An absorbing metaphor for contemporary Western societies is recommended by PAUL SIMON

PAUL SIMON falls under the spell of little known authors from an island at the edge of the world

PAUL SIMON recommends the story of a charismatic malcontent

Illuminating account of the most influential force in the Muslim world from the eighth to the 13th centuries

PAUL SIMON speaks to some of the 40-plus communist candidates about their policies, their campaigning methods and their reception from the public

Authentic slice of East End working-class life

Outstanding travelogue addresses state of nation during tramp along Pennine Way

Engaging biography of an establishment technocrat

Thought-provoking parable of dystopian times to come

Ken Fuller concocts a thrilling blend of the personal and political in saga of militant trade unionist

Moving story of one individual enmeshed in Algeria’s war of independence

Evocative account of a plant valued in nearly every culture for ts aroma and taste

The Communist Party has had an influence on the achievements of the British labour movement far more diverse way than was previously realised

Red Lives (Manifesto Press, £9.99)

Engrossing commentary on the woeful state of the nation

Outstanding espionage series draws to a memorable close

Love, loss and rueful laughter in Ceauscescu-era Romania

Assured fiction debut lifts the lid on Hollywood corruption in the McCarthy period

Significant chronicle of working-class life a flawed exercise in revisionist history

No-holds-barred assault on the corruption at the core of British society