the domestic prices paper, reports local media.</p>

<p>During a joint press conference in the capital Islamabad city, All Pakistan Paper Merchant Association, Pakistan Association of Printing Graphic Art Industry (PAPGAI), and other organizations associated with the paper industry, along with the country's leading economist Dr Qaiser Bengali, warned that booksellers across the country would not be able to provide textbooks to millions of students this year if the price of paper was not stabilised.</p>

<p>At present, the price of local paper had increased by over 200 per cent and its quality was also inferior to the foreign-manufacture paper, they said, reports The News International newspaper.</p>

<p>They said that the pricing formula was yet to be decided between the government and private publishers and no steps had been taken to provide paper at a fixed price to the publishers.</p>

<p>“Since January, an increase of Rs100 per one kilogramme of local paper has been observed,” Publishers and Booksellers Association of Pakistan Chairman Aziz Khalid was quoted as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-and-imf-reach-agreement-on-bailout-programme-490590" hreflang="en">Pakistan and IMF reach agreement on bailout programme</a></p>

<p>He added that the current situation was pushing the printing and packaging industries towards collapse.</p>

<p>Aziz clarified that the publishers cannot use imported paper in textbooks due to high taxes. As a result, local publishers have stopped buying paper for textbooks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, textbook publishers in Lahore had announced to halt operations due to soaring prices of paper.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Millions of students in Pakistan may not have books for the new academic session starting August 2022 as the paper industry association has warned of an impending acute shortage of paper.

Millions of students in Pakistan may not have books for the new academic session starting August 2022 as the paper industry association has warned of an impending acute shortage of paper. The current crisis stems from the rising prices of locally manufactured paper. The association has blamed the government for failing to control the domestic prices paper, reports local media. During a joint press conference in the capital Islamabad city, All Pakistan Paper Merchant Association, Pakistan Association of Printing Graphic Art Industry (PAPGAI), and other organizations associated with the paper industry, along with the country's leading economist Dr Qaiser Bengali, warned that booksellers across the country would not be able to provide textbooks to millions of students this year if the price of paper was not stabilised. At present, the price of local paper had increased by over 200 per cent and its quality was also inferior to the foreign-manufacture paper, they said, reports The News International newspaper. They said that the pricing formula was yet to be decided between the government and private publishers and no steps had been taken to provide paper at a fixed price to the publishers. “Since January, an increase of Rs100 per one kilogramme of local paper has been observed,” Publishers and Booksellers Association of Pakistan Chairman Aziz Khalid was quoted as saying. Also read | Pakistan and IMF reach agreement on bailout programme He added that the current situation was pushing the printing and packaging industries towards collapse. Aziz clarified that the publishers cannot use imported paper in textbooks due to high taxes. As a result, local publishers have stopped buying paper for textbooks. Earlier this month, textbook publishers in Lahore had announced to halt operations due to soaring prices of paper. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Paper crisis hits Pakistan, publishers say no books for new academic session

<p>The life of&nbsp;comedic actress Betty White is being celebrated in a new biographical comic book.<br />
<br />
White, who would have turned 100 on Jan. 17,&nbsp;capped a career of more than 80 years by becoming America`s geriatric sweetheart. She died on Friday in her sleep at her home, according to her agent.<br />
<br />
From her early days in television to her iconic role on "The Golden Girls" and her social media fame, the 30-page comic by TidalWave Productions traces her Hollywood journey. The book will be available both digitally and in print and can be found on multiple platforms such as Amazon.com.<br />
<br />
TidalWave Productions has previously released biographies on celebrities including Carrie Fisher, Lucille Ball, David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor.<br />
<br />
White won best-supporting actress Emmys for her role on the 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' in 1975 and 1976.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-rip-betty-white-ryan-reynolds-mark-ruffalo--others-pay-tribute-to-the-icon-441552">RIP Betty White: Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo &amp; others pay tribute to the icon</a><br />
<br />
She won another Emmy in 1986 for "The Golden Girls," a sitcom about four older women living together in Miami that featured an age demographic rarely highlighted on American television. White also was nominated for an Emmy six other times for her portrayal of the widowed Rose Nylund, a sweet, naive and ditzy Midwesterner, on the show, which ran from 1985 to 1992 and was one of the top-rated series of its time.<br />
<br />
White, who had no children, worked for animal causes. She once turned down a role in the movie "As Good as It Gets" because of a scene in which a dog was thrown in a garbage chute.</p>

<p><a href="Sandra Bullock mourns Betty White death with a heartfelt tribute: I don't drink vodka but I'll tonight">Sandra Bullock mourns Betty White death with a heartfelt tribute: I don't drink vodka but I'll tonight</a></p>


The life of comedic actress Betty White is being celebrated in a new biographical comic book. White, who would have turned 100 on Jan. 17, capped a career of more than 80 years by becoming America`s geriatric sweetheart.

The life of comedic actress Betty White is being celebrated in a new biographical comic book. White, who would have turned 100 on Jan. 17, capped a career of more than 80 years by becoming America`s geriatric sweetheart. She died on Friday in her sleep at her home, according to her agent. From her early days in television to her iconic role on "The Golden Girls" and her social media fame, the 30-page comic by TidalWave Productions traces her Hollywood journey. The book will be available both digitally and in print and can be found on multiple platforms such as Amazon.com. TidalWave Productions has previously released biographies on celebrities including Carrie Fisher, Lucille Ball, David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor. White won best-supporting actress Emmys for her role on the 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' in 1975 and 1976. RIP Betty White: Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo & others pay tribute to the icon She won another Emmy in 1986 for "The Golden Girls," a sitcom about four older women living together in Miami that featured an age demographic rarely highlighted on American television. White also was nominated for an Emmy six other times for her portrayal of the widowed Rose Nylund, a sweet, naive and ditzy Midwesterner, on the show, which ran from 1985 to 1992 and was one of the top-rated series of its time. White, who had no children, worked for animal causes. She once turned down a role in the movie "As Good as It Gets" because of a scene in which a dog was thrown in a garbage chute. Sandra Bullock mourns Betty White death with a heartfelt tribute: I don't drink vodka but I'll tonight

Betty White has a last laugh in biographic comic book

Amazon is the world's go-to-market for anything ad everything, but a crucial part of its business is ratings and reviews, it is a major way of engaging shoppers, but what happens when there are no reviews? This is a case in China, our report tells you more.

Report: E-commerce giant Amazon partnered with China propaganda arm to block reviews on Xi's books

<p>In order to raise concern over reintroduction of two books containing depictions of sexual activity, parents protested outside Luther Jackson Middle School, where board meeting of Fairfax County Public Schools was being held on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They’ve doubled down on porn in the schools. They’ve all got to go. Who’s in favour of porn in the schools?," Stacy Langton, a mother in Fairfax County, who confronted the school board over the books in September, told Fox News.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-vaccination-ad-mysteriously-appears-at-nyc-bus-stop-433778" hreflang="en">Anti-vaccination ad mysteriously appears at NYC bus stop</a></strong></p>

<p>In the protest, several parents could be seen wearing T-shirts, which read, "Mama Grizzly" and "Papa Grizzly" and holding signs like, "No porn in our schools", "Resign FairfaXXX" and others. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're here because we don’t want any porn in the schools," Angela Boyer, a woman whose daughter graduated from a Fairfax public school, told Fox News. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaffe-prone-us-president-joe-biden-now-confuses-six-day-war-with-yom-kippur-battle-433691" hreflang="en">Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle</a></strong></p>

<p>It was the first meeting of the school board since the reintroduction of the controversial books. The books are Jonathan Evison’s "Lawn Boy" and Maia Kobabe’s "Gender Queer: A Memoir". &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Fairfax County Public Schools had restored the books after two committees, which consisted of administrators, librarians, parents and students, reviewed them. The panels had claimed the books were not obscene and do not contain pedophilia. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In order to raise concern over reintroduction of two books containing depictions of sexual activity, parents protested outside Luther Jackson Middle School, where board meeting of Fairfax County Public Schools was being held on Thursday.

In order to raise concern over reintroduction of two books containing depictions of sexual activity, parents protested outside Luther Jackson Middle School, where board meeting of Fairfax County Public Schools was being held on Thursday. "They’ve doubled down on porn in the schools. They’ve all got to go. Who’s in favour of porn in the schools?," Stacy Langton, a mother in Fairfax County, who confronted the school board over the books in September, told Fox News. Also Read: Anti-vaccination ad mysteriously appears at NYC bus stop In the protest, several parents could be seen wearing T-shirts, which read, "Mama Grizzly" and "Papa Grizzly" and holding signs like, "No porn in our schools", "Resign FairfaXXX" and others. "We're here because we don’t want any porn in the schools," Angela Boyer, a woman whose daughter graduated from a Fairfax public school, told Fox News. Also Read: Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle It was the first meeting of the school board since the reintroduction of the controversial books. The books are Jonathan Evison’s "Lawn Boy" and Maia Kobabe’s "Gender Queer: A Memoir". The Fairfax County Public Schools had restored the books after two committees, which consisted of administrators, librarians, parents and students, reviewed them. The panels had claimed the books were not obscene and do not contain pedophilia. (With inputs from agencies)

Parents protest introduction of 'porn in schools', seek board’s resignation in US county

<p>Digital iterations of books have successfully penetrated the reading space. Almost every bibliophile has embraced e-books, especially with technology dedicated for reading books on digital devices and platforms.</p>

<p>Even then, hesitancy among readers for digital books remains high. A new survey sheds light on the patterns of readership among those who cherish the art of words.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are many benefits that come with e-readers like Kindle - the ability to read in the dark, the elimination of storage issues and many devices have been successfully able to mimic the reading experience of a book with visual elements specifically designed to emulate the traditional book reading experience.</p>

