New from Penguin Press

By Jessica Schneider May 22, 2009, 10:34 GMT

A recent press release has just informed me of some new titles, courtesy of Penguin. Some titles include:

IN SEARCH OF CIVILISATION: Remaking a Tarnished Idea by John Armstrong
Published in Penguin Original paperback £16.99
 
British Philosopher, John Armstrong, is Philosopher in Residence at Melbourne University and working as senior advisor to Vice Chancellor in Australia, connecting philosophy to business.
 
Armstrong leads a highly unfashionable yet necessary campaign arguing why reviving the grand meaning of 'civilization' will lead to a cultural renaissance. He believes we need to focus on high art and culture, especially in a downturn, to reclaim stable, noble minded, decent and reasonable views of ourselves and of the world.

He also looks specifically at the need to refocus on humanities in education. There is a need to be more upfront about value judgments (literature, history, philosophy and art). Armstrong argues that over the past decade humanities have lost sense of their meaning - that they should help us know what to do with material wealth and that they have failed in that analysis, and therefore at this point we need to revive the grand idea of civilisation to refocus.
 

IN THE MOOD FOR ENTERTAINING By Jo Pratt
Published June 4th, Michael Joseph Hardback £20

Whether it's a relaxed Friday night supper, a lazy brunch with your other half, a full-on posh dinner party or catering for a crowd, Jo Pratt has it covered. Following on from the hugely successful In the Mood for Food, Jo's new book is packed with easy-to-follow, fuss-free recipes which don't skimp on style and have serious wow-factor.  Throughout the inspiring chapters and menus you'll find culinary hints and tips, recipe variations depending on what you fancy, presentation ideas and drink suggestions.

Jo Pratt's experience comes from working with big name chefs such as Gary Rhodes (for over ten years), Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and John Torode on everything from live cookery demonstrations and books to TV programmes such as Hell's Kitchen.

PUBLIC ENEMIES By Bryan Burrough
To be published by Penguin Books, 4th June, £8.99
 
*THE BASIS FOR THE THE FORTHCOMING FILM BY MICHAEL MANN, STARRING JOHNNY DEPP AND CHRISTIAN BALE, 3rd July*
 
In the summer of 1933 an amazing group of chancers, misfits and psychopaths took to the American road.  Fuelled by the Depression and with nothing to lose, the likes of John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde and Machine Gun Kelly went on a crime spree that turned them into legends in their own lifetimes.  As they tore across state lines, mocking police and amassing fortunes, the gangsters had no idea that in Washington their nemesis was forming: the FBI....
 
Using shocking secret files and eyewitness accounts, Public Enemies is the real story of the outlaws whose exploits became folklore and the savage, myth-making response of those who hunted them down.

WARRIOR DAUGHTER By Janet Paisley
Published in Penguin paperback original on 4th June 2009

Warrior Daughter is a brilliant Scottish thriller set in the iron age on the Isle of Skye about warrior queen Skaaha, rip-roaring stuff all based on sound research by the brilliant playwright, poet and novelist Janet Paisley.

Janet Paisley is the author of five poetry collections, two of short fiction, a novella and numerous plays, radio, TV and film scripts. Accolades include a prestigious Creative Scotland Award (Not for Glory, stories), the Peggy Ramsay Memorial Award (Refuge, a play) and a BAFTA nomination (Long Haul, a short film). Her first novel, White Rose Rebel, is available from Penguin.

Visit http://pressoffice.penguin.co.uk for more details.