There’s a Book for That
When you want a book that will show you how to do something new
This is an edition of the revamped Books Briefing, our editors’ weekly guide to the best in books. Sign up for it here.
Almost as soon as printing became widespread, books began serving as teaching tools. Just consider one of the 16th century’s best sellers, , a primer on proper social comportment (example: A person should not sniff at their food or drink; “the reason is that from his nose could fall those things that men find disgusting”). “How to” books have been a staple ever since. This, recommending books in which the reader accompanies the writer as they learn something new—shepherding or marathon-running or knitting sweaters.