<p>Even though smartphone reading has become the new normal, many have believed that traditional books would quickly lose appeal in the market and go out of circulation. Even then, most predictions have not come true. Bookstores may have disappeared across the world, turns out readers still prefer enjoying books in their hands.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science-tech/stuck-with-paperbacks-5-tips-to-help-you-upgrade-to-e-books-all-that-for-free-11500" hreflang="en">Stuck with paperbacks? 5 tips to help you upgrade to e-books - all that for free</a></p>

<p>According to data from Statista’s Advertising and Media Outlook, e-book usage still heavily trails behind printed books across the globe. In the US alone, 23 per cent of the population are reported to have purchased e-books last year. On the other hand, 45 per cent bought a printed book last year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-becoming-by-michelle-obama-is-among-the-most-popular-ebooks-borrowed-in-2020-355949" hreflang="en">'Becoming' by Michelle Obama is among the most popular ebooks borrowed in 2020</a></p>

<p>E-books remain the most popular across China, where 24.4 per cent users prefer the digital format as opposed to 32 per cent users preferred paper books.</p>

<p>In India, only 5.6 per cent readers have switched to e-books in 2020, while 24.5 per cent continued to read paper books. This pattern points to the future of reading. As many critics believed, traditional books would not disappear but would in fact continue to exist along with modern e-books and perhaps even complement the platform.&nbsp;</p>


Digital iterations of books have successfully penetrated the reading space. Almost every bibliophile has embraced e-books, especially with technology dedicated for reading books on digital devices and platforms.

Digital iterations of books have successfully penetrated the reading space. Almost every bibliophile has embraced e-books, especially with technology dedicated for reading books on digital devices and platforms. Even then, hesitancy among readers for digital books remains high. A new survey sheds light on the patterns of readership among those who cherish the art of words. There are many benefits that come with e-readers like Kindle - the ability to read in the dark, the elimination of storage issues and many devices have been successfully able to mimic the reading experience of a book with visual elements specifically designed to emulate the traditional book reading experience. Even though smartphone reading has become the new normal, many have believed that traditional books would quickly lose appeal in the market and go out of circulation. Even then, most predictions have not come true. Bookstores may have disappeared across the world, turns out readers still prefer enjoying books in their hands. Also read: Stuck with paperbacks? 5 tips to help you upgrade to e-books - all that for free According to data from Statista’s Advertising and Media Outlook, e-book usage still heavily trails behind printed books across the globe. In the US alone, 23 per cent of the population are reported to have purchased e-books last year. On the other hand, 45 per cent bought a printed book last year. Also read: 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama is among the most popular ebooks borrowed in 2020 E-books remain the most popular across China, where 24.4 per cent users prefer the digital format as opposed to 32 per cent users preferred paper books. In India, only 5.6 per cent readers have switched to e-books in 2020, while 24.5 per cent continued to read paper books. This pattern points to the future of reading. As many critics believed, traditional books would not disappear but would in fact continue to exist along with modern e-books and perhaps even complement the platform.

Paper books aren't dying! New survey reveals people still don't dig e-books

<p>The 'Star Wars'&nbsp;Legends books are home to some of the best and most beloved stories in the Star Wars universe, which is why some of them are getting new re-releases.<br />
<br />
In celebration of Lucasfilm’s 50th anniversary, some of the best Star Wars Legends books are getting new trade paperback editions, complete with new cover art.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As Lucasfilm celebrates its 50th anniversary, we’re curating a collection of essential <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StarWars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StarWars</a> Legends novels in trade paperback with new covers. Shatterpoint will also receive a fully unabridged audio edition, for the first time. Available June 15th<br />
<br />
(read on for more) <a href="https://t.co/Ausyvsvb6A">pic.twitter.com/Ausyvsvb6A</a></p>
— Star Wars Books (@DelReyStarWars) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelReyStarWars/status/1377981111263973379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new run of books will be part of&nbsp;Del Rey and Lucasfilm's&nbsp;'The Essential Legends Collection.'&nbsp;The new line will pull in some of the fan-favourite novels from the last 40 years of Star Wars books.<br />
<br />
The first batch of novels in the new collection will include three classics: 'Heir to the Empire', 'Path of Destruction', and 'Shatterpoint'.</p>

<p>The new editions of all three books will be available starting on June 15.</p>


The 'Star Wars' Legends books are home to some of the best and most beloved stories in the Star Wars universe, which is why some of them are getting new re-releases.

The 'Star Wars' Legends books are home to some of the best and most beloved stories in the Star Wars universe, which is why some of them are getting new re-releases. In celebration of Lucasfilm’s 50th anniversary, some of the best Star Wars Legends books are getting new trade paperback editions, complete with new cover art. As Lucasfilm celebrates its 50th anniversary, we’re curating a collection of essential #StarWars Legends novels in trade paperback with new covers. Shatterpoint will also receive a fully unabridged audio edition, for the first time. Available June 15th (read on for more) pic.twitter.com/Ausyvsvb6A — Star Wars Books (@DelReyStarWars) April 2, 2021 × The new run of books will be part of Del Rey and Lucasfilm's 'The Essential Legends Collection.' The new line will pull in some of the fan-favourite novels from the last 40 years of Star Wars books. The first batch of novels in the new collection will include three classics: 'Heir to the Empire', 'Path of Destruction', and 'Shatterpoint'. The new editions of all three books will be available starting on June 15.

Classic 'Star Wars' books to re-release for Lucasfilm’s 50th anniversary

<p><br />
EL&nbsp;James, the writer of the famous Fifty Shades trilogy and The Mister is launching a new imprint in collaboration with Sourcebooks. The author is bringing her entire publishing catalog with her.<br />
<br />
That includes the Fifty Shades novel series, which has sold over 150 million copies worldwide. From March-end, James' books will be distributed by Sourcebooks, moving from her previous home of Vintage, an imprint of Knopf Doubleday.</p>

<p>Sourcebooks is an independent publisher, but Penguin Random House holds a 45 percent stake as a collaborative investor.</p>

<p>"I'm thrilled to be joining the Sourcebooks family," James said in a statement. "It feels like I'm coming home — returning to my indie roots, and working with an innovative, dynamic, and hugely successful publisher who's always up for new ventures. It's an honor to be part of an imprint dedicated to amplifying creative women's voices."</p>

<p>&nbsp;According to Entertainment Weekly, James' net worth has been valued in the hundreds of millions, and her books account for a significant chunk of that, making this a financial feather in Sourcebooks' cap.The new imprint is said to focus on entrepreneurial female authors, those in the vein of James herself who have taken a more hands-on approach to their publishing journey (James famously got her start writing fanfic).<br />
<br />
The imprint will allow an unconventional approach that will enable established entrepreneurial authors to take greater control over the creation, development, and marketing of their books.</p>

<p>"I'm so thrilled to be working with Erika! And it is amazing that she and all of her backlist will be joining Sourcebooks," said Dominique Raccah, Sourcebooks Publisher and CEO, in a statement. "We share a belief in women taking and keeping control of their own narrative. It's so exciting to be embarking on this journey, disrupting the industry by empowering women authors who have long deserved this opportunity."The new imprint does not yet have a name, but Sourcebooks plans to work with consumers and influencers to develop one, centering readers in the process.</p>


EL James, the writer of the famous Fifty Shades trilogy and The Mister is launching a new imprint in collaboration with Sourcebooks. The author is bringing her entire publishing catalog with her.

EL James, the writer of the famous Fifty Shades trilogy and The Mister is launching a new imprint in collaboration with Sourcebooks. The author is bringing her entire publishing catalog with her. That includes the Fifty Shades novel series, which has sold over 150 million copies worldwide. From March-end, James' books will be distributed by Sourcebooks, moving from her previous home of Vintage, an imprint of Knopf Doubleday. Sourcebooks is an independent publisher, but Penguin Random House holds a 45 percent stake as a collaborative investor. "I'm thrilled to be joining the Sourcebooks family," James said in a statement. "It feels like I'm coming home — returning to my indie roots, and working with an innovative, dynamic, and hugely successful publisher who's always up for new ventures. It's an honor to be part of an imprint dedicated to amplifying creative women's voices." According to Entertainment Weekly, James' net worth has been valued in the hundreds of millions, and her books account for a significant chunk of that, making this a financial feather in Sourcebooks' cap.The new imprint is said to focus on entrepreneurial female authors, those in the vein of James herself who have taken a more hands-on approach to their publishing journey (James famously got her start writing fanfic). The imprint will allow an unconventional approach that will enable established entrepreneurial authors to take greater control over the creation, development, and marketing of their books. "I'm so thrilled to be working with Erika! And it is amazing that she and all of her backlist will be joining Sourcebooks," said Dominique Raccah, Sourcebooks Publisher and CEO, in a statement. "We share a belief in women taking and keeping control of their own narrative. It's so exciting to be embarking on this journey, disrupting the industry by empowering women authors who have long deserved this opportunity."The new imprint does not yet have a name, but Sourcebooks plans to work with consumers and influencers to develop one, centering readers in the process.

