6 Clicks: James Hamilton

In our occasional feature we invite guests to select the six cultural links that might sustain them if, by some mischance, they were forced to spend eternity in a succession of airport departure lounges with only an iPad or similar device for company. Today's voyager is James Hamilton, a freelance writer ... Read More...

Tim Birkhead on The Wisdom of Birds

Tim Birkhead's book The Wisdom of Birds: An Illustrated History of Ornithology was described by The Telegraph as "one of the most entertaining, informative and enthusiastic accounts of the history of ornithology" and was voted ‘Best Bird Book of Year' by The British Trust for Ornithology and British Birds. In an exclusive ... Read More...

Dabbler Heroes: Richard Cobb

Today's Dabbler Hero had all the characteristics of a dabbler in his subject with the notable exception that he was as dedicated as any scholar could be. He had an amateur's approach but a professional's commitment. Here's Julian Barnes' description of our historian: Cobb’s history is archival, anecdotal, discursive, button-holing, undogmatic, ... Read More...

The Dabbler’s Round Blogworld Quiz #17

Here's this week's devilishly fiendish Round Blogworld Quiz question (see the previous ones and their solutions here). As usual, find the link between these cryptic clues. A point for each item you get, and an imaginary cream bun of regal proportions if you get them all. If you get the ... Read More...

On British engineering

Scott Locklin works on quantitative finance problems in Berkeley, California, but has lately been considering emigrating to America. He blogs at Locklin on Science. British engineering is one of those things which periodically fascinates and repulses me. Their engineering unquestionably has a national character, just like their Wensleydale cheese and bitter ... Read More...

Bath Ales: Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered our Bath Ales competition, to win a case of mixed ales. And the winner, selected at random, is.... Kara Clare. Congratulations to her - Bath Ales will be contacting you to arrange delivery of your lovely booze. Bad luck to everyone else. If you didn't enter, you ... Read More...