This week, Kathryn Hughes introduces her new book on the cat craze that swept Edwardian England; and she also tells us about an exhibition of the work of Julia Margaret Cameron and Francesca Woodman. Plus a review of Sunjeev Sahota's The Spoiled Heart. 'Catland: Feline Enchantment and the Making of the Modern World', by Kathryn Hughes 'Portraits to…

As the TLS celebrates all things Shakespeare, Emma Smith goes to see Ian McKellen's larger-than-life Falstaff; plus Rana Mitter on the immense impact and lasting legacy of the Tokyo Trial. 'Player Kings: Henry IV Parts 1 and 2', by William Shakespeare, adapted by Robert Icke, Noël Coward Theatre, London, until June 22, then touring 'Judgement at To…

This week, George Berridge is at the theatre to see Brian Cox in a classic role; and Toby Lichtig on a literary scandal with tragic consequences. 'Long Day's Journey into Night', by Eugene O'Neill, Wyndham's Theatre, London, until June 8 'Bound to Violence', by Yambo Ouologuem, translated by Ralph Manheim 'The Most Secret Memory of Men', by Mohamed…

This week, environmentalist Bill McKibben joins us to talk about the latest in the fight to avert climate catastrophe; and a conversation with the brilliant novelist Hisham Matar about his new novel. 'The Exhausted Earth: Politics in a Burning World', by Ajay Singh Chaudhary 'My Friends', by Hisham Matar Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast.…

This week, Suzi Feay sizes up the public intellectuals, deadbeat aristocrats, hedonistic oligarchs and hardened street soldiers of Andrew O'Hagan's panoramic new novel; and Michael Caines on the prolific and endlessly imaginative world of Ray Bradbury. 'Caledonian Road', by Andrew O'Hagan 'Remembrance: Selected Correspondence of Ray Bradbury', edit…

This week, Andrew Holter takes us into the extraordinary world of Helen Keller, in her own words; and Peter Maber hails a magnificent retrospective of Yoko Ono's radical art and music. 'Autobiographies and Other Writings', by Helen Keller 'Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind', Tate Modern, London, until 1 September 2024 Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted o…

This week, Miranda France contemplates the final novel by Gabriel Garcia Marquez; and Nicola Shulman on what women write in their diaries. 'Until August', by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, translated by Anne McLean 'Secret Voices: A Year of Women's Diaries', by Sarah Gristwood Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf…

This week, novelist William Boyd praises a polyphonic account of a pivotal wartime moment; and Sarah Richmond explores how we may escape ceaseless toil. ‘November 1942: An Intimate History of the Turning Point of World War II’, by Peter Englund, translated by Peter Graves ‘Hijacked: How Neoliberalism Turned the Work Ethic Against Workers and How Wo…

This week, Damon Galgut praises Diane Oliver's exceptional short stories, newly published over half a century after her death; and Rosemary Waugh on theatre director Yaël Farber's visceral engagement with Shakespearean tragedy. 'Neighbors and Other Stories', by Diane Oliver 'King Lear', by William Shakespeare, directed by Yaël Farber, at the Almeid…

This week, Fintan O'Toole assesses what makes Labour leader Keir Starmer tick; and Linda Kinstler on the Ukrainian writer, musician and activist Serhiy Zhadan's chronicles of life during wartime. Plus John Kinsella reads his new poem, 'Rooks'. 'Keir Starmer: The Biography', by Tom Baldwin 'Rooks', by John Kinsella 'How Fire Descends: New and Select…

This week, comedian and actor Tim Key introduces us to his new book of poetry; and Devoney Looser on the bold runaway women of early British novels. 'Chapters', by Tim Key, designed by Emily Juniper 'Gone Girls,1684–1901: Flights of feminist resistance in the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century British novel', by Nora Gilbert Produced by Charlotte P…

The distinguished sociologist and cultural thinker Richard Sennett was once a professional cellist and his new book, The Performer, examines the links between artistic performance, politics and the public-sphere. We were delighted to talk to him about his own experiences asa musician and about prominent figures from Leonard Bernstein and Roland Bar…

This week, a special interview with the sociologist Richard Sennett takes us from Roland Barthes to Leonard Bernstein; and Hettie Judah on two memoirs inspired by a love of 17th-century art. 'The Performer: Art, Life, Politics', by Richard Sennett 'Thunderclap: A Memoir of Art and Life & Sudden Death', by Laura Cumming 'The Upside-Down World: Meeti…

This week, Sinéad Gleeson delights in the byways of Maeve Brennan's New York; and Costica Bradatan explores the enduring appeal of Henry David Thoreau. 'The Long-Winded Lady', by Maeve Brennan, with an introduction by Sinéad Gleeson 'Thoreau's Axe: Distraction and Discipline in American Culture', by Caleb Smith 'Henry at Work: Thoreau on Making a L…

This week, Lamorna Ash goes back to school for the latest reboot of Tina Fey's Mean Girls; and Professor Eric Naiman on the challenges of teaching in the age of ChatGPT. 'Mean Girls', screenplay by Tina Fey, directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr 'The Brothers Karamazov', by Fyodor Dostoevsky Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See…