'Fifty Shades' series author EL James to launch new imprint

<p>With a microscopic organism upending life as we know it, the realm of books was among the few which held its own, operating near normally in this tumultuous year. The flow of new titles, across all genres, continued unabated and provided readers a safe haven for a troubled psyche. For avid readers, confined to homes and deprived of opportunities of external sources of leisure, it was a dream opportunity to work through pending piles and acquire fresh material.<br />
<br />
But amid the host of autobiographies and biographies, examinations of political partisanship - and their social effects, new looks at history and more, as well as a wide array of fiction for all tastes and moods, the worst health crisis the world faced in over a century, found its own niche.<br />
<br />
While there is no shortage of books on coronavirus, some representative ones could include physician and evolutionary biologist Frank Ryan`s "Virusphere: Ebola, AIDS, Influenza and the Hidden World of the Virus", which explains why epidemics are inevitable and their benefits, science journalist Sonia Shah`s "Pandemic" about the interplay of history, politics and science in tackling the scourge of disease, and John Barry`s "The Great Influenza : The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History", which not only chronicles how the Spanish flu of 1918-20 devastated a world already laid low by years of war, revolutions and other upheavals, but also shows how the political handling is as important as the medical measures.<br />
<br />
A contemporary look at this aspect can be found in legendary journalist Bob Woodward`s "Rage", his second book on the maverick presidency of Donald Trump.<br />
<br />
An Indian perspective is provided by "The Coronavirus: What you Need to Know about the Global Pandemic" by Dr Swapneil Parikh and Maherra Desai, and "Till We Win: India`s Fight Against The Covid-19 Pandemic" by by Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, Dr Gagandeep Kang, and AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria.<br />
<br />
But with the virus mutating into new variations and universal vaccination still a long way off, the last word on coronavirus is still to be said. But some signposts can be found in Fareed Zakaria`s "10 Lessons for the Post-Pandemic World" and the prolific Kiran Manral`s "Raising Kids with Hope and Wonder in Times of a Pandemic and Climate Change"<br />
<br />
The coveted Nobel Prize for Literature was won by American poet Louise Gluck, who draws on classical mythology, family life and nature in her precise and spare rendition of certain traumatic facets of the human conditions such as pain and loss ? both personal and public ? but also longing and self-realisation, while the Booker went to debutant Scottish-American writer Douglas Stuart`s "Shuggie Bain", a semi-autobiographical story of a young boy maintaining a fraught relationship with his alcoholic mother.<br />
<br />
The world of literature was also left poorer with a galaxy of veterans bidding adieu including controversial English philosopher and writer Roger Scruton, 75, British academician Christopher Tolkien, 95, the son of the great fantasy novelist J.R.R. Tolkien and the one who drew the maps for "The Lord of the Rings", American "Queen of Suspense" Mary Higgins Clark, 92, Clive Cussler, 88, known for the "Dirk Pitt" series of marine adventures, Urdu poet Rahat Indori, 70, Hindi poet Manglesh Dabral, 72, Soviet/Russian writer and satirist Mikhail Zhvanetsky, 86, British spy novelist John le Carre, 89, and Urdu author and literary critic Shamsur Rahman Faruqi, 85, known for his penetrating analysis of the poetry of Mir Taqi Mir.<br />
<br />
Some of the year`s notable offerings included former US President Barack Obama`s "A Promised Land", an account of his eventful first term, J.K. Rowling`s non-Harry Potter world "The Ickabog", a cautionary fairy tale about inept leadership and demonisation of the `enemy`, Hari Kunzuru`s "The Red Pill" and the irrepressible Moni Mohsin`s "The Impeccable Integrity of Ruby R", but there was much more.<br />
<br />
While it is virtually impossible to make a list of books that could even approach a representative section let satisfy each palate, some suggestions/recommendations in various genres can be attempted.<br />
<br />
In non-fiction, there is astrophysicist Janna Levin`s "Black Hole Survival Guide", which not only seeks to demystify one of most perplexing celestial objects, but also shows the unflattering role of humans in the cosmos, Tim Harford`s "How to Make the World Add Up: Ten Rules for Thinking Differently About Numbers", an engaging guide to avoid getting bamboozled by statistics, and Michiko Kakutani`s "Ex Libris", a personalised introduction to 100 key books, old and new, for those without inclination/opportunity to read the originals in full.<br />
<br />
On the humanities side, Richard Eaton`s "India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765" seeks to show how the country`s pre-colonial history was not a binary construct as long politically propagated, Anne Appelbaum`s self-explanatory but disturbing "Twilight of Democracy: The Failure of Politics and the Parting of Friends", and the very vital "Bad News: Why We Fall for Fake News" by Rob Brotherton, who`s earlier "Suspicious Minds" explained why conspiracy theories have a receptive audience.<br />
<br />
In fiction, consider Curtis Sittenfeld`s "Rodham: What if Hillary hadn`t married Bill?" exploring this tantalising premise, Mieko Kawakami`s "Breasts and Eggs", an account of the female life experience (and commodification thereof) , and former ISI chief Lt Gen Asad Durrani`s "Honour Among Spies", about the dangers of asking inconvenient questions about issues the establishment would prefer to be forgotten.<br />
<br />
For aficionados of whodunnits, two authors take them to places which were long ripe for the genre - Mark McCrum in "The Festival Murders" (literary festivals) and Kiran Manral in "The Kitty Party Murder". For a rarely-invoked locale, there is Sujata C. Sabnis` "Blood on the Sands", set in Kutch.<br />
<br />
If Rick Riordan, whose finale to "Trials of Apollo" series came out or even Roshani Chokshi`s Aru Shah series (third out now) are not to your taste, Anuja Chandramouli, who has a penchant for a lyrical but contemporary refashioning of Indian mythology, had "Mohini:The Enchantress".<br />
<br />
We can only hope that 2021 is as abundant.<br />
<br />
(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)<br />
<br />
--IANS<br />
<br />
vd<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With a microscopic organism upending life as we know it, the realm of books was among the few which held its own, operating near normally in this tumultuous year.

With a microscopic organism upending life as we know it, the realm of books was among the few which held its own, operating near normally in this tumultuous year. The flow of new titles, across all genres, continued unabated and provided readers a safe haven for a troubled psyche. For avid readers, confined to homes and deprived of opportunities of external sources of leisure, it was a dream opportunity to work through pending piles and acquire fresh material. But amid the host of autobiographies and biographies, examinations of political partisanship - and their social effects, new looks at history and more, as well as a wide array of fiction for all tastes and moods, the worst health crisis the world faced in over a century, found its own niche. While there is no shortage of books on coronavirus, some representative ones could include physician and evolutionary biologist Frank Ryan`s "Virusphere: Ebola, AIDS, Influenza and the Hidden World of the Virus", which explains why epidemics are inevitable and their benefits, science journalist Sonia Shah`s "Pandemic" about the interplay of history, politics and science in tackling the scourge of disease, and John Barry`s "The Great Influenza : The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History", which not only chronicles how the Spanish flu of 1918-20 devastated a world already laid low by years of war, revolutions and other upheavals, but also shows how the political handling is as important as the medical measures. A contemporary look at this aspect can be found in legendary journalist Bob Woodward`s "Rage", his second book on the maverick presidency of Donald Trump. An Indian perspective is provided by "The Coronavirus: What you Need to Know about the Global Pandemic" by Dr Swapneil Parikh and Maherra Desai, and "Till We Win: India`s Fight Against The Covid-19 Pandemic" by by Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, Dr Gagandeep Kang, and AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria. But with the virus mutating into new variations and universal vaccination still a long way off, the last word on coronavirus is still to be said. But some signposts can be found in Fareed Zakaria`s "10 Lessons for the Post-Pandemic World" and the prolific Kiran Manral`s "Raising Kids with Hope and Wonder in Times of a Pandemic and Climate Change" The coveted Nobel Prize for Literature was won by American poet Louise Gluck, who draws on classical mythology, family life and nature in her precise and spare rendition of certain traumatic facets of the human conditions such as pain and loss ? both personal and public ? but also longing and self-realisation, while the Booker went to debutant Scottish-American writer Douglas Stuart`s "Shuggie Bain", a semi-autobiographical story of a young boy maintaining a fraught relationship with his alcoholic mother. The world of literature was also left poorer with a galaxy of veterans bidding adieu including controversial English philosopher and writer Roger Scruton, 75, British academician Christopher Tolkien, 95, the son of the great fantasy novelist J.R.R. Tolkien and the one who drew the maps for "The Lord of the Rings", American "Queen of Suspense" Mary Higgins Clark, 92, Clive Cussler, 88, known for the "Dirk Pitt" series of marine adventures, Urdu poet Rahat Indori, 70, Hindi poet Manglesh Dabral, 72, Soviet/Russian writer and satirist Mikhail Zhvanetsky, 86, British spy novelist John le Carre, 89, and Urdu author and literary critic Shamsur Rahman Faruqi, 85, known for his penetrating analysis of the poetry of Mir Taqi Mir. Some of the year`s notable offerings included former US President Barack Obama`s "A Promised Land", an account of his eventful first term, J.K. Rowling`s non-Harry Potter world "The Ickabog", a cautionary fairy tale about inept leadership and demonisation of the `enemy`, Hari Kunzuru`s "The Red Pill" and the irrepressible Moni Mohsin`s "The Impeccable Integrity of Ruby R", but there was much more. While it is virtually impossible to make a list of books that could even approach a representative section let satisfy each palate, some suggestions/recommendations in various genres can be attempted. In non-fiction, there is astrophysicist Janna Levin`s "Black Hole Survival Guide", which not only seeks to demystify one of most perplexing celestial objects, but also shows the unflattering role of humans in the cosmos, Tim Harford`s "How to Make the World Add Up: Ten Rules for Thinking Differently About Numbers", an engaging guide to avoid getting bamboozled by statistics, and Michiko Kakutani`s "Ex Libris", a personalised introduction to 100 key books, old and new, for those without inclination/opportunity to read the originals in full. On the humanities side, Richard Eaton`s "India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765" seeks to show how the country`s pre-colonial history was not a binary construct as long politically propagated, Anne Appelbaum`s self-explanatory but disturbing "Twilight of Democracy: The Failure of Politics and the Parting of Friends", and the very vital "Bad News: Why We Fall for Fake News" by Rob Brotherton, who`s earlier "Suspicious Minds" explained why conspiracy theories have a receptive audience. In fiction, consider Curtis Sittenfeld`s "Rodham: What if Hillary hadn`t married Bill?" exploring this tantalising premise, Mieko Kawakami`s "Breasts and Eggs", an account of the female life experience (and commodification thereof) , and former ISI chief Lt Gen Asad Durrani`s "Honour Among Spies", about the dangers of asking inconvenient questions about issues the establishment would prefer to be forgotten. For aficionados of whodunnits, two authors take them to places which were long ripe for the genre - Mark McCrum in "The Festival Murders" (literary festivals) and Kiran Manral in "The Kitty Party Murder". For a rarely-invoked locale, there is Sujata C. Sabnis` "Blood on the Sands", set in Kutch. If Rick Riordan, whose finale to "Trials of Apollo" series came out or even Roshani Chokshi`s Aru Shah series (third out now) are not to your taste, Anuja Chandramouli, who has a penchant for a lyrical but contemporary refashioning of Indian mythology, had "Mohini:The Enchantress". We can only hope that 2021 is as abundant. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) --IANS vd

