Notebooks

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Joe Biden and the attractions of Augustine

Why did Joe Biden's quotation of St. Augustine on society and love strike such a chord?

Alexander Lee January 23, 2021

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The tragedy of the Trump circus

Hollywood liked Trump and helped make him. Then he became President. Can entertainment and politics be restored to their proper place?

Jenny McCartney January 22, 2021

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Inauguration and the power of American ritual

The presidential inauguration makes manifest the complexity and beauty of the American Dream.

Harry Cluff January 20, 2021

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On Richelieu’s cats

Richelieu’s cats are not alone in the pantheon of historic pets. There are many of these animals – silent witnesses to the mighty spasms of human history and, it is said, humaniser..

Fergus Butler-Gallie January 15, 2021

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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