Tzvetan Todorov's Imperfect Garden, reviewed by AC Grayling
Julian Baggini thinks about reporting
Marilyn Mason walks the streets
Hazhir Teimourian despairs of Islam
Victor Lewis-Smith delivers an alternative, foul-mouthed Queen's Christmas message
Andrew Calcutt raises two cheers for TV talent shows
A poem by Susana Tampieri
David Boulton prises open the Western mind
Jeremy Stangroom on the perils of happiness
Adrienne Rich's poems reviewed by Shirley Dent