Reading amid the pandemic: Books and authors in 2020

In modern India, there cannot be a bigger endorsement than what comes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So when he, on one fine day, tweeted about a certain book that he was left impressed with, the world, along with India, took notice.

In modern India, there cannot be a bigger endorsement than what comes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So when he, on one fine day, tweeted about a certain book that he was left impressed with, the world, along with India, took notice. For authors Harsh Madhusudan and Rajeev Mantri, a recommendation from PM Modi served as a validation of their hard work and the distinct political philosophy they harbour for modern India. Their book 'A New Idea of India: Individual Rights in a Civilisational State' is an essay on what India has been lacking in past few decades, and what it needs to do come on par with the more developed nations of the world. The authors, through their book, give their audience an essential reminder that India is a civilisational State and not just a post-colonial entity. PM Modi said in a tweet that he had read the book and recommended it to his followers. He wrote, “Over the past few days, I have been reading, ‘A New Idea of India: Individual Rights in a Civilisational State’ by two bright minds @harshmadhusudan and @RMantri. Their work makes rich contributions to intellectual discourse. I hope you read it too…” Over the past few days, I have been reading, 'A New Idea of India: Individual Rights in a Civilisational State’ by two bright minds @harshmadhusudan and @RMantri. Their work makes rich contributions to intellectual discourse. I hope you read it too... https://t.co/fcAiPr4mM4 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2020 × "Our book is about political philosophy and public policy, so there could not be a bigger recognition than the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi himself, reading and recommending it. We did not expect PM Modi’s praise for our work. We are grateful that he took the time to engage with the ideas we presented in the book, and it goes without saying that has increased the effective audience of the book multifold," the authors told wionews.com, in an exclusive conversation. The name of the book is particularly interesting. Because every person has his/her own understanding and idea of what India has been and what it should be. So how does their idea of new India stand to influence people differently? "The idea of India we espouse is not one that is definitive or exclusive, and it is as descriptive as it is prescriptive. It is one of 'individual rights in a civilisational state', which is also the subtitle of the book. It builds on the ancient ethos of India - Dharma - while contextualizing it for the present times. After Partition and Independence, India formed a Republic which still emphasised group rights and identities in the eyes of the State while underplaying the ancient heritage of the land and its peoples," they said, adding, "India chose a hypocritical, inefficient and corrupt economic model while declining to ally with the leading democracies of the era in the name of postcolonialism. Our book is meant as a corrective, but we welcome critiques and new ideas. India is ancient but the republic is new. Similarly, our cultures are old but our citizens are young. We try to reconcile that." Talking of critiques, for the better part of seven decades after India achieved its Independence, the Nehruvian idea of the country held sway in its polity. And any criticism of the way India has been functioning can be attributed to that period of time. The authors partly agree. They said, "Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his colleagues -- initially including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, BR Ambedkar, SP Mukherjee and C Rajagopalachari -- had a very challenging task when India became independent. Nehru’s governance paradigm had three key pillars of socialism, non-alignment (that eventually placed India in the Communist camp during the Cold War), and a politically convenient distortion of secularism. This paradigm was carried forward by his daughter, grandson and in a different version his granddaughter-in-law but it did not succeed in building a secure, prosperous India even as decade after decade rolled on after 1947. "Yes, there was much progress in absolute terms but compared to people's aspirations and many other similarly placed countries, India did not quite succeed. That is fairly obvious even though we can quibble on the details." But didn't the class difference and the basic way of governing came as an extension of the monarchy and British rule that were there till India gained its Independence? "To some extent, yes, they did. But this too was a failing of -- or choice of -- those who led India after Independence. In many ways, the new elite decided -- perhaps, subconsciously -- that it wanted to replace the colonial elite," Madhusudan and Mantri said. The young authors consider the lack of awareness among people of India as one of the major challenges towards achieving the ultimate goal. "We think a key challenge will be simply for people to learn about the issues from first principles. The issues need to be discussed threadbare, and another key challenge will be achieving an exchange where all sides approach each other with respect when debating these critical national issues. Important topics in areas as diverse as economic policy, national security, historiography, the freeing of Hindu temples and schools, personal civil laws, gender equity and so on need to be discussed with scholarship," they told wionews.com. Harsh Madhusudan added, "We are against political correctness for the sake of it, but we must also work towards more sensitivity without totally giving up on wit and the occasional barb. Some excusable mistakes will be made but we can collectively make present day India worthy of its heritage again." In every democratic system of the world, the opposition plays the most important role -- to question the governance. But the recent victories of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have decimated the concept. Does India feel the lack or need? "Every democracy should have a robust opposition. However, opposition can come from many sources, not just from political parties although that is also necessary. India in any case has federalism and a bicameral legislature. We feel that any BJP-led government is additionally kept in check by its own supporters. That is the power of a movement committed explicitly to ideas - the focus stays on the policy and political objectives of the movement. The philosophy is the north star. Contrast this with political parties that are essentially crowds around a family," the authors said. So has the Indian National Congress failed to capitalise on its foundation? "Unfortunately, there is nothing Indian or National or Congressional about the Indian National Congress anymore - pardon our reference to the famous quip about the Holy Roman Empire. The Congress is a party that has strayed very far from its roots, which is why the people of India are rejecting it. To remain relevant, the Congress will have to make ideological concessions and reinvent itself," Madhusudan and Mantri said. An excerpt from the book -- On Kashmir, Pakistan and Karl Popper -- has particularly caught everyone's attention for the juxtaposition of political views it stands to represent. It says, "There is an inherent tension between, for example, support for absolute free speech and other liberties and the dystopia that may be caused by irrational and possibly violent intolerance of the chronically intolerant. Ideally, we would not like this tension to exist and prefer individual rights to be fully guaranteed by the State at all times. But there are cases where the exercise of such individual rights can lead to the demise of the very State that is supposed to protect these rights. How then does one square the circle once again?" (The excerpt is given at the end of the copy.) Experts have partly agreed, and begged to differ too. At the same time. To this end, the dynamic authors explained, "Karl Popper is among the greatest philosophers and thinkers of all time, and one of the key ideas he postulated, and which we have presented in the book, is that one should not tolerate those who are intolerant beyond a point. He also talked about historicism but let us focus on the insight that liberalism should not be used to destroy the conditions that enable that liberalism to survive and thrive. "Admittedly, the question of when the transitional point threatening the openness of societies occurs is subjective, and that is what we try to debate in the book. In most stable areas and normal conditions, where there is no de facto war-like situation, we would like near-absolute freedom of speech alongside an increase in state, policing and judicial capacity. Importantly, the lack of blasphemy and apostasy as concepts in our Dharmic heritage provide strong support for this position." They added, "But Popper's key point remains that ultimately freedom cannot be used to subvert freedom itself. In 1863, US President Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus during the American Civil War, when he was leading the fight to preserve the American republic and end the scourge of slavery. India too should preserve this civilisational republic of ours and defeat any theocratic or separatist designs that some groups may have. To that extent, it does not matter what some intellectuals or commentators may say here or abroad." The book 'A New Idea of India' constructs and expounds on a new framework beyond the rough and tumble of partisan politics. It has been authored by Harsh Madhusudan and Rajeev Mantri, and the foreword has been written by Sanjeev Sanyal. Madhusudan and Mantri's partnership has been over a decade long. "We connected first on social media just before the 2009 general election campaign. We have known each other for over a decade now and have collaborated on over fifty articles and essays," Rajeev Mantri said, adding, "Sanjeev Sanyal has been a mentor and friend to both of us, and he along with the bestselling author Amish was instrumental in encouraging us to write this book. Their support gave us a lot of confidence to pursue the project. When we finished the manuscript, Sanjeev Sanyal was the first person we thought of when we thought of the Foreword, and we were delighted when Sanjeev agreed to do so." 'A New Idea of India: Individual Rights in a Civilisational State' has been published by Westland, and is priced at a little over Rs 600. It's Kindle edition is also available on amazon.in -- at the price of Rs 499. Harsh Madhusudan and Rajeev Mantri aim to release at least one Indian language translation of the book next year. EXCERPT: On Kashmir, Pakistan and Karl Popper The philosopher Karl Popper wrote in his classic work The Open Society and Its Enemies that if we want to see tolerance thrive, it is very important that we do not tolerate intolerance beyond a point. I do not imply, for instance, that we should always suppress the utterance of intolerant philosophies; as long as we can counter them by rational argument and keep them in check by public opinion, suppression would certainly be unwise. But we should claim the right to suppress them if necessary even by force; for it may easily turn out that they are not prepared to meet us on the level of rational argument, but begin by denouncing all argument; they may forbid their followers to listen to rational argument, because it is deceptive, and teach them to answer arguments by the use of their fists or pistols. We should therefore claim, in the name of tolerance, the right not to tolerate the intolerant. There is an inherent tension between, for example, support for absolute free speech and other liberties and the dystopia that may be caused by irrational and possibly violent intolerance of the chronically intolerant. Ideally, we would not like this tension to exist and prefer individual rights to be fully guaranteed by the State at all times. But there are cases where the exercise of such individual rights can lead to the demise of the very State that is supposed to protect these rights. How then does one square the circle once again? Let us go from the abstract to the specific and consider the case of Kashmir. The issue there is much less complicated than has been made out by umpteen talking heads and commentators, who cannot see the obvious reality right in front of them due to their desire for political correctness. The Kashmir valley, an area of about 4,000 square kilometres, has an overwhelming demographic dominance of Sunni Muslims, a dominance that was secured by the violent and brutal expulsion of Kashmiri Hindus from there in 1990. The area being adjacent to Pakistan, a few want to secede from ‘Hindu’ India in the name of their religion. The media often conflates this relatively small area with all of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, which has a total land area of over 222,000 square kilometres. There are obviously geographical, historical and legal factors that can be debated about this region until the cows come home, but the fundamental sore point for Pakistan is, how can a Muslim-majority border region be a part of India and not of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan? How should India react to Pakistan’s revanchism? One school of thought says let us not hold any people, even if within a small valley, against their will. But then, what would be the implications of a second religious partition for India? It would imply that a minority that becomes a majority in an Indian state can never be truly Indian, and this may cause further fissures within the rest of India. This is not just a hypothetical scenario. Demographic changes in Kerala, West Bengal and Assam are moving in that direction, as census data from 2001 and 2011 show. In West Bengal, the Muslim population increased by 21.8 per cent between 2001 and 2011, compared to 10.8 per cent for the Hindu population. In Kerala, the Muslim population increased by 12.8 per cent between 2001 and 2011, compared to 2.2 per cent for the Hindu population. In Assam, the Muslim population increased by 29.5 per cent between 2001 and 2011, compared to 10.9 per cent for the Hindu population. Should India just wait for that to happen? Obviously not. No State would tolerate that, and the civilisational state of India, that is Bharat certainly would not. For Bharat is nothing without Dharma, as Sri Aurobindo said in his 1909 Uttarpara speech80 before he retired to a life of spiritual exploration. It is important to contrast the secessionist demands of the Sunni Muslim Kashmir Valley with such demands in, say, Catalonia (Spain), Scotland (United Kingdom) or Quebec (Canada). Any successful secession in the latter cases would result in a new nation–state within the broader West. In the first two cases, the new countries would be within not just the West but also within the European Union. Even a free Quebec would almost certainly be absorbed into NAFTA’s successor trade framework and the NATO security grouping. There is a civilizational logic to these inclusions and exclusions. Turkey, for example, could never enter the European Union and is plausibly going to leave NATO as well. The renowned British philosopher Roger Scruton remarked while building on the work of constitutional jurist Jeremy Rabkin, ‘The nation–state has been the greatest guarantor of freedom in the modern world, precisely because it establishes a territorial, rather than religious, jurisdiction. It is this that enables the nation–state to treat citizenship, rather than creed, as the criterion of membership.’81 Still, his view must be seen in the European historical context of medieval religious wars. It is important to belabour this point—if Northern Ireland unites with the Republic of Ireland and breaks with Union of England and Wales (and perhaps Scotland), as is plausible in the next few years,82 it is partially because of demographic changes (for the first time in centuries probably Catholics outnumber Protestants), but also because of ideological changes, namely, the Republic of Ireland as part of the larger civilisational entity of the European Union and in keeping with the zeitgeist of secular modernity, has given up draconian restrictions on abortion and has had a mixed-race prime minister from the LGBT community. No heretics are of course being killed, and there is no de facto concept of religious speech being declared as blasphemous by the State. With the sharp edges gone, the two Irelands can focus on the commonalities of their shared ethnolinguistic, Christian and now liberal heritage, egged on by the decision of Brexit. Seen from this civilisational framework, any new Western country would simply mean a rearrangement of internal civilisational boundaries akin to the creation of a new state such as Telangana or Jharkhand within India. On the other hand, the so so-called freeing of Kashmir—whether through ‘azaadi’ or formal merger with Pakistan—would mean the loss of territory to a hostile civilisational unit. That is the reality. Let us, for a moment, see Kashmir as Northern Ireland, Pakistan as the Republic of Ireland, and India as the United Kingdom (in which case, the rest of India is Great Britain). Some people can argue that for demographic and geographical reasons, Kashmir (more specifically the Valley districts) should go to Pakistan. But there are many objections to this. First, the Partition was never about a one-to-one mapping to religious demographics even though that was the broad principle. Second, Pakistan is not like the Irish Republic in this thought experiment. Pakistan has not even remotely experienced any period of secular–liberal Enlightenment which would make the minorities, including many Shias and Muslim liberals, in the Valley comfortable about joining that setup (and even independence would be practically joining Pakistan, given the Valley’s landlocked geography). Third, even if Pakistan were to miraculously go through a genuine secularisation process, the principle of self-determination applies significantly less to a democratic, pluralistic setup such as India’s as compared to a theocratic or authoritarian one. If the United States can sacrifice around 6,00,000 of its young men in the sparsely populated 1860s and temporarily suspend civil liberties to preserve the Union and break the back of slavery, India can, and will, fight to keep the Union and defeat theocracy. Finally, quite simply, Kashmir is integral to India’s civilisational heritage, given its millennia-old Hindu and Buddhist history. FUN FACT: Within minutes of the prime minister posting the appreciation tweet, the mentioned website crashed due to unexpected traffic. Rajeev Mantri informed he was working with the hosting service providers to fix the server. He wrote, “The book website linked to by the Prime Minister has gone down due to the surge in traffic, we are working with the hosting provider to fix it! Please bear with us.” The book website linked to by the Prime Minister has gone down due to the surge in traffic, we are working with the hosting provider to fix it! Please bear with us 🙏 https://t.co/rYo0PvX9Y2 — Rajeev Mantri (@RMantri) November 19, 2020 ×

