Alexander Masters

There’s nothing wrong with plugging a friend’s book

14 November 2015 9:00 am

The advantage of reviewing books by a friend is that you can invite him out for a walk across the…

The Ant Nebula, located a mere 3,000–6,000 light years from Earth in the southern constellation Norma

Physicists have stranger ideas than the most preposterous Old Testament preacher

22 August 2015 9:00 am

The beliefs of physicists are infinitely kookier than anything in the Bible, says Alexander Masters

How could anyone enjoy Cédric Villani’s ‘Birth of a Theorem’? I think I’ve worked it out

28 February 2015 9:00 am

I’ve got a mathematical problem. Birth of a Theorem is by one of the great geniuses of today, a cosmopolitan,…

Alexander Masters’s diary: The idea that could unlock dozens of new cancer drugs

15 November 2014 9:00 am

Two million pounds can buy you consideration for a place on a medical trial! Every year untold numbers of potential…

Diary

29 September 2012 9:00 am

In Scandinavia, gene therapists have invented a virus that may treat the cancer that killed multi-billionaire Steve Jobs — but…

Smart ass

15 January 2011 12:00 am

It’s the way Caroline pisses onto the concrete during the lunch break that delights her work colleagues: in a steaming, splattery arc.

Cold comfort

19 May 2010 12:00 am

A good story is made of bones.

The short life and hard times of a mathematical genius

12 March 2008 12:00 am

Alexander Masters on David Leavitt's latest novel

The language of mathematics

19 September 2007 6:15 pm

‘I find that the earth is not as round as it is described, but it is shaped like a pear,’…

Castrated by a grateful nation

12 July 2006 4:59 pm

Some people’s lives drive you into a rage. Alan Turing’s is one. In The Man Who Knew Too Much David…

From faintly weird to fiercely eccentric

9 July 2005 12:00 am

HERMIT WANTEDFree meals and accommodation.Situated on grand estate.Would suit the quiet type. When Giles and Ginny married ‘it was like…

No ordinary Joe

21 May 2005 12:00 am

I can’t decide whom I distrust more in True Story: the author, a humane and thoughtful man, or his subject,…

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Cartoons

‘So for the backpackers and gap-year students I’ve devised new, comforting Zen Lite.’
‘So for the backpackers and gap-year students I’ve devised new, comforting Zen Lite.’
‘I’m hoping to get a glimpse of the legendary Ruth Davidson.’
‘I’m hoping to get a glimpse of the legendary Ruth Davidson.’
‘OK, are you ready? I’m going to switch on the news.’
‘OK, are you ready? I’m going to switch on the news.’
‘He’s socially awkward but brilliant in his field.’
‘He’s socially awkward but brilliant in his field.’
‘Not only are they fattening — they’re also homophobic.’
‘Not only are they fattening — they’re also homophobic.’
‘…or as it’s known locally, the plotting shed.’
‘…or as it’s known locally, the plotting shed.’
‘It’s scary how the young have been affected by Jeremy Corbyn.’
‘It’s scary how the young have been affected by Jeremy Corbyn.’
‘There’s amazing footage of Theresa May surviving.’
‘There’s amazing footage of Theresa May surviving.’
‘That racket is the dawn chorus.’
‘That racket is the dawn chorus.’
‘Feeling cheap, used and empty usually means the detox has worked.’
‘Feeling cheap, used and empty usually means the detox has worked.’
‘Darling, they’re playing our ringtone!’
‘Darling, they’re playing our ringtone!’
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