The production and export of cars, machinery and chemicals lay behind the German ‘economic miracle’ of the 20th century. Yet the German economy is now struggling.

@HowardJDavies considers who is to blame.

Howard Davies - Bumps in the Autobahn

Howard Davies: Bumps in the Autobahn - Kaput: The End of the German Miracle by Wolfgang Münchau

literaryreview.co.uk

As Christmas draws near, choirs will be refamiliarising themselves with one of the staples of the season, Handel’s Messiah.

Freya Johnston examines what it reveals about the state of music, religion and society in 18th-century England.

Freya Johnston - Oratorio of Oratorios

Freya Johnston: Oratorio of Oratorios - Every Valley: The Story of Handel’s Messiah by Charles King

literaryreview.co.uk

‘The Second World War was won in Oxford. Discuss.’

@RankinNick gives the question his best shot.

Nicholas Rankin - We Shall Fight in the Buttery

Nicholas Rankin: We Shall Fight in the Buttery - Oxford’s War 1939–1945 by Ashley Jackson

literaryreview.co.uk