Harsh Madhusudan, Rajeev Mantri speak to WION about their book, the one that PM Modi endorsed on Twitter

<p>Rare books worth over $3.3 million were stolen&nbsp;in London by a Romanian gang in 2017. Over 240 books that were stolen&nbsp;have now been returned to their owners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To avoid setting off the alarms, the thieves abseiled from the warehouse ceiling, which is why they’ve been called&nbsp;the “Mission: Impossible” gang.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group of men was jailed in Britain in October. Owing to their technique for stealing the books, the men received the coveted “Mission: Impossible” title. In the 1996 film starring Tom Cruise, a similar scene took place.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/model-china-why-the-dragon-is-rewriting-school-textbooks-in-hong-kong-322257" hreflang="en">'Model China': Why the Dragon is rewriting school textbooks in Hong Kong</a></p>

<p>The books which were stolen include works of English scientist Isaac Newton, and Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Additionally, the content also referred to Galileo Galilei, as revealed by the Metropolitan Police.</p>

<p>The gang had stolen the books in January 2017 from a warehouse in Feltham, west London. At that point, the books were being held in the warehouse and were on their way to a book fair in the United States. The books were shipped from Italy and Germany.</p>

<h6><img alt="A combination picture shows recovered stolen books in unknown location, picture obtained by Reuters on November 10, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5671334-a0c6-4d05-95a1-e267d0a6fce0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_113.jpg" /><em>A combination picture shows recovered stolen books in unknown location, picture obtained by Reuters on November 10, 2020 | Reuters</em></h6>

<p>The burglars cut holes in the fence of the warehouse, and then cut holes into the roof skylights, from where they got down through shelves.</p>

<p>According to Reuters, this was one among 12 burglaries undertaken by this group - all linked to Clamparu - an organised crime group based in eastern Romania.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/pak-bans-over-100-textbooks-over-objectionable-content-not-showing-pok-part-of-country-315891" hreflang="en">Pak bans over 100 textbooks over 'objectionable content', not showing PoK part of country</a></p>

<p>As part of their operations, the gang would fly to different countries and leave soon after committing the crime. Twelve members of this group have been jailed with terms ranging from 8 months to over 5 years.</p>

<p>The books were found hidden underneath a house in Romania, after which they were transported to the country’s National Library. Soon after, the original owners returned to retrieve the books.</p>


Rare books worth over $3.3 million were stolen in London by a Romanian gang in 2017. Over 240 books that were stolen have now been returned to their owners. To avoid setting off the alarms, the thieves abseiled from the warehouse ceiling, which is why they’ve been called the “Mission: Impossible” gang.

