214 products in Books

THE CLASSIC BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRED MILLIONS A penetrating examination of how we live and how to live better Few books transform a generation and then establish themselves as touchstones for the generations that follow. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is one such book. This modern epic of a man’s search for meaning became an instant bestseller on publication in 1974, acclaimed as one of the most exciting books in the history of American letters. It continues to inspire millions.  A narration of a summer motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and his son, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance becomes a personal and philosophical odyssey into fundamental questions on how to live. The narrator's relationship with his son leads to a powerful self-reckoning; the craft of motorcycle maintenance leads to an austerely beautiful process for reconciling science, religion, and humanism. Resonant with the confusions of existence, this classic is a touching and transcendent book of life. This new edition contains an interview with Pirsig and letters and documents detailing how this extraordinary book came to be.

Now a National Bestseller!  Climate change is real but it’s not the end of the world. It is not even our most serious environmental problem. Michael Shellenberger has been fighting for a greener planet for decades. He helped save the world’s last unprotected redwoods. He co-created the predecessor to today’s Green New Deal. And he led a successful effort by climate scientists and activists to keep nuclear plants operating, preventing a spike of emissions. But in 2019, as some claimed “billions of people are going to die,” contributing to rising anxiety, including among adolescents, Shellenberger decided that, as a lifelong environmental activist, leading energy expert, and father of a teenage daughter, he needed to speak out with a fact-based approach to climate change to separate science from fiction. Despite decades of news media attention, many remain ignorant of basic facts. Carbon emissions peaked and have been declining in most developed nations for over a decade. Deaths from extreme weather, even in poor nations, declined 80 percent over the last four decades. And the risk of Earth warming to very high temperatures is increasingly unlikely thanks to slowing population growth and abundant natural gas. Curiously, the people who are the most alarmist about the problems also tend to oppose the obvious solutions. What’s really behind the rise of climate alarmism and apocalyptic environmentalism? There are powerful financial interests. There are desires for status and power. But most of all there is a desire among supposedly secular people for transcendence. This spiritual impulse can be natural and healthy. But in preaching fear without love, and guilt without redemption, the new religion is failing to satisfy our deepest psychological and existential needs. How can we solve real environmental problems without the fear-mongering? * Environmental Science vs. Fiction: Separate the facts from the media hype. Learn why carbon emissions are already declining in developed nations and the risk of extreme warming is increasingly unlikely. * The Truth About Extreme Weather: Discover the surprising data showing that deaths from floods, droughts, and storms have plummeted by 80 percent over the last four decades. * The Motives Behind Alarmism: Uncover the powerful financial and political interests driving apocalyptic narratives that ignore real-world progress and pragmatic solutions like nuclear power. * A New Environmental Humanism: Move beyond a religion of fear and guilt toward an approach that satisfies our deepest needs while protecting the natural world.

While many books explain the how of bitcoin, The Internet of Money delves into the why of bitcoin. Acclaimed information-security expert and author of Mastering Bitcoin, Andreas M. Antonopoulos examines and contextualizes the significance of bitcoin through a series of essays spanning the exhilarating maturation of this technology. Bitcoin, a technological breakthrough quietly introduced to the world in 2008, is transforming much more than finance. Bitcoin is disrupting antiquated industries to bring financial independence to billions worldwide. In this book, Andreas explains why bitcoin is a financial and technological evolution with potential far exceeding the label "digital currency." Andreas goes beyond exploring the technical functioning of the bitcoin network by illuminating bitcoin's philosophical, social, and historical implications. As the internet has essentially transformed how people around the world interact and has permanently impacted our lives in ways we never could have imagined, bitcoin--the internet of money--is fundamentally changing our approach to solving social, political, and economic problems through decentralized technology.

