Are fictional politicians as interesting as the real thing?
Sir David Hare’s new BBC drama feels small-scale when we are surrounded by far more impressive real-life spectacles
In defence of knowledge
Richard Ovenden’s new book is a passionate defence of the sanctity of knowledge expressed through literature
The enduring appeal of Jeeves and Wooster
Ben Schott’s new novel is hugely welcome, but thankfully it will never threaten to obscure the genius of the canon
The Divine Comedy at 30
The Divine Comedy will be playing a concert at the Barbican on 14 October to celebrate Neil Hannon
Plagiarism in comedy – homage or theft?
How a hugely popular American satirical show ripped off an online British comedian
No Time for Cinema to Die
What does the postponement of the new James Bond film mean for the future of cinema?
Royal legal cases: what if Harry and Meghan lose?
The Sussexes’ legal pursuits are less the straw that broke the camel’s back and more a gesture of defiance
Why Sherlock Holmes remains the greatest detective
There is no need to make Sherlock Holmes more likeable, part of his brilliance is in his ambiguity
Will there ever be a good Covid protest song?
A decent lockdown protest song is about as likely as a vaccine before Christmas
Are socially distanced festivals the future of entertainment?
Appledore book festival has paved the way for Covid-friendly entertainment in the UK
Sean Scully in France
He’s been showered with honours and awards — yet plenty of people can’t stand his work
A recipe for decline
This budget will do nothing to lift Britain from its doldrums
Ireland must accept the Cass Review
The Republic is ignoring the disturbing evidence about youth transition
No, Churchill wasn’t the bad guy
The debate over Britain’s wartime leader has been reignited by an ignorant revisionist account
The uneasy aftermath of the Austrian elections
Will the Austrian establishment close ranks against the Freedom Party?
Smacking harms children
Smacking didn’t harm you? Maybe this debate isn’t for you
Landfill indie remembered
A Golden Age? It was barely a Plastic Age
Join the escalation?
That world war may not erupt imminently is no excuse for being complacent
In praise of Elon Musk
He deserves respect for his defence of free expression online
On the King’s Road to ruin
The decline of commerce on Chelsea’s celebrated street is a worrying sign for London
Trump: Post-Modernist?
The former — and future? — president has an awkward but interesting relationship with the truth
