Books and authors

Said and Done for November/December 2012Digest of humanities, arts and social sciences

What can logistics do for you?In a new book, an MIT professor argues that investment in global transportation hubs can spur a ‘feedback loop’ of regional growth.

Three awards for MIT research in anthropology, economics and political scienceMikusheva receives Elaine Bennett Research Prize; Petersen wins Distinguished Book Award; Helmreich wins Rachel Carson Prize.

Clearing the airAtmospheric chemist Susan Solomon finds hope in past environmental challenges.

How civil wars evolveMIT political scientist’s book shows how even the bloodiest conflicts feature pragmatic alliances — not just ancient sectarian divisions.

How to communicate science visuallyIn a new book, MIT’s Felice Frankel aims to help scientists and engineers improve the way they portray their research through photos, diagrams and graphs.

New books on the shelf from SA+PRecent publishing news from School of Architecture + Planning faculty and alumni

Junot Díaz named finalist for the 2012 National Book Award

Junot Díaz wins MacArthur ‘genius grant’Pulitzer Prize-winning author and writing professor receives unrestricted $500,000 prize.

Said and Done for September 2012Digest of MIT humanities, arts, and social sciences.

Q&A: Junot Díaz on his new bookThe MIT professor and Pulitzer-winning writer talks about the people and ideas in his newest work, This Is How You Lose Her — and explains why women form a big part of his core audience.

Understanding gambling addictionFor machine gamblers, it’s not whether they win or lose — it’s how much they play the game.

Seth Mnookin wins 2012 Science in Society AwardNational Association of Science Writers honors his book The Panic Virus.

Better product design through a simple square chartHow Design Structure Matrix analysis has helped heavyweight companies improve their products, production lines and organizations.

Said and Done for June/July 2012Digest of MIT humanities, arts and social sciences

Book details a new model for sharing waterSure, water is in great demand — but that doesn’t mean supply is a zero-sum game among neighboring countries, an MIT professor says in a new book.

3 Questions: Hanna Rose Shell on the hidden history of camouflageHistorian of technology’s new book traces the surprisingly recent invention of a standard military practice.

Science Fiction Society’s massive library is out of this worldW20 library boasts extensive collection and colorful history.

SA+P hosts collegiate architecture schoolsThe culminating event of ACSA’s centennial celebration

The Civil War’s iron ageMIT historian David Mindell revisits the human experience on board one of history’s most famous warships.

Engineering a safer worldWorkshop explores safety in nuclear power plants, occupational health, aviation and medicine.

Freshman Jimenez-Galindo and junior Trac win de Courtivron PrizesPrize honors cross-cultural fluency

A taxing issueIn book talk, MIT economist Simon Johnson and co-author James Kwak emphasize need to raise revenues to cope with national debt.

3 Questions: Simon Johnson on the national debtIn new book, MIT economist surveys history of debt battles and offers a prescription for fiscal recovery.

MIT's Communication Forum conducts a conversation for scholars — and citizensHas explored media and change for more than 30 years

All the difference in the worldIn new book, economists Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson assert that above all else, political institutions — not culture or natural resources — determine the wealth of nations.