Peter Fleming

News from Tartary is the account of an illegal, six-month journey from Beijing to Kashmir in 1935. The physical resilience which took Fleming and his Swiss companion, Ella Maillart, across some of the world s most inaccessible mountain passes and desert regions was matched by bravery and luck. China was then caught up in a vicious civil war while trying to repel the invading Japanese, while in eastern Turkestan charismatic Muslim warlords were allying themselves with Soviet Russia. None of the foreign journalists who had attempted to report from this region over the previous eight years had come out alive. The relationship between Peter (reporting for The Times) and the adventurous Ella, with their different abilities and character, becomes a source of gentle fascination. For beneath their easy-going charm, both had that sliver of ice required of a writer and had already travelled alone in the region, setting down their separate adventures in Turkestan Solo and One s Company.

Drawing on Marcuse, Adorno, Arendt and a variety of other critical social philosophers, this book introduces us to a familiar character amid the wreckage of the post-pandemic economy: no-dimensional man. A cousin of Marcuse’s one-dimensional man, they are a figure so compressed by the unending present of capitalism that they have ceased to be genuinely present in any ethical or political sense.This is Peter Fleming’s brilliant analysis of the psychological and institutional mechanisms that drive the demise of capitalist democracies. The scene is set in no-dimensional man’s natural habitats – the modern office, the corporate suite, the government bureau and the corporate university. In these treacherous climes Fleming reveals the dark power relations currently shaping the post-industrial system. This deep dive into the post-industrial pit explains the failure of capitalism in terms of its most contagious symptoms, including micro-jobs, multinational spread, shadow banking, financial predation, the working poor, and government by algorithm. Beset by every malaise of modern economic institutions, from cognitive dissonance to bleak performance metrics and almost deliberate vacuity, no-dimensional man is a living mirror image of the new culture of nothingness characterizing capitalism today.

Drawing on Marcuse, Adorno, Arendt and a variety of other critical social philosophers, this book introduces us to a familiar character amid the wreckage of the post-pandemic economy: no-dimensional man. A cousin of Marcuse’s one-dimensional man, they are a figure so compressed by the unending present of capitalism that they have ceased to be genuinely present in any ethical or political sense.This is Peter Fleming’s brilliant analysis of the psychological and institutional mechanisms that drive the demise of capitalist democracies. The scene is set in no-dimensional man’s natural habitats – the modern office, the corporate suite, the government bureau and the corporate university. In these treacherous climes Fleming reveals the dark power relations currently shaping the post-industrial system. This deep dive into the post-industrial pit explains the failure of capitalism in terms of its most contagious symptoms, including micro-jobs, multinational spread, shadow banking, financial predation, the working poor, and government by algorithm. Beset by every malaise of modern economic institutions, from cognitive dissonance to bleak performance metrics and almost deliberate vacuity, no-dimensional man is a living mirror image of the new culture of nothingness characterizing capitalism today.

It began with an advertisement in the agony column of The Times: Leaving England June, to explore rivers Central Brazil, if possible ascertain fate Colonel Fawcett; abundance game, big and small; exceptional fishing; room two more guns. Colonel Fawcett and his son Jack had embarked on a journey in 1925 in search of a supposed lost city and were never seen again. This expedition was too much of a temptation for Peter Fleming, a young journalist with energy and an appetite for adventure. The journey, which begins in a reckless spirit of can-do frivolity, slowly darkens into something very personal and deeply testing for which Rider Haggard might have written the plot and Conrad designed the scenery. Fleming recounts it in brilliant prose, leavening the danger with humour and honesty.

'Fleming's books are sparklingly sardonic and hilariously angry' - Guardian There is a strong link between the neoliberalisation of higher education over the last 20 years and the psychological hell now endured by its staff and students. While academia was once thought of as the best job in the world - one that fosters autonomy, craft, intrinsic job satisfaction and vocational zeal - you would be hard-pressed to find a lecturer who believes that now. Peter Fleming delves into this new metrics-obsessed, overly hierarchical world to bring out the hidden underbelly of the neoliberal university. He examines commercialisation, mental illness and self-harm, the rise of managerialism, students as consumers and evaluators, and the competitive individualism which casts a dark sheen of alienation over departments. Arguing that time has almost run out to reverse this decline, this book shows how academics and students need to act now if they are to begin to fix this broken system.

