Not all Americans are so crass
In the face of American snark about the Queen’s death, many a British newspaper reader was disgusted. With bad tidings…
On with the next escape plan
Given the prisoners’ histories, it’s not surprising there were so many attempted breakouts from Colditz, says Clare Mulley
What a ride
Moonage Daydream is a music documentary like no other, which is fitting as the subject is David Bowie. If it’s…
Happiness is a warm gun
‘Better use your sense,’ advised Bob Dylan: ‘take what you have gathered from coincidence.’ John Higgs is a master of…
Dire
‘Dire?’ said my husband. ‘It’s something chronic.’ He was putting on his idea of an Estuary accent, in a manner…
For the chop
Like Dostoevsky’s Underground Man, Perhat Tursun’s unnamed protagonist is an outcast. A young Uighur in an increasingly Han city (Urumchi,…
Back on the road again
Get ready for more of Less: Andrew Sean Greer’s hapless novelist is back on the road. First things first: you…
Who’s pursuing a vendetta?
Lord help me I love a hatchet job, and you’ll have to too if you want to make it through…
Solution to 2570: Short story
Arthur C. Clarke (31/45) said that Ernest Hemingway (35/12) won a bet from fellow writers for the shortest story: FOR…
Diary
I am completely and utterly devastated by the passing of our wonderful, inspirational Queen, as I’m sure are so many…
Her act of Union
In death, as in life, Elizabeth II has been a unifying force for her country. For all the political rancour…
She did not change
Watchful, dutiful, serious but smiling — and with her personality kept skilfully hidden
Days of passing
There have been few more momentous weeks in British history, or indeed in world history. This commentator must plead guilty.…
When Picasso met Lee Miller
During the liberation of Paris in August 1944, the photographer Lee Miller made her way to Picasso’s studio on rue…
Larkin about
In Competition No. 3266, you were invited to reimagine one of Philip Larkin’s poems in the style of a poet…
So much better than talking
In all the tributes to Her late Majesty’s constancy, dignity, wisdom and devotion to duty, not enough has been said…
Puzzle no. 720
White to play and mate in two moves. Composed by Edith Baird, for The Chess Amateur, 1923. Answers should be…
Bridge
It’s tough trying to recall every card that the opponents have played when you’re in the middle of a tricky…
Pique or cheat?
In the third round of the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis, Magnus Carlsen was beaten by 19-year old Hans Niemann,…
The roll-call of the damned
In a classic paradox of bureaucracy, the Index of Forbidden Books only really hit its stride when its original task…
