This year marked 125 years since the birth of Ehrenburg, a man of interesting biography and, perhaps, a fortunate fate. I should like to acquaint you with a curious archival file on the arrest of the young Ilya Ehrenburg
The emperors of the Ming dynasty, which ruled China from 1368 to 1644, were in dire need of silver in the sixteenth century. It went chiefly on prestige projects such as the Forbidden City in Beijing and the repair of the Great Wall. The historian Mark Cartwright writes in the
Thirty millilitres of saffron gin, fifteen millilitres of fresh lemon juice, fifteen millilitres of honey and rosemary syrup, dry champagne and a star anise for garnish. The White Mouse cocktail is named after the legendary Nancy Wake, the most decorated servicewoman of the Second World War. The Gestapo nicknamed her
How is this even a thing? Will there be any comment from the very party in question? And yes: young and not so young, seasoned hands and novices, the naive and the prudent alike, let us always read the contract with the utmost care. Whoever proposes that we sign it,
My beloved Centre Pompidou is now wrapped in scaffolding. Until 2030, Paris has one fewer brilliant place of pilgrimage. But, honestly, every time I glance at it in passing, I am afraid: what if it never reopens?