'Fleming's books are sparklingly sardonic and hilariously angry' - Guardian There is a strong link between the neoliberalisation of higher education over the last 20 years and the psychological hell now endured by its staff and students. While academia was once thought of as the best job in the world - one that fosters autonomy, craft, intrinsic job satisfaction and vocational zeal - you would be hard-pressed to find a lecturer who believes that now. Peter Fleming delves into this new metrics-obsessed, overly hierarchical world to bring out the hidden underbelly of the neoliberal university. He examines commercialisation, mental illness and self-harm, the rise of managerialism, students as consumers and evaluators, and the competitive individualism which casts a dark sheen of alienation over departments. Arguing that time has almost run out to reverse this decline, this book shows how academics and students need to act now if they are to begin to fix this broken system.

If you want to be the best, you have to have the right skillset. From influencing and persuading to choosing a negotiating style and using NLP, THE ULTIMATE NEGOTIATION BOOK is a dynamic collection of tools, techniques, and strategies for success. Discover the main themes and key ideas, and bring it all together with practical exercises.This is your complete course in negotiation. ABOUT THE SERIESULTIMATE books are for managers, leaders, and business executives who want to succeed at work. From marketing and sales to management and finance, each title gives comprehensive coverage of the essential business skills you need to get ahead in your career. Written in straightforward English, each book is designed to help you quickly master the subject, with fun quizzes embedded so that you can check how you're doing.

This book aims to help those in middle leadership posts become more confident and effective in their roles. It will also assist anyone considering becoming a middle leader to prepare for the challenges ahead and avoid common mistakes made by the novice team leader. Packed with practical advice, the book encourages readers to engage with key issues, reflect on their approach and make the changes needed to improve their performance and that of their team. Covering all aspects of the leadership role, it contains advice and information on: developing a clear vision improving teaching and learning raising standards team building holding others to account and conducting challenging conversations managing meetings.The second edition has been updated throughout to reflect current role expectations within a rapidly changing education landscape. New chapters have been written by a current head teacher and a highly successful head of department and the author has provided more detailed guidance on improving teaching and learning through the provision of effective in-school professional development for teachers and support staff. With self-evaluation tools, case studies and reflection and action points, this book is essential reading for all current and aspiring middle leaders in secondary schools.

This book aims to help those in middle leadership posts become more confident and effective in their roles. It will also assist anyone considering becoming a middle leader to prepare for the challenges ahead and avoid common mistakes made by the novice team leader. Packed with practical advice, the book encourages readers to engage with key issues, reflect on their approach and make the changes needed to improve their performance and that of their team. Covering all aspects of the leadership role, it contains advice and information on: developing a clear vision improving teaching and learning raising standards team building holding others to account and conducting challenging conversations managing meetings.The second edition has been updated throughout to reflect current role expectations within a rapidly changing education landscape. New chapters have been written by a current head teacher and a highly successful head of department and the author has provided more detailed guidance on improving teaching and learning through the provision of effective in-school professional development for teachers and support staff. With self-evaluation tools, case studies and reflection and action points, this book is essential reading for all current and aspiring middle leaders in secondary schools.

News from Tartary is the account of a journey from Peking to Kashmir, made in 1935 by that legendary adventurer, Peter Fleming. It lasted seven months and covered about 3,500 miles. The route chosen by Fleming and his companion, adventurer and writer Ella Maillart, took them westwards across a China torn by civil war to Xinjiang and then south to British India. It had been eight years since any foreigner had crossed Xinjiang. During that time few of those who entered that inhospitable and politically volatile region, which was under the control of a warlord supported by Stalin's Red Army, came out alive. After entering the lands of the Tartars by a little-known route and following the course of the ancient Silk Road, they reached Kashgar before crossing the Pamirs into India. Written with style and elegance, as well as acute observation and gentle irony, this is not just a description of a part of the world still difficult to visit, but of the last days of the Great Game, when Britain and Russia vied with each other for control of the unruly fiefs of Central Asia.

