Idler’s Companion
The Idler’s Companion, an anthology of lazy literature.
"Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a coloured pencil long enough to draw on the ceiling."
GK Chesterton
GK Chesterton
Events
Tom to Porlock
It was where the romantic poets were wont to ramble, and now Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson is setting up a stall there, this Friday, that’s 10 September. He will be at the Porlock Village Hall, selling books and t-shirts, with over 20 other local authors. The event starts at 10am and goes on till 4pm. It’s part of the 8th annual Porlock Arts Fair.
Tom to Hampstead
Come to the wonderful new England’s Lane Bookshop in Hampstead on Thursday, 7 October, for a talk on Love, Liberty and Idleness, with ukulele accompaniment. The event starts at 7pm and tickets are a mere £3, which includes a glass of wine. You can book by calling the shop on 0207 586 9764, or email them at info@englandslanebooks.co.uk.
Tom to Brighton
Come down to the Brighton Dome on Saturday 18 December for another outing of ‘Songs of Love, Liberty and Idleness’ as part of Brighton Ukulele Day. Click here to buy tickets. The show starts at 6pm, and tickets cost just £5.
Archives
Download and print your own version of the freedom manifesto by clicking here.
This Little Piggie Stayed at Home
Download the Idler Price List, listing all the books we sell, plus t-shirts and other stuff.
Books
Idler 43: Back to the Land
The new 'Back to the Land' issue features a major interview with David Hockney who has also contributed two sketches. Essayists include Paul Kingsnorth, Harry Mount, Penny Rimbaud, Jay Griffiths and Simon Fairlie,.
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Idler 42: Smash the System
350 page Idler, a collection of radical essays by Alain De Botton, Penny Rimbaud, John Mitchinson, Jay Griffiths, Paul Kingsnorth, Oliver James. Published 17 June 2009. In Stock. Order now.
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The Idle Parent
Order Now. Published 5th March. "Wise, funny, practical and personal, The Idle Parent puts the fun back into parenting." Oliver James
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The Book of Idle Pleasures
A sumptuous compendium of one hundred pleasures, each lovingly described and illustrated.
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How to be Free by Tom Hodgkinson
"Packed with wit, anecdotes and ideas ..." Word Magazine
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How to be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson
Take control of your life and reclaim your right to be idle.
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I Fought the Law by Dan Kieran
"Very funny...should be at the top of Tony Blair's reading
list." The Times
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How to Fish by Chris Yates
Recommended to anyone interested in either angling or doing nothing.
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The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney
"Read this eye-opening and amusingly written book" Daily Mail
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About The Idler
The Idler is an annual, book-shaped magazine that campaigns against the work ethic. It was founded in 1993 by Tom Hodgkinson and his friend Gavin Pretor-Pinney. The intention of the magazine is to return dignity to the art of loafing, to make idling into something to aspire towards rather than reject. As well as providing a radical and thought-provoking read, the Idler is also very funny. MORE …
From the Archives
"I want to write about the philosophy of sitting in chairs because I have a reputation for lolling." Idle Idols: Lin Yutang
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