Rare books worth over $3.3 million were stolen in London by a Romanian gang in 2017. Over 240 books that were stolen have now been returned to their owners. To avoid setting off the alarms, the thieves abseiled from the warehouse ceiling, which is why they’ve been called the “Mission: Impossible” gang. The group of men was jailed in Britain in October. Owing to their technique for stealing the books, the men received the coveted “Mission: Impossible” title. In the 1996 film starring Tom Cruise, a similar scene took place. Also read: 'Model China': Why the Dragon is rewriting school textbooks in Hong Kong The books which were stolen include works of English scientist Isaac Newton, and Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Additionally, the content also referred to Galileo Galilei, as revealed by the Metropolitan Police. The gang had stolen the books in January 2017 from a warehouse in Feltham, west London. At that point, the books were being held in the warehouse and were on their way to a book fair in the United States. The books were shipped from Italy and Germany. A combination picture shows recovered stolen books in unknown location, picture obtained by Reuters on November 10, 2020 | Reuters The burglars cut holes in the fence of the warehouse, and then cut holes into the roof skylights, from where they got down through shelves. According to Reuters, this was one among 12 burglaries undertaken by this group - all linked to Clamparu - an organised crime group based in eastern Romania. Also read: Pak bans over 100 textbooks over 'objectionable content', not showing PoK part of country As part of their operations, the gang would fly to different countries and leave soon after committing the crime. Twelve members of this group have been jailed with terms ranging from 8 months to over 5 years. The books were found hidden underneath a house in Romania, after which they were transported to the country’s National Library. Soon after, the original owners returned to retrieve the books.

Books worth millions stolen by Romanian 'Mission: Impossible' gang returned to owners

A copy of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies sold for a stunning $9,978,000 as part of Christies “Exceptional Sale” in New York.

Shakespeare's work breaks own record

It was partly thanks to a bet with her sister that Agatha Christie wrote her first detective novel. Now, 100 years since it was published, the late author remains a household name, continuing to grow in popularity.

100 years on Agatha Christie still as popular

Paris bookstore Ici Librairie redrew its floor plan as it reopened on Monday (May 11) after France lifted strict lockdown measures in the fight against the novel coronavirus.

Paris bookstore reopens after lockdown, stacking alcohol gel next to bestsellers

British author J. K. Rowling is hoping her much-loved Harry Potter series will work its magic on bored children stuck at home during the coronavirus lockdown.

Harry Pottering around at home? Rowling to rescue bored kids in lockdown

British novelist Hilary Mantel unveiled the final instalment on Wednesday (March 4) of her Tudor trilogy about Thomas Cromwell, the blacksmith's son who rose to be King Henry VIII's most powerful adviser only to fall from grace and meet a gruesome end.

Hilary Mantel unveils final volume in award-winning Thomas Cromwell trilogy

<p>Authors often take inspiration from the world around them to weave a story that will resonate with all kinds of readers. 2016 was especially full of events that can feed a full blown motion picture.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you are still looking for stories that will compel you to stop doing your work and pick up a book, then do we have a compilation for you. These books go beyond your average storytelling and talk about serious, debatable issues we face.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Get ready to be absorbed in new age plots that deal with themes you ignore or take for granted otherwise:&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em>City of Thorns: Nine Lives in the World&#39;s Largest Refugee Camp</em>&nbsp;</h2>

<p><em>Author: Ben Rawlence</em></p>

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<p>City of Thorns: Nine Lives in the World&#39;s Largest Refugee Camp (Facebook)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>This book took shape in the world&rsquo;s largest refugee camp, Dadaab, in northern Kenya, which is home to as many as 600,000 people. The author spent five months as a former researcher for Human Rights Watch in the area and talks about war, the European refugee crisis, and corruption in the developing world while keeping the focus on Dadaab.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em>Evicted&nbsp;</em></h2>

<p><em>Author: Matthew Desmond</em></p>

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<p>Evicted (Facebook)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The author moved to a trailer park in Milwaukee in 2008 to begin gathering stories of eviction. In the book, he follows eight families struggling with their lives while managing money and housing. While empathising, the story deals with the issue of housing crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><i>I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life</i></h2>

<p><i>Author: Ed Yong&nbsp;</i></p>

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<p>I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life (Facebook)</p>
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<p>The book is based on extensive research and talks about the surprising role that microbes play across a range of species, from altering how chemicals are processed to zombie mind control.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><i>Play Anything: The Pleasure of Limits, the Uses of Boredom, and the Secret of Games</i></h2>

<p><i>Author: Ian Bogost&nbsp;</i></p>

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<p>Play Anything: The Pleasure of Limits, the Uses of Boredom, and the Secret of Games (Facebook)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>2016 saw many books from the genre &lsquo;Tackle life&rsquo;s challenges like a game,&rsquo; but this book goes even deeper. As a philosopher and game enthusiast, Ian Bogost&rsquo;s book will make you think really hard about how to lead your life to score the best.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em>Shrill&nbsp;</em></h2>

<p><em>Author: Lindy West</em></p>

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<p>Shrill (Facebook)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>As a young feminist, the author speaks out against fat-shaming, periods and rape jokes. She chases Internet trolls that have been stalking her and brings together a couple of stories that showcase why women must raise their voices against everything they don&rsquo;t like.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em>The White Donkey</em></h2>

<p><em>Author: Maximilian Uriarte</em></p>

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<p>The White Donkey (Facebook)</p>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The book can be seen as a serious and involved graphic novel, which is based on his 2007 deployment in Iraq. It was initially self-published with a Kickstarter campaign that raised eight times its original goal. Later, the book was released to a much wider audience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em>The Underground Railroad</em></h2>

<p><em>Author:&nbsp;Colson Whitehead</em></p>

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<p>The Underground Railroad (Facebook)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>This is a book that took 16 years of writing. It follows the story of a young woman who escaped slavery via an imaginary railroad that brings her to a different, imperfect version of America. The book according to the author is a salient reckoning of what it means, has meant and continues to mean to be black in America.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em>The Voices Within: The History and Science of How We Talk to Ourselves </em></h2>

<p><em>Author: Charles Fernyhough</em></p>

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<p>The Voices Within: The History and Science of How We Talk to Ourselves (Facebook)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The inner voice is a debatable topic and the book takes a different route to start a discussion around it. A psychologist and a novelist himself, the author offers an establishing ground for the topic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><i>The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It&hellip;Every Time</i></h2>

<p><i>Author: Maria Konnikova&nbsp;</i></p>

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<p>The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It&hellip;Every Time (Facebook)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>We often get fooled by the same con the world throws at us. The book delves into the backstory of our gullibility. The book explores how cons work and why we fall for them. It is a deconstruction of psychological dynamics, tactics, ploys and susceptibilities illuminated by an excellent communicator.</p>

<p>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</p>


Gripping narratives, tightly woven plots and a whole lot of food for thought. These are 2016's most intriguing and unconventional books.

Authors often take inspiration from the world around them to weave a story that will resonate with all kinds of readers. 2016 was especially full of events that can feed a full blown motion picture. If you are still looking for stories that will compel you to stop doing your work and pick up a book, then do we have a compilation for you. These books go beyond your average storytelling and talk about serious, debatable issues we face. Get ready to be absorbed in new age plots that deal with themes you ignore or take for granted otherwise: City of Thorns: Nine Lives in the World's Largest Refugee Camp Author: Ben Rawlence City of Thorns: Nine Lives in the World's Largest Refugee Camp (Facebook) × This book took shape in the world’s largest refugee camp, Dadaab, in northern Kenya, which is home to as many as 600,000 people. The author spent five months as a former researcher for Human Rights Watch in the area and talks about war, the European refugee crisis, and corruption in the developing world while keeping the focus on Dadaab. Evicted Author: Matthew Desmond Evicted (Facebook) × The author moved to a trailer park in Milwaukee in 2008 to begin gathering stories of eviction. In the book, he follows eight families struggling with their lives while managing money and housing. While empathising, the story deals with the issue of housing crisis. I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life Author: Ed Yong I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life (Facebook) × The book is based on extensive research and talks about the surprising role that microbes play across a range of species, from altering how chemicals are processed to zombie mind control. Play Anything: The Pleasure of Limits, the Uses of Boredom, and the Secret of Games Author: Ian Bogost Play Anything: The Pleasure of Limits, the Uses of Boredom, and the Secret of Games (Facebook) × 2016 saw many books from the genre ‘Tackle life’s challenges like a game,’ but this book goes even deeper. As a philosopher and game enthusiast, Ian Bogost’s book will make you think really hard about how to lead your life to score the best. Shrill Author: Lindy West Shrill (Facebook) × As a young feminist, the author speaks out against fat-shaming, periods and rape jokes. She chases Internet trolls that have been stalking her and brings together a couple of stories that showcase why women must raise their voices against everything they don’t like. The White Donkey Author: Maximilian Uriarte The White Donkey (Facebook) × The book can be seen as a serious and involved graphic novel, which is based on his 2007 deployment in Iraq. It was initially self-published with a Kickstarter campaign that raised eight times its original goal. Later, the book was released to a much wider audience. The Underground Railroad Author: Colson Whitehead The Underground Railroad (Facebook) × This is a book that took 16 years of writing. It follows the story of a young woman who escaped slavery via an imaginary railroad that brings her to a different, imperfect version of America. The book according to the author is a salient reckoning of what it means, has meant and continues to mean to be black in America. The Voices Within: The History and Science of How We Talk to Ourselves Author: Charles Fernyhough The Voices Within: The History and Science of How We Talk to Ourselves (Facebook) × The inner voice is a debatable topic and the book takes a different route to start a discussion around it. A psychologist and a novelist himself, the author offers an establishing ground for the topic. The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It…Every Time Author: Maria Konnikova The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It…Every Time (Facebook) × We often get fooled by the same con the world throws at us. The book delves into the backstory of our gullibility. The book explores how cons work and why we fall for them. It is a deconstruction of psychological dynamics, tactics, ploys and susceptibilities illuminated by an excellent communicator. (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

These books of 2016 talk about issues that matter!

