Latest Stories
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Great poets: it’s not their job to be nice
A new book reveals much about the English poet Philip Larkin. He was far from perfect as a man. But should that affect how we read his poetry?
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Colleges caught up in immigration crackdown
New government proposals will reduce the number of students entering the UK from abroad. Loopholes to be closed – but at what cost to higher education?
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World Book Day: salute a revolutionary object
Books are both loved and feared for their power. Often banned by religious and political tyrants, they can be a true force for change. Why is it important to celebrate intellectual freedom?
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In Jeopardy: computer challenges human race
A computer program is challenging humans in a popular quiz show this week... It's a giant leap forward for AI but questions persist over just how far machines can go...
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England: a nation of tree-huggers?
Government plans to sell off swathes of woodland have been greeted with howls of protest. Sentimental? Or a measure of our love for trees and forests?
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Sacré Bleu! French culture ‘under attack’
The French Education Minister wants to expand English teaching in schools. But are language lessons a threat to the nation?
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The poet may know it when others blow it
This week, the Scots drank to the poet Robert Burns and Derek Walcott won the TS Eliot prize. Now poetry wants to give St George a makeover.
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The font of all knowledge is really ugly
Research claims we don’t remember writing that's too easy to read and learning should be struggle. So is clear writing the enemy of discovery?
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Poison pen: scandal and intrigue in Poets’ Corner
After an election full of controversy, Oxford has a new professor of poetry. But why is the job so important? And what is better poetry anyway – a classical sonnet or a modern rap?