In brief: 33 Place Brugmann; The Decline and Fall of the Human Empire; A History of the World in 47 Borders
Set in Brussels as the Nazis invade Belgium, Austen's debut novel focuses on the inhabitants of a large apartment building. There's a Jewish art dealer and his family, an art student and her father, an elderly gossip and a talented seamstress. As the war progresses, each must decide who they can trust. Polyphonic in structure, the distinctiveness of each narrative voice is testament to Austen's skill and the resulting novel is both intimate and ambitious, lyrical and moving.
Henry GeePicador, £18.99, pp288
In his latest highly engaging work of popular science, Gee explores whether the human race is doomed. Highlighting the many cousins of Homo sapiens driven to extinction – from neanderthals to Homo floresiensis – he goes on to examine aspects of more recent history that threaten our future, from our reliance on agriculture to climate change. But Gee is not without hope, suggesting that the future of humanity lies not on Earth but in space.
Jonn ElledgeWildfire, £10.99, pp384
Taking a lateral view of history, Elledge focuses on the borders between territories, states and counties, and how they have been shaped by political forces. In entertaining, short chapters, he traverses wide sweeps of history from the Roman empire to the US-Mexican border by way of Russia, India and Korea. With a breezy, conversational tone, Elledge writes with wry humour and infectious enthusiasm.
To order 33 Place Brugmann, The Decline and Fall of the Human Empire or A History of the World in 47 Borders go to guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply
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Daily Record
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- Daily Record
Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes says 'I'm not anti-Jewish' over Gaza stance
The 84-year-old, who is herself Jewish, branded critics "chickens*** people". Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes has defended her pleas for peace in Gaza after calls she should be stripped of her OBE. The Campaign Against Antisemitism group claims the actress, who is Jewish, should lose a gong she received in 2002 and a Bafta she won in 1993. The group accused her of spreading 'racist bilge' after she compared the Israeli occupation of Gaza to the Nazi Holocaust. The actress, who is performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, said: "I have every right to be an OBE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "It's nonsense. "I'm very proud of my OBE and I think I deserved it, and I'd be sad if it was taken away. "But I don't think it's seriously going to happen. 'I would not like to have it taken away because it would imply the government agrees that I shouldn't be an OBE.' Margoyles, 84, has been an outspoken critic of the Israeli government and its role in the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. She added: 'I'm not anti-Semitic, I'm anti-killing children. "But I am also criticising the Jewish people in the UK, the community that I belong to, which is not coming out in support of me. "I just want people not to kill each other.'
Edinburgh Reporter
18 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Fringe 2025 – Between the River and the Sea ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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South Wales Argus
19 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Caerleon's National Roman Legion Museum celebrates 175 years
Saturday saw the museum be taken over by a range of activities for all ages attended by gladiators and soldiers. The museum itself saw its courtyard transformed into an authentic Roman garden. A group of soldiers look over their courtyard (Image: NQ) Guests were able to immerse themselves in activities and feel like a real Roman. The smell of a makeshift kitchen wafted throughout the courtyard where guests prepared and ate their own flatbreads with dates and honey, just like a real Roman soldier, and could participate in their own feast. Gladiators patrolled the gardens, complete with armour and weaponry, ensuring that guests were enjoying themselves in the craft area. At the far end of the courtyard, guests could learn about Roman art and fashion, taking the chance to try on some roman finery and find out some more about family life at the time. A dig pit also allowed youngsters to get hands on with archaeology. Visitors from far and wide were in attendance during the day, using the sunshine as an excuse to bask in the amphitheatre and witness the gladiator's work. Children jumped at the chance to get involved, taking the gladiators on headfirst and learn the ropes of capturing and conquering their enemies. Alongside these activities, visitors could relax with games or learn circus acts. The day truly had something for everyone, whether you're a hands on energetic learner or prefer to peruse at your own pace. Gladiator fights took over the amphitheatre (Image: NRLM) Catherine Jenkins, a representative for the National Roman Legion Museum, said: 'We had 700 people register their interest to attend today. "Knowing that so many people are interested in what we do is incredible. 'We've been lucky enough to have a steady stream of these visitors across our sites through the day. 'We just hope that events like this remind people that we are here and open for business.' Alongside this weekend's anniversary party, the celebrations will continue throughout with a programme of events that will continue throughout the summer holidays and during the rest of the year.
