The Precision Portraitist
Johan Zoffany’s art enjoyed only a brief vogue, but the RA’s show displays all his technical brilliance
Politics, Ideas and the Arts
Margate Rendezvous
For J.M.W. Turner it wasn't only the beauty of the Kentish coast that attracted him, but also that of a buxom hotelier
Out of the Fire
Was Jean Sibelius's newly discovered Eighth Symphony destroyed in one of the composer's notorious drunken rages?
Naturalised Talents
British art has a rich European heritage. Tate Britain’s new show explores its Continental seam
Don’t Mention the War
Book review of The Wartime Journals by Hugh Trevor-Roper; edited by Richard Davenport-Hines
It Was All Rot About All Souls
Book review of All Souls and the Wider World edited by S.J.D. Green and Peregrine Horden
Mart’s Art is Not Just Smart
Book review of Martin Amis: A Biography by Richard Bradford
Clive’s Indian Summer
Book review of A Point of View by Clive James
A Wee Dram of History
Review of new poetry from Carol Ann Duffy, Derwent May, W.G. Sebald and Tomas Tranströmer
Novelists at Arms
Evelyn Waugh said that WWII would serve writers well, replenishing their stocks of experience. But several works borne out of the war were masterpieces of literature
Grayson, Nell and Uncle Joe
London shows salute unsung artisans, Spanish draughtsmen, saucy actresses and Soviet radicals
Conscience is not for Conservatives
Book review of The Conservatives: A History by Robin Harris