‘Where there is discord’: The 1979 election

ALWYN TURNER on the arrival of Margaret Thatcher in Downing Street. Continue reading →

Our Singapore

SIMON MATTHEWS on the Empire Trilogy of JG Farrell, and what it tells us about Brexit. Continue reading →

The battle of the bulls’ semen

ALWYN TURNER remembers John Major’s problems with BSE and the EU. Continue reading →

First lines: 1970s – part 2

ALWYN TURNER chooses the best opening lines in British pop 1975-79, from Peter Skellern to the Monochrome Set. Continue reading →

First lines: 1970s – part 1

The best opening lines in British pop 1970-75, from Black Sabbath to the Goodies, chosen by ALWYN TURNER. Continue reading →

‘I see nothing wrong with rock ’n’ roll, but…’

Cyril Smith didn’t approve of schoolchildren dancing to rock music, says ALWYN TURNER. Continue reading →

Imperial fiction: Dickson McCunn & Co.

ALWYN TURNER on the continuing adventures of John Buchan’s heroes from the Gorbals. Continue reading →

Shine on, Harvest moon

BEN FINLAY celebrates the label that gave us Pink Floyd, Kevin Ayres, Roy Harper and, er, the Third Ear Band. Continue reading →

Brexit and the beautiful game

From Derek Dougan to Gary Lineker, PAUL SAFFER finds plenty of footballers who won’t kick the big issues into the long grass. Continue reading →