The Orwell Prize
The prestigious British prize has announced its annual winners in the categories of journalism and political writing, together with a special prize for foreign correspondent the late Marie Colvin, who died in Syria.
-
-
Speak the Best Word
Margaret Fuller, writing in 1840, had some very pertinent things to say about people who have opinions and like to sound off.
-
The Seven John Murrays
One of the most prestigious of British publishers existed as an independent entity from 1768 to 2002 and published Lord Byron, Jane Austen, Charles Darwin and many others.
-
No talent? His eyes flashed angrily
There is still time to book for Dan Brown in Dublin and hear how he does it.
-
Saloon Bar Blues
Philip Larkin is still among Britain’s most read poets, which must testify to a certain appetite for gloom. Alan Bennett however finds it is sometimes all a little too much.
-
Friday Night and the Lights are Low
Dancing in the Regency period may have looked from a distance like a straitlaced and buttoned-up affair, but it was vital to the reproduction of ‘good society’ and charged with excitement and sexual energy.
-
Quiet Please
A new study examines silence in the Christian tradition and its use for good and evil.
-
Carson shortlisted for RSL Prize
Liam Carson has been shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature/Ondaatje prize for his memoir of his parents, Call Mother a Lonely Field.
-
The Beautiful German Language
Some people think it sounds harsh, and some very eminent Germans historically thought it wouldn’t do, but spoken by the right person it will make you swoon.
-
A Tale of Two Cats
A paw print found on a fifteenth century manuscript has set social media abuzz.