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National Assimilation 2025 vs 1925

A hundred years ago, my father, already a veteran of World War I, was studying for his doctorate in political science at the University of Vienna. To obtain his degree, he had to write a thesis. He chose - we can only surmise why - to explore…

Unashamedly Chickenshed again

In 1974, musician and composer Jo Collins met teacher and director Mary Ward. They shared a belief that everyone should have the opportunity to perform and create, leading them to establish a theatre company. Initially operating…

“Grand surprise”: distinguished author who immortalised my mother

Once upon a time my mother, Anni, was young. She had been born and went to school in Vienna. Her boyfriend – at least, that’s what he thought he was – was called Paul, and Paul had an older sister called Franzi. In the late 1930s,…

London Book Fair hijacked by political statements

From the LBF website: London Book Fair has appointed two charities as Charities of the Year 2024. “National Literacy Trust is a charity changing people’s life chances through the power of words – from first words, through school…
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The stupendous Dictionary of Art: never before, never since

“One of the 50 best reference sources of the millennium.” (Library Journal) “Succeeds in performing the most difficult of balancing acts, satisfying specialists while at the same time remaining accessible to the general reader.” (The…