Impressionist Alistair McGowan debuts his first play Timing at the Kings Head Theatre starting from the 30th September, starring Dean Gaffney (Robbie from Eastenders) and regular theatre star Edward Baker-Duly. It seems that McGowan, famed by his sketch show Big Impression on the BBC has decided to return to the theatre after his work in Cabaret (Lyric Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (New Ambassadors Theatre) and The Mikado (Gielgud Theatre) but this time as a playwright. Teaming up with director Tamara Harvey, Timing is all about a young guy called Julian Mann (Baker-Duly) who sets off to work one morning only to find his ex-girlfriend of 5 years is at his workplace, but the complication arises in that they have not spoken since the break-up in which she broke his heart. It is set to go on until 8th November, and if McGowan's previous work is anything to go by it should be a comic hit. It should also be interesting to see how the comedian tackles more serious topics as well. --Review from spoonfed.co.uk

Ends of Assimilation compares sociological and Chicano/a (Mexican American) literary representations of assimilation. It argues that while Chicano/a literary works engage assimilation in complex, often contradictory ways, they manifest an underlying conviction in literature's productive power. At the same time, Chicano/a literature demonstrates assimilation sociology's inattention to its status as a representational discourse. As twentieth-century sociologists employ the term, assimilation reinscribes as fact the fiction of a unitary national culture, ignores the interlinking of race and gender in cultural formation, and valorizes upward economic mobility as a politically neutral index of success. The study unfolds chronologically, describing how the historical formation of Chicano/a literature confronts the specter of assimilation discourse. It tracks how the figurative, rhetorical, and lyrical power of Chicano/a literary works compels us to compare literary discourse with the self-authorizing empiricism of assimilation sociology. It also challenges presumptions of authenticity on the part of Chicano/a cultural nationalist works, arguing that Chicano/a literature must reckon with cultural dynamism and develop models of relational authenticity to counter essentialist discourses. The book advances these arguments through sustained close readings of canonical and noncanonical figures and gives an account of various moments in the history and institutional development of Chicano/a literature, such as the rise and fall of Quinto Sol Publications, asserting that Chicano/a writers, editors, and publishers have self-consciously sought to acquire and redistribute literary cultural capital.

This authentic account is a tribute to the courage and resolve with which soldiers and their loved ones confront uncertainty, fear, hardship and the loss of their comrades. Subjected to continual changes of affiliation as the Falklands campaign unfolds, 2 Troop has to create its own identity and sense of belonging drawing on its professional belief, strength of leadership, and intrinsic camaraderie. This is the story of how they did it, and the contribution they made, in one of the toughest campaigns since World War 2. A 'must read' for aspiring junior commanders and students of the realities of war. -- General Sir Peter Wall GCB, CBE, DL, FREng

The fascinating full account of how the prime minister lost his grip on power.

Sebastian Payne, Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times, tells the essential behind-the-scenes story, charting the series of scandals that felled Johnson: from the blocked suspension of Owen Paterson to Partygate, and, finally, the Chris Pincher allegations, which were the final death blow. This is the full narrative of the betrayals, rivalries and resignations that led to the dramatic Conservative coup.

With unparalleled access to those who were in the room when key decisions were made, Payne tells of the miscalculations and mistakes that led to Boris’s downfall, only two years after he first entered No.10 Downing Street. This is a gripping and timely look at how