This week, will George Berridge be convinced by the film adaptation of Alasdair Gray's Poor Things? And Peter Geoghegan explores how the climate emergency is being treated in Westminster. 'Mission zero: The independent net zero review', by Chris Skidmore 'Climate capitalism: Winning the global race to zero emissions', by Akshat Rathi 'The price is …

This week, Charles Foster explores how psychedelic drugs are changing lives; and Alan Jenkins on the lure of the open seas. 'Ten Trips: The new reality of psychedelics', by Andy Mitchell 'Psychedelics: The revolutionary drugs that could change your life – a guide from the expert', by David Nutt 'I feel love: MDMA and the quest for connection in a f…

The acclaimed novelist and her musician daughter on the joys of reading in trees, childhood gardens and what it's like to have a David Austin rose named after you. Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special seasonal highlights show, with contributions from novelists Anne Enright and Samantha Harvey; and James Marcus on partygoers Susan Sontag and George Steiner. 'The Wren, The Wren', by Anne Enright 'Orbital', by Samantha Harvey 'Maestros and monsters: Days & nights with Susan Sontag & George Steiner', by Robert Boyers Produced by Charlotte …

This week, Toby Lichtig goes to see the latest Roald Dahl adaptations, junior critic in tow; and Dinah Birch celebrates the enduring power of Ebenezer Scrooge. 'The Witches', at the National Theatre, London, until 27 January 2024 'Wonka', on general release 'A Christmas Carol', by Charles Dickens Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See aca…

This week, Lauren Elkin takes an artistic stroll in the footsteps of Gertrude Stein; and Maria Margaronis goes in search of Willa Cather deep in the Midwest. 'Gertrude Stein et Pablo Picasso: L'invention du langage', at the Musée du Luxembourg, Paris, until 28 January 2024 'Chasing Bright Medusas: A life of Willa Cather', by Benjamin Taylor Produce…

This week, TLS editor Martin Ivens and writer and broadcaster James O'Brien on the long decline of the Conservatives; and Muriel Zagha celebrates 75 years of Powell and Pressburger's The Red Shoes. 'The Party's Over: The rise and fall of the Conservatives from Thatcher to Sunak', by Phil Barton-Cartledge 'The Right to Rule: Thirteen years, five pri…

This week, our special interview with the newest winner of the Booker Prize, Paul Lynch; and Emily Kopley on new editions of Virginia Woolf's mesmerising diaries. 'Prophet Song', by Paul Lynch 'The Diary of Virginia Woolf', in five volumes. Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

This week, Mary C Flannery explores the spells and potions of medieval magic; and Jean Wilson on the trail of the ever elusive Anne Boleyn. ‘Love spells and lost treasure: Service magic in England from the later Middle Ages to the early modern era’, by Tabitha Stanmore ‘Textual magic: Charm and written amulets in medieval England’, by Katherine Sto…

On this week's show, TLS contributors on the best books of 2023; and David Horspool explores the crucial part sport has played in the evolution of Britain and Britishness. 'More than a game: A history of how sport made Britain', by David Horspool Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

This week, Samantha Harvey joins us to talk about her voyage around the earth; and Miranda France on a fascinating tour of the British archipelago. ‘Orbital’, by Samantha Harvey ‘The Britannias: An island quest’, by Alice Albinia Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

This week, James Marcus goes partying with Susan Sontag and George Steiner; and Laura Beers sheds a light on Eileen O'Shaughnessy, George Orwell's first wife. 'Maestros and monsters: Days and nights with Susan Sontag and George Steiner', by Robert Boyers 'Wifedom: Mrs Orwell's invisible life', by Anna Funder Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Ac…

This week, Colin Jones explores the streets of Paris as the French Revolution grew pace; and an extract from a very special event at the British Library in celebration of Hilary Mantel. 'The Revolutionary Temper: Paris, 1748-1789', by Robert Darnton 'A Memoir of My Former Self: A Life in Writing', by Hilary Mantel Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted…

This week, Ruth Scurr on a magnificent biography of Claude Monet; and Fiona Stafford explores how vital trees were to Wordsworth's work. 'Monet: the restless vision', by Jackie Wullschläger 'Versed in living nature: Wordsworth's trees', by Peter Dale and Brandon C Yen Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor…

This week, Theo Zenou introduces us to the heroes of Jewish boxing; and Sophie Oliver on the development of Virginia Woolf's 'frock consciousness' . 'Stars and scars: The story of Jewish boxing in London', by Jeff Jones 'Bring no clothes: Bloomsbury and the philosophy of fashion', by Charlie Porter 'Bring no clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion', at Cha…

This week, Ysenda Maxtone Graham on the women who fought their way into horticulture; and Mary Beard leads us down a Homeric rabbit hole. 'An almost impossible thing: the radical lives of Britain's pioneering women gardeners', by Fiona Davison 'Homer and his Iliad', by Robin Lane Fox 'The Iliad', translated by Emily Wilson Produced by Charlotte Par…