"The Internet of Money Volume Two: a collection of talks" is the spectacular sequel to the cult classic and best seller "The Internet of Money Volume One: a collection of talks" by Andreas M. Antonopoulos. Volume Two contains 11 more of his most inspiring and thought-provoking talks, including: Introduction to Bitcoin; Blockchain vs Bullshit; Fake News, Fake Money; Currency Wars; Bubble Boy and the Sewer Rat; Rocket Science and Ethereum's Killer App; and many more. Volume Two also includes an all-new frequently asked questions section!In 2013, Andreas M. Antonopoulos started publicly speaking about bitcoin and quickly became one of the world's most sought-after speakers in the industry. To date, he has delivered more than 75, TED-style talks in venues ranging from the Henry Ford Museum in the United States to packed-out Bitcoin Meetups around the world including Brazil, the Czech Republic, and New Zealand, and every talk is completely different.In these performances, Antonopoulos walks onto the stage and delivers a live, unscripted talk. Without a deck in sight, he unleashes his latest insights into the lightning-fast changes surrounding bitcoin. Combining the knowledge of one of the world's leading blockchain technologists, with cultural context, comedy, and the flair of a performance artist, Antonopoulos conveys an up-to-the-second understanding of bitcoin to live audiences worldwide.Many of these talks were so visionary, their content so educational, that they were curated and refined into a book form. On 7 September 2016, The Internet of Money Volume One was launched on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast (the interview has since been viewed more than 300,000 times). With its genesis in the lived, human experience, The Internet of Moneyoffered something that was desperately needed: an explanation of the philosophy, economics, politics, poetics, and technologies of bitcoin and open blockchains set within a broad historical context and using clear, simple language that delighted general audiences and bitcoin enthusiasts alike. During its first year, Volume One quickly became a hit in the global crypto-currency community-appealing to audiences from fields as diverse as the arts, sciences, and humanities. As one reader wrote: "It provides a uniquely accessible take on a mind-bendingly abstract system." The Internet of Money Volume Two: a collection of talks builds on that momentum and offers readers an opportunity to experience more these inspiring and thought-provoking talks in print. It also includes a bonus question and answer section, where Andreas answers some of the most frequently asked questions from audience members during his worldwide tour. Volume Two is a sequel that rivals, even exceeds, the first, in content, scope, and vision. These talks are intellectual fire-starters you won't want to miss. Make this book part of your collection and see why Andreas M. Antonopoulos is considered the most powerful and engaging voice in crypto-currency and blockchain.

A Progressive's Case for Bitcoin is for everyone who is starting to learn about Bitcoin and wants to understand the reality behind the buzz. Exploring the value proposition of Bitcoin through a progressive lens, Maier's book explores why Bitcoin is good for the environment, how it helps poor and marginalized communities, and why Bitcoin serves as a protest against too-big-to-fail banks: all the people-centric reasons Bitcoin was created in the first place. This inspirational read, which requires no background knowledge, is a great starting point for anyone who is curious about Bitcoin beyond the boundaries of western privilege, clickbait headlines, and social media chatter. “Jason’s book is outstanding, and fills a niche that has been seriously underserved until now —a treatise on Bitcoin for progressives. He thoughtfully walks the reader through the shortcomings of the current financial system and the benefits that Bitcoin can bring to people around the world.” —Lyn Alden, Macro Economist and Investor “In A Progressive’s Case for Bitcoin, Jason offers an uncommon perspective of how Bitcoin can be used as a tool for progressive social change. Through a combination of introspection and real-world case studies, Jason explores how Bitcoin can help to empower marginalized communities including the unbanked, those affected by hyperinflation and more.” —Lamar Wilson, Founder, Black Bitcoin Billionaire “A Progressive's Case for Bitcoin offers a refreshing perspective on Bitcoin particularly suited for a more liberal voter. Maier writes with humility and clarity inviting even the most ardent Bitcoin critics to question their assumptions. It is one of the best books written on Bitcoin.” —Dr. Mark Stephany, Physician and Host of The Progressive Bitcoiner “—If you care about the environment, human rights, or equality, you need to read this book and share it with everyone you know who considers themselves to be a progressive. This is a must read book!” —Dennis Porter, Co-Founder and CEO of the Satoshi Action Fund “Jason Maier has written what may be the most consequential Bitcoin book to date. In our historical moment, everything is politicized, often before it is even understood. So it is with Bitcoin, a technology attacked by many on the political left and embraced by those on the right, but which is actually nothing more than a few hundred lines of code. The social, political, economic, and environmental consequences of Bitcoin have hardly been thought through. Maier shows how Bitcoin—yes, Bitcoin!--actually aligns with the deepest values of progressives and serves their highest goals, most surprisingly, aiding the fight against climate change." “Reading this book, you realize that humanity is on the verge of a devastating mistake. Progressives have always pointed out injustices and critiqued systems of privilege. Yet, in a brilliant PR campaign, those very systems have enlisted progressives to protect themselves from being reformed or disrupted by an upstart technology. Maier’s book is a desperately needed corrective. He explains Bitcoin like a veteran teacher, breezes through arguments in a conversational style, yet his careful reasoning reminds you he is a mathematician. Open-minded progressives, and maybe even close-minded ones, will have to rethink their opinions on the possibilities and promise of neutral, digital money.” —Troy Cross, Environmentalist and Professor of Philosophy, Reed College C. Jason Maier is a teacher of mathematics with a personal conviction about how Bitcoin will reshape the world. More of Jason's writing can be found at www.bitcoinmagazine.com

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award A metaphorical fugue on minds and machines in the spirit of Lewis Carroll “Every few decades an unknown author brings out a book of such depth, charity, range, wit, beauty, and originality that it is recognized at once as a major literary event. This is such a work.” ―Scientific American GEB is a unique insight into the nature of “I,” self, soul, and consciousness, centered on a notion that its youthful author dubbed “strange loop,” inspired by the twisty self-referential construction invented by logician Kurt Gödel, whereby a sentence asserts its own unprovability. The book’s chapters alternate with Bach-like contrapuntal dialogues between whimsical characters (especially Achilles and the Tortoise), and each dialogue’s intricate structure exemplifies the notion being discussed in it, thus creating indirect self-reference (a fact unsuspected by the characters). The book, filled with analogies, wordplay, humor, and mind-twisting prints by M. C. Escher, has inspired generations of bright students to study cognitive science and the philosophy of mind.

