What's a great book you've read on a topic outwith your interests?

[YesILikeItToo]

There's something special about a really interesting book that's good just because the writer is good at writing about their area of expertise, not because it's full of things you wanted to know about. I've seen people try and find these books by asking questions like - what book in your area of study would you recommend to a layman? I thought I'd go the other way.

So - what have you read that was great even though you're not interested in the subject matter. I''ll offer these:

Structures, or Why Things Don't Fall Down, by J E Gordon. Learn the elements of engineering. I had no idea about any of this.

Playing Hard Ball by Ed Smith. First class cricketer compares his game to baseball. Insights into why anyone would care about either.

Into Thin Air by John Kraakeur. It's an account of an Everest expedition that goes horribly wrong. I have no interest whatsoever in climbing but was gripped.

Liquid by Mark Miodowik.

I 2nd/3rd the Henrietta Lacks book.

The box, about the history of the shipping container and it's influence on the world is a fascinating read.

The credits on 50 things that made the modern economy are always a good source of surprisingly interesting reading.

If you like The Box (now on my wish list, thanks) you might also like 'Deep Sea and Foreign Going'

There are some good Christmas present ideas in this thread.