What Harold Wilson can teach Keir Starmer
A new biography shows how one of Labour’s most successful leaders kept the party united at all costs.
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Discover the latest non-fiction books and must-reads with the New Statesman’s expert reviews. Including biographies, music books, political writing and more.
Agatha Christie’s secret worlds
After her infamous 11-day disappearance in 1926, the author retreated from public view. Lucy Worsley’s new biography claims to solve…
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Blue Labour: A rallying cry for a return to inclusive politics
Maurice Glasman’s book is an urgent reminder that statecraft is not about immediate victories but securing well-being for all.
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The Last Colony exposes a deep injustice at the heart of the British state
Fifty years ago the UK forcibly removed the inhabitants of the Chagos Islands. Will they ever be allowed to return?
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What is to be done about money?
A new economic history examines how and why money has always been inextricably linked to politics and power.
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From spy to journalist to celebrated poet: the curious life of Basil Bunting
The letters of the Northumbrian modernist reveal an idiosyncratic career and an exacting critical mind.
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British diplomacy in the dock
A former diplomat’s new book reveals that, for 25 years, UK foreign policy has left mainly harm and disorder in…
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Reviewed in short: New books by Guy Standing, Stu Hennigan, Jessica Andrews and Don Paterson
The Blue Commons by Standing, Ghost Signs by Hennigan, Milk Teeth by Andrews and The Arctic by Paterson.
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Rebecca May Johnson’s Small Fires is a radical analysis of cooking
This lively, conversational book insists that following a recipe can be a creative process.
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The 15 best books for summer
The New Statesman’s selection of essential recent releases.
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Why Gone with the Wind is American culture’s original sin
Sarah Churchwell’s book is a 458-page indictment of the Civil War-era romance. Frankly, should we give a damn?
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Who wants to be “normal”?
Often what we consider “normal” is, statistically speaking, abnormal. And wouldn’t most of us prefer to be extraordinary anyway?
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The mysterious life of Inez Holden
The novelist and former Bright Young Thing ably captured Britain in the early 20th century. Her work deserves to be…
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A creed for the anthropocene
Staving off climate change will entail not only a technological revolution but transforming our relations with the natural world.
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The psychoactive plants that change our consciousness
It is fascinating to learn how three plant-derived drugs – caffeine, opium and mescaline – can shape society.
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Nora Ephron and the art of self-narrative
The writer and film-maker poured her life into her journalism and romcoms. What can a new biography tell us that…
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Nietzsche before the breakdown
In the 1880s, the ailing philosopher prophesied the West’s violent decline – but not even he could prevent it.
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The rise and fall of Lex Greensill
How David Cameron’s favourite banker became the focus of a billion-dollar scandal.
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The lying life of Emmanuel Carrère
In his new book, Yoga, the French literary star is fixated on truth – so why does he play fast…
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A timely check-up on the GP’s vital role in the community
Updating John Berger’s 1967 classic, A Fortunate Woman shares the devotion and anguish of a modern family doctor.
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