<p>It is said that science fiction is about making the improbable seem possible. Writers of the genre postulate a world of the future. And while some of their ideas can end up remaining a fantasy, there are a number of times when their predictions have been right on the money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here&rsquo;s 9&nbsp;times sci-fi writers were spot-on about technological advancements:&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Debit/Credit Cards</h2>

<p>When Edward Bellamy wrote Looking Backward in 1888, people only relied on paper money. His book introduced the concept of universal credit where citizens of his future utopia carried a card that allowed them to spend on goods and services without paper money changing hands. The book was a huge success.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/books_1-20161212084822.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Earphones</h2>

<p>When Ray Bradbury published his dystopian classic Fahrenheit 451 in 1953, portable audio already existed, but the headphones were ungainly and heavy. In his book, he talked about &ldquo;little seashells&hellip; thimble radios&rdquo; that brought an &ldquo;electronic ocean of sound, of music and talk and music and talk&rdquo;. Who would have then imagined that one day devices like in-ear earphones would become an integral part of people&rsquo;s daily lives.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/books_6-20161212085416.jpg" />
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<p>Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Electric Cars, Violence And Hookup Culture</h2>

<p>John Brunner&rsquo;s Stand On Zanzibar was another piece of literature that was way ahead of its time. Published in 1969, his book painted a world that we are all too familiar with today: America plagued by random acts of violence like school shootings and terrorist attacks, cars powered by rechargeable electric fuel cells, men and women eschewing marriage for short-term and low commitment hookups. What was he thinking?&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="media-description">
<p>Stand On Zanzibar by John Brunner (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Geostationary Satellite Communications</h2>

<p>In 1945, a pioneering science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke wrote a manuscript called The Space-Station: Its Radio Applications. He introduced for the first time, geosynchronous satellites being used for telecommunications relays and most importantly for television signals. Imagine a world without our televisions and scores of channels.&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="media-description">
<p>The Space-Station: Its Radio Applications by Arthur C. Clarke (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Moon Landing</h2>

<p>Jules Verne wrote From The Earth To The Moon and predicted many aspects of the 1969 manned lunar landing of Apollo 11. Verne&rsquo;s astronauts were launched from a Florida site in an aluminium capsule. In the book, he even gave accurate calculations as to the amount of force that would be needed to propel the rocket out of Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere. We have gone much beyond the Moon now!</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/books_3-20161212084933.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>From The Earth To The Moon by Jules Verne (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Nuclear Weapon</h2>

<p>Robert Heinlein&rsquo;s 1940 short story Solution Unsatisfactory predicted a future world where America develops an atomic weapon that ends World War II unilaterally. After they use it, it spurs the rest of the world into a nuclear arms race to keep up. The story was written even before the United States entered World War II and five years before the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/books_10-20161212085934.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Solution Unsatisfactory by Robert Heinlein (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Security Cameras</h2>

<p>George Orwell wrote the book 1984 in 1949. In it, he spoke about the concept of a dystopian state monitored by an interconnected web of security cameras. It seemed absurd back then, but it is a reality now with round-the-clock security surveillance, cameras in both public and private spaces, GPS tracking and online tracking by government agencies. Orwell wrote about it all in his book.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/books_5-20161212085316.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>1984 by George Orwell (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Tanks</h2>

<p>H.G. Wells wrote the story The Land Ironclads which was published in the Strand Magazine in 1903. His story took the then-current technology of metal-hulled warships and put them on land, creating war machines- tanks. Wells&rsquo;s conceptualised modern day tanks were approximately 100 feet long and rolled on eight pairs of wheels, each of which had its own independent turning axle. A tower in the top of the machine let the captain survey the scene. In reality, the first tanks were deployed on the battlefield in 1916 during the battle of the Somme.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/books_4-20161212085043.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>The Land Ironclads by H.G. Wells (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Video Chat</h2>

<p>The first demonstration of consumer video conferencing was in the form of &lsquo;picturephone&rsquo; at the 1964 New York World&rsquo;s Fair. The technology has now come a long way with FaceTime and Skype becoming the standard means of long-distance communication. But all of this traces back to Hugo Gernsback&rsquo;s novel Ralph 124c 41+. The story was first printed in Modern Electrics magazine in 1911. It spoke about a device called the &ldquo;telephot&rdquo; that let people have eye contact while speaking across long distances.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/books_7-20161212085540.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Ralph 124c 41+ by Hugo Gernsback (WION)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</p>


Paperless money, security cameras, nuclear weapons and more just stepped out of a book into our reality

It is said that science fiction is about making the improbable seem possible. Writers of the genre postulate a world of the future. And while some of their ideas can end up remaining a fantasy, there are a number of times when their predictions have been right on the money. Here’s 9 times sci-fi writers were spot-on about technological advancements: Debit/Credit Cards When Edward Bellamy wrote Looking Backward in 1888, people only relied on paper money. His book introduced the concept of universal credit where citizens of his future utopia carried a card that allowed them to spend on goods and services without paper money changing hands. The book was a huge success. Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy (WION) × Earphones When Ray Bradbury published his dystopian classic Fahrenheit 451 in 1953, portable audio already existed, but the headphones were ungainly and heavy. In his book, he talked about “little seashells… thimble radios” that brought an “electronic ocean of sound, of music and talk and music and talk”. Who would have then imagined that one day devices like in-ear earphones would become an integral part of people’s daily lives. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (WION) × Electric Cars, Violence And Hookup Culture John Brunner’s Stand On Zanzibar was another piece of literature that was way ahead of its time. Published in 1969, his book painted a world that we are all too familiar with today: America plagued by random acts of violence like school shootings and terrorist attacks, cars powered by rechargeable electric fuel cells, men and women eschewing marriage for short-term and low commitment hookups. What was he thinking? Stand On Zanzibar by John Brunner (WION) × Geostationary Satellite Communications In 1945, a pioneering science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke wrote a manuscript called The Space-Station: Its Radio Applications. He introduced for the first time, geosynchronous satellites being used for telecommunications relays and most importantly for television signals. Imagine a world without our televisions and scores of channels. The Space-Station: Its Radio Applications by Arthur C. Clarke (WION) × Moon Landing Jules Verne wrote From The Earth To The Moon and predicted many aspects of the 1969 manned lunar landing of Apollo 11. Verne’s astronauts were launched from a Florida site in an aluminium capsule. In the book, he even gave accurate calculations as to the amount of force that would be needed to propel the rocket out of Earth’s atmosphere. We have gone much beyond the Moon now! From The Earth To The Moon by Jules Verne (WION) × Nuclear Weapon Robert Heinlein’s 1940 short story Solution Unsatisfactory predicted a future world where America develops an atomic weapon that ends World War II unilaterally. After they use it, it spurs the rest of the world into a nuclear arms race to keep up. The story was written even before the United States entered World War II and five years before the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Solution Unsatisfactory by Robert Heinlein (WION) × Security Cameras George Orwell wrote the book 1984 in 1949. In it, he spoke about the concept of a dystopian state monitored by an interconnected web of security cameras. It seemed absurd back then, but it is a reality now with round-the-clock security surveillance, cameras in both public and private spaces, GPS tracking and online tracking by government agencies. Orwell wrote about it all in his book. 1984 by George Orwell (WION) × Tanks H.G. Wells wrote the story The Land Ironclads which was published in the Strand Magazine in 1903. His story took the then-current technology of metal-hulled warships and put them on land, creating war machines- tanks. Wells’s conceptualised modern day tanks were approximately 100 feet long and rolled on eight pairs of wheels, each of which had its own independent turning axle. A tower in the top of the machine let the captain survey the scene. In reality, the first tanks were deployed on the battlefield in 1916 during the battle of the Somme. The Land Ironclads by H.G. Wells (WION) × Video Chat The first demonstration of consumer video conferencing was in the form of ‘picturephone’ at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The technology has now come a long way with FaceTime and Skype becoming the standard means of long-distance communication. But all of this traces back to Hugo Gernsback’s novel Ralph 124c 41+. The story was first printed in Modern Electrics magazine in 1911. It spoke about a device called the “telephot” that let people have eye contact while speaking across long distances. Ralph 124c 41+ by Hugo Gernsback (WION) × (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

