1. The question of sovereignty

Debates over “national sovereignty” loom large over the EU referendum – but, as David Nowell Smith explains, defining the concept is trickier than it seems.

2. Who wants to live forever?

Once the preserve of eccentrics and cranks, cryonics is entering the mainstream. Is eternal life possible – or even desirable? Cal Flyn investigates in the cover story of our Summer 2016 issue.

3. The ancient roots of humanism

Andrew Copson discusses a new book, which challenges the idea that modern science gave birth to unbelief, tracing it back to the Greeks and Romans.

4. Why poetry is good for the rational mind

Poetry shows us that the world is more varied and unpredictable than we might otherwise imagine, writes Fiona Sampson.

5. Does civility in politics matter?

Universities are the centre of some of the fiercest political and cultural battles of our times, says Keith Kahn-Harris in this discussion of a book by controversial academic Steven Salaita.

May's top long-reads

More on our Summer issue - out now