AH, IS THIS NOT HAPPINESS

We are introducing a new web project. It is based on a wonderful piece of Chinese writing called Chin’s Thirty Three Happy Moments. Chin Shengt’an was a 17th century playwright who once found himself stranded with a friend in a temple for ten days because of a rainstorm. While thus secluded, the pair compiled a [...]

 

Idle Pleasures

The best things in life are free. Like love, or oxygen. At the Idler we have long sought out such pleasures, and here present a selection for your enjoyment.

 

Books

idler 41 qi

Idler 41: The QI Issue

The Idler joins forces with the men from QI for a celebration of curiosity and an attack on boredom, with plenty of William Morris
READ MORE …
buy now

book of idle pleasures

The Book of Idle Pleasures

A sumptuous compendium of one hundred pleasures, each lovingly described and illustrated.
READ MORE …
buy now

freedom manifesto

The Freedom Manifesto

The US version of How To Be Free: "A work of crafty scholarship and radical intent" - Michael Agger, Slate
READ MORE …
buy now

how to be free

How to be Free by Tom Hodgkinson

"Packed with wit, anecdotes and ideas ..." Word Magazine
READ MORE …
buy now

how to be idle

How to be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson

Take control of your life and reclaim your right to be idle.
READ MORE …
buy now

i fought the law

I Fought the Law by Dan Kieran

"Very funny...should be at the top of Tony Blair's reading list." The Times
READ MORE …
buy now

how to fish

How to Fish by Chris Yates

Recommended to anyone interested in either angling or doing nothing.
READ MORE …
buy now

cloudspotter's guide

The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney

"Read this eye-opening and amusingly written book" Daily Mail
READ MORE …
buy now