What am I reading?

Non-Fiction Reading:

This months recommended non-fiction read is ‘The Decipherment of Linear B’ by John Chadwick. Don’t be put off by the title, this is a first class detective story tracing the decoding of clay tablets originally found by Sir Arthur Evans at Knossos, Crete in 1894 and dating as far back to the 15th century BC. The script on the tablets (termed Linear B) remained un-deciphered for many years and confounded scientists and linguists alike. It was part of one of history’s most enigmatic mysteries – who were the Mycenaeans, where did they come from and what language did they speak? Michael Ventris had been captivated by the script since he was young and set about the systematic learning he would require in order to break the code. His genius and his methods in unraveling the mystery were ably assisted by his ‘Watson’ – John Chadwick. And just like Dr. Watson, John Chadwick wrote up their work. Brilliant!

Fiction Reading:

This months recommended Fiction is The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Dashiell Hammett was one of the very best of the ‘hard-boiled’ detective fiction writers and his creation Sam Spade as immortalised in the film by Humphrey Bogart will go down in history as complicated, introspective and laconic anti-hero. A rip-roaring read from front to back. Pour yourself a Manhattan and sit back entranced for an evening!