Stuart Jeffries

We all need to be let alone —not just Greta Garbo

Being alone for a space of time is a basic human need, says David Vincent, arguing eloquently that it can be the reverse of loneliness

‘Landscape’ by Caspar David Friedrich, one of the great painters of solitude
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  • A History of Solitude

    David Vincent

    Polity, pp. 336, £25

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How eastern Europe became a fortress

On Tuesday, Rishi Sunak chose Poland to announce that the United Kingdom would boost defence spending to 2.5 per cent of national income by 2030 – leading to a real term increase of over £20 billion over the next six years. The UK is confirming itself as Europe’s military champion, but it could achieve even more

Because you read about hermits

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