Matt Cook Boeken

Engaging with a range of themes, the poetry explores American history, personal experiences, and literary figures, reflecting the blue-collar Midwest perspective. The author captures life in bars and neighborhoods with a blend of quirkiness and humor, while also providing serious social commentary. This debut volume appeals to both those who think they dislike poetry and avid poetry enthusiasts, making it accessible and relatable.

This collection showcases Matt Cook's unique take on American stand-up poetry, drawing inspiration from Ambrose Bierce. With sharp wit and keen observations, Cook explores contemporary themes and cultural nuances, blending humor with insightful commentary. His work reflects a deep understanding of the American experience, making it both relatable and thought-provoking for readers seeking a fresh perspective on everyday life.

Matt Cook explores the relationship between London and homosexuality in the period 1885 to 1914.

The book delves into the evolving relationship between London and homosexuality from 1885 to 1914, a time of heightened scrutiny towards male-male relationships and the rise of an early homosexual rights movement. It intricately weaves together the city's homosexual subculture, notable scandals, and media representations, alongside scientific and literary perspectives. This multifaceted approach offers fresh insights into the historical development of ideas surrounding homosexuality, setting it apart from other studies in the field.

The book delves into the historical evolution of male-male sex and love in Britain, from the late Anglo-Saxon era to modern times. It features notable figures like Richard Lionheart, Oscar Wilde, and Derek Jarman, while also highlighting lesser-known individuals such as Eleanor/John Rykener and the mollies of the 18th century. Through extensive research, the authors present a compelling narrative that captures the diverse experiences and societal perceptions of male relationships, illustrating the journey towards contemporary acceptance and visibility.

Exploring more than seventy-five well-known paradoxes in mathematics, philosophy, physics, and the social sciences showing how reason and logic can dispel the illusion of contradiction. Paradox is a sophisticated kind of magic trick. A magician's purpose is to create the appearance of impossibility, to pull a rabbit from an empty hat. Yet paradox doesn't require tangibles, like rabbits or hats. Paradox works in the abstract, with words and concepts and symbols, to create the illusion of contradiction. There are no contradictions in reality, but there can appear to be. In Sleight of Mind, Matt Cook and a few collaborators dive deeply into more than 75 paradoxes in mathematics, physics, philosophy, and the social sciences. As each paradox is discussed and resolved, Cook helps readers discover the meaning of knowledge and the proper formation of concepts--and how reason can dispel the illusion of contradiction.

Exploring LGBTQ history beyond London, this book highlights the diverse queer experiences across four English cities from the 1960s to the 2000s. It delves into Brighton's bohemian arts scene, Plymouth's hidden military queer life, Leeds' lesbian activism, and Manchester's dynamic dance and drag culture. Through the lens of local people, places, and politics, the authors reveal how these cities cultivated their own unique and vibrant queer identities, offering a rich alternative narrative to mainstream LGBTQ history in Britain.

The story explores the contrasting paths of Esau and Jacob, focusing on themes of heritage and choices. Esau, the rightful heir, chooses immediate gratification over his birthright, while Jacob is dedicated to continuing his family's legacy. This narrative highlights the significance of values and the consequences of one's decisions on lineage and destiny.

Set against the backdrop of 1962 Paris, the story follows Kate Atwell, a seemingly fortunate young woman with a life filled with privilege and promise. As the daughter of a wealthy British family, she possesses talent, beauty, and a burgeoning career in the high-stakes world of art consulting. However, beneath the surface of her enviable existence lies the potential for deeper challenges and complexities that may redefine her understanding of luck and success.

It is 1997. To himself, Benjamin Carter is a thing drifted somehow out of its orbit. With the news that Great Aunt Pearl is dead, his summer is looking like yet another non-starter. There's his summons to the clearance of her ramshackle house. His dad's awkward pep talks. A toxic cocktail of over-zealous aunts and uncles. And then there's the Church of the Holy Heavens - the space cult that's been wooing Pearl for all she's worth.