I'm straddling between 2 bks. So it takes time to savour each:


The Craftsman. By Richard Sennett. Bk. is a philosophical examination of craftsmanship, history and social impact on craftsmanship due to industrialization (=mass production), globalization (outsourcing) and free enterprise. For instance, he talks about the true craftsperson who just like to perfect their work for perfection sake. But forget the end result. He uses the example the creation of the atomic bomb as an example! References to skill of patient diagnosis by doctors and nurses if there is time and no push to be cost-efficient, vs. the revolving door of patient care treatment efficiencies. So lots of different ways of examing "craftsmanship" and what we now value/don't value as much.

http://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Prof-Ric...3214&sr=1-1

sample bk. Review
http://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Prof-Ric...rBy=addFourStar

One Foot in Laos. By Dervla Murphy. She is a prolific Irish cyclist an hiker. Has written travelogues over past 20 yrs. In this one she hikes, takes local bus and tries to do some biking after having hurt her foot. She is over 70 or late 60's in this trip.
http://www.amazon.com/One-Foot-Laos-Derv...3413&sr=1-1