What is the Idler?

The Idler is a magazine founded in 1993 with the intention of exploring alternative ways of working and living.

It is our conviction that laziness has been unjustly criticised by modern society, and that it deserves to have its good conscience returned to it and defended as an essential component of a happy life.

Our intention is to produce a publication that is entertaining, thought-provoking and full of great ideas for living.

In short, we want to improve your life.

We put on regular parties, gigs and readings where Idler readers and writers get together, and offer t-shirts and mugs for the full Idler lifestyle.

To subscribe to the Idler, click here. For ��30, you will receive four issues (worth ��40), sent direct to your home. Subscribers also benefit from a hand-printed certificate confirming that they have joined the Grand Order of Idlers.

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

We hope you’ll join us. Take it easy.

Tom Hodgkinson

 

Books

brave old world

Gwynne's Grammar By N.M. Gwynne

A 32 page book from Mr Gwynne, giving the principle parts of speech and basic grammatical elements. An essential component of any library, this is a beautifully typeset booklet which has been hand-sewn by Mr Brett. £8.95.
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brave old world

Brave Old World By Tom Hodgkinson

Tom Hodgkinson's literary guide to husbandry. 'A delightful read,' James Delingpole, Mail on Sunday. 'Hugely inspiring,' Sarah Bakewell, New Statesman. 'Bizarre yet always beguiling,' Daily Mail. Illustrated by Alice Smith and typeset by Christian Brett. Signed first edition hardback. £16.99.
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idler 44 Mind your business

Idler 44: Mind your business

The 2011 issue of the Idler is devoted to the idea of small business as an alternative to the grind of the nine-to-five. Tom also tells the story of how he and Victoria Hull set up the Idler Academy.
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idler 42 Smash the system

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

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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idle parent

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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how to be idle

How to be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson

Take control of your life and reclaim your right to be idle. SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR.
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book of idle pleasures

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

How to be Free by Tom Hodgkinson

"Packed with wit, anecdotes and ideas ..." Word Magazine
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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
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how to fish

How to Fish by Chris Yates

Recommended to anyone interested in either angling or doing nothing.
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cloudspotter's guide

The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney

"Read this eye-opening and amusingly written book" Daily Mail
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