The ObserverBiography booksInterviewThe life of BrianLynn BarberHe's the old-fashioned toff from the Old Kent Road who's equally at ease with Dennis Nilsen as with the Duchess of Devonshire. On the eve of the publication of his memoirs, writer Brian Masters talks to Lynn Barber about sex, bathtime and serial killers.Brian Masters knows everyone, so naturally I knew him - or thought I did. But reading his autobiography, Getting Personal, I realise that almost everything I thought I knew about him was wrong. Read More...
ChristmasPlayful Christmas fun, or sinister, skin-crawling horror? You decide
In most English-speaking countries, the worst fate a naughty child can expect on Christmas is an absence of gifts (or, in the US, coal). Children in other countries, however, can expect worse.
Far, far worse.
Here are seven of the creepiest Christmas traditions around the world.
1. Krampus (Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, northern Italy)The Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure from Austro-Bavarian Alpine folklore. Read More...
Paris holidaysThe jazz guitar of Django Reinhardt remains a signature soundtrack of Paris. In the centenary of his birth, Gemma Ware goes in search of the cafes that still swing to his tunesWith its upbeat swing of guitars, violin and the occasional clarinet or saxophone, jazz manouche is the music of Paris's Gypsy periphery that made it to the big time. This year marks the centenary of the birth of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt and Paris has been paying homage to the inventor of Gypsy jazz. Read More...