What is Mathematics?

Introducing the requirement of mathematical philosophy in every day needs of the physical reality, the book delves into the concepts of the subject in a more logical approach. The chapters might be better appreciated if the initial note of their organization and preliminary requirement are followed as specified. The Chapter I The Natural Numbers deals with the laws of arithmetic and the principle of mathematical induction with quite a few applications, some being left for the reader to solve making the chapters more challenging yet no less gripping. Continuing in its Supplement to Chapter I The Theory of Numbers, the primes are taken up in a more abstract sense and humbling the original chapter both in volume and concept, some unsolved problems are referred as are discussed modulo arithmetic, the concept of congruence, theorem of relative primes as an extension to the theorem of prime by Fermat, the development of Pythagorean triple and the elegance of their primitive forms. Utilisation of Euclidean Algorithm for searching of common factors between integers, the concept was used more than once not only for finding the highest factor that divides set of integers, but also referring to that in detailing Euler function of relative primes and culminating in analysing Diophantine equations with pointers to their solvabilities. The Chapter II Number System of Mathematics dwells in denumerability of numbers, algebra, graphic representation of numbers by analytical geometry, complex plane and transcends to Liouville's theorem. This fascnitating chapter stresses the psychological need of mathematical evolution while acknowledging the hesitant steps that apparently is the barrier of quantifying abstract thinking. It is followed up with Supplement to Chapter II The Algebra of Sets that lays the foundation for set theory, which was touched up on the previous chapter. Mathematical tool for engineers seems to be the best way to describe Chapter III Geometrical Constructions: The Algebra of Number Fields, where the number fields and constructions are introduced to appreciate the fundamentals of geometrical constructions. The problem of Appolonius is stated with its proofs by different perspective, the unsolvability of various Greek problems within their domain of constraints are logically demonstrated, inversion with applications to various problems are elaborated. However, the most interesting part of the chapter seems to be Mascheroni Construction which required me to consult http://mathafou.free.fr/themes_en/compas.html to solve a proposed exercise. The prefaces by the authors with their subsequent revision by Richar Courant and Ian Stewart indicates that some chapters were later appended as logic was refined as it branched. The toughest is Chapter IV Projective Geometry. Axiomatic and Non-Eucildean Geometries that required visits to stackexchange.com, files.eric.ed.gov, nabla.hr, amsi.org.au to understand how to approach certain problems suggested. The chapter will give a brand new insight to geometry itself. The apparently less complicated Chapter V Topology is about a different geometrical aspect that deliberates on Euler characteristics of general surfaces including that with holes as well as special surfaces like Moebius strip with its unique features. Not only does the chapter contains geometrical revelation like that for the Jordan curve but also how the fundamental theorem of algebra has a topological perspective is given as the caveat. Chapter VI Functions and Limits are a revelation on the topics. The topics have been presented with the abstract elegance that several never think of while utilizing the concepts for solving mathematical intricacies. As the name Supplement to Chapter VI More Examples on Limits and Continuity obviously suggests, this helps in elaborating the preceding concepts with several examples and exercises for the readers that reveal their beauty and give them the touch of the classic. The next Chapter VII Maxima and Minima delves into the geometrical treatment of the extremum problems with illustrations of some natural phenomenon that corroborates the models with the physical laws. But its superbly beautiful aspect lies in the investigations of the existence of extremums that are quite sometimes taken for granted, which accurately portrays the Dirichlet conditions with quite a few interesting ideas. Academic twist awaits while going through Chapter VIII The Calculus that begins with integral calculus, generally reserved for the stage, following the understanding of differential calculus in conventional approaches to study this particular branch of mathematical creativity. Utilizing the basic summation method of computing definite integrals, the specific subject is elaborated with several revealing observations and inequalities. Then comes the derivative and how Fermat stimulated its necessity for obtaining extrema of functions. The derivative is formulated, analysed and symbolised. Lucid illustrations and challenges follow to compute derivatives of several algebraic expressions. Then comes the treatment for a few of the trigonometric observations. The requirement of continuity of functions for differentiability is elaborated. Applications start with derivatives applied in deriving acceleration and instantaneous velocity for moving bodies, the geometrical interpretation of 2^nd derivative, evaluation of minima and maxima among others. Then comes the techniques of differentiation and some of their very interesting applications. The notation that was used by Leibniz for differentiation represented a radical mathematical thinking, though the actual notion was only, at best, vaguely understood at the time by the thinkers in the field. With a logical note that justifies why great minds would proverbially arrive at similar results, the fundamental theorem of calculus is evaluated. The mechanical algorithm for the usual process of integration is justified and applications provided. The 1^st being Leibniz' formula for obtaining ℼ/4, followed by logarithm and exponential, with logarithm suprisingly yet logically preceding. The properties of the base of the natural logarithm are detailed and utilized followed by infinite series for logarithm. The concept of differential equations follows with applications in principles of physics, growth, vibrations and compound interest. The Supplement to Chapter VIII starts with basic principles of differentiability, integrals with its varied applications and continues with orders of magnitude, infinite series, the interesting advantage of the complex variable for their applications regarding seemingly unrelated domains, the harmonic series, the zeta function and the sine series by Euler, a beautiful discovery in the subject and the logical yet a bit approximate introduction to the prime number theorem. The prime numbers are the start to Chapter IX Recent Developments, which is a fascinating rambling on the more modern developments in this beautiful subject. Beginning with several elusive problems of prime viz., the Goldbach Conjecture and the Twin Prime Problem, the book stresses the need of novel methods for their decisive directions, which is followed up by the famous Last Theorem of Fermat that started as the unsolved mystery when the book was initially published but was demystified in 1994 and thus was inserted in fresh editions. Then, there is a discussion on Continuum Hypothesis, which may puzzle the intellectual greatly, the fashion of Set-theoretic notations through the ages, the tricky Four Colour Theorem, the proof of which literally challenged mathematical practices. The fractals with the apparently bizarre Hausdorf dimensions follow that will stretch the brain deeper towards abstract realms. The links and knots come next and then comes another abstract analysis of a mistake in a previous chapter, now logically rectified, concerning a tricky problem of mechanics having seriously simpler mathematical consequences. Then the algorithmic efficiency of computation is discussed with reference to the Problem of Steiner to search for the smallest length to bridge a network of points. The related intricacies brewed by Soap Films and Minimal Surfaces are briefed as we reach the concluding Nonstandard Analysis that immensely satisfies the wits of the readers. The book ultimately converges with Apppendix: Supplementary Remarks, Problems, And Exercises, a tutorial of varied problems to entertain and challenge with help from sites like math.stackexchange the wits of the readers ready to tackle problems on the field of arithmetic, topology, calculus, limits, geometry, algebra, functions, analytical techniques that completes this enthralling treatment.

