In a rare interview, the much-loved author of Full Tilt and Through Siberia by Accident, now 86, looks back on more than 50 years of pioneering, intrepid travel
writers
New Moomin museum opens in Finland
Tove Jansson never took her family of fairytale characters too seriously, but they now have their own museum in Tampere, attracting Moomins fans from around the world
Share this:
Going Polop: writer Miró is celebrated in style in this historic Alicante town
A museum near Benidorm dedicated to the Spanish novelist
Share this:
Tale of Dickens’ fight to save Shakespeare house retold in exhibition
Events in which novelist helped save bard’s birthplace from clutches of US showman PT Barnum will be celebrated in Stratford
Share this:
The retreats where famous authors found inspiration – in pictures
Former president Barack Obama is to journey to the South Pacific island of Tetiaroa, once owned by Marlon Brando, to write his memoir. Here’s a look at where other famous authors found the inspiration to write
Share this:
Miracles and Idolatry
I have just finished reading the book “Miracles and Idolatry” by Voltaire.
I am genuinely impressed that someone can place so much knowledge about religion, history, philosophy, and the human condition on so many different subjects, ranging from ‘Apocalypse’ to ‘Martyrs’ and ‘Cannibals’ to ‘Luxury’, into such a short book.
His summation of the various important religious councils from Nicaea to Trent is funny and thought-provoking given that some councils overturned decisions made by previous councils relating to the true nature of Jesus.
The chapter on Apocalypse (Book of Revelations) gives an indication of how the authorship of this book was doubted and shows that the book wasn’t included in some of the earliest Bibles.
This is a book for people who enjoy an intelligent author lampooning believers who believe for the sake of belief rather questioning those beliefs and the assumptions held in those beliefs.
Share this:
Temples of literature: writers’ houses – in pictures
From the abbey where Byron partied to the house where Agatha Christie tested out her whodunnits, Nick Channer tells the inside story of the homes behind some of the great works of English literature
