Notebooks

Notebooks are snapshots from our writers, reflecting on current affairs and underappreciated aspects of culture and history.

Michael Gambon in Samuel Beckett's 'Eh Joe', 2008.

notebook

The unforgettable Michael Gambon

A mastery of contradiction was perhaps the essence of Michael Gambon's greatness and he played upon it, hiding an evident seriousness and intellect, beneath the persona of one who ..

Oliver Soden September 26, 2024

Italian voice actor Francesco Mandelli at the Italian premier of Inside Out 2.

notebook

Italy’s dubbing delusions

Italy's cherished dubbing industry, a point of national pride, may be the cause of the poor quality of English among Italians.

Tobias Jones September 25, 2024

notebook

The last chance for Sudan

If no progress towards peace in Sudan is made at the UN General Assembly, in all likelihood the nation will cease to exist in any meaningful sense of the word.

Richard Cockett September 23, 2024

The restoration of Notre-Dame cathedral.

notebook

The revelation of Joachim du Bellay

The remains of Joachim du Bellay have been discovered beneath Notre-Dame cathedral, placing the Renaissance poet back at the centre of the French language and culture that he did s..

Agnès Poirier September 23, 2024

Hizbollah propaganda in Beirut, Lebanon.

notebook

Everything short of war: Hizbollah’s strategy lies in ruins

As Israel embarks on a dramatic new phase in the conflict on its northern border, Hizbollah’s leadership faces a dilemma.

John Raine September 20, 2024

A funeral organised by Hizbollah for four people killed in the explosions of pagers in an unprecedented attack in Lebanon and Syria.

notebook

Old tech makes new problems for Hizbollah

The explosions of pagers and radios in Lebanon reveals an ongoing battle of technological adaptation between Hizbollah and Israeli intelligence agencies.

Tony Ingesson September 19, 2024

notebook

The argument for meeting famous people

As many more people have their 'fifteen minutes of fame', celebrity encounters have never been more common. Make the most of them.

Suzanne Raine September 11, 2024

notebook

The spies make their case

In a modern-day democracy, it is important for intelligence agencies to have their voices heard.

Dan Lomas September 11, 2024

notebook

What is a tyrant?

Tyranny is an ancient concept with a long history going all the way back to the ancient Greeks. Understanding how the best minds have grappled with this elusive term can enrich con..

Edmund Stewart September 9, 2024