Here are the books that have followed Mark everywhere he’s been for years and years. These are probably the six masterpieces he would take with him to a desert island.

“What matters is not reading, but re-reading” by Jorge Luis Borgès

T

he Art of looking sideway, by the English artist and illustrator, Alan Fletcher, is a source of constant inspiration. Fletcher’s drawings give incredible poetry to the most common objects. His comments are underpinned with observation, curiosity, creativity, etc. opening up a wide-ranging reading with grand perspectives.

T

he illustrated edition of The Discoverers by Daniel Boorstin is probably one of the most remarkable books on creativity. From the invention of time – why is there 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day and 365 days, or indeed 366, in a year ? – to Albert Einstein and his precious Theory of Relativity, Boorstin offers us an incredible gallery of creators, inventors, innovators and discoverers. This book is an inexhaustible treasury.

T

he Manuel of Epictète (55-ca135) provides us with a real philosophy of happiness. The lessons and recommendations, simple and often obvious, from the Stoic philosopher, are still entirely up to date in our world of speed and technology.

L

arousse on Gastronomy is Mark’s Epicurean Bible. This is where he finds answers to questions that he has regarding ingredients, spices, the history of nutrition and the specialties from regional and national cuisines. This encyclopaedia offers more than 3000 recipes of the greatest chefs and more than 4000 articles on products, preparations, local specialities, etc. Mark owns the 1992 edition as well as for 2002! You can offer him any other edition you want.

T

he best book available on peppers “Pepper: the spice that changed the world” by Christine McFadden. How can you do better - and spicier - on the subject? “Few people realize how much the pepper has catalyzed changes in culture, in business and in the kitchen.” (p.12)

A

nd of course the guidebooks, Lonely Planet and Wallpaper Guide for your next trips. For the moment, Mark is preparing his Asian tour in September 2009 which will wind through Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul to lead his Creativity & Innovation seminars from the 4rth to 25th of September.