The Origin of Species

Establishing the thesis of natural selection as fundamental to the maturity of species, the author sketches the origin of our ancestral forms in such a detail as to make the subject interesting albeit a little want of illustrations. Critically studying such diverse samples, both in quantity and variety, their results are discussed not only from the perspective of the followers but also from that of the opposers as well. Logically analysing the range of findings, the justifications supporting the conjectures for the development of species have been established. Exceptions are pointed at and clarified within the scope of the theory and the shortcomings are hinted at for following up by the future analysts in the field. The depth of the study and the sheer size of the samples taken will keep the readers in awe of the patience and understanding of one of the chief architects of modern science, Darwin whose revolutionary ideas like struggle for existence, survival of the fittest, to name a few, seemed to be based not only on a handful of observations but a gigantic sample encompassing literally the earth in its diversified flora and fauna. Categorizing the various lifeforms that populated the earth for ages in classes, genres, species, the integration between them have been clearly explained. With my limited knowledge of biology, it seems everything except mutation has been covered, though its necessity is hinted, principally to decipher the origin of the living beings, essentially highlighting that the fundamental concept of gene might not have been known at that time. Emphasising on logical analysis based on geographically distributed samples, the book is recommended for matured readers. The long sentences used might be a bit difficult for many but the scientific terms used will not be so due to the glossary appended alongwith. The painstaking research will be surely appreciated as will be the standard of reasoning based on analysis without the tools and resources that advanced technologies had yet to implement. The tracing of our ancestral origin will not only be a wondrous revelation to many but will award a critical perspective of viewing living creatures in future.

