Business advice
Handbook of Doing Business in South East Europe by Dietmar Sternad / Prof Thomas Doring, Palgrave Macmillan, £85
The Handbook of Doing Business in South East Europe provides a comprehensive yet compact account of the business environment in southeast Europe. Academic experts present data and analysis on the major political, legal, economic, cultural and social issues and trends which have an influence on business activities in the region. A picture emerges of a region of 70 million inhabitants characterised by rapid economic and social changes after the fall of communism and a significant rise in foreign direct investments. This handbook is invaluable information for anyone planning to do business in southeast Europe, published at a time when economic growth in the region escalates.

Travelling science
Einstein on the Road by Josef Eisinger, Prometheus Books, £16
Albert Einstein – surely the most broadly recognised scientist of the 20th century – is well known for his intellect and his theories, but not so much for his globetrotting sensibilities. It is this latter side to his character that Josef Eisinger wishes to bring out in his book Einstein on the Road. It transpires that the scientist kept numerous diaries on his travels, which included musings on science, yes, but also on people, places and even music and politics. These journals have never been published in full, but form the foundation of Eisinger’s search for the ‘real’ Albert Einstein. It’s a more well-rounded study of his character than we are perhaps used to, and the book benefits considerably from that choice of direction.

Out of the ordinary
Journeys of a Lifetime Volume II, National Geographic, £21
In the second volume of this delightful collection, National Geographic offer readers a spectacular range of holiday ideas, from places you may have heard of to places you almost certainly won’t. Full of lists, in-depth site descriptions and great imagery, the book helps budding travellers locate the less well-trodden paths the world has to offer. National Geographic writers also contribute personal accounts, adding a further layer. This book beautifully evokes the fact that it’s often the journey, rather than the destination, which sticks in our minds.

Discovering Berlin
Time Out Berlin: 9th Edition, Time Out Guides Ltd, £7
Now in its ninth edition, Time Out’s guide to Berlin has had plenty of time to gestate, gathering wisdom and knowledge over the years into one essential book. Berlin is a fantastic city, culturally diverse and cosmopolitan, but tourists visiting a city rarely know how to get the best out of their time, especially if they have nobody well versed in the local area to show them around. That is why guides like this exist, and Time Out have been in the business long enough to be more informative than most. As usual, the guide is varied and succinct.

Making a city
Rome by Robert Hughes, W&N, £15.99
Robert Hughes has spent most of his adult life thinking and writing about Rome. In this impressive book he traces the city’s history from its mythic foundation with Romulus and Remus to fascism, Fellini and beyond. For one thousand years Rome held sway as the spiritual and artistic centre of the world. Hughes vividly recreates the ancient Rome of Julius Caesar and Marcus Aurelius, as well as the artistic blossoming of Raphael and Brunelleschi. His deeply personal account reflects his own complex relationship with a city he first visited as a wide-eyed 20-year-old.

Bike riding
Mountain High: Europe’s 50 Greatest Cycle Climbs by Daniel Friebe, Quercus Publishing, £10
Collaborating with photographer Pete Goding, Daniel Friebe provides a comprehensive look at cycling in Europe; namely, where is best to go, and how to get there. Detailed maps and location profiles are provided for all recommended journeys, while crucial information to cyclists – such as distance and height of the climbs – is clearly outlined. Featured rides included well known sections of the Tour de France and lesser known, gruelling climbs such as Spain’s Alto de l’Angliru.