Let them eat bugs

From “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” to “Memento Mori”, Spark's novels continue to offer profound insights into the female experience, even as they defy easy categorisation. Nicholas Lezard reviews the acclaimed Scottish author whose razor-sharp wit and distinctive approach to feminism have left an indelible mark on 20th century literature.

Anna Smith peers behind the mask of the original James Bond's suave, on-screen persona and reevaluates his long-celebrated machismo in light of changing social norms. How do you reconcile artistic achievements with personal views that are problematic in today's cultural landscape?

Barrister Sam Fowles explores the complex world of class performance in contemporary British society. This thought-provoking piece delves into how social status is enacted through subtle behaviours and expectations, and why challenging these unspoken codes remains crucial for genuine social mobility.

From their Bronze Age origins to their crucial role in modern biodiversity, Christoper Hart explains why hedgerows are not just field boundaries, but vital wildlife corridors and carbon sinks. The simple act of hedge-laying can offer a powerful solution to environmental challenges.

Peter Lawlor challenges common misconceptions about the causes of high rents and the effectiveness of rent control. He explains why popular solutions may backfire, and lays out the economic principles that could genuinely address the UK's rental woes.

Even though trilobites swam the oceans some 500 million years ago, researchers said the animals still look as though they “died yesterday”.