Russell Shorto, The Island at the Centre of the World

 A history of the Dutch settlement of Manhattan and the surrounding area before the Duke of York marched in and took it (or it was taken on his behalf while he mooched around Greenwich). It seeks to explain how it was the multicultural, polyglot community of New York that sets the template for America rather than the intolerant monoculture of the puritans, the accepted birthplace of the US. Quite convincing, although I may have to revisit Albion's Seed to see how it fits in. Any excuse to reread that is alright with me though.

Robert MacFarlane, The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot

Countryside porn for the suburbanite. Totally aspirational wish-fulfillment about a simple, more spiritual life tramping the ancient byways and tracks of our world. Lovely to read, made me sigh and want to be outside on the chalk downs, or sailing into rocky Hebridean inlets. The car has been written off, just waiting to hear from the insurance company. As  result we need to get a new car, which means I am temporarily forced to care about cars again for a period. 'Yes the Alhambra has everything we need, but is very pricey and it's a diesel so not suitable for short runs. On the other hand the Zafira is in our budget, but has a terrible reputation'. I just don't care. I know I should do as it's going to have a big impact on my life, but it's just so terribly dull. I gamely went along to a few showrooms and now will hopefully be able to outsource all further research to Helen's Dad. . . 

Jonathan Phillips, The Fourth Crusade: And The Sack Of Constantinople, Håkan Nesser, The Mind's Eye

Back on home territory; a book about Byzantine History and a Scandi-Noir novel. Read in the Twixtmas lull, after having ditched the car into a river on Christmas Eve. I didn't appreciate the extent of the flooding between Chobham and Windlesham; it was dark and as I came over the bridge on Burnt Pollard Lane I went straight into the halebourne, which has burst its banks. Waiting to hear about the damage to the car. . .