Future Imperfect describes and discusses a variety of technological revolutions that might happen over the next few decades, their implications, and how to deal with them. Topics range from encryption and surveillance through biotechnology and nanotechnology to life extension, mind drugs, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. One theme of the book is that the future is radically uncertain. Technological changes already begun could lead to more or less privacy than we have ever known, freedom or slavery, effective immortality or the elimination of our species, and radical changes in life, marriage, law, medicine, work, and play. We do not know which future will arrive, but it is unlikely to be much like the past. It is worth starting to think about it now.

Absolute Essentials of Ethereum is a concise textbook which guides the reader through the fascinating world of the emerging Ethereum ecosystem, from the basics of how its blockchain works to cutting-edge applications. Written by an experienced educator, each chapter is designed to progress potential students from class to class. Technical concepts are clearly explained for those new to the topic and readers are supported with definitions and summaries in each chapter. Real-life case studies situate the overviews in a contemporary context. Topics covered include the Ethereum Execution and Consensus layers, Ethereum governance and community, Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs), Decentralised Finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Layer 2. This book is the ideal text to support undergraduate and postgraduate courses on blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, Web3 and fintech, as well as for those who want to know how Ethereum really works.

"Sober, lucid and often wise." ―Nature The Internet is powerful, but it is not safe. As "smart" devices proliferate the risks will get worse, unless we act now. From driverless cars to smart thermostats, from autonomous stock-trading systems to drones equipped with their own behavioral algorithms, the Internet now has direct effects on the physical world. Forget data theft: cutting-edge digital attackers can now literally crash your car, pacemaker, and home security system, as well as everyone else’s. In Click Here to Kill Everybody, best-selling author Bruce Schneier explores the risks and security implications of our new, hyper-connected era, and lays out common-sense policies that will allow us to enjoy the benefits of this omnipotent age without falling prey to the consequences of its insecurity.

Economic Policy contains six lectures Ludwig von Mises delivered in 1959 for the Centro de Estudios sobre la Libertad in Argentina. The lectures were posthumously edited by Mises’s wife, Margit, and George Koether, a student and long-time friend of Mises. This volume serves as an excellent introduction to what Mises sees as the simple truths of history in terms of economic principles. In straightforward language, Mises explains topics such as capitalism, socialism, interventionism, inflation, foreign investment, and economic policies and ideas. Ludwig von Mises (1881–1973) was the leading spokesman of the Austrian School of economics throughout most of the twentieth century. Bettina Bien Greaves is a former resident scholar and trustee of the Foundation for Economic Education and was a senior staff member at FEE from 1951 to 1999.

Look at these mamas and their babies in a book that’s indestructible!   Who snuggles in the sunshine? Mama kangaroo and her joey! Who swims side by side? Mama duck and her duckling! Who hugs in the moonlight? Mama and her owlet!   Indestructibles is the trusted series for easing little ones into story time. Beloved by babies and their parents, Indestructibles are built for the way babies “read” (i.e., with their hands and mouths) and are: * Rip Proof—made of ultra-durable tight-woven material * Waterproof—can be chewed on, drooled on, and washed! * Emergent Literacy Tool—bright pictures and few or no words encourage dialogic reading * Portable—lightweight books can go anywhere, perfect for the diaper bag and for travel * Safe for Baby—meets ASTM safety standards

Immerse yourself in Middle-earth with J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic high fantasy masterpieces behind the films... The three volumes that make up J.R.R. Tolkien's epic classic The Lord of the Rings are here presented in beautiful cloth editions, including large format fold-out maps of Middle-earth at the end of the Third Age, as well an extensive appendices. This complete box set contains The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, with jackets and a box designed by celebrated Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee. One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. This landmark of epic fantasy, The Lord of the Rings, tells of the great quest undertaken by Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring: Gandalf the Wizard; the hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam; Gimli the Dwarf; Legolas the Elf; Boromir of Gondor; and a tall, mysterious stranger called Strider. This complete three-volume box set is the perfect way to experience the entire legendary saga: * An Epic Quest: Follow the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and his companions undertake a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron. * A Timeless Fellowship: Join an unforgettable band of heroes, from Gandalf the Wizard and Legolas the Elf to Gimli the Dwarf and the mysterious Strider, as they unite to protect the Ring-bearer. * Legendary World-Building: Explore the vast and detailed landscape of Middle-earth, brought to life with large format fold-out maps and extensive appendices included in the books. * The Ultimate Collector's Edition: This beautifully designed cloth-bound box set features the complete trilogy―The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King―with iconic jacket art by celebrated illustrator Alan Lee.