Notebooks

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William Gerhardie’s Russian Problem

The novelist William Gerhardie won early acclaim for his portraits of Russia and its people. But both the critics and his ever-diminishing public failed to appreciate his wider vis..

James Snell April 19, 2023

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The Return of Russia’s Soviet Past

Vladimir Kara-Murza’s trial is a chilling reminder of the trials of Soviet dissidents in the sixties, seventies and eighties.

Elisabeth Braw April 18, 2023

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What Waco Means Now

The outlandish ideas of US conspiracists caught fire in Texas 30 years ago. Their flame still burns.

Phil Tinline April 18, 2023

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A New Breed of Hobby Horse

At present, far too much seriousness is invested in hobbies. They should instead be pursued quietly, for their own sake.

Alastair Benn April 14, 2023

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Macron stands apart from the United States – and Europe

The French President’s visit to China demonstrates why European Strategic Autonomy cannot be just a French Project.

Alessio Patalano April 14, 2023

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Three Colours: Blue — growing old gracefully

Thirty years on from its release, Three Colours: Blue remains as vivid a depiction of grief as ever.

Agnès Poirier April 12, 2023

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Pensions in a time of kings

The idea of a ‘right to retirement’ dates back to the Ancien Régime, derived from the social expectations of its elites, and dependent upon the king’s authority. The French protest..

Lola Salem April 7, 2023

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Succession: the end of the line

Succession will probably conclude like so many other great narrative artworks – a bit shambolically, leaving the viewer mostly bewildered and frustrated.

Alastair Benn April 7, 2023

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Laughing with the Face of God

Christianity is often derided as a humourless creed, but since earliest times Easter has been a time of laughter, prompted by a belief in Christ’s victory over death.

Fergus Butler-Gallie April 7, 2023