Best-of three: our country, books and games of the year

In 'Of Boys and Men,' Richard V. Reeves delves into the complex and urgent crisis of boyhood and manhood. He discusses how profound economic and social changes have led to many boys and men losing ground in education, the workplace, and family life. Reeves presents detailed research on the structural challenges, including lower academic performance, declining labor force participation, and the specific hardships faced by black boys and men. He argues that both conservative and progressive politicians have failed to provide effective solutions and offers fresh, innovative proposals such as delaying boys' entry into school, increasing male teachers, and improving vocational education. The book emphasizes the need for a positive vision of masculinity in a more equal world without compromising gender equality.

In *Butler to the World*, Oliver Bullough explores how Britain transitioned from a colonial power to a central hub for the global offshore economy, serving the interests of oligarchs and kleptocrats. The book critiques Britain's role in enabling financial crimes and questions its reliability as an ally in international efforts against corruption.

This book provides an in-depth look at the social, economic, and geopolitical forces involved in the transition to the modern oil age. It explores the pre-industrial history of petroleum, large-scale production, and the development of the oil industry, highlighting themes of imperialist violence, economic exploitation, and environmental destruction. The book also examines how oil influenced major historical events, including the outbreak of the First World War.