One of the most frustrating experiences as a parent is suggesting a book that you loved as a child to your own children, and finding they are completely uninterested. That’s what happened to me when I gave Wind in the Willows to my daughters. So, I just re-read it myself. It’s still wonderful.

Just finished re-reading 1587, A Year of No Significance: The Ming Dynasty in Decline. This is arguably the best book of Ming history ever written.