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The first three books of the 8 book Baroque Cycle is, quite simply, a triumph. A vast, sprawling novel which follows Daniel Waterhouse in 17th century London at the Royal Society. Stephenson brings so much texture to the world and characters that even after the thousand pages you want more. (50 words)

I don't know enough about hiphop, but this is quality. Nas' introspective street-poetry, sophisticated samples and easy rhythms combine to make a great album that sounds fresh ten years on. Highlights include "One Love, an intelligent jazz-influenced track and "Life's A Bitch", featuring a mesmerising verse from AZ. (48 words)

This examines how far widows played a part in the social, economic and political life of Europe's most important Renaissance city. The author is part of the historical and art-historical clique who were based in Venice's state archives in the late 1990s. Available from this website and the British Library. (50 words)

A beautiful Chinese film about a blind courtesan who is revealed as a member of the Flying Daggers, a guerilla insurgency. The choreography/cinematography are breathtaking, the use of colour exquisite. The story line is proposterous, though that may be a very Western view. I laughed where I wasn't supposed to. (50 words)

The autobiography of one of the UKs most recognisable TV reporters reveals a fascinating character who has been involved in or around some of the biggest events of the last 20 years. With this unique insight we get ezcellent anecdotes and a real feeling for the life of a journalist. (50 words)

Jack Dee says this is the whingeing memoirs of a snivelling leftie. I'd have to agree. Not much of an insight into years of Thatcherite Britain, or 1980s Labour. At times, the author belies the fact that he wrote for Spitting Image. Pretty boring really, and not that funny. (49 words)

Exploring the cult of the Microsoft puzzle interview, the title is one of the most famous of the "impossible" interview questions. The book looks at the history and a lot of other examples. An interesting read even if you are not in the interview business, especially if you like puzzles. (50 words)

Based on his famous weblog, Spolsky draws on his experience of software development (Microsoft's Excel team, FogCreek) and results in an interesting and insightful if somewhat unstructured book. Most of the advice Joel gives is good (at least from my experience) but take the rants with a pinch of salt. (50 words)

An almost true tale of an Englishman who moves to Paris to launch a new chain of cafés. With tales of backstabbing at work and a huge culture clash everywhere else this is laugh out loud funny. Embaressing on the train! (41 words)

Coupland's books are always thought provoking and this is no exception. When a former beauty queen miracolously survives a plane crash she uses it as an opportunity to change a few things. The intertwined stories and movement forward and backward in time can be confusing but it is very enjoyable. (50 words)