Notebooks

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Roald Dahl’s readable but regrettable Uncle Oswald

The great children's author's adult misfire offers a glimpse into his deeply peculiar psyche.

Alexander Larman January 5, 2024

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The Pythagoras myth

Contrary to popular belief, Pythagoras did not in fact first develop his eponymous theorem, which had been known for over 1,000 years.

Mark Ronan January 4, 2024

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Gaza and the long tail of terror

The war in Gaza will – sooner or later – inspire other Islamist terrorist groups, just as previous conflicts did.

Suzanne Raine January 3, 2024

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Writing in the New Year

While less prominent in literature than Christmas, the New Year has been a subject for many distinguished writers and poets.

Malcolm Forbes January 2, 2024

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New Year’s Christian origins

While the origins of Christmas are well known, New Year’s Day is also a Christian celebration rooted in the early life of Jesus.

Eleanor Parker January 1, 2024

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Fay Schopen, 1975-2023

Fay Schopen, a contributor and editor at Engelsberg Ideas, died on 19 November 2023 at the age of 48.

Engelsberg Ideas December 31, 2023

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The Bethlehem factor

The Bethlehem factor has affected more than just our theology of place: it has changed how we think about everything.

Fergus Butler-Gallie December 25, 2023

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Dickens’ mechanical ghosts

In ‘The Signal-Man’, one of Charles Dickens’ final stories, the author is haunted by the world of the machine and the inability of humans to stop its destructiveness.

Jeremy Wikeley December 21, 2023

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J.G.A. Pocock’s roads not taken

The great historian’s life and works stand as a paean to the power and importance of historical knowledge.

Eloise Davies December 19, 2023