The Scourging Angel: The Black Death in the British Isles by Benedict Gummer
Louise Foxcroft is perplexed by a book that squeezes the life out of the Black Death
Culture
God’s Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science by James Hannam
Nina Power on a good Dark Ages argument made for the wrong reasons
The Fall of the Imam by Nawal El Saadawi
Philip Womack praises a formidable Egyptian novel
Life Inc: How the World Became a Corporation and How to Take it Back by Douglas Rushkoff
Michael Bywater takes on the corporations with Douglas Rushkoff
Rhythm rites
Crispin Robinson explains why he has become initiated in an Afro-Cuban drumming cult
Shock and bore
New Humanist prides itself on tracking down and exposing charlatans and cultists. But when they are as bizarre as Genesis P-Orridge, even our nerve failed. So we sent Fiona Russell…
Film review: Brüno
Sacha Baron Cohen's latest has its flaws. But it's still hilarious, says Fred Rowson
Good books?
What can humanist parents use in the battle against religious indoctrination? Danny Postel investigates
Film review: Angels & Demons
Could the latest Dan Brown blockbuster be the best film of the year so far? asks Fred Rowson
Which Pope Am I?
Thinking of taking the reins in Vatican City? Wondering how your Papacy might pan out? Size up your Christian credentials by taking our exclusive personality test (Devised by Christina Martin)