Sex today seems too much like hard work. Magazines tell us we have to put more effort in & learn new tips. So how can we bring the playfulness back?

This issue of the Idler features an exclusive cover from Damien Hirst & an interview with Esther Perel, author of the best-seller Mating in Captivity. Michael Bywater condemns the rise of frantic sex. Neil Boorman asks whether he is the only one who

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With more than 180 recipes, beautiful photographs, meal plans & an explanation of the diet & how to follow it effectively, this is the must-have book for all the fans of one of the world's most effective diets. Full of delicious low-carbohydrate recipes made with fresh & delicious ingredients to keep dieters on track. Forget counting calories & feast on steak, creamy mushroom soup, roast turkey, tandoori chicken, guacamole & enchilada, chocolate mousse, biscuits, raspberry sorbet, chunky chocolate ice cream & more. This food will provide every bit as much emotional satisfaction as any pre-Atkins way of eating. The Dr Atkins Diet will never let you go hungry; it will make the pounds melt away quickly & then keep you at your ideal weight for the rest of your life. ...

Essential British words & deeds, dates & phrases, songs, speeches & commandments from Stonehenge to the present day in one simple book. No judgement, no padding, just the bare bones of our glorious history, brought to life by soul-stirring"ations that still echo down the ages. Presenting complex information in the form of simple time-lines, setting key events in British history alongside those of world history, this book allows readers to view history in an astonishingly simple way. Courtauld reveals fascinating parallels: as Britain perfects the long bow, gunpowder reaches Europe; as Henry VIII celebrates his marriage to Anne Boleyn, the Inca Empire collapses. With over 100 full colour photographs, this winning book will delight anyone who is intrigued by the history of our isles & would like to know a little more. ...

From a novelist known for the complexity of his novels
- they are also long
- comes an autobiography of compelling simplicity;

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Hannah Shah is an Imam's daughter. She lived the life of a devout family of Muslims in England but, behind the front door she was a caged butterfly. For many years, her father abused her in the cellar of their home.

At 16 she discovered a plan to send her to Pakistan for an arranged marriage, & she ran away. Hunted by her angry father & brothers, who were intent on making her an honour killing, she had to keep moving house to escape them, & complete her education.

Worst of all, from her family's point of view, she converted to Christianity & eventually found freedom
- to live (and marry) as she wished, & to be free of the shame of her childhood.

Offering a remarkable look at the lifestyle & beliefs of her family, & the rigid ideas of 'shame' & 'honour' they used to oppress her, The Imam's Daughter also shines a light on contemporary Western culture. Most of all, though, this is the inspiring story of Hannah Shah herself. How, through her courage & tenacity, she broke free from her background & embraced a new life in the world beyond its confines.






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