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The Power of the Plus FactorNorman Vincent PealeOrient Paperbacks, Price: Rs 70Tit-bits from Scriptures abound in this book as do words like...

The Power of the Plus Factor
Norman Vincent Peale
Orient Paperbacks, Price: Rs 70

Tit-bits from Scriptures abound in this book as do words like ‘‘intangible power’’ and ‘‘positive thinking.’’ By their very definition, self-help or motivational books are a collection of well-presented good advice, most of which you have heard from the time you were two and did not want to share. Peale is an evangelist and that reflects in his advice. Here is what he thinks will help you lead a healthy life: ‘‘Think right, pray and keep relaxed.’’ Using several case studies ‘‘for inspiration’’ he tries to convince you that he believes everybody has the all important plus factor that, when unleashed, can lead to a more productive, happy individual. In the 15 chapters that make this book, he intermittently succeeds.

— Anastasia Guha

Imperialism and the British Labour Movement 1914-1964
Partha Sarathi Gupta
Sage Publications, Price: Rs 695

AT a time when the world seems agog with a new form of imperialism (given the global dominance of the United States in practically every arena), it is redeeming to cast a refreshing glance at the colonial policies and approaches of the British Labour movement. Gupta was one of the few Indian historians to defy the one legacy of colonial rule (the hesitation to research or teach British history) and challenged the orthodoxies about class in Britain. First published nearly three decades ago, the book has been reprinted with a Preface by Madhavan K Palat. Examining the politics of the Labour movement towards the Raj and the Commonwealth, Gupta has penned a weighty, factual and compulsive read.

— Divya Srivastava

CID to probe Zubeen Garg’s death after complaint names his manager, festival organiser

India24 min ago

As Assam awaits the return of its superstar icon Zubeen Garg’s body after he died in Singapore, where he was for the North East India Festival, on Friday, the state government has decided to transfer the investigation to the CID following complaints against festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and his manager Siddharth Sharma.

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