I'll have the veal...

Herb Lester offers a tiny set of books to help with ordering while in France, Spain, or Italy. The tiny 24 page guides tuck discreetly into a pocket or wallet. Cost: 8 GPB

'How to Read the Menu' via Herb Lester:

shop.herblester.com

Daring feats...

Christopher McDougall is back with an interesting story - 'Natural Born Heros'. Part action story, part training philosophy, and a bit of a 'how to' - this book is fun and informative for anyone looking for a fresh perspective on physical training. Cost: 20 USD

Available from Amazon:

www.amazon.com

The truth is...

'Get the Truth' is the new book from former CIA officers that will coach you - step by step - on how to get to the bottom of things. Cost: about 20 USD

Available from Amazon:

www.amazon.com

Getting sidetracked...

'Sidetracked' is a new adventure magazine with high quality photography and insightful writing.

See back issues and other content via Sidetracked:

www.sidetracked.com

Required reading...

'Death & Company' is arguably one of the best mixology bars in New York - and now they've written the book of craft cocktails to experiment with on your own. Cost: 25 USD

Read more and order via The Death&Co Website:

deathandcobook.com

A cabin in the woods...

'Hide and Seek: The Architecture of Cabins and Hide-outs' is a book that can help with a few stylish ideas on how get lost. Cost: 60 USD (available in the US next month via Amazon)

Read more about it via Gestalten:

usshop.gestalten.com/hide-seek.html

It's a sign...

'The Way to Go' by Kate Ascher is a simple to understand guide to modern transport - include excellent graphics describing mysterious symbols such as 'runway markings' for non-pilots. Cost: 25 USD - Available from Amazon.com

Read more about it via Slate:

www.slate.com

A year's supply...

Here's an excellent index of 25 internet sites of free books. Classics, multiple languages, history, philosophy... in multiple downloadable formats.

25 Book Download sites via eBookfirendly:

ebookfriendly.com/free-public-domain-books-sources

Get moving...

The 'Mad Skills' book is an illustrated catalog of over 700 exercises - eliminating the need to for boring repetition. Cost: about 35 USD.

Available from Amazon, info from the Mad Skills microsite:

madskillsbook.com

Cuss like a sailor...

You never know when you'll need to cuss in a foreign language - for those times, there's 'Essential Foreign Swearwords'. This tiny book will have you up and swearing in no time. Cost: 5 USD

Available from Amazon:

www.amazon.com

A is for Alpha...

'Man 2.0 Engineering the Alpha' is a no holds barred book for those that are seriously looking to redesign themselves. Not for the feint of heart or easily offended. Cost: 20 USD

Read more, including a sample chapter - via the HomeSite:

www.engineeringthealpha.com

Conversation starter...

The gents at Top Gear have just published 'The Cool 500: The Coolest Cars Ever Made'. It's exactly what you think it is. Perfect for a coffee table book. Cost: 16 GBP

Available from Amazon:

www.amazon.co.uk/Top-Gear-Cool-coolest-cars/dp/1849901392

Ask the pro...

Whisky expert Dominic Roskrow has written the definitive 'The World's Best Whiskies - 750 Unmissable Drams from Tain to Tokyo'. A must for serious drinkers. Cost: 40 USD

Read a review via Whisky Intelligence:

www.whiskyintelligence.com

Elementary...

'Master-Mind, How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes' is the latest book from author Maria Konnikova. The psychologist provides a variety of tools and strategies for upgrading your reasoning abilities. Cost: 15 USD Available online via Amazon.

Read more about it via Maria Konnikova's site:

www.mariakonnikova.com/book

Knock three times...

Fans of the speakeasy will enjoy 'Secret Society: Modern Speakeasy Style and Design', by Christian Alexander. The lush volume describe 20 years of experience with the subject. Hundreds of photos. Cost: 120 USD

Details and order via Faramehmedia.com:

faramehmedia.com/books/secret-society

Post-Mayan...

That apocalypse never happened, but being ready for trouble is never a bad idea. The 'SEAL Survival Guide: A Navy SEAL's Secrets to Surviving Any Disaster' is a good start. Written by former SEAL Cade Courtley, you'll learn tons of tips for surviving most anything. Cost: 14 USD.

Available from Amazon:

www.amazon.com

Quick snacks...

Mad man Tim Ferriss is at it again - this time he's written a cook book of sorts, 'The Four Hour Chef'. In short order, you'll learn to cook like a pro - but really, the book is about how to learn anything quickly. Cost: about 21 USD

Tons of info via the Microsite:

fourhourchef.com

Read 'em like a book...

The 'Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopedia' (volume I and II) will have you reading ink in no time. The info was collected over years of being a 'prison attendant' by the author, Danzig Baldaev. Cost: 22 USD per volume.

Available from Amazon:

www.amazon.com

What would Papa eat?

The 'Hemingway Cookbook' is a collection of recipes from Ernest Hemingway. As you might imagine, the suggestions are larger than life, just like their creator. Cost: 20 USD.

Available from Amazon - read more via the website:

www.hemingwaycookbook.com

Shaken...

'The Gentleman's Guide to Cocktails' will answer all your questions about classic cocktails. Written by Alfred Tong, this small hardback zeros in on those timeless retro drinks that will be a hit at your next party. Cost: about 18 USD

Available from Amazon in October:

www.amazon.com