Is there an exception to the rule that the more closely critics cleave to the evaluative/traffic-warden school of reviewing, the unlikelier they are to spark joy when they turn to novels and other *creative writing* projects?

‘There was something about modern buildings that wasn’t quite decent.’ Keith Miller on King Charles’s interventions in public debates about architecture

Checked and found out that I, too, have been used to train AI, so if your quarterly report opens with a throat-clearing intro about limestone or 1970s science fiction you'll know who to thank

Here on the east coast of Sicily it’s a balmy 16º, and the Italians are all dressed as if for a (curiously elegant) polar expedition

With thanks to x.com/ameliahorgan

Third day of Guardian & Observer strikes on Thurs 12 and Fri 13 to feature carols, protest songs & a festive picket line as campaign to #SavetheObserver continues. Please show your support by re-posting & joining us at the Guardian’s HQ, details 👇 www.nuj.org.uk/resource/thi...

Statement on decision by The Scott Trust and GMG boards to approve the sale in principle of the Observer to Tortoise Media: NUJ general secretary-elect Laura Davison said: “Members at the Guardian and Observer will be angry and extremely disappointed that The Scott Trust and GMG boards have chosen..

I have three one-month vittles subscriptions to give out if anyone wants to read past the first paragraph of all the things that caught their eye in the past - dm me if interested, if they do dms on here

We read all the cold pitches we receive, and we've had at least one writer get their very first print byline in the last five issues. Send us your best ideas to [email protected] - we look forward to hearing from you

I would argue it’s Poor Artists by Zarina Muhammad and Gabrielle de La Puente aka The White Pube rather than Poor Artists aka The White Pube by Zarina Muhammad and Gabrielle de La Puente but it’s not my department, anyway I mostly loved this www.the-tls.co.uk/regular-feat...

My friend Charlotte has written a beautiful, wry, loving obituary of her father Peter www.theguardian.com/society/2024...

I shot the serif

Afternoon, new followers. Twitter's sudden fall is worrying news for small publications like ours. If you like what we do, buy a magazine from the archive or even a subscription for the year. www.the-fence.com/shop/

Books of the Year 2024: Our contributors choose their favourites www.the-tls.co.uk/regular-feat...

I am in @thetls.bsky.social twice this week: suggesting three (3) BOTYs and reviewing my neighbour and occasional (in between haircuts) celebrity lookalike Jay Rayner