Reviews Archive

A group of elderly women in Kyoto, Japan. Credit: Trevor Mogg

Review

Japan: the world’s demographic canary

As he travels the country uncovering decay at almost every turn, Tom Feiling proves a superb guide – not only to Japan, but to the uncertain future of every ageing society.

Caroline Eden May 1, 2026

Agnus Dei by Francisco de Zurbarán in the Museo del Prado. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Review

Zurbarán: the mysteries of a singular talent

The National Gallery's absorbing exhibition confirms the greatness of Francisco de Zurbarán, a Spanish master of extraordinary range whose reputation continues to grow.

Paul Lay April 30, 2026

Advertisement from July 1930 for the CINE-KODAK home movie camera for black and white.

Review

A glimpse of Edith Tudor Hart’s long Cold War

The Austrian-British photographer's long career as a Soviet spy sheds light on the crucial role played by women in the Kremlin's espionage operations abroad.

Tim Bouverie April 27, 2026

An illustration celebrating the restoration of the Ottoman Constitution on 24 July 1908.

Review

How the Ottoman Spring unravelled

The Young Turk Revolution of 1908 lapsed into despotism because its leaders adhered zealously to the French Jacobin ideal of a powerful, centralised and egalitarian state.

Halil Karaveli April 24, 2026

A statue in Central Park dedicated to women's rights pioneers such as Sojourner Truth.

Review

Restoring mothers to the historical record

An epic history of motherhood highlights the indignity, violence and injustice faced by mothers, alongside inspiring stories of women who fought against established norms.

Alev Scott April 23, 2026

Review

Maxim Gorky’s summer of discontent

In his drama 'Summerfolk', Maxim Gorky wrote an obituary for the Tsarist order.

Malcolm Forbes April 23, 2026

General Hideki Tojo taking the stand for the first time during the Tokyo Trials in Japan on 26 December, 1947. Credit: Shawshots

Review

Entering the world of Tojo Hideki, wartime Japan’s apex political predator

Peter Mauch's biography treats Tojo as neither hero nor villain, but as the embodiment of Japanese militarism that brought catastrophe upon the country.

Iain MacGregor April 22, 2026