Iran

One of the very first things you notice after arriving in Iran is just how much damn history they have there. The country is not only awash with the remains of ancient traditions and dynasties but marked by an intense sense of continuity with them. Portraits of martyrs line the…

Syria

First things first - this is not a book on the Syrian Civil War. In an age where the highest editorial virtue appears to be velocity rather than depth, even avid news consumers could be understood for failing to remember that Syria has played a vital role in world history…

Days of Rage

One of my absolute favourite places on the internet is The Atavist Magazine. A rare cut above the fleeting distractions of thinkpiece journalism, the Atavist publishes focused, polished gems of long-form journalism, intensely researched and powerfully written, on fascinating yet esoteric stories from long forgotten history. Bryan Burrough’s Days…