Best of the Spectator Spectator Out Loud: Owen Matthews, Matthew Parris, Marcus Nevitt, Angus Colwell and Sean Thomas
5 snips
Apr 25, 2025 AI Snips
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Rome's Jubilee Transformation
- Rome is preparing extensively for the 2025 papal jubilee, expecting 32 million visitors, which is ten times its population.
- The city balances grandeur with practical modernization, like stylish trash bins and cobblestone restoration, reflecting its blend of ancient charm and contemporary life.
Channel Islands' Real Character
- The Channel Islands are diverse and distinct, with little shared identity and often mutual dislike, notably between Jersey and Guernsey.
- Contrary to stereotypes, they are not manicured tax havens but host natural beauty, local communities, and historic military defenses.
Friendship Rift in Civil War
- The story of Edward Hyde and Balstrode Whitelocke illustrates how civil war polarizes even close friendships and colleagues.
- The book reviewed highlights personal and social factors driving historical divisions, although focusing more on personalities than political processes.