Fermat's Last Theorem

Simon Singh's account of how the last theorem of Fermat was solved is truly a mathematical adventure. Starting with the famous yet often unspoken Pythagoras' proof, traversing the intricacies of Diophantine riddles and the Game Theory, the rigorousness of the dot conjecture, not to mention that of some apparently milder axioms, the cunningly composed paradoxes utilizing purest form of logic, the rationality of the irrationals, the powerful primes with their mysterious intervals, the variety of amazing abstractions that decorates the subject were  introduced suitably as the theorem was discussed whose apparent simple statement kept the mathematical community scratching for the proof for centuries. Complementing the beauty of mathematics, was the saga of the giants in the field, most prominent being the tragic genius Evariste Galois whose short life and notes documented during his even shorter mathematical career that lasted till the night before his death was one of the valuable threads for the proof. Then was the cornerstone conjecture of the mathematical pair of Taniyama and Shimura whose proof held the key for proving the elusive theorem, as stated by mathematician, Gerhard Frey, corroborated by Ken Ribet with a hint from Barry Mazur. The techniques pioneered by Kolyvagin, Flach, Iwasawa were utilized as Andrew Wiles improvised on the techniques to present the elegant proof for the most sought after theorem that baffled generations of mathematicians. The role of his former supervisor, John Coates, who introduced elliptical curves to him, that of Nick Katz, the only other mathematician who was taken into confidence by Wiles as he edged towards the proof during the secretive years and who actually failed to catch a gap in the logic during the time only to indicate the same, albeit with a bit of embarrassment, while refereeing the historic paper leading to yet another article by Wiles with his former student, Richard Taylor, another referee to the original and then a collaborator to its historic supplementary paper, the supporting ensemble to this classic drama also finds their deserving credits. Mention is made of the eccentric Paul Friedrich Wolfskehl and his chance encounter with the Fermat puzzle that not only averted his suicide but captivated him to such an extent as to announce a lumpsum reward for the person to solve it thus adding a material appeal with a solid timeline to the prestige that beckoned the chasers.

The book is draped with episodes of mathematical events but the underlying mathematical principles behind them are elaborated for the layman to admire the elegance of the various abstract forms. A theorem that sometimes threatened to be a wild goose chase, had to wait for centuries for a definitive proof. A 358 long years of perseverance by the mathematical community was prized with a voluminous proof that not only clarified the theorem but offered the probing of logical genes that constitute the subject. Andrew Wiles created history while solving the taunting theorem of Fermat but the chapters that he transcribed had described mathematics for its further refinement as can be assimilated by the limit of intelligence. The passionate dream of a child saw its culmination in the Annals of Mathematics as the masters of logic witnessed the composition of the master theorist. Simon Singh has beautifully pieced together the significant events in mathematical evolution, presenting it to the layman with a fervour which is both infectious and compelling.

