Modernism emerged as a cultural force in a world still recovering from the effects of World War 1 and an increasingly industrialised world. Many writers, poets, painters and other creatives sought to reflect a civilization in moral decay, fragmented in its identity. Many of these invoked older traditions in order to subvert and revise them,… Continue reading Making it New: William Carlos Williams
From Nazi Germany to the Pinochet regime in Chile, the burning of books has been a potent symbol of authoritarian control, cultural repression, and the systematic elimination of dissent. While the act of burning books might seem extreme, it is a deliberate and strategic move by fascist regimes to consolidate power and eliminate any threats… Continue reading Why fascists burn books: a history of censorship and control
Founded in 1969 by Richard Kuper, Pluto Press emerged in London as a publishing house committed to challenging dominant political ideologies and fostering activism. Pluto Press quickly gained traction by advocating for Trotskyist and Marxist viewpoints and supporting the broader revolutionary left. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the world’s most influential… Continue reading Pluto Press: a legacy of radical publishing and activism
In an age where literature often feels confined to the pages of books and the walls of academia, London Literary Tours emerges as a vibrant antidote. Led by passionate guides Mike Carter and Cindy Lawford, this unique venture invites literary enthusiasts to explore the city through the eyes of its greatest writers, weaving together their… Continue reading London Literary Tours: embark on an unforgettable journey through the city’s literary soul
Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus, is an 1818 novel by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Set in the late 18th century, it follows scientist Victor Frankenstein’s creation of life and the terrible events that are precipitated by his abandonment of his creation. It is a Gothic novel in that it combines supernatural elements with horror, death and… Continue reading Frankenstein: how Mary Shelley’s sci-fi classic offers lessons for us today about the dangers of playing God
The United States has become a nation divided over important issues in K-12 education, including which books students should be able to read in public school. Efforts to ban books from school curricula, remove books from libraries and keep lists of books that some find inappropriate for students are increasing as Americans become more polarized in their views. These… Continue reading Is book banning in the US unconstitutional?
James Joyce’s Ulysses, which turned 102 last February, is now central to the literary canon and features on university literature courses around the world. However, it was not always as revered as it is now. In fact, it was banned as obscene before it was first published as a complete novel, regarded as a work… Continue reading Ulysses at 102: why it was banned for being obscene
Secrecy has become as important for corporations as transparent and taxable profits used to be, according to Raymond W. Baker in his new book Invisible Trillions. Global capitalism, he argues, operates beyond the rule of law. This contributes to extreme inequality that threatens liberal democracy. Deals in the financial secrecy system account for half of global economic… Continue reading Invisible Trillions review: global capitalism operates beyond the rule of law and threatens democracy
A cultural critic rails against a society that worships celebrity and prizes images over ideas. A progressive intellectual attacks the dominance of corporate elites. A curmudgeonly academic condemns his society’s ignorance of its past and the dumbing down of public education. A psychologically astute writer explores the conflicts eddying around gender and sexuality. Who are these disparate… Continue reading Seer of the selfie: In The Culture of Narcissism, Christopher Lasch excoriated his self-absorbed society
A major transformation is underway in Romancelandia. Once upon a time, romance novels from major U.S. publishers featured only heterosexual couples. Today, the five biggest publishers regularly release same-sex love stories. From May 2022 to May 2023, sales of LGBTQ+ romance grew by 40%, with the next biggest jump in this period occurring for general… Continue reading What’s behind the astonishing rise in LGBTQ+ romance literature?
