The Latest Posts

Anxiety, depression and drugs — teenagers’ stories

As a new report reveals that teens are among the most troubled age group in the developed world, young people and parents share their experiences of mental illness
Megan Williams
No comments
Feb, 2

Sci-fi novels by women, chosen by Naomi Alderman

Science fiction is often perceived as a man’s genre; people think of “nerds” in box rooms writing stories about 1950s-style lantern-jawed heroes fighting space battles and making it with alien babes. The reason for
Megan Williams
No comments
Jan, 23

Why poetry has never been better

The poetic arts have never been healthier, declares the Cheltenham Festival’s Guest Director in charge of poetry
Megan Williams
No comments
Jan, 7

Books of the year: poetry

Celebrating a year of fine collections
Megan Williams
No comments
Dec, 23

Poetry reading could be arresting

Six people have already responded to Ian Bailey’s request for financial assistance to publish his first book of poetry, contributing €800. Four remained anonymous. The “journalist and academic lawyer” has taken to FundIt in
Megan Williams
No comments
Dec, 11

Bryan Appleyard on the emotive force of poetry

We turn to poetry in times of need, but can it really help? And why doesn’t it sell more copies?
Megan Williams
No comments
Dec, 1

DNA test to prove legend of Pocahontas and the mulberry tree

The legend that Pocahontas, the Native American princess brought to England 400 years ago, planted a mulberry tree that still bears fruit is to be tested by scientists.
Megan Williams
No comments
Nov, 20

Robert Holdstock: fantasy fiction writer

Although he wrote more than 40 books in a career that began in the mid-1970s, Robert Holdstock will probably always be best known as the author of Mythago Wood, a novel in which a
Megan Williams
No comments
Nov, 5

School expels vampires and Alex Rider

Out with Alex Rider and in with William Brown. A leading head teacher has vetoed some of the most popular modern children’s fiction for his school library, declaring it “so simplistic, brutal or banal”
Megan Williams
No comments
Oct, 22

Tudor treachery and fantasy tales

This manor has links to Henry VIII and a children’s storybook hero
Megan Williams
No comments
Oct, 9