Tom Vanderbilt Boeken

From the best-selling author of Traffic,a brilliant and entertaining exploration of our personal tastes--why we like the things we like, and what it

Exploring the evolution of sneakers from basic canvas shoes to high-tech cross-trainers, this book delves into their significance as a cultural phenomenon in America. It highlights the economic and pop cultural influences that have shaped sneakers into a beloved footwear choice. Featuring 40 illustrations, it offers an engaging and informative perspective on these iconic shoes within the context of consumer goods.

A New York Times Notable Book One of the Best Books of the Year The Washington Post • The Cleveland Plain-Dealer • Rocky Mountain News In this brilliant, lively, and eye-opening investigation, Tom Vanderbilt examines the perceptual limits and cognitive underpinnings that make us worse drivers than we think we are. He demonstrates why plans to protect pedestrians from cars often lead to more accidents. He uncovers who is more likely to honk at whom, and why. He explains why traffic jams form, outlines the unintended consequences of our quest for safety, and even identifies the most common mistake drivers make in parking lots. Traffic is about more than driving: it's about human nature. It will change the way we see ourselves and the world around us, and it may even make us better drivers.

For many of us, the last time we learned a new skill was during childhood. We live in an age which reveres expertise but looks down on the beginner. Upon entering adulthood and middle age, we begin to shy away from trying new things, instead preferring to stay nestled firmly in our comfort zones. Beginners asks the question: why are children the only ones allowed to experience the inherent fun of facing daily challenges? And could we benefit from embracing new skills, even if we're initially hopeless? Bestselling author Tom Vanderbilt sets out to find the answer, tasking himself with acquiring several new skills under the tutelage of professionals, including drawing, juggling, surfing and much more. Witty and often surprisingly profound, Beginners is an uplifting exploration of the science of brain plasticity and how we can learn how to learn anew.