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A Life Decoded: My Genome: My Life by Craig Venter. Reviewed by Steven Shaplin LRB Vol 30 No.6. Venter is iconic case of new get-rich scientist. Invented techniques for rapid
sequencing of human genome and new organisational forms for exploiting
knowledge. Venter rejects complaint that commercialisation corrupts idea of
open science. He sees himself as individual free-thinker opposing tradition and
bureaucracy. Venter may become first scientist to
‘create’ life.
The Resurrection by Geza Vermes. Reviewed by Frank Kermode LRB Vol30 no.6. Very learned, ex-Catholic Hebraist studies biblical evidence for the Resurrection.
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Examines inconsistencies, flaws, and ambiguities in New Testament. For example,
in John, Mary Magdalene arrives at tomb alone, but with two other women in
Mark. Such reports unbelievable, but apostles believed they inherited Jesus
’s spirit anyway and so created world-wide Christianity.
A Portrait of the Brain by Adam Zeman / My Lobotomy: A Memoir by Howard Dully and Charles Fleming. Reviewed by Nigel Hawkes The Times mar 22. Zeman’s book combines neuroscience and case study. For example, man who sees visions
while driving bus. Well written, but ungripping. Excellent introduction if
reader patient. Biography of Howard Dully, victim
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of crazed lobotomy enthusiast Dr.Freeman. Fashionable in 50’s to sever frontal lobes with ice-pick. No scientific basis and damaged people
badly.
The Hot Topic: How to Tackle Global Warming and Still Keep the Lights On by Gabrielle Walker and Sir David King. Reviewed by Mark Lynas in New Statesman 27 mar Comprehensive, authoritative, very boring book. Repeats basic science and iconic
facts like melting glaciers, but avoids controversy. For example, on aviation
concludes - "it's definitely a good idea to try to fly less". Final chapter on
changing the world does not go much beyond energy saving light bulbs. A yawn.
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Michael Gove MP is clearly intent on giving the West a loud wake-up call if his
2006 book
Celsius 7/7 is anything to go by. His appeal to a common set of values, and an end to the
prevaricating nature of some Western policies on terrorism make for a
provocative examination of the West
’s position on Fundamentalist Islam. More, his prose avoids the temptations of
rhetoric and hyperbole, which tend to be commonplace when considering the
so-called Global War on Terror; and in surveying the events surrounding the
2005 London Bombings
he brings with him a dose of common sense thinking which is sadly lacking in today’s largely panic-oriented climate.
Waking up the West
Weighing in at a little under one hundred and fifty pages, Gove’s effort is a pithy affair which focuses on an issue which, as he rightly
argues, is of signal importance to us all. Equally important, however, is the
need to address this matter in a reasonable fashion, and
Celsius 7/7 does exactly that. In untangling and straightening out a plethora of queries
and questions, Gove
’s analysis ranges from the ideological
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influences upon Osama bin Laden to the seemingly unclear motivations of some of the highest ranking members of Britain ’s Islamic community. What is more, whether he is addressing the possible reasons behind a British-born Muslim choosing to become a suicide bomber, or the need for Israel to defend itself from those who would use terror to bring about change, Gove makes his position stridently clear.
Still further, Gove takes issue with those who would apply relative values to
the task of defending Western society. His point is well met, although his
choice of words occasionally gives his argument a
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rather blunt edge which, in turn, can distract the reader from its thrust.
Whilst referring to the US prison at Guantanamo Bay, for example, Gove states
that it
“…may be a profoundly unsatisfactory place to hold enemy combatants…” This rather hesitant description of one of the most disturbing features of the
West
’s response to the war on terror demonstrates Gove’s leanings more clearly than any amount of precision-crafted argument.
Standing up to be counted
Although Gove’s call to action is more than just a wake-up call, for those who see his political orientation ahead of his argument there will be
few surprises in store
. Having said that, the plain fact that Gove stands up to be counted deserves
praise, and, whatever your view is on his politics, such clear-headed thinking
concerning the ongoing terrorist threat to the West is in short supply. In
brief,
Celsius 7/7 comes highly recommended as an engaging book which should inspire the reader to
further delve into one of the most pressing issues facing contemporary society.
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