Revolutions : How Women Changed the World on Two Wheels (Hannah Ross)

Hannah Ross
Revolutions : How Women Changed the World on Two Wheels

Very readable account of the history of women cyclists from the very early days when practical clothing was a real issue (in general, let alone on 2 wheels) and the barriers that women had to fight against. This included physical violence. As a constant theme throughout the book whilst there are accounts of brave women who pushed against the barriers the conclusion is that there is still a lot of barriers to women cycling (take that to represent other forms of emancipation) across the world both very obvious in cultures where women cycling is banned through to less obvious (at least to a male cyclist like myself) where women are still heckled for cycling either simply that they shouldn't be on the road or sexist and sexual comments. As well as the battles women have to be recognised by cycling sports bodies and when they do officially participant the massive difference in support and pay compared to men cycling events. Having said that the book is largely celebratory and as well as those women who cycled for the joy of it and those who cycled to race there are accounts of those who cycled very long distances including around the world. The bravest must be those who used bikes as a means to an end such as suffragettes and those involved in resistance to occupation such as in World War 2. Well written by someone who obviously has a passion for cycling themselves and truly appreciates those who have gone before and those who are still pushing for equality. Hannah being one of them in my view.

Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold (Stephen Fry)

Stephen Fry

Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold

Excellent retelling of various Greek myths with a modern twist and references. Takes us from the beginnings of the world indeed before the birth of what we (at least I and I suspect many others) usually think of as the first gods like Zeus and Hera. Goes through the creation of men, and then women, and links to other ancient stories such as the flood. Stephen tells the stories in a light hearted and comic way whilst at other times digs a bit deeper into why gods acted in the way that they did (they are certainly not perfect examples of well adjusted minds and characters) and links to what drives us humans. Very entertaining read covering quite a few stories that are commonly known (I take myself as the standard line here) and also quite a few others really giving an insight into the (mythical) character of the gods and leading into how humans became less reliant on them. A passage I loved follows and is typical of Stephen's comic yet serious take on the myths: Ouranos (also called Uranus) was the original sky god from which all others came and due to various family infighting (sound familiar?) is dispatched to the very core of the earth in a way that he will never be able to break free: "Brooding, simmering and raging in the ground, deep beneath the earth that once loved him, Ouranos compressed all his fury and divine energy into the very rock itself, hoping that one day some excavating creature somewhere would mine it and try to harness the immortal power that radiated from within. That could never happen, of course. It would be too dangerous. Surely the race had yet to be born that could be so foolish as to attempt to unleash the power of uranium?

The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah: The Autobiography (Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah)

Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah
The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah: The Autobiography

A very interesting and engaging book from Benjamin's challenging childhood and teenage years through his determination to make it as a poet (rather than end up in jail or dead) and his excellent work following success to help others whether supporting as artists or highlighting injustices around the world. I saw him I guess in the 80s and although I knew him through poetry (have a couple of his books of poems - his first bought back in the day and the vegan one) and somewhat musically I hadn't really realised the full breadth of his artistic creations and ability. I regret that I didn't follow him more for instance to see his plays. Like all autobiographies I read I find myself thinking that some of it is self aggrandising but I guess that's the point of them and I will certainly big myself up when I write mine. Joke! His introduction is typical of the sort of autobiographies that I read i.e. that the writer hates them... "I hate autobiographies. They are so fake". Well this one isn't it's warts and all. Timely too as unfortunately our dub poet passed away at a relatively early age last year. Well worth reading. And I love his dedication: "Dedicated to me. And why not?"  Sums up his no nonsense attitude. Not fake at all Benjamin - tell it like you want to!