Idler 43: back to the land develop s the format tried out a year ago in Idler 42: Smash the System. Again they have produced a beautiful cloth bound hardback that is packed with high quality food for thought. Perhaps the highlight is a major 10 000 word interview with David Hockney by Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson. Tom went to visit Hockney in East Yorkshire and Hockney spoke brilliantly about images and the way they have been controlled through history first by the church and then by the media. He was also generous enough to contribute two original sketches to the Idler. The Idler was founded in 1993 by Tom Hodgkinson in order to explore alternatives to the work ethic bring down the government abolish capitalism and have a good time while doing so. After a number of incarnations it has become an annual book with high production values and fascinating contents. Last year’s Idler Smash the System has so far sold 3 000 copies mostly through independent outlets. Tom Hodgkinson the editor of the Idler is planning to visit every independent bookshop in the kingdom over the next few years and would welcome invitations to come and speak and play his ukulele.