Bookmark Brian Pike takes a critical look at what’s hot off the presses
Don’t Sleep, There Are Snakes Daniel Everett Ever been abroad and wondered if maybe you should learn a word or two of the local lingo? Daniel Everett struggled with the language of the Pirahã, a small tribe of jungle-dwelling Amazonians — but his efforts saved his life the night he heard a group of them plotting to kill him. His account of what happened next had me on the edge of my seat, one of several gripping moments in the best travel book I’ve read for years. Part adventure story, part exploration of the Pirahã language and way of life, it’s an intoxicating insight into a culture vastly different from our own — and one that could all too easily be eradicated by the greed of entrepreneurs and the indifference of politicians. Everett’s marvellous book is a refreshing contrast to the self-indulgent pap that passes for travel writing nowadays, although if you want an easy ride you might have to skip a few of the thornier passages about linguistics. But if you only read one travel book this year, make it this one. Profile, paperback, £8.99
Rice’s Architectural Primer Matthew Rice This is an enjoyable little volume to own, even if you have no especially urgent reason for distinguishing between crocketed pinnacles and blocked pilasters. It consists mainly of quirky pen-and-wash pictures of buildings and parts thereof — everything from medieval castles to a Modernist bus shelter — with the architectural details neatly labelled. In short, an easily digestible history of British architecture, complete with an illustrated gazetteer of notable buildings to visit. Mr Rice clearly has a wry sense of humour, and you’ll find the occasional furtive smoker, panhandler or peeing poodle sketched in amongst his architraves and arcades. On a serious note, it encourages the reader to look more closely at — and get more pleasure from — the wealth of interesting architecture that we’re fortunate to have in this country. Would make a fine present for anyone with an enquiring nature, so bear it mind when Christmas comes rolling around. Bloomsbury, hardback, £14.99 111