The tension between order and chaos has always guided urban life, writes Douglas Murphy. But what will happen as cities conquer our planet?
2. Jenny Diski's brave scepticism
Fatema Ahmed examines the work of Jenny Diski, concluding that her essays, fiction and non-fiction break down the idea of genre itself.
The meaning of “alcoholism” is disputed. But seven years ago John Doran realised he had a choice: to drink and die, or to stop drinking and live.
4. The rationalist way of death
Given that it has historically been annexed by religion, how should the non-believer mark death? In this archive piece from 2013, Jonathan Rée dons his weeds and joins the procession.
5. The devotion of the tennis fan
Elizabeth Wilson notes that sports fans have echoes of religious devotion. To his admirers, Roger Federer represents the ideal of perfection in bodily form.
