Reviews

Review

Curt Bloch’s underwater resistance

A German Jewish refugee who spent the Second World War underground in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands, Curt Bloch resisted the regime with wit, bravery — and cartoons.

Malcolm Forbes March 15, 2024

Review

All hail King Zog?

The outlandish life of Albania's King Zog receives a vivid, if uncharitable, retelling.

Daniel Marc Janes March 13, 2024

Review

The shoeless violinist

Patricia Kopatchinskaja's performances have a freewheeling recklessness that feels almost improvised.

Benjamin Poore March 11, 2024

Review

In search of Kerak castle

A new study testifies to the long and remarkable history of Kerak castle, a Crusader stronghold turned major strategic asset for Saladin.

Nicholas Morton March 8, 2024

Review

Orkney: ‘the most dangerous place of all Christendom’

Orkney's sense of difference from the Scottish mainland is rooted in the distant past and the archipelago's turbulent modern history.

Katherine Harvey March 7, 2024

Review

Sargent’s brush with fashion

A delightful exhibition of John Singer Sargent's portraits at Tate Britain is worth visiting, despite its faddish curatorial decision-making.

Alexandra Wilson March 5, 2024

Review

The Teddy Boys’ two-fingered salute

The postwar revival of Edwardian fashion among the British youth was a rebellion against a world of rationing and restriction.

Mathew Lyons February 29, 2024

Review

Cymande growing old gracefully

A new documentary charts the band’s journey from obscurity to unexpected success.

Max Mitchell February 28, 2024

Review

Attlee’s shadow

Clement Attlee's Labour government rebuilt Britain after the Second World War and left a contested legacy that has been claimed by both major parties ever since.

Nick Kaderbhai February 26, 2024