to engage with such a diverse, rich and fascinating continent filled with people is truly bizarre. We balk at the extent of the influence of the Chinese government around the world and yet fail to offer any reasonable alternative. A dereliction of leadership and duty.

Have you read Our Mutual Friend? Interesting how he reacted to accusations of antisemitism levelled against him over his portrayal of Fagin in Oliver Twist by creating a much more sympathetic and realistic Jewish characters for that book, particularly Riah.

And here's a very nice review from @willbarbertaylor.bsky.social of the new edition of Snowden's autobiography, an ideal stocking filler for the Labour-afflicted in your life
www.thesocialreview.co.uk/2024/09/29/b...

Must be difficult to find the time whilst editing The Spectator, one wonders how he has the energy…