A very interesting book that deals with Friedrich Engels mainly , but has lots of information on the industrial revolution in Manchester and also the huge social changes in Germany in the 19th century. It is still very relevant today as revolution spreads across North Africa and trade union members in Wisconsin fight for their collective bargaining rights.

Bad Science uncovers the bad reporting of science and medicine in the media. It is written in a humorous and very readable style. The author, Ben Goldacre, has a talent for explaining complicated concepts in a way that is interesting to the general reader. He is up there with Malcolm Gladwell as a non-fiction writer who produces page turners you can't put down. Anyone who cares about science, ethics and informed citizenship should read this book.