Notebooks

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Nijinsky’s last dance

The great dancer Vaslav Nijinsky's astonishing revival after decades of madness ranks as one of the most mysterious events in art - he found it in himself to have one last dance.

Harry Cluff January 15, 2021

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The Black Ditch lives

To follow the course of London's ancient rivers is to take a journey through centuries of history.

Tom Holland January 12, 2021

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The shadow of 1912: history points to a GOP split

The shadow of 1912 hangs heavily over today’s Republican party. The Republicans lost out to the Democrats after Theodore Roosevelt continued to campaign on a 'Progressive' ticket a..

Andrew Roberts January 8, 2021

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The many meanings of Georgia O’Keeffe

We should take inspiration from Georgia O'Keeffe's high-minded approach to art and morality. Her life story is a lesson in the importance of deeply felt principles.

Francesca Peacock January 8, 2021

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Why we make lists

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to endless list-making and tally-counting. History shows us that this is a fundamental human need.

Alastair Benn January 6, 2021

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Painting by numbers

The fortunes and friendships of Maurice Princet – mathematician and 'godfather' of Cubism – testify to the enduring link between art and abstraction.

Harry Cluff December 23, 2020

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The enduring spirit of Christmas

From pagan rituals to paper hats, the tradition of the festive season has always evolved with the times.

Clive Aslet December 22, 2020

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John le Carré: the timeless allure of a true literary great

The master storyteller - who has died aged 89 - chronicled the Cold War and revealed powerful truths about the human condition

Harry Cluff December 14, 2020

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The lost allure of alchemy

Alchemy embraces a sophisticated set of beliefs and a high-minded cosmology, much to the chagrin of the pure rationalist.

Philip Marsden December 12, 2020