I’m a believer in eclecticism. It promotes diversity and diversity generates strength and wisdom in thought, people, culture and nations. These books, then, don’t fit a pattern, or more to the point, the only pattern they fit is no pattern. You won’t find them on the current best seller list, but they are seriously entertaining books, ones you may have forgotten existed or missed entirely —  award-winning, often past bestsellers and always absorbing. Being eclectic, they cover a lot of ground — history, adventure, thrillers, travel, comedy, science fiction, with links and summary for each. We’re certain that if you buy these as gifts, your friends and family will keep you off their naughty list for a very long time.