For times when those brain synapses crave calisthenics, nonfiction can
provide a satisfying alternative to escapist fare. Among the most
noteworthy titles of the past decade are 98 volumes in the Newport Beach
Public Library's newest collection of "Timeless Treasures" representing
some of the most provocative and inspired literary achievements of the
'90s.
Culled from "Magill's Literary Annual" and lists of the Notable Books
Council and Breakthrough Books, the collection covers a wide range of
fields.
Included are works by social and physical scientists, anthropologists,
historians, biologists, political analysts and medical professionals.
For anyone interested in the history of one of today's most pervasive
phenomena, "Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins of the Internet"
probes the evolution of cyberspace. Another aspect of technology is
covered in "Why Things Bite Back," a treatise based on the premise that
many so-called design improvements actually make things worse.
Forward-looking readers should appreciate "Preparing for the
Twenty-First Century," an examination of contemporary trends and how the
world might respond to them. Those who enjoy looking back may prefer "In
Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam" by former secretary of
defense Robert McNamara.
The collection features numerous analyses of cultural movements,
including "The Divorce Culture," Barbara Dafoe Whitehead's discourse on
changes in the way Americans have come to view marital dissolution.
There's "Backlash," in which feminist Susan Faludi presents disquieting
evidence of an effort to undermine accomplishments of women in the U.S.,
and "Civility," an investigation into the collapse of manners and morals
in America.
Readers looking for lighter fare might try "John Wayne's America,"
focusing on the career and cultural impact of a local icon, or "Paradox
of Plenty," a history of food fads and fancies of the last half century.
For those interested in complex probes, "How the Mind Works" provides
an analysis of the brain's development since prehistory, while "Forbidden
Knowledge" features literary scholar Roger Shattuck's daring argument
that there are things humans should not know.
Historical expositions cover such diverse topics as risk, in "Against
the Gods," in which Peter Bernstein examines why investors behave the way
they do, and medicine, in "The Greatest Benefit to Mankind," a compelling
account about how humanity has treated physical ailments.
There's grist for debate in such works as "Full House," in which
evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould persuades readers to consider
evolution in terms of variety, not progress, and "The Bell Curve," a
controversial look at the equities of inherited intelligence across
groups and individuals.
Find the collection on "Timeless Treasures" shelves, on the first
floor of the Newport Beach Central Library. Works are listed in an
annotated bibliography titled "Noteworthy Non-Fiction of the '90s,"
available at all Newport Beach Public Libraries.
* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public
Library. This week's column is by Melissa Adams, in collaboration with
June Pilsitz.