This week, Elizabeth Lowry is impressed by a study of Hardy’s late-life love poetry; and TLS science editor Sam Graydon on his ‘mosaic’ biography of Einstein ‘Woman much missed: Thomas Hardy, Emma Hardy, and poetry’, by Mark Ford ‘Einstein in time and space: a life in 99 particles’, by Samuel Graydon Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See…

This week, Jonathan Barnes joins us to explore the visionary work of Quatermass creator Nigel Kneale; and a wonderful conversation about literature and horticulture between Dame Penelope Lively and her daughter, musician Josephine Lively. 'The Quatermass Experiment 70th Anniversary', Nigel Kneale, Alexandra Palace 'You Must Listen', BBC Sounds 'Lif…

This week, poet Camille Ralphs explains why she submitted to WH Auden's exacting syllabus; and Toby Lichtig joins us to preview the autumn's notable fiction. 'Daydream College for Bards', by Camille Ralphs 'The Fraud', by Zadie Smith 'North Woods', by Daniel Mason 'The Variations', by Patrick Langley 'The Wren, The Wren,' by Anne Enright Produced b…

This week, we drop in on a conversation between Mary Beard and two former TLS editors; and Anne Enright joins us to talk about turning poet in her new novel. 'Emperor of Rome: Ruling the ancient Roman world', by Mary Beard 'Big Caesars and little Caesars: How they rise and how they fall - from Julius Caesar to Boris Johnson', by Ferdinand Mount 'Pa…

This week, Nicola Shulman introduces the volunteer army who joined James Murray to create the OED; and John Niven on his extraordinary memoir of his brother's life. 'The Dictionary People: The unsung heroes who created the Oxford English Dictionary', by Sarah Ogilvie 'O Brother', by John Niven Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.…

This week, Adam Mars-Jones on the "fractal brocade" of his semi-infinite novel series; and Amber Massie-Blomfield revisits Susan Sontag's production of Waiting for Godot in Sarajevo, thirty years on. 'Caret', by Adam Mars-Jones Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

In the last of our summer round-ups, Gwendoline Riley stalks the streets of London in the company of Michael Bracewell; and Ruth Scurron a final work by the indomitable Janet Malcolm. Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's round-up, we talk to Mary C Flannery about the continuing attraction of the irrepressible Wife of Bath; and mystery writer Nicola Upson on the unconventional life and unforgettable work of Josephine Tey. Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

In the second of our summer round-ups, we revisit Richard Smyth discussing the life and the work of the naturalist Ronald Blythe; and Lucasta Miller on an extraordinary collection of commonplace books. Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of our seasonal round-ups, we look back at Stephen Marche on the agonies of the writing life; and Nat Segnit dives into Adam Gopnik's survey of mastery. 'On writing and failure: Or, the peculiar perseverance required to endure the life of a writer', by Stephen Marche 'The real work: On the mystery of mastery', by Adam Gopnik Produced b…

This week, Kate Hext on women who have run or climbed their way through the world, despite efforts to stop them; and Alice Robb thinks about how - and why - we tell stories through dance. 'In Her Nature: How Women Break Boundaries in the Great Outdoors', by Rachel Hewitt Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in…

This week, cycling commentator par excellence Ned Boulting on the Tour de France of a century ago; and Peter Parker delves into the many faces of the self-styled 'Master' playwright, Noel Coward. '1923: The Mystery of Lot 212 and a Tour de France Obsession', by Ned Boulting 'Masquerade: The Lives of Noel Coward', by Oliver Soden Produced by Charlot…

This week, AE Stallings, the new Oxford professor of poetry, on the lives of poets; and Ann Kennedy Smith considers the different faces of Cornwall. 'Sleeping on islands: A life in poetry', by Andrew Motion 'The American poet laureate: A history of US poetry and the state', by Amy Paeth 'The granite kingdom: A Cornish journey', by Tim Hannigan 'Tre…

This week, Mary Beard is fascinated by an ancient graffito, and novelist Michael Hughes on the murder case that almost brought down the Irish government. A Don's Life: https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/virgil-on-pots-and-walls-blog-post-mary-beard/ 'A Thread of Violence: A Story of Truth, Invention and Murder', by Mark O'Connell Produced by Charlo…

Kathleen Taylor considers human personality under assault from advanced dementia. https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/alzheimer-dementia-sandeep-jauhar-dasha-kiper-susan-elkin-book-review-kathleen-taylor/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's bumper podcast, George Berridge assesses the legacy of Cormac McCarthy; Toby Lichtig on this summer's ideal reads; and an interview with American novelist Brandon Taylor. 'The Late Americans', by Brandon Taylor Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Owen Matthews on the triumph of the Kremlin propaganda machine https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/russia-ian-garner-jade-mcglynn-alexandar-mihailovic-alexander-etkind-book-review-owen-matthews/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, an exhibition of the Italian Renaissance painter Lavinia Fontana's work thrills Norma Clarke; and Kieran Setiya on Sarah Bakewell's bravura survey of the history of humanism. 'Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, rule breaker', at the National Gallery of Ireland until August 27, with accompanying book by Aoife Brady, Babette Bohn and Jonquil O'…

Peter Thonemann on a civilization that questions its first principles. https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/the-west-naoise-mac-sweeney-book-review-peter-thonemann/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.