The Idler magazine helps you to slow down, have fun and live well. Founded by writer Tom Hodgkinson in 1993, each bi-monthly issue offers a book-sized feast of great writing, interviews, cartoons, practical advice on living the idle life and beautiful illustrations. Which other magazine has columns on beekeeping, sheds and snooker? 

 “A sumptuous treat… the Idler’s appeal and relevance seem to increase by the day,” says Michael Palin. 

“The Idler offers me the chance to learn about everything that really matters and a respite for what we are told really matters – like working hard for your boss” says Dominic West. 

“The absurd, apparently useless or bizarre concerns of the magazine – Latin, ukuleles, handwriting – have over the years given me a deep joy bordering on the religious,” says Sally Phillips.

In our tech special, Cory Doctorow explains how we can reduce the power of the big tech and Mark Vernon advises against getting worried about AI. We meet entrepreneur Cath Kidston and learn about her journey from small to big to small again. Plus Stewart Lee's music roundup, joys of the typewriter and Murray Lachlan Young on the sad demise of the fluffer.