Northern England
Where is the West Country accent?
Once the BBC has finished buttering up the North, how about promoting the West? asks Roland White
Mugabe and Me
From bonding over jokes about Jesuit teachers to becoming a persona non grata, David Smith recalls his relationship with Robert Mugabe
The limits of optimism
Like Mr Stimpson in the film Clockwise, Boris Johnson is learning about the perils of fostering hope
Harry and Meghan – the aftermath
Over the course of two excoriating hours during the Oprah interview, The Firm found itself accused of racism, snobbery and emotional retardation
How the pandemic has exacerbated our struggle for dignity
David Goodhart’s recent book is a reminder that we need to look out for those whose lives, jobs and purpose are disappearing
Banking party poopers
When we set up the Reclaim Party, we met every type of establishment obstacle
Sporting life
This biography on Sir Stanley Rous and sport in the twentieth century is scholarly, balanced and well-written, says Lincoln Allison
Escape to Vaccinery
Where’s the reckless rogue Tory MPs elected leader? Who’s this square?
Putting a price on scholarship
Charles Saumarez Smith on the battle to safeguard the future of some of Britain’s oldest and best-known learned societies
Hungarian Serenade (Naxos)
The outstanding Offenburg String Trio play a gripping compilation of some of the most richly coloured and painfully consequential music you are ever likely to hear
Monuments to self-expression
Serenhedd James finds folly and ruin frequently go together in Rory Fraser’s new release: Follies