Euclid's Window

Starting from Euclid and going strong with Witten, mathematics and especially geometry had undergone a dimensional upgrade as crafted by the masters in each mathematical age. This is what Leonard Mlodinow has presented in this wittily wonderful biography of geometry. Infact, originating from the Pythogorean time, mathematics had evolved and so did abstraction that needed to be aligned for their coincident maturity. But, sometimes, it seemed the evolution was faster and the civilisation and requirement seemed a bit lacking in the course. Thus, the geometry required by Einstein for his revolutionary general and special theories of relativity, was already developed years back. This wonder of abstract conceptions with implications that could only be conceived in future seems to be the frustrating beauty of the subject which some may feel and care less for anything else but others in the pursuit in their fields may be held in despair. Thus, the wild geometry of strings, while being tamed by the ring masters in the arena is still being held in contempt by quite a few but apparently relent as the natural laws of basic physics seem to unravel in multidimensional world. The book is a refreshing find which will undoubtedly satisfy the mathematical spirit. Humour abound, the intellectual revelations could never be better documented. The only flaw seemed a lack of illustrations in this abstract base of knowledge. For this,  however, the margins provided by the publisher seemed enough to jot down miniatures of my understandings which might be referred to at their own risks.

Dawood's Mentor

Complimenting the unputdownable, Dongri to Dubai, the book sketches the life of the don who introduced white collar smuggling for the 1st time and brought character and a sense of value in a field where betrayal and treachery were the order of the day. The wrestler by his upbringing, a warrior at his heart, a brain graduated in economics, Khalid Khan aka Khalid Pehelwan had been the most dependable ally of Kaskar brothers in their most formative days. Upsetting a stalwart wrestler at a challenge, the young Khalid Khan was picked up by Bashu Dada as his closest bodyguard turned partner in the silver smuggling business that the later quickly turned to gold literally. But maybe fate had stored a different future for this duo. So, the humbler Khalid, was soon deserted by his mentor but was quickly to be united to his protege, Dawood, forging a long lasting friendship that saw a new era of underworld activity.

The book really is complimentary to the rise of the Mumbai mafia as narrated by the author in his other books and sketches a more detailed narrative of Sabir-Dawood-Khalid coalition that is interspersed with tragedy and thrilling sequences. Writing in his characteristic gripping style with a touch of subtle humour that blends well amid some tensed settings, the acknowledgment could be no less better than the way Husaain Zaidi expresses his gratitude to his mentors and mentee in his journey of investigative journalism.

The Body

After reading this book you will know what you don't know. You, actually, will understand how little we understand about human body, one of the most complex manifestations of evolution that we have witnessed. Starting from the tiny albeit significant cell, it divides numerous times, but remains more or less united, to give you a body to house yourself. The various parts of this mysterious structure works untiringly for you well being but curiously we take it all for granted. Maybe, after going through this book, you will appreciate the various mechanisms of the human body that defends you from all sorts of foreign invasions and remains unappreciated for the better part of their lives. This book is not only how the bodies function but it also gives a brief history of the human understanding of the biology of their bodies. Laced with endearing humour throughout, the author once more gives a fascinating insight of the subject that he documents which will help the layman in understanding what happens the next time anything physiologically happens.

The World As I See It

Portraying the world as he saw it during the Great Wars and the Holocaust in his various essays, addresses, correspondences and some that he received, the book is one of the greatest that I have the privilege to come across. Written by the man, to whom, the whole world attributes for the solution of some of the greatest mysteries of nature, the rationale of human behaviour, the irrationality of human cruelty inflicted on their fellow beings, the solution for a peaceful world, the ode to the artists who tries to make the world a beautiful place, the reverence to the sacrifices of humanity, all of them are composed with a frankness, that does not, for a single moment compromise the urge to shun the evils of the society that threaten all that is peaceful and conducive to evolution of harmonious living with understanding across various views of societies. Explaining a variety of subjects ranging from politics, economy, citizenship, education, religion, values, with the approach, more scientifically aligned yet lucidly philosophical, Einstein curves out his design for a better world. Insolent letters from the people, cornered by his ruthlessly appropriate logic and witty humility that he ushers to pacify the unsatisfied yet faulty complainant, both find places in this collection which is abridged to clamp the scientific correspondences out of this translated edition making it incomplete yet complete in a different perspective.

