Updated: January 03, 2013, 12:00 AM
The National's bookshelf - January 3
Drinking Water: A History | James Salzman "In developed countries, we do not think much about drinking water on a daily basis. It is plentiful, safe and easily available," writes James Salzman in his fine new book Drinking Water: A History. We don't thin???
The Secrets of Alchemy | Lawrence M Principe As far as mythology goes, alchemy has enjoyed a favourable reputation as a science steeped in sorcery, offering promises of endless wealth and eternal youth through the legendary philosopher's stone. As far as???
The Cuckoo’s Calling | Robert Galbraith The crime fiction market seems to know no bounds, but every new author needs his sleuth to have a gimmick or a "past". And Robert Galbraith's "hero" has quite a few interesting quirks.
Hallucinations | Sacks Oliver Sacks book amounts to little more than a taxonomy of varieties of hallucination.
Standing in Another Man’s Grave | Ian Rankin John Rebus, the Scottish detective made popular in Ian Rankin's mystery novels, is back after a long absence, writes Malcolm Forbes, and he continues to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, and yes, he still drives???
The Forgotten | David Baldacci While his skill with prose is subject to taste, David Baldacci can't be faulted in his delivery of what his fans want and expect of a page-turner. Add the return of Special Agent John Puller (from Baldacci's previous bestse???