Will Self

The Soviets were imperialists. Stalin’s architecture proves it

His favourite architect survived countless purges but remains best known for designing a monstrosity that was never built

Boris Iofan’s projected Palace of the Soviets would tower to the heavens, topped by a statue of Lenin. [Alamy]
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  • Stalin’s Architect: Power and Survival in Moscow

    Deyan Sudjic

    Thames & Hudson, pp. 312, £30

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Lloyd Evans

Inside the Welsh village where English speakers aren’t welcome

Lloyd Evans
From the magazine
On a Saturday morning, no life stirs. The village café is closed and the ancient church of St Beuno’s is locked and deserted. Beside the stone porch stands a dusty glass case that advertises church services and parish gatherings. Not a single event is scheduled. This is the peaceful village of Botwnnog (pronounced Bot-oon-awg) in

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