Mr Badhir Returns

This was a present of the author to the players in a bridge tournament in which he served as the Director all through. His strict authority over the tables kept the games being played smoothly. But his humour side was sometimes apparent which is reflected in this deck of chapters where some very thrilling bridge layouts are explained with unexpected twists presented in a way to make you smile at the peculiarities. Some original hands shuffled with some fictional ones with Mr Badhir, the dumb and the club expert, the champ are arranged that will help amateurs to understand the intricacies of hand play which may serve as tricks under the sleeve while playing. Some printing errors may make the readers go one down in patience but perseverance will surely result in enjoyment scoring overtricks.

Deep Focus Reflections on Cinema

Deep Focus is the way Ray viewed cinema in the international arena, arranged in the form of essays written by Ray in several publications. His view on cinema, how the artform evolved, how it is analysed by audiences in various countries, is portrayed in the chapters. Glimpses of his own works have also found obvious references in the articles. Some chapters are also on notable cinema personalities whose works had a marked influence in defining the course of cinema worldwide. His lament on the national cinema arena is also quite applicable today when the talkies seems less mature than their foreign counterparts.
The book is introduced by Shyam Benegal who was influenced by the work of Ray in his early years so as to watch Pather Panchali twice in succession in the same day when Ray was not a familiar name in movie directions. The book also contains the entire filmography of the master which is equally a prized possession along with the other contents of the book. The preface is by Society for the Preservation of Satyajit Ray Films where it makes an appeal for preserving the work of the legend in the city of his birth.

Relativity The Special and the General Theory

The abstract nature of nature herself could not have been better summarized than this book. Using the minimum mathematics to alleviate the undue stress of a layman, the book revels in its own beautiful physics that takes the reader in a journey to unfold one of the most intriguing characteristics of the space, viz., relativity. Though a little bit of illustrations could have eased the readers in understanding this once novel concept, yet it must be told that, the events are so well described that the readers can easily draw on their own the illustrations that are due in places. But the best part is the way the apparently real 3D space is disproved and replaced with the abstract 4D reality. Infact, the essential relativity is also felt as you go through the book when time sometimes seems to freeze as your thoughts take a leap so fast that yourself a bit sluggish in keeping up with the ideas. For the sake of elaboration, several chapters are appended that gives a support to some of the abstract concepts which are really no less elegant than the main article.

Thirty Years That Shook Physics: The Story Of Quantum Theory

Introducing the modern physics as it shaped in the hands of the giants of the subject the chapters wittily introduce the complex physical concepts in a playful manner. You will enjoy reading the major breathtaking basic mysteries that unfolded in the era between 1900 to 1930 that offered the insight into the atom and its nucleus from a perspective that was at once beautiful yet surprising. The thrill of unlocking the suspense of the universe will grip you firmly while going thru the chapters in order. Being one of the chief protagonists in shaping the modern physics, Gamow offers a vantage point view of the limitations of classical physics, quantum theory, uncertainty principle, anti particles, wave mechanics and presents it in the most layman's terms along with penning some classic illustrations, humorous anecdotes that offers reliefs, some informal snaps of the most celebrated physicists of all times along with conference plates also. The thrill of the book closes with Barabara Gamow's translation of a satirical version of a German dramatization of how the modern physics unfolded which is a gain a masterpiece in its own right.

What Happened to Netaji?

