One of the internet’s most celebrated hi-tech culture mavens returns with this second collection of essays and polemics. Discussing complex topics in an accessible manner, Cory Doctorow’s visions of a future where artists have full freedom of expression is tempered with his understanding that creators need to benefit from their own creations.

From extolling the Etsy makerverse to excoriating Apple for dumbing-down technology

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"An instruction manual for life, love, and relationships by a brilliant young scientist whose Asperger's syndrome allows her--and us--to see ourselves in a different way...and to be better at being human. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of eight, Camilla Pang struggled to understand the world around her. Desperate for a solution, she asked her mother if there was an instruction manual for humans that she could consult. With no blueprint...

Presents information about rules and laws, including what rules and laws are, who makes them, and who breaks them and what happens to those people.

Algernon is a gentlemen from a wealthy family. Algernon's close friend Jack, has a ward, Cecily. Both Algernon and Jack have created alter egos to make life more interesting. Algernon arrives for a weekend visit in the country posing as Earnest. Having heard of Earnest's misadventures, Cicely has developed an infatuation with the rogue, and Algernon's impersonation of him works famously on Cicely. Meanwhile, Algernon's cousin, Gwendolyn, arrives for...

"Buster's a therapy dog who needs to take matters into his own paws to help a boy understand his own anxiety . . . even if it means breaking a few rules. Buster's in big trouble. He's been dragged to Dog Court for breaking one of the most sacred of all dog rules: Never, ever talk to a human, or let a human know how smart you really are. But he swears he had a good reason! The boy he's been taking care of, Tonio, needed his help in a big way. You see,...

Newland Archer, a young lawyer in upper-crust 1870's New York, becomes a victim of social expectations and restrictions when he becomes infatuated with his docile fiancee's nonconformist cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska.

"A theory explaining cultural differences between countries and individuals based on the rigidity with which they adhere--or don't--to 'social norms'"--

"Mr. Frog finds out that timing is everything when he keeps missing his chance to cross the street as the crosswalk sign changes from 'stop' to 'go.' Can he stop daydreaming about how he will jump, hop, or flip his way across the street, and how much fun he will have when he gets to the other side, before the sign says 'stop' again? Sometimes the journey is just as much fun as the destination!"--Provided by publisher.

A woman charts a treacherous path when she decides to enter politics and become the chief minister. Though she encounters many problems, her greatest challenge is handling responsibility.