Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio.

I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

Today though, we're taking a step away from the news to take a look at some broader global

stories.

Odds are that you can't name too many ancient Chinese monasteries, but you probably know

the name Shaolin.

The fact that it's become an international brand makes some uncomfortable.

For the man who made it so, it was necessary.

And an annual tradition at the Economist is that the staff submit their picks for the most

outstanding books of the year.

Our culture editor runs through the best of the best.

At first, the central zambian town of Cobwe has been called the most toxic place on the

planet.

It was developed around a lead mine built by a British colonial firm in the early 1900s.

Although the mine shut its doors in 1994, its toxic dust continues to plague the town.

Some residents try to protect themselves, like Joy Ambusi, who tells her young brothers

not to play outside.

Now, a class action lawsuit against Anglo-American South Africa, which was affiliated with

the mine for 50 years, is seeking compensation for more than 100,000 women and children.

We intend to defend our position as we don't believe that Anglo-American is responsible

for the current situation.

...