Murder in Samarkand

Murder in Samarkand - A British Ambassador's Controversial Defiance of Tyranny in the War on Terror Craig Murray (2005)

While at times it does get a bit wearing hearing Murray talk about how he was right about everything and the British government was entirely in the wrong, and how his motives were as pure as the driven snow, it is clear that Murray was the victim of a great injustice.

New Great Game

The New Great Game by Lutz C. Kleveman (2003)

This is an excellent work that is well written, concise and gives a real flavour of the excitement, colour and passion of the region.

Kleveman originally wrote this book in his native German, and the translation does not interfere with the text at all. In fact if anything, the perspective of a national with no strategic interest in the region gives a refreshing change and he is able to write with an objective eye but also with real engagement in the subject.

The strategic objectives of both Russia, and the United states are clear, as well as to a lesser extent China and Iran. As with the British and Russian empires of the 19th century, the US and Russia are trying to secure access to and control of as much resources as they can.

Kleveman writes honestly about the US involvement in Afghanistan, and his view of the Iraq conflict.

Highly recommended.

Wonders of the Solar System

Brian Cox (2010)

This book gives an interesting overview of the Solar System from particle physicist Prof Brain Cox. His PhD was in particle physics rather than cosmology or astrophysics, and so he is not much more qualified than I am to speak on the subject.

Nonetheless, the research is good, and he is occasionally movingly poetic, particularly when talking about the Arctic circle and the Aurora Borealis. I'd give this 4/5 as it is pretty good, but not as excellent as his documentaries.