New Posts
My 2026 writing course on Lesbos
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026.
Classic thrillers and where to find them
We all long for a cracking thriller. But where to find them? Here are some classic thrillers, suggested by me and my friend Paul.
Writing style: a bizarre labyrinth
A clutch of ancient papers reveals complexity and charm in the writing style of a university administration. A model of clarity and humanity.
The Rosie Project
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is a near-perfect, laugh-out-loud comedy. Yet few people in the UK seem to have heard of it.
“Seven More Hotel Stories” – Volume 2
“Seven More Hotel Stories” is the second volume of tales starring the world’s most glamorous, brilliant and mischievous hotel manager, referred to as Ms N to protect her anonymity.
“Luxury Spa”: an Austrian Hotel Story
When Ms N, the world’s most mischievous hotel manager, visits a well-being spa high in the Austrian Alps, she finds a host of knotty problems to solve.
Tag der deutschen Einheit (Day of German Unity)
Was I right in my book “Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and Parties” to refer to a “Tag der Deutschen Einheit” (Day of German Unity) concert at the Philips Halle in Düsseldorf on 17 June 1981?
Costa Rica: Patagonia to Costa Rica 5
Costa Rica: turtle hatchlings, superb beaches, excellent coffee and wildlife everywhere. What’s not to like?
Colombia: Patagonia to Costa Rica 4
Colombia at last! This is the fourth of my posts about my Patagonia to Costa Rica trip. New material appears at the bottom of the
Ecuador: Patagonia to Costa Rica 3
Ecuador is breathtaking: from an icy climb up the Cotopaxi volcano to a boat trip around the Galapagos.
Peru: Patagonia to Costa Rica 2
Peru is home to some of the greatest treasures in Latin America, including Machu Picchu. Read on for more about Inca sites, Cusco and Lima.
Chile: Patagonia to Costa Rica 1
Chile, where I begin my 6-week trip from Patagonia to Costa Rica, is full of adventures from glaciers and mountains to the Atacama Desert.
LOVE-MAKING, TROLLOPE STYLE
A description of “love-making” in the 1867 novel “The Last Chronicle of Barset” illustrates the wit, wisdom and charm of underrated 19th century novelist Anthony Trollope. It also explores the pleasures – and dangers – of extra-marital adventures.
My upcoming talks: Bonn and Düsseldorf
Following my visit to Vienna, I’m in Bonn and Düsseldorf on 3 and 4 November to give talks and sign books. Full details below. 27-29
Natural gas: how it poisons politics
Natural gas has a corrupting influence on politics. Politicians hoping for a bonanza from lifting sanctions on Russia should take take note.
A Trump sell-out of Ukraine – and US interests?
A Trump sell-out of Ukraine to give President Putin everything he wants looks the likeliest outcome of the 15 August Alaska summit. The costs of any such sell-out for the rest of the world – and the US itself – would be high.
Cocaine Nights – JG Ballard
“Cocaine Nights” is one of the last novels by English writer JG Ballard. It is a rich, ravishing, blackly comic indictment of modern life.
Trump-Ukraine: a new policy?
Trump-Ukraine: on 14 July 2025 the President threatened major new sanctions against Russia and promised to “massively supply” arms to Ukraine. Is this significant?
Salonica, City of Ghosts
“Salonica – City of Ghosts” is an eery, elegiac portrait of a city that – in many respects – had a completely different identity to
Fake facts: “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”
Fake facts: my theory about the origin of “42” in “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” was nonsense. The puzzle of its true origin persists.
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