Culture
Books
The man who fought for a safer and fairer financial future
The story of Australian banker Ian Shepherd, who invented a system for the trading of derivatives, is as much about finance as it is about the very nature of ideas.
- by Pat Sheil
Latest
Myths, spin and outright lies: the truth behind the logging industry
Scientist David Lindenmayer confronts the entrenched myths around the Australian logging industry and our native tall forests.
- by Kurt Johnson
This new novel imagines the secret history of Lady Macbeth
Our reviewers cast their eyes over new fiction and non-fiction releases including a reimagining of the fate of Lady Macbeth and a spirited defence of liberalism.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll
Opinion
WordPlay
Let’s put the brakes on the e-bike revolution, for language’s sake
How do we differentiate between e-bikes and bikes? Let’s cycle through the options.
- by David Astle
Michael Richards on Kramer, Seinfeld and the truth about being ‘cancelled’
In his revealing memoir, Michael Richards removes the Kramer mask and dissects the public unravelling that prompted his retreat from showbiz.
- by Robert Moran
Comet’s journey illuminates tale of faith, science and unrequited love
Sarah Perry’s new novel is a 19th-century tale of astronomy that draws on autobiographical themes.
- by Fiona Gruber
Back roads and pig urine: the Mad Max mythology
Ian Nathan’s book about the history of the Mad Max franchise is a lively read, even if some parts need to be taken with a grain of salt.
- by Tom Ryan
Ten great books to cosy up with this winter
The seasonal scene won’t be complete without a good read to warm the soul.
- by Melanie Kembrey
This clever thriller set in an aged care home is a dizzy ride
When a fellow resident is found dead in Rose’s aged care facility, she knows all is not as it should be. Finding the right words, however, proves vexing – and compelling.
- by Juliette Hughes
Blondie were the darlings of punk. It just took us a while to realise
Chris Stein thought he’d gone back three decades when he and Debbie Harry brought their band to Australia.
- by JP O'Malley
The Taylor Swift of his day: Harry Houdini’s Melbourne tour
Alan Attwood’s novel is a fictional account of escapologist Harry Houdini’s time in Melbourne in 1910.
- by Simon Caterson