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Sir Kingsley William Amis
Sir Kingsley William Amis, CBE (16 April 1922 – 22 October 1995) was an English novelist, poet, critic, and teacher. He wrote more than 20 novels, six volumes of poetry, a memoir, various short stories, radio and television scripts, along with works of social and literary criticism. According to his biographer, Zachary Leader, Amis was "the finest English comic novelist of the second half of the twentieth century." He was the father of English novelist Martin Amis.[1]
In 2008, The Times ranked Kingsley Amis ninth on their list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945.[2][3]
Cafes are the new pubs
We are finally putting down our pints and heading for a slice of cake and a cappuccino at the new local instead. Nick Curtis salutes London’s café society
Laser test to 'spot breast cancer in an instant
New technique will save time and worry for thousands of women
It is hoped that by quickly determining whether a suspicious lump is cancerous, the test will spare women time and worry, as well as cutting the cost for the NHS.
More than 1.5million British women have breast x-rays, or mammograms, each year.
If their result is abnormal, the patient will often have a sample of cells withdrawn via a needle. Up to 90 per cent of these needle biopsies come back negative.
Anton Chekhov: a lifetime of lovers
Chekhov's love life was complicated and very busy – he had no wish to settle down. William Boyd believes one short story reveals much about the Russian's sexual liaisons, so he wrote a play based on it.
Why have the white British left London?
Something quite remarkable happened in London in the first decade of the new millennium. The number of white British people in the capital fell by 620,000 - equivalent to the entire population of Glasgow moving out.
The consequence, as revealed by the latest census, is that white Brits are now in a minority in London, making up just 45% of its residents.
So where have they gone to - and why did they leave?
I've been analysing and mapping the census data, and what emerges is a much more positive story than some headlines would make you think.
Loneliest man in Ireland leaves deserted island after 20 years
Ireland’s loneliest man has said he is moving back to England this year after 20 years on the Co. Donegal island of Inishfree.
For most of his time on the island, Barry Edgar Pilcher, who will be 70 this year, has lived alone there and this year he didn’t even get to see his wife Eve and daughter, Alice Rainbow, on New Year’s Day because his Skype service wasn’t working.
His wife and daughter, who moved from Essex when he transferred to Inishfree, only stuck the island for a couple of years before moving back to the U.K., and he maintains contact by mobile phone and the Internet.
Tracey Emin artworks take over New York’s Times Square
In a novel attempt to bring free art to the masses, Tracey Emin artwork will take over New York’s Times Square throughout February.
The pulsating neon displays of Times Square have helped to sear the address into international travellers’ collective consciousness; this month the area consolidates its reputation as a culturally significant destination by hosting an outdoor digital exhibition in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Who, What, Why: Why do some countries regulate baby names?
Who, What, Why: Why do some countries regulate baby names?
A 15-year-old Icelandic girl has won the right to keep her first name, despite it being "unapproved" by the state. Why do some countries restrict baby names?
Parents-to-be often find it hard enough to find a name they both like, let alone one the state might also be in favour of.
Bjork Eidsdottir had no idea when, in naming her newborn girl Blaer 15 years ago, she was breaking the law.
Try Burgundy - the wine that makes grown men cry
Even the hardest of hearts melt when the new burgundies are unveiled. But buying them can be a complicated business.
Another good reason to eat your greens: It makes you more optimistic
Another good reason to eat your greens: It makes you more optimistic about the future
People who eat plenty of fruit and vegetables tend to be more optimistic about the future, new research suggests.
Scientists have discovered that optimistic folk have higher levels of plant compounds called carotenoids in their blood.
A commonly-known carotenoid is beta-carotene, a pigment found in high levels in orange fruit and veg and green, leafy vegetables.