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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
informative
slow-paced
Started this book in 2017. Finished in 2021. Whoops. Better late than never?
This was an interesting enough read, filled with facts that felt like they might be useful in a pub quiz, but never seemed to answer the central question of why flags are so important to us.
There were some interesting facts within the book when looking at Europe and parts of the Middle East. However, I felt it was somewhat lacking in the discussions around Africa - given the title of the book.
To dedicate whole chapters to the US and UK was unnecessary, whilst consolidating other CONTINENTS to a chapter each showed the power of the Western lens.
What I really didn't like was the unnecessary use of accents and some of the chapter titles.
For the Popsugar challenge this is "a book by or about a journalist"
To dedicate whole chapters to the US and UK was unnecessary, whilst consolidating other CONTINENTS to a chapter each showed the power of the Western lens.
What I really didn't like was the unnecessary use of accents and some of the chapter titles.
For the Popsugar challenge this is "a book by or about a journalist"
When I initially read the book, I liked it. It isn't as good as Prisoner's of Geography, and was occasionally dry or facile, but I had a positive experience with it. Looking back, though, chunks of it are problematic and western-centred in a way that hinders a proper understanding of many of the issues Marshall addresses.
Tim Marshall has brought vexillology to the mainstream and for that, I am eternally grateful.
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
I wish this contained more history about flags and fewer assumptions about other countries disguised as bad jokes, but it did help me learn more, and better understand the framing and power of flags, from Chinese silk to contemporary tribalism.