Book-Marks

The Inside Insight collection of books that we came across -- and found either helpful, funny, or both.
Should you be interested in one of them, a click on "more" will get you directly to the respective page at Amazon (of course with no obligation to buy!).

Nicholas Negroponte -- Being Digital: Although already several years old, "Being Digital" is still one of the most visionary and thought-provoking books. Written by the Internet guru of the MIT, Nicholas Negroponte (among other things founder of the Media Lab and co-founder of Wired), it is sometimes a bit technical, abstract -- and very digital ;-). Still very interesting food for thought for the more advanced reader. [more...]

Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine-- Last Chance to See: A zoologist and one of the funniest authors of all times; This unusual partnership has produced one of the best books ever published on the very real problem of disappearing wildlife. They set out to visit strange creatures on the verge of extinction; Result is not a dry scientific documentary, but an important, yet monstrously funny and highly entertaining book. [more...]

Frank Herbert -- The Book of Frank Herbert: If you like Science Fiction, you are in for a treat! This is an outstanding collection of ten tales, written by Frank Herbert, the international bestselling author of 'Dune'. Full of mind-twisting, visionary stories that won't let you stop reading before the end. [more...]

Fisher/Ury/Patton -- Getting to Yes; Negotiating Agreement Without Giving in: Of all the zillions of books about negotiation strategies, this probably is one of the best, and sure one of Inside Insights' favourites. Especially as it is all about winning without the other one losing, creating an entirely different mindset and setting it apart from so many competitive books. With a lot of practical examples that demonstrate the power of principled negotiating. It really is powerful. Ever wondered why we win all the arguments? ;-) [more...]

Ricardo Semler -- Maverick; The Success Story Behind the World's Most Unusual Workplace: Ricardo Semler is one of the most revolutionary business success stories of our time, and it will change the way you think about your organisation. Because Semco (the company) is different: Ever imagined working in a company with no receptionists and no dress code? With unprecedented democracy? Where workers set their own salaries? With mandatory vacation time? And it all actually works?? This is the story of a company that challenged the old ways of doing business, and has lessons to teach all working people, everywhere. [more...]

Scott Adams -- The Dilbert Principle: OK, this is not a very creative recommendation, but it is soooo good! And sooo true! Like the Dilbert Principle is: "The most ineffective workers are systematically moved to the place where they can do the least damage -- Management." A classic. To be read and re-read. [more...]

Kevin Kelly -- New Rules For The New Economy (10 radical strategies for a connected world): Kevin Kelly, executive editor of "Wired Magazine", at his best. 10 radical strategies that explain why old business strategies do not work anymore, and why e-business is a new industrial order. On the back of the cover, it says: "New Rules is a cutting-edge tool for everyone worried about the future, and especially helpful for anyone curious about where the economy is going." It is. Though books like these are currently probably much less in fashion than in 2000, this book is still valid in a lot of things, and should make you think nevertheless. [more...]

Bill Gates -- Business @ the Speed of Thought: OK, we admit it's not really trendy to promote Bill Gates these days, but this book is actually quite good. Hardly about Microsoft and not at all about Bill himself he establishes his thoughts about the future of business. There are more brilliant visionairs out there, but this one is very down-to-earth and in our opinion well worth a read. [more...]

Elizabeth Castro -- HTML4 for the World Wide Web: provides most of the basic things ýou need to start your own website. As a visual quickstart guide, it teaches by showing -- with hundreds of screenshots of practical examples. Ideal to get up to speed with HTML. [more...]

Douglas Adams -- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: There aren't enough words to describe THHGTTG: hilarious, overwhelming, ingenious, mindbogglingly funny. A classic. No, it's THE classic. Of all times. Ever. Like some quotes? "Funny how just when you think life can't possibly get any worse, it suddenly does." "You are the most benightedly unintelligent organic life form it has been my profound lack of pleasure not to be able to avoid meeting." "What's so bad about being drunk? You ask a glass of water." etc. A must for everybody who reads. [more...]