This is the million dollar question for the admirers of Netaji that needs to be answered truthfully. That too in such a fashion as to leave no doubt to the enquirer. Three enquiry commissions, confusing outcomes, glaring mistakes that is overruled in accepting some inferences, clues strewn all over the globe, but still there is no clear cut revelation about what really happened to Netaji after the Taipei conundrum. Is this what we deserve? By we, I mean the Indians. The plight of INA after the WWII is also another query that needs to be clearly clarified. Those brave soldiers who wanted to free the motherland and fought the British led army of Indians, who actually massacred the Jalianwalabagh innocents, were branded as traitors! Is this a joke? I think it is for the ministers who won't divulge the secret facts of Netaji who kept freedom of India as his top priority always. But there is still hope. This can be said after we find people like Anuj Dhar tiring out every bit of his investigative journalism in excavating the bits of truth that is to be pieced together to find the truth whose secrecy is like the Holy Grail for the country. His efforts had already been published in two books and this actually summarises his efforts with some logic put forward to give credibility to his findings. In fact some chapters points out what he thinks is the dilemma of the governments to declassify the top secrets and some files graded above that. It is quite convincing to the layman why Congress might have tried to hide facts about their only rival in the political career. But what about Janata Dal and BJP? Why did they not reveal the files for the countrymen? It is apparently not very obvious. But the author has actually tried to clarify that too in a manner that requires deep thinking. So doubts might be there after completing it but one thing is certain which is the  mystery that is shrouded under layers of secrecy across multiple countries is not to be left as it is and this admiring team of experience and skill will give all their efforts to unravel this.
So with all the best to the researchers this book is recommended for all those who feels indebted to the freedom etched out by the blood of the unsung fighters.

Netaji Rahasya Sandhane

Each and every work of the author is an work of research. But this time he seems to exceed that in trying to bring out what may have happened to Netaji on and after August 18, "45. Written in a truly unbiased way, the author analyses the report of the Shah Nawaz committee, Suresh Bose's Dissentient Report, some investigation snippets of the foreign governments, some of the books based on the mysterious night and a set of interviews that he carries out at Japan. In a true style of the unbiased journalist he approaches the events in a frank truthful way and brings out the inferences that a logical thinker will. In doing this he actually hints at four different possibilities that justifies reason and remarkably matches some proofs unearthed in future. But while doing so, he, quite justifiably, spares not a single stab at the misleads which seemed to be purposefully effected by several persons for some motivation other than unearthing the truth. But there is a single complain that I have regarding two photographs that indeed needed references for validation, why the author was reluctant in furnishing them seems mysterious. A tribute to the valiant leader of the motherland the author hopes that someday we will be able to pay the due respect to the lion who fought for the freedom of the nation in the way that the nation demanded at that time.

Tree Tops

Tree Tops, in the Kenyan forest, had been the place where one day Princess Elizabeth ascended to it only to leave it the next day as Queen Elizabeth. The moved author who had been assigned to the duty of taking due care of the tour describes the hours passed mostly in the balcony where the princess was delightlfully engaged in filming the wildlife activities of the forest. Not only her and her company's courageous maneuver around the herd of a herd of elephants while alighting the Tree Tops is appreciated by no less a courageous man as the author but his feeling of privilege of guarding the royalty for one night is also apparent. But the best part of it is the description of the wild life at the salt-lick over which they stood which is as much lively as it is vivid. The portraiture could not have been more perfect than a film where the literal and real shades of the African jungle is picturesquely etched. Written not long before his journey to The Happy Hunting Grounds, though a bit less inspiring than his other works, it remains a timeless chapter in the series.