9 predictions by science-fiction writers that actually came true

DONT PUBLISH. CHANGES REQUIRED<br />
<br />
Cant be used with World Literacy Day tag. It&#39;s not World Literature Day. But it&#39;s a good idea. One we can put together as a list for weekend reading every week.<br />
<br />
Take out the names in the images. May be each person suggesting a book can give a para on why they like this book. And it should be about the book, their personal impressions of it, and if possible, what difference it made to their lives (Books can change lives, give shape and sense to the muddle of our thoughts).<br />
<br />
The names should be carried with correct designations in the captions.<br />
<br />
Anuradha<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
TEXT starts<br />
<br />
As the world celebrates the 50th International Literacy Day under the banner &ldquo;Reading the Past, Writing the Future&rdquo;,&nbsp;here&#39;s a sneak peek into what WION loves to read.<br />
<br />
<strong>1. The Bell Jar</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it: I read this book because someone told me that this is a book that every modern woman must read.<br />
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<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/book-%20the%20bell%20jarauthor-%20sylvia%20plathgenre-%20contemporary%20american%20english%20literaturesuggested%20by-%20ankita%20panda,%20reporter-20160908105207.png" />
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<strong>2.&nbsp;Angela&#39;s Ashes</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it: It&rsquo;s a riveting read that takes you from Brooklyn, New York to Limerick, Ireland, all through the perspective of a young Catholic boy grappling with poverty, religion and a complicated family dynamic.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/book-%20the%20bell%20jarauthor-%20sylvia%20plathgenre-%20contemporary%20american%20english%20literaturesuggested%20by-%20ankita%20panda,%20reporter%20(1)-20160908105639.png" />
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<br />
<strong>3.&nbsp;The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it: The book is written from the point of view of an autistic boy, Christopher, &nbsp;who sets out to investigate the death of a dog that he discovers in his home&#39;s backyard. The book is heartbreakingly tender and realistic without being overly cute. Also, there are illustrations and diagrams which make the read all the more compelling.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/the%20curious%20incident-20160908121440.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
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<strong>4.&nbsp;West of Kabul, East of New York</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it: This book gives one a great sense of the culture of the east and the west. It&rsquo;s a marriage of the two worlds.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/book-%20the%20bell%20jarauthor-%20sylvia%20plathgenre-%20contemporary%20american%20english%20literaturesuggested%20by-%20ankita%20panda,%20reporter%20(2)-20160908105505.png" />
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<br />
<br />
<strong>5.&nbsp;Blindness&nbsp;</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it: Every time you read this book, there will be a different facet to discover. The metaphors and non-conformative narrative set this novel apart.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/book-%20the%20bell%20jarauthor-%20sylvia%20plathgenre-%20contemporary%20american%20english%20literaturesuggested%20by-%20ankita%20panda,%20reporter%20(9)-20160908121822.png" />
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<br />
<strong>6.&nbsp;The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie &nbsp;Society?</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it: It is difficult to explain this book. It&rsquo;s an experience which leaves one searching for something similar.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/book-%20the%20bell%20jarauthor-%20sylvia%20plathgenre-%20contemporary%20american%20english%20literaturesuggested%20by-%20ankita%20panda,%20reporter%20(6)-20160908122128.png" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
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<strong>7.&nbsp;Neapolitan Novels</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it: It is a series of four books that takes you through the historical journey starting from second world war through intense human experiences.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/book-%20the%20bell%20jarauthor-%20sylvia%20plathgenre-%20contemporary%20american%20english%20literaturesuggested%20by-%20ankita%20panda,%20reporter%20(3)-20160908113907.png" />
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<br />
<strong>8.&nbsp;Murakami</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it: Fascinating modern day author, riveting content and dynamic characters are enough to keep you hooked to the book.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/book-%20the%20bell%20jarauthor-%20sylvia%20plathgenre-%20contemporary%20american%20english%20literaturesuggested%20by-%20ankita%20panda,%20reporter%20(4)-20160908114245.png" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<strong>9.&nbsp;The Forty Rules of Love</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it:&nbsp;The book talks of the platonic relationship between the famous Sufi poet Rumi and a darvesh called Shams of Tabraiz. It chronicles the journey of Rumi giving up his life as a renowned Islamic scholar and becoming a mystical poet, influenced by the company of Tabraiz.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/forty%20rules%20of%20love-20160908121544.png" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
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<br />
<strong>10.&nbsp;The Cinderella Complex&nbsp;</strong><br />
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Why you shouldn&rsquo;t miss it:&nbsp;It&#39;s a book every girl/woman should read. This book talks about the dependency and unrealistic expectations girls develop living in this world.<br />
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<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/book-%20the%20bell%20jarauthor-%20sylvia%20plathgenre-%20contemporary%20american%20english%20literaturesuggested%20by-%20ankita%20panda,%20reporter%20(8)-20160908114107.png" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<br />
Contributions by Kandarp Rustogi &amp; Ashna Mishra<br />
<br />
(WION Edge)<br />
&nbsp;

"I think stories can grow out of the visual. It can be an engine for literacy" ? Chris Riddell, illustrator

DONT PUBLISH. CHANGES REQUIRED Cant be used with World Literacy Day tag. It's not World Literature Day. But it's a good idea. One we can put together as a list for weekend reading every week. Take out the names in the images. May be each person suggesting a book can give a para on why they like this book. And it should be about the book, their personal impressions of it, and if possible, what difference it made to their lives (Books can change lives, give shape and sense to the muddle of our thoughts). The names should be carried with correct designations in the captions. Anuradha TEXT starts As the world celebrates the 50th International Literacy Day under the banner “Reading the Past, Writing the Future”, here's a sneak peek into what WION loves to read. 1. The Bell Jar Why you shouldn’t miss it: I read this book because someone told me that this is a book that every modern woman must read. 2. Angela's Ashes Why you shouldn’t miss it: It’s a riveting read that takes you from Brooklyn, New York to Limerick, Ireland, all through the perspective of a young Catholic boy grappling with poverty, religion and a complicated family dynamic. 3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time Why you shouldn’t miss it: The book is written from the point of view of an autistic boy, Christopher, who sets out to investigate the death of a dog that he discovers in his home's backyard. The book is heartbreakingly tender and realistic without being overly cute. Also, there are illustrations and diagrams which make the read all the more compelling. 4. West of Kabul, East of New York Why you shouldn’t miss it: This book gives one a great sense of the culture of the east and the west. It’s a marriage of the two worlds. 5. Blindness Why you shouldn’t miss it: Every time you read this book, there will be a different facet to discover. The metaphors and non-conformative narrative set this novel apart. 6. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society? Why you shouldn’t miss it: It is difficult to explain this book. It’s an experience which leaves one searching for something similar. 7. Neapolitan Novels Why you shouldn’t miss it: It is a series of four books that takes you through the historical journey starting from second world war through intense human experiences. 8. Murakami Why you shouldn’t miss it: Fascinating modern day author, riveting content and dynamic characters are enough to keep you hooked to the book. 9. The Forty Rules of Love Why you shouldn’t miss it: The book talks of the platonic relationship between the famous Sufi poet Rumi and a darvesh called Shams of Tabraiz. It chronicles the journey of Rumi giving up his life as a renowned Islamic scholar and becoming a mystical poet, influenced by the company of Tabraiz. 10. The Cinderella Complex Why you shouldn’t miss it: It's a book every girl/woman should read. This book talks about the dependency and unrealistic expectations girls develop living in this world. Contributions by Kandarp Rustogi & Ashna Mishra (WION Edge)

World Literacy Day: Here are some books you wouldn't wanna miss

Britain&#39;s beloved cinematic singing nanny Mary Poppins will once again grace the big screens, this time with Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of the Broadway smash-hit &quot;Hamilton,&quot; as her sidekick, Walt Disney Co&nbsp;said on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
&quot;Mary Poppins Returns,&quot; a sequel to the 1964 classic film &quot;Mary Poppins,&quot; is scheduled for release in theatres on Christmas Day 2018 and will star British actress Blunt in the titular role made famous by Julie Andrews.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Miranda, who recently won a Pulitzer Prize for creating and starring in Broadway`s historical, hip-hop musical &quot;Hamilton,&quot; will play a new character named Jack, a street lamplighter.<br />
<br />
&quot;Mary Poppins,&quot; the movie based on the popular children`s books by author P.L. Travers, followed a magical flying British nanny as she improved the lives of the unhappy Banks family with the aid of chirpy Cockney chimneysweep Bert, played by Dick Van Dyke.<br />
<br />
The new film will be set in Depression-era London, the setting of Travers` stories, and will see Mary Poppins return to the now grownup Jane Banks, Michael Banks and his three children after they suffer a personal loss, Disney said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives,&quot; the studio said.<br />
<br />
The studio did not say in its statement whether Andrews, now 80, or Van Dyke, 90, will appear in any capacity and representatives for the actors did not immediately respond to Reuters` request for comment.<br />
<br />
&quot;Mary Poppins Returns&quot; is the latest in a slate of reboots from Disney, which last year remade animated fairytale &quot;Cinderella&quot; into a live action film. Disney will also release the live action &quot;Beauty and the Beast,&quot; starring Emma Watson, next year.<br />
<br />
The studio also owns George Lucas` &quot;Star Wars&quot; science-fiction adventure franchise and the Marvel superhero franchise.

Britain's beloved cinematic singing nanny Mary Poppins will once again grace the big screen, this time beside Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of Broadway smash-hit "Hamilton".

Britain's beloved cinematic singing nanny Mary Poppins will once again grace the big screens, this time with Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of the Broadway smash-hit "Hamilton," as her sidekick, Walt Disney Co said on Tuesday. "Mary Poppins Returns," a sequel to the 1964 classic film "Mary Poppins," is scheduled for release in theatres on Christmas Day 2018 and will star British actress Blunt in the titular role made famous by Julie Andrews. Miranda, who recently won a Pulitzer Prize for creating and starring in Broadway`s historical, hip-hop musical "Hamilton," will play a new character named Jack, a street lamplighter. "Mary Poppins," the movie based on the popular children`s books by author P.L. Travers, followed a magical flying British nanny as she improved the lives of the unhappy Banks family with the aid of chirpy Cockney chimneysweep Bert, played by Dick Van Dyke. The new film will be set in Depression-era London, the setting of Travers` stories, and will see Mary Poppins return to the now grownup Jane Banks, Michael Banks and his three children after they suffer a personal loss, Disney said. "Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives," the studio said. The studio did not say in its statement whether Andrews, now 80, or Van Dyke, 90, will appear in any capacity and representatives for the actors did not immediately respond to Reuters` request for comment. "Mary Poppins Returns" is the latest in a slate of reboots from Disney, which last year remade animated fairytale "Cinderella" into a live action film. Disney will also release the live action "Beauty and the Beast," starring Emma Watson, next year. The studio also owns George Lucas` "Star Wars" science-fiction adventure franchise and the Marvel superhero franchise.

''Mary Poppins Returns'' with Blunt, ''Hamilton'' star Miranda

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