The Worst is Yet to Come explores the disturbing possibility that the current crisis of neoliberal capitalism isn't going to spawn an emancipatory renaissance, but a world that is much, much worse. Wealthy CEOs see it. They've been purchasing isolated bunker-retreats in New Zealand for when the shit goes down. Our politicians know it too, and are frantically transforming the liberal state into a militarized machine. Scientists are either uselessly decrying the looming eco-catastrophe or jumping on the opportunity to conduct ever-reckless experiments with the human genome. The animal kingdom is retreating from the scene in terrible silence, preferring the swift demise of the abattoir's bolt-gun than witnessing what is about to happen. Yet some of us are still ignoring the warning signs, choosing instead to remain cheerfully optimistic, believing that society has probably hit rock bottom and the only way is up. This book argues the opposite. What if we haven't hit rock bottom and are on the precipice of something much worse? And what if were too late? But this grim prospect isn't submitted in the name of millennial fatalism or hopeless resignation. On the contrary, if our grandchildren are to survive the implosion of capitalism - for the chances we will are fairly slim - then a realistic picture of the nightmare to come is crucial. Only an unwavering attitude of "revolutionary pessimism" will help us to prepare accordingly. For the apocalypse will almost certainly be disappointing.

If you want to be the best, you have to have the right skillset. From sales strategy and account management to negotiation and customer service,THE ULTIMATE SALES BOOK is a dynamic collection of tools, techniques, and strategies for success. Discover the main themes, key ideas and tools you need and bring it all together with practical exercises.This is your complete course in successful selling. ABOUT THE SERIESULTIMATE books are for managers, leaders, and business executives who want to succeed at work. From marketing and sales to management and finance, each title gives comprehensive coverage of the essential business skills you need to get ahead in your career. Written in straightforward English, each book is designed to help you quickly master the subject, with fun quizzes embedded so that you can check how you're doing.

What is the connection between the sleaziness of Harvey Weinstein’s ‘business meetings’ and the passionless doctrine of neoclassical economics? In this witty and incisive examination of the new economy, Peter Fleming argues that they are closer than you might think. The quest to rid society of bureaucracy, shrink government and burn red tape has certainly made capitalism ‘more human’, but not in the family-friendly way envisaged by free-market gurus. Increasing informality has led to a capitalism fuelled by limitless exploitation and increasingly seedy methods of management, from semi-feudal workplace hazing rituals and predatory middle-managers with an axe to grind to arbitrary zero-hours contracts, Uber and, perhaps worst of all, the compulsory gym session with your boss. Fleming dubs this ‘Sugar Daddy Capitalism’ after the controversial dating-app wealthy businessmen use to meet young girls, most of whom are struggling with university fees. What seems like a creepy outlier is actually a prescient metaphor for our whole economy: an anonymous and impersonal cash system that is also intent on getting under your skin, extra close and capable of ruining everything if you say ... ‘no’.

What is the connection between the sleaziness of Harvey Weinstein’s ‘business meetings’ and the passionless doctrine of neoclassical economics? In this witty and incisive examination of the new economy, Peter Fleming argues that they are closer than you might think. The quest to rid society of bureaucracy, shrink government and burn red tape has certainly made capitalism ‘more human’, but not in the family-friendly way envisaged by free-market gurus. Increasing informality has led to a capitalism fuelled by limitless exploitation and increasingly seedy methods of management, from semi-feudal workplace hazing rituals and predatory middle-managers with an axe to grind to arbitrary zero-hours contracts, Uber and, perhaps worst of all, the compulsory gym session with your boss. Fleming dubs this ‘Sugar Daddy Capitalism’ after the controversial dating-app wealthy businessmen use to meet young girls, most of whom are struggling with university fees. What seems like a creepy outlier is actually a prescient metaphor for our whole economy: an anonymous and impersonal cash system that is also intent on getting under your skin, extra close and capable of ruining everything if you say ... ‘no’.

