The Idler 37: Childish Things

by Tom Hodgkinson, Tom Hodgkinson

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. All this as well as tips for living the good life and full colour illustrations and photography throughout.

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

About the author

Tom Hodgkinson (b. 1968) is a British writer and the editor of The Idler, which he established in 1993 with his friend Gavin Pretor-Pinney. He was educated at Westminster School. He has contributed articles to The Sunday Telegraph, The Guardian and The Sunday Times as well as being the author of The Idler spin-off How To Be Idle (2005), How To Be Free (released in the U.S. under the title The Freedom Manifesto) and The Idle Parent.

In 2006 Hodgkinson created National Unawareness Day, to be celebrated on 1 November.

Reviews

[Derek Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The usual mix of great stuff plus a few awful ones