My India

My India is Corbett's India comprising of the poor of India who represented the great soul of the country. The essays in the book are about the persons that Corbett came in contact with during his young days and his days as a transhipment inspector with the railways - that chiefly consisted of the loyal labourers with the heart of gold, who varied in caste and creed, poverty and utter poverty, but working and enjoying their responsibilities harmoniously, That Corbett loved these simple souls is apparent in every paragraph of the book that dwells on the life of the poorest of India under the British Raj and under the oppression of the money lenders whose extreme high rates of interest overburdened the people so as to pass it along their generations. There is also reference to the cholera infested people of the neighbourhood whose only hope sometimes were the untiring sympathy of the villagers and the simple remedies offered by Corbett himself. He marvels at the innocence of simple Indians whose belief in faith is so strong that they do not care for infections and tend to the dying with sincerity on the firm belief that when the call from Providence comes they have to leave but before that no disease can be infectious enough to kill them while they are caring those in need. Days of hardships among these hardworking beings becomes bearable as the master with his hands shares the crisis in one situation when fund for salaries dries up from headquarters yet the people never lose hope for a time. Throughout the book, Corbett has marvelled on the simple life of the poo in India whose truthfulness orginates from the simple life they lead without expecting more than his day's worth of work. But beyond that another reality emerges which is the humility of this great man. It is very apparent that his people loved him. This is not due to the fact of the colour of his skin, but for his sense of responsibility to the persons who looked on him and his sister. That Corbett was as much British as he was Indian is very apparent from the title of the book itself. His unfaltered love for the poor of India and his duties towards them sets him apart from many. Through his eyes we can oberve an India hitherto hidden from us through the artificiality of urban life. That the poor of India, economically deprived, is devoid of greed, never for once forget a good deed done to them is apparent from the way they always look forward to repay his well wisher in the best way possible with their simple means and becomes his staunch ally, no matter what happens. Corbett also marvels at the mutual respect his workers, coming from various religions, castes, show each other that it actually becomes a harmonious unit that cares a little when a lower caste is casted a headman of a unit comprising of people from all other creeds. Corbett shows us India that we forget in the artificiality of the apparently modern age but that actually shapes the soul of this great nation through ages.

Gumnami Baba A Case History

The man who was one of the greatest heroes that India ever produced seemed today still the centre of a mystery spanning over decades with the haunting search still on on what happened to the man post 1945. At least three different theories have evolved, the most prominent being that of the Gumnami Baba which is explored by Adheer Som in this book. Not only the book explores the possibility of Netaji's apparent self ordained reclusion but also explores the man himself that gives a precise insight of him. Infact it will inspire the readers with the greatness that Netaji possessed even in his younger days. That a man can leave a life of the passionate revolutionary to a hermit might look a bit too odd to many. But this book actually proposes strong logic on the contrary. The book delves deeper into the information available on Bhagwanji and proposes some brave but logical conjectures that is worth probing. Summarising the reports of the Shah Nawaz Commision, the Khosla Commission, the Mukherjee Commission and the report on the handwriting analysis by B Lal, the author questions that if Gumnami Baba is not Netaji then who is he. Surely there must be some identity that can be converged upon beyond all doubts. But still we are unsure of that which seems quite confusing. With the scientific resources available, is it really very difficult to unearth the identity of somebody? Or is it that the identity is being allowed to be masked? The Baba had several articles that actually would have been more natural to be found in possession of a Bose kin which actually gives some clue to his identity. The author demands to know the truth behind the man for which he investigates from several perspectives. The book is a real eye opener to many. It is a tribute to the legend, It inspires to search for the truth. Rather it demands to know the truth! We can only hope that the author with his inspired readers actually finds the reality that the seekers of justice had been yearning for through the years.

Diary of a Pilgrimage

I do not know how to express what I felt going thru this excellent narration that can be considered as a guide to the heart of a German town along with a priceless piece of English humour. Truly a literary wonder it brings forth the true artist in Jerome K Jerome whose use of playful exaggeration of the most normal events makes them appealingly enjoyable. A journey to a German town Oberammergau by two friends to watch the Passion Play could not have been made more interesting than what Jerome has done which also describes the Play and the actors in the simplest of ways devoid of any artificiality yet complete with every detail sketched with the true feelings of the fascinated beholder. Interspersed with his signature style of humour, Jerome has excelled himself than his more popular fiction. Centering on the heart rendering Passion Play, the travelogue that consists of train rides, boat rides is poetically perfect.

