Simon Ings News Today

‘The production of souls is more important than the production of tanks… And therefore I raise my glass to you, writers, the engineers of the human soul.’ The quote is usually attributed to Stalin, though the phrase ‘engineers of human souls’ most likely came from someone else. Who’s to argue? Purges, executions, deportations – what’s

Alun David is underwhelmed by a book about literary thinkers

The list of writer-politicians goes back as far as Julius Caesar, who wrote a robust account of his campaigns. More recently, Boris Johnson has published fiction, as has former culture secretary Nadine Dorries, although neither to much acclaim. Inevitably, the names on this list tend to be either minor politicians or minor writers. Often both. 

The best novels of 2023 featuring new books from authors including Rose Tremain, Adam Biles, Stephen King, Paul Lynch, and Zadie Smith.

KARL GROSSMAN ,  https://fair.org/home/critics-picked-up-on-oppenheimers-all-too-timely-warning-on-nuclear-war/ 1 Sept 23 The reviews in media of the film Oppenheimer have been largely positive—and perceptive and thoughtful. With a few exceptions, most reviewers “got” the message of the film. Oppenheimer is not a film in the mold of Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, the 1964 movie by…

Culture Editor Nia Simeonova sits down with International Booker Prize winner Georgi Gospodinov to discuss "Time Shelter" - a rare jewel of European literature.

Since his employer crashed into administration last November, Simon Ings has struggled to find work. He is desperately waiting for months of pay that he is owed

An Indiana University School of Medicine professor condemns the school's gender lesson in the "Human Structure" course as "anti-scientific."

It pays to know what you really need from a sophisticated learning machine, particularly if you don't want a killer robot on your hands, says Simon Ings

In this award-winning and compelling documentary, rescuing the injured black kites and water birds of Delhi is a family effort, finds Simon Ings