The first episode of The Critic Books Podcast: in conversation with J. R. Thorp.

Gatsby aside, F. Scott Fitzgerald — the Jazz-Age chronicler — is dispensable

Although Hermione rarely names names or dishes dirt with quite the enthusiasm that her mother did, then she too has her tales to tell

When poetry is sold as nothing more inspiring than literary politics, is it any surprise the poetry shelves in Waterstones are so dusty?

Professor Jeremy Black rounds up the best autumnal reads that are successful in grounding a sense of place

Few writers do justice to food, but the exceptions are glorious, says Felipe Fernández-Armesto

Why are publishers so sniffy about stocking fillers?

Richard Ingrams’ “roughing up” of G. K. Chesterton begs the question: who is creating a smokescreen around whom?

Robin Ashenden talks to the prescient Lionel Shriver about cancel culture

When identity is the primary means of engagement with art, criticism is reduced to mud-slinging