📰 About the TLS
The Times Literary Supplement (TLS) is a prestigious weekly literary journal that has been shaping intellectual discourse since its founding in 1902. Known for its rigorous and wide-ranging reviews, TLS covers literature, philosophy, history, science, and the arts, offering insights into books and ideas from around the world. It features contributions from leading scholars, critics, and writers, and is celebrated for its commitment to thoughtful criticism and cultural depth. With a global readership and a reputation for excellence, TLS remains an indispensable resource for anyone passionate about the life of the mind.
Summary of The TLS – 4 July 2025
This edition of TLS offers a rich exploration of politics, literature, history, and the arts, blending sharp analysis with cultural reflection. Below are the key themes and highlights:
Politics & Governance
- “Broken Britain and America” – Sam Freedman examines the crisis of governance, critiquing both the populist right and the struggling centre-left.
- “Ungoverned: The Attack on the Administrative State” – A review of Russell Muirhead and Nancy Rosenblum’s book on the deliberate erosion of state capacity, with parallels to Trump’s second term.
- “Abundance vs. Regulation” – Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson argue that excessive bureaucracy stifles progress, while Marc Dunkelman traces the decline of American dynamism.
Literary Criticism & Fiction
- “The Novel of Ideas” – Benjamin Markovits discusses Peter Boxall’s The Possibility of Literature and the tension between philosophical depth and storytelling.
- “Chaucer’s Ambitions for English” – Daniel Wakelin reviews The Oxford Chaucer, highlighting the poet’s innovative metre and linguistic legacy.
- New Fiction – Reviews of Geetanjali Shree’s Our City That Year (communal violence in India), Vivek Shanbhag’s Sakina’s Kiss (identity and dislocation), and Donatella Di Pietrantonio’s The Brittle Age (trauma and survival).
Memoir & Biography
- “The TLS Ackerley Prize” – Peter Parker reflects on autobiographies that challenge conventions, featuring works by Catherine Coldstream and Jeff Young.
- “Brigid Brophy Revisited” – Michael Caines reassesses Brophy’s queer, experimental novels (The King of a Rainy Country and In Transit) and her polemical brilliance.
History & Colonialism
- “Hard Neighbors” – T.H. Breen reviews Colin Calloway’s study of Scotch-Irish settlers in America and their violent clashes with Native tribes.
- “Milton’s Ireland” – Roberta Klimt explores how the poet’s liberal ideals clashed with his support for English domination of Ireland.
- “African Queens Reexamined” – Bronwen Everill analyzes Paula Akpan’s When We Ruled, questioning romanticized narratives of female power.
Arts & Culture
- Opera: “Desire and Danger” – Paul Griffiths reviews Rebecca Saunders’ avant-garde Lash, a tense, carnal exploration of language and sound.
- Film: “Jane Austen in Paris” – Muriel Zagha critiques Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, a French rom-com grappling with Austen’s legacy.
- Visual Art: “Surrealism at Shandy Hall” – Glen Baxter’s absurdist prints take over Laurence Sterne’s home in a playful exhibition.
Science & Language
- “Proto-Indo-European’s Global Reach” – James Clackson reviews books on how ancient languages spread, challenging nationalist narratives.
- “Natural History Museums Unmasked” – Rachel Morris examines Jack Ashby’s critique of biased colonial displays and their modern reckoning.
Crossword & Literary Miscellany
- A cryptic puzzle by “Apolloning” and notes on Alan Turing’s legacy, literary prizes, and the revival of the clerihew.
Final Thoughts
This issue balances urgent political discourse with deep dives into literary innovation, historical revisionism, and artistic experimentation. From the failures of governance to the power of queer fiction, TLS remains a vital forum for intellectual and cultural debate.
Ideal for readers interested in:
- The intersection of politics and bureaucracy
- Experimental literature and translation
- Postcolonial history and identity
- Avant-garde performance and visual art
- The evolution of language and storytelling
TLS 04 July 2025
- Language: English
- Total of pages: 28 pages
- File format: PDF
- File size: 31.3 MB
IMPORTANT NOTE!
All contents and images featured on FreeMagazines.online are copyrighted to their respective owners. We do not claim ownership of any visual or written content unless explicitly stated. It is just for educational and knowledge purposes, only to help the needy.
