The Bloody Family History of the Guillotine
This piece examines the history of the guillotine and of France’s hereditary role of executioner – both inextricably entwined with the events of the French Revolution.
Has Anyone Seen the President?
The Moneyball and Liar’s Poker author Michael Lewis goes to Washington to ask a question, and ends up watching the State of the Union at Steve Bannon’s house.
Journal’s Best of the Best 2017
We’ve collected together pieces reviewing the best of 2017, covering journalism, music, cinema, podcasts and more. We’ve also picked one piece from each collection that we particularly liked. We’ll keep updating the post for the next week.
Orbiting Jupiter: my week with Emmanuel Macron
A profile that looks beyond Emmanuel Macron’s charismatic personality and assesses his rise to power, performance in office, and future prospects.
Yearning for the end of the world
The story of life as a member of an underground church in 1980s Iran, waiting for the end of days and the promised Rapture.
Somerdale to Skarbimierz
A fine story from April looking at industrial history and the economics of the EU using the relocation of a Cadbury factory from Britain to Poland as a case study.
Donald Trump After Hours
An interview with President Trump conducted over dinner and a tour at the White House that is full of revealing details and observations.
My Double Life as a KGB Agent
The story of Albrecht Dittrich, an East German chemist who spent years as a spy under the identity of Jack Barsky, a computer analyst working in Manhattan.
Nepal: The Maoist Dream
An immersive multimedia account of the long Maoist revolution and conflict in Nepal.
Understanding Hillary
A profile of Hillary Clinton looks at ‘the Gap’ – between the Hillary that colleagues, friends and rivals see up close, and Hillary the candidate. The profile is accompanied by an in depth interview.