The Guardian‘s list of the 100 greatest non-fiction books of all time is a fascinating mix of the classic and the arcane. The British newspaper rounded up what they consider to be the very best factual writing, with seasonal recommendations from writers, critics and readers, top 10 selections from writers in their own areas of expertise, and definitive lists of essential reading for all time.
We’re pleased to report that two books published by UC Press made the cut: Max Weber’s Economy and Society and The Travels of Ibn Battuta (our version, interpreted by Ross E. Dunn, is called The Adventures of Ibn Battuta). All of the books are housed in the stunning Reading Room at the British Museum, pictured above.
Tell us what you think of the list. Any glaring omissions or overrated inclusions? Do you find it curious that there are eleven selections in the “Memoir” category, but only five in “Science”? Let us know in the comments.
And if you’re looking for further superlative reading, check out the Association of American University Presses‘ recently released “Best of the Best” list, which contains their favorite titles from university presses in the past year. Five UC Press books were included: Breaking Bread: Recipes and Stories from Immigrant Kitchens by Lynne Christy Anderson; The Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate Change by Julianne L. Fry, et al.; Historical Atlas of the North American Railroad by Derek Hayes; The Atlas of Global Conservation by Jonathan M. Hoekstra, et al.; and Life by Martha Holmes and Mike Gunton.
C-SPAN BookTV will air a special presentation of “The Best of the Best from University Presses: Books You Should Know About”, recorded live at this year’s American Library Association summer meeting on June 26 at 2:00 p.m. EST.
