Geoff Adams

Civilisation is the title of journalist Steve Braunias' book, which examines ''20 places on the edge of the world''. This world is mainly ours, from Kawakawa in the North to Mosgiel in the South, with quick visits to Samoa and the Antarctic giving some international dimension.

This year is the bicentenary of the birth of master novelist Charles Dickens, so no wonder much has been published that has focused on the author and his writing.

The Inheritance is a thriller novel by Simon Tolkien, grandson of J.R.R.Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings.

Geoff Adams reviews 'Behind the Canvas'.

> Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet (highlights). National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Naxos CD.

> "Rhapsody in Blue". Benjamin Grosvenor (piano), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Decca CD.

> Delius: A Mass of Life, Prelude and Idyll. The Bach Choir and soloists, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Naxos 2 CDs.

> Gareth Farr: "Horizon". Henry Wong Doe (piano). Trust CD.

> Bizet: Carmen. Magdalena Kozena (soprano), Jonas Kaufmann (tenor), etc. Berlin Philharmoniker. EMI 2 CDs.

> The Romantic Clarinet. Paul Dean (clarinet), Stephen Emmerson (piano). Melba CD

As I have not ventured to become a fully-fledged "Discworld" fan (39 books in Terry Pratchett's series so far), I read The Long Earth by Pratchett and British science fiction writer Stephen Baxter with some trepidation. It is touted to be the first in "an exciting new collaboration".

> Liszt: Wagner Paraphrases. Asher Fisch (piano.) Melba CD.

> Valentina Lisitsa Live at the Royal Albert Hall. Valentina Lisitsa (piano). Decca CD.

> Christopher Blake: Angel at Ahipara. NZ Symphony Orchestra strings. Atoll CD.

> "Beethoven For All". West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Daniel Barenboim (conductor and pianist). Decca 2 CDs