Jungle Lore

Before opening this book a reader like me might have doubts as to whether this is as exciting as Corbett's hunting volumea but after going through it, it can surely be said that it is as exciting, if not more than the others. Let me categorise this as the knowledge base for the jungle seekers narrated in such a simple style as though the author is speaking to you and passing the knowledge in the true style of a lore. The sounds and sights of the Kumaon foothills are etched in the most descriptive way as are the inhabitants that populate it. Added to this is the humour of jungle that makes the volume enjoyable still. There are also situations that explains how the jungle signa can be interpreted which essentially are indicators of the activities of the folks there. Infact sometimes it is similar to detect ive stories where the clues left by the jungle dwellers help in estimating and identifying them as accurately as if they are being watched. The love for the animals as well as the poor forest people whom he calls the soul of India is apparent here. The simpleness of the soul and the raw instincts of the animals seemed to play a major part in the life of Corbett whose greatness of heart is revealed in the entire volume. That he loved the flora and faun of India and looked into all the natural souls with the utmost care is apparent as he says that of his graduation from the catapult to the shotgun and the rifle how he was taught and how he maintained to utilize his every kill to its most whether it be a trophy or for food. The respect that he showed to the jungle was also reflected as depicted in the introduction where the actor playing Corbett in a film is given a visit by an inhabitant who walked for miles for a glimpse on the actor whom he considered the same as the great hunter for whom all believe that he will return. A great book which gives a true insight of the wild India depicted by a great soul who was more a conservationist than modern world ever produced.

Dangerous Minds

Brijesh Singh, elite IPS officer and IGP, Cyber, Maharashtra and S Hussain Zaidi, the fearless crime reporter join forces to delve into the intricate terror web spewed by the likes of the apparently humble Saquib Nachan convicted in bomb blasts, the engineering graduate Mehdi Biswas who turned the social media in favour of ISIS propaganda, the stamp paper scamstar Abdul Telgi, the doctor-to-be-turned-bomb maker Jalees Ansari, the terror couple Hanif Sayed with his wife Fahmida Ansari who made terror a seemingly ordinary event and many more like them. The events are the result of intense research and investigation yet the pace of the narratives is easy but thrilling. The anecdotes reveal several spine chilling truth and the fundamentals of the terror outfits and their members. The stories tell the evolution of the terror force from the older hardcore terrorists to the electronic experts specializing in spreading terror over the internet to those waging terror wars in various parts of the world. It does not stop there but also highlights how the security forces across the country combat these forces by methods that not only requires understanding of the criminal psychology but sometimes requires skillful handling of delicate situations where a single false move can make the case go awry. The fascinating storytelling of the authors mixes the thrill of fictions with the hard truth in such a way that never for once the reader will feel bored. The book is categorized in chapters each of which details a particular person or organization. The investigators have also maintained a list of references indicating the source of the compilations. But the best thing of the book is that, contrast to the opinionated reports that makes the clutter in the media nowadays, the authors present facts leaving opinions to be drawn by the readers. A must read compilation of articles it brings to fore the truth in its dangerous avatar.

The Birth & Death of the Sun

The mystery of the universe especially that of the Sun which is ushering on us the blessing of light, warmth and the whole gamut of energy possible, always fascinates the inquisitive seekers. How was the Sun born, what gave it its shape and luminosity, what is happening inside it, how does it affects other bodies, what is the future of the Sun are a few of the questions that may haunt many. The astronomers through the ages have probed into the mysteries with observational facilities having large telescopes. The scientists have theorized several possibilities. Stars were categorized, origin of elements studied, trajectories of galaxies explained, expanding universe was conceptualized. The book details all these serious concepts laced with humour. With his signature style, George Gamow has narrated one of the most difficult of studies with the ease of a master artist. With three chapters devoted for the basic required for the understanding the stellar evolution was explained in the most simplest of the ways without compromising on the science. With analogies the author has made the readers understand the physics of the universe. The history of the journey of science as it explained the Sun and other stars also is written. The energy that is fuelling the universe is also described. In the climax is given an application of the immense energy that lies dormant in elements. The book is riveting though requiring a bit of concentration sometimes.