100 best nonfiction books of all timeTravel writingMuch admired by Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh, Robert Byron’s dazzling, timeless account of a journey to Afghanistan is perhaps the greatest travel book of the 20th centuryAccording to Robert Byron’s Oxford contemporary Evelyn Waugh – never the most reliable witness – the future author of The Road to Oxiana used to delight in shouting “Down with abroad”. Typical in striking a pose, Byron was an aggressive Oxford aesthete of the “Brideshead generation”, a homosexual wanderer whose precocious career as a travel writer and art historian can be traced through a succession of prewar gems. Read More...
10 of the bestThe SmithsThe Smiths: 10 of the bestFrom a landmark debut single to the epics of love and loss, here are 10 classic Smiths songs to warm you up for Morrissey’s forthcoming UK tour
1. Hand in GloveThe Smiths’ first single was everything one might want a debut to be: an extraordinary statement of musical and lyrical intent, in which Morrissey and Johnny Marr laid down a manifesto. Morrissey’s was one of difference: “No it’s not like any other love/ This one is different because it’s us! Read More...
OpinionSlavery This article is more than 4 years oldBritain was built on the backs of slaves. A memorial is the least they deserveThis article is more than 4 years oldAfua HirschA planned monument is at risk because of a lack of funds. What an undignified messHow’s your Black History Month going so far? I’ve given a dozen talks – including one at a large firm where I was heckled by a senior partner who was furious that I was stressing the integral role of black people in British history. Read More...
