Page 12 - Iain Sinclair News Today

Divine Images. The Life and Work of William Blake, Jason Whittaker (hbck, 392pp, £25, Reaktion Books) Reaktion Books were previously responsible for a wonderful series called Topographics, that included many titles which came at place[s] from a number of oblique angles. Their current Cityscopes editions are more straightforward: a potted history, some essays on the contemporary city, along with a profusion of photographs, marketed as ‘essential cultural companions to the world’s greatest c...

Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers? We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions. What should we do with our second vote in 2021? What happens if Westminster says no to indyref2? Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls wh...

Why cities emptied by COVID-19 are perfect for modern flaneurs Copying the approach of Baudelaire’s quizzical stroller can help us escape lockdown — even if he needs a little updating By Chris Moss / The Guardian Charles Baudelaire, whose 200th birthday yesterday was celebrated with stamp issues, new editions of his poetry and virtual events, is arguably more famous for his concept of the flaneur — an aimless stroller or ambler — than for his writing. That’s partly because reading h...

First published on Tue 6 Apr 2021 01.30 EDT Charles Baudelaire, whose 200th birthday on 9 April will be celebrated with stamp issues, new editions of his poetry and virtual events, is arguably more famous for his concept of the flâneur – an aimless stroller or ambler – than for his writing. That’s partly because reading his volumes Les Fleurs du Mal or Le Spleen de Paris requires a degree of application, but also because the idea of an individual moving through the city stree...

Posted on Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 by Kalyn Corrigan Fascination with the occult has long been a fixation in the minds of many across the globe. Whether it be a perverse manifestation of the panic which sets in among all classes when the balance begins to shift toward greater individual freedom, an overdue opportunity to express guilt and sin under the guise of accusations against innocent victims, or just wanting to check out your astrology horoscope for the week, the idea of witches and witc...

‘And this also,” says Marlow, the narrator of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, “has been one of the dark places of the Earth.” He’s talking about the stretch of the Thames estuary near Tilbury in Essex, that is now bookended by the imposing pylons of the cable-stayed Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the bulk liquid storage facilities of Canvey Island. It’s a little downstream from Purfleet, which Dracula found a handy place to keep his 50 boxes of Transylvania...

Oyunaa in Mongolia’s Tavan Bogd mountains. Photograph: Ruth Wiggins Oyunaa in Mongolia’s Tavan Bogd mountains. Photograph: Ruth Wiggins From crossing Ulaanbaatar’s chaotic streets to hiking sacred mountains, Oyunaa had an infectious love of her country – and a determination to succeed RuthWiggins Fri 5 Mar 2021 01.30 EST Last modified on Tue 16 Mar 2021 09.34 EDT Iain Sinclair’s phrase, “space expresses itself through the person you choose as a guide”, was in my mind as I stepped ...

Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth by Wole Soyinka (Bloomsbury) The Nobel laureate’s first novel in almost 50 years promises “murder, mayhem and no shortage of drama” in contemporary Nigeria. The Thursday Murder Club 2 by Richard Osman (Viking) Last year the Pointless co-host’s cosy crime debut set in a retirement home broke sales records; here comes the sequel. Waters of Salvation by Richard Coles (W&N) A new crime series from everyone’s favourite vicar begins ...

10 of London’s best long walks to try Abigail Blasi © Provided by The Independent If you’re in London and yearning for a long walk, but don’t want to veer from your tier, the capital has an astonishing range of long, signposted trails for ramblers.   They range from less than 10 miles to more than 100 miles, with plenty to discover in between. So strap on your walking shoes and see a side of the capital without the crowds. Capital Ring (78 miles) The Capital Ring starts...

Q&A: Patrick Roberts, independent sales consultant Jo Francis Friday, December 18, 2020 It’s been a landmark year for Patrick, who has spent a whopping 50 years in print. In 1970 he worked as a bench hand for Ward Printing and then became a production trainee at The Longman Group (now Pearson Educational). Roberts: cigars and frequent travel are his greatest luxuries His career also includes roles at Ancient House Press and Wolsey Press. For 17 years he has...