In today's workplaces we work harder and longer, labouring under the illusion that this will bring us more wealth. As this myth becomes increasingly preposterous, it's time to understand why we believe in it, and where it came from. The Death of Homo Economicus explores the origin of this oppressive myth, in order to destroy it. The story begins with the creation of a fake persona labelled the 'dollar-hunting man', invented by economists Adam Smith and Friedrich Hayek. Today, this persona, driven by competition and ego, is used by politicians and managers to draw a veil over the terrible reality of work under capitalism. Creeping into all aspects of life, the desire to constantly compete and accumulate must be resisted if we are to create a better way of life for all.

In today's workplaces we work harder and longer, labouring under the illusion that this will bring us more wealth. As this myth becomes increasingly preposterous, it's time to understand why we believe in it, and where it came from. The Death of Homo Economicus explores the origin of this oppressive myth, in order to destroy it. The story begins with the creation of a fake persona labelled the 'dollar-hunting man', invented by economists Adam Smith and Friedrich Hayek. Today, this persona, driven by competition and ego, is used by politicians and managers to draw a veil over the terrible reality of work under capitalism. Creeping into all aspects of life, the desire to constantly compete and accumulate must be resisted if we are to create a better way of life for all.

Like its predecessor on secondary middle management, this book uses a succinct and accessible style. The authors; highlight the special challenge of middle management; cover the full range of middle management activities in primary schools; link to the Teacher Training Agency's National Standards for Subject Leadership; and use self-assessment questions and case studies to bring management theory to life. A chapter is devoted to the performance management framework that was introduced in September 2000. Throughout, the focus is on improving the quality of education for pupils through the creation of a positive team ethos.

First Published in 2000. The skills required to be an effective middle manager in a secondary school are many and varied but people management skills lie at the heart of getting the best out of both teachers and pupils. Motivating people and building a collaborative team ethos are at the core of effective management. This book is about how middle managers can contribute to raising the quality of education in their schools through proficient team leadership.

A Land Rover is the star of this book. Assembled from the parts of various scrap Land Rovers found on dumps in the Sultanate of Oman, it emerged as a unique and functional four by four camper. Back in 1980 the author and his girlfriend loaded up the Rover and set off from the Sultanate of Oman with the aim of driving back to England but with no real idea of the route that they would take. Gathering information from other travellers along the way they ended up driving south, down through Sudan then across central Africa and back up across the Sahara desert to Europe.It is now interesting to see how the world has shrunk with the advent of the digital age but sad to see the often devastating effects of subsequent political and religious upheaval. It is hard to believe that not so long ago in 1980 there were no mobile 'phones or the Internet and that Africa was much more accessible.This book chronicles the five month journey of two ordinary people in their extra-ordinary vehicle.

Effective negotiation skills just got easierThere was a time, not that long ago, when negotiation was seen, in the main, as the province of industrial relations folk and car-sales advisers. But, no longer! Repeated financial crises have squeezed profit margins and, in some markets, discouraged buyers from making marginal purchases or continuing habitual expenditure. Managers have found themselves in the frontline of the expectation to achieve better value for money, and the starting point for this is to shop around and explore the offers made by new suppliers, and/or to negotiate better deals with existing suppliers.Even if your job doesn't involve negotiation, then you might still be an active negotiator when replacing your car, moving house or even selling last season's wardrobe! The truth is that being a good negotiator has become a life skill, enabling those who are good at it not just to save money, but also to upgrade their computer, television or lawnmower with little or no increase in outgoings - and enhancing their reputation in the process.Becoming an effective negotiator is certainly within the scope of the majority of people. At its simplest, it involves thinking out what you want, planning how you'd like to get it and developing your powers of persuasion to convince other people that you are simply being reasonable.This book will help you to plan to become a better negotiator through being better prepared for meetings, planning clear and realistic objectives for a negotiation, maintaining concentration and making logical proposals that create agreement in the other party.- Sunday: Creating the right environment- Monday: Researching your objectives - Tuesday: People and places - Wednesday: Breaking the ice - Thursday: The agenda - Friday: Concluding- Saturday: Learning from your experiences