Theatre, film & music

Book of the week: Lost England

Marcus Binney applauds a new book of photographs of metropolitan and rural England between 1870 and 1930.

8 amazing travel books to inspire you in 2017

Barnaby Rogerson selects eight recent books to inspire the traveller over the winter months.

The six reasons why British actors make the best movie bad guys

British actors are simply the best in the world at being bad. Jonathan Self explains why.

Gloriously evil: The Top 10 British villains in Hollywood history

Everyone knows Brits make the best on-screen super-villains. Jonathan Self picks out his favourites.

Daphne Selfe's favourite things, from afternoon tea to yoga

The trailblazing fashion model, now 88, spoke to Country Life about her favourite things.

Who REALLY designed Disney's castle?

We can’t resist turning a historian’s eye on Disney’s fantastical castle.

Book of the week: SAS: Rogue Heroes

Barney White-Spunner is swept along by this riveting account of the renowned special fighting force—the individuals as well as their actions.

The Lucian Freud portrait that ‘is probably the most beautiful thing at Chatsworth’

A new series of mini-documentaries is looking at some of Chatsworth House's many treasures – starting with a painting that was once deemed shocking.

14 brilliant cookery books to put on your Christmas wish list

Size is the theme of this year’s cookery books, several of which outweigh the Bible.

A doll's house fit for a queen: How Lutyens created a Lilliput for Queen Mary

A miniature palace designed by Lutyens and promoted by Country Life offers a fascinating perspective on the 1920s, as Gavin Stamp explains.

Nicholas Owen on the Queen, the sound of gunfire, and his ringside seat at history

Nicholas Owen spoke to Country Life ahead of his appearance as the host of the Children's Trust annual Christmas Concert.

25 magical photographs shortlisted for Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The shortlist for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards is out - and you have a chance to vote for your favourite.

Waddesdon Manor, via the medium of gingerbread

Luxury confectionery crafters Biscuiteers have re-created the glory of French Renaissance-style chateau Waddesdon Manor in gingerbread.

Book of the week: The Roy Strong Diaries 1988–2003

Despite moments of grief and dismay, Sir Roy’s latest volume of diaries is happier than his last, says Michael Hall.

Terry Waite: 'I was captured myself. To be frank, I wasn’t surprised.'

On the 25th anniversary of his release, former hostage Terry Waite looks back on his work, his years in captivity, and how the BBC World Service saved his life.

'I was 8–1 to be the next Bond just before Daniel Craig got it': Nathaniel Parker on life, acting, and his big near-miss

Nathaniel Parker catches up with Jack Watkins about David Cameron's epic gaffe, and the time he nearly became James Bond.

Six-year surname study digs up fresh insult for 'crooked nose' Cameron

George Young looks into a six-year study into the source of British surnames - and has rather disappointing news for David Cameron, but a better revelation for Mo Farah.

The extraordinary writing which made John Lewis-Stempel Columnist of the Year

Read three of the beautiful, evocative articles which made Country Life's John Lewis-Stempel the Columnist of the Year.

24 beautiful charity Christmas cards to send this year

Country Life picks out 24 of the most beautiful charity Christmas cards to send this year.

QUIZ: Can you pick out the true famous last words?

Pick out the true words of wisdom from the made-up ones in the Country Life famous last words quiz.