The "Idler": Issue 37 Spring 2006 (Idler): Childish Things

by Dan Kieran (Author), Dan Kieran (Author), Gavin Pretor-Pinney (Author), Tom Hodgkinson (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2006

  $3.29

  This new issue of The Idler explores childhood and wonders whether today's kids are suffering from too much education, too many activities and too much interfering. Childish Things features Bertrand Russell's essay on education and freedom, an attack on professionalism, a visit to Summerhill School, where lessons are optional, and a guide to childcare for the lazy by editor Tom Hodgkinson. There's an interview with Michael Palin, a man who has gone with the flow to great acclaim. You'll also find Nicholas Lezard on Samuel Beckett, John Michel on William Cobbett, new short stories, and biting satire and humour from Gwyn, Ian Vince, Adam Buxton, Tony Husband, Chris Donald and The Idler's own agony uncles, Bill Drummond and Mark Manning. And the ejected bass player from The Darkness writes from his French chateau. All this as well as tips for living the good life and full colour illustrations and photography throughout.

• Used

  Paperback
  2005

  $3.29

  The Idler team believe that idleness is unjustly criticised in modern society when it is, in fact, a vital component of a happy life. In this new edition of The Idler, the team examine the way money and greed have taken over our lives and look at ways of escaping its clutches. In Medieval times, prioritising money-making was seen as a sin. On their deathbed, usurers tried to pay back the money they had extorted so they would have a better chance of getting into heaven. Money was just a part of life, a means of exchange, rather than an end in itself. Then came the Protestant work ethic, which introduced the damaging notion that time is money . The Idler wants to reintroduce a fun-loving medieval attitude to life. The last issue looked at how to avoid work; now it looks at how to avoid consuming. You can also expect The Idler's characteristic blend of well-known writers, humour and art.