books@cc.

From Nicholas II to Putin
by Robert Service (2003)

Lucidly written with a lack of political bent and a handful of wry humour, this revised and updated history of Russia is a useful general reference on Soviet past with the main focus on the period of communist government.

since c.1200 (3rd ed.)
by M.C. Ricklefs (2001)

Designed as a stepping stone for those overwhelmed by the wealth of specialised information, or those wanting relatively detailed panoramic view of Indonesian history in English without the overemphasis on colonialism and exoticism.

by Eka Kurniawan (1999)

A comprehensive basic text on Pram and (his role in) the growth of Socialistic Realism in relation to the global movement as well as local figures/parties.

How our animal heritage affects the way we live
by Jared Diamond (1991)

How the human species changed, within a short time, from just another species of big mammal to a world conqueror; and how we acquired the capacity to reverse all that progress overnight.

Traditional Orchestra of Indonesia, 2nd ed.
by Jennifer Lindsay (1992)

A simple introductory text for those with no prior knowledge of gamelan.

Chronicle of the Future
by Svetlana Alexievich (1997)

“This is not a book about Chernobyl, but about the world of Chernobyl,” a wide range of oral, first-hand testimony, accounts, sometimes occasional rant and condemnations from broad range of people involved and/or affected by Chernobyl.

by Sophie D. Coe, Michael D. Coe (2003).

Examines the origin of processed cacao and its history and sociological importance/pervasiveness from pre-Columbian Mesoamerican culture to present day.

by Mark Mazower (2000).

A short but broad-ranging history book, it challenges the common one-dimensional stereotype of “the Balkans”

Homosexual Love in the Nineteenth Century
by Graham Robb (2003).

Challenges the common assumptions of the Victorian age as a tabloid image of homophobic hell populated by mean-spirited, fearful and envious ignoramuses from which gay people eventually liberated themselves.

Food and Fantasy in Early Modern Europe
by Piero Camporesi (1989)

An account on how many people in early modern Europe lived in a state of almost permanent hallucination, drugged by their hunger or by bread adulterated with hallucinogenic herbs.