New Posts
Writing Course 2026: “How to write and publish a novel”
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026. A few places still available!
Tristan da Cunha
Tristan da Cunha is improbably remote, and life there is tough. Yet islanders have repeatedly preferred to live there rather than in the United Kingdom.
Writing Course 2026: “How to write and publish a novel”
I’m leading a writing course on the beautiful Greek island of Lesbos from 5-12 September 2026. A few places still available!
Strait of Hormuz: what next?
The Strait of Hormuz: thoughts on “Project Freedom”, its pausing, hints of an imminent deal to reopen the Strait, and what might happen next.
Who’s afraid of autocracy?
“Mr Nobody against Putin” and “The Wave” highlight the seductive danger of autocracy, and why we should never assume “it couldn’t happen here”.
Never by Ken Follett
“Never”, by master thriller-writer Ken Follett, starts slow but the last 20% is excellent as humanity careers towards self-annihilation. Plus: great Follett epigrams.
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.
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