Non-fiction

Tuiavii, a Samoan chief, traveled to Europe at the turn of the 20th century and wrote a commentary condemning the very foundations of Western society. Today, at the dawn of the millenium, his words promise to cast a spell over a new generation of readers. By looking at ourselves through Tuiavii's eyes we are saddened by the loss of simplicity and humanity in our society. Yet each page, filled with Tuiavii's insight, brings us a step closer to the truth and, ultimately, to understanding ourselves. Masterfully translated; with a cultural and literary perspective by Peter C. Cavelti.

Keep Working. Keep Playing. Keep Creating. In his previous books Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work!, both New York Times bestsellers, Austin Kleon gave readers the keys to unlock their creativity and showed them how to become known. Now he offers his most inspiring work yet, with ten simple rules for how to stay creative, focused, and true to yourself—for life. The creative life is not a linear journey to a finish line, it’s a loop—so find a daily routine, because today is the only day that matters. Disconnect from the world to connect with yourself—sometimes you just have to switch into airplane mode. Keep Going celebrates getting outdoors and taking a walk (as director Ingmar Bergman told his daughter, ”The demons hate fresh air”). Pay attention, and especially pay attention to what you pay attention to. Worry less about getting things done, and more about the worth of what you’re doing. Instead of focusing on making your mark, work to leave things better than you found them. Keep Going and its timeless, practical, and ethical principles are for anyone trying to sustain a meaningful and productive life.

In his fifth work of nonfiction, Mark Kurlansky turns his attention to a common household item with a long and intriguing history: salt. The only rock we eat, salt has shaped civilization from the very beginning, and its story is a glittering, often surprising part of the history of humankind. A substance so valuable it served as currency, salt has influenced the establishment of trade routes and cities, provoked and financed wars, secured empires, and inspired revolutions.

Anne Frank's vivid account of her life while hiding from the Nazis has moved generations of readers. This invaluable new study guide contains a new selection of the finest contemporary criticism on The Diary of Anne Frank, plus an introductory essay from master scholar Harold Bloom, a chronology of the author's life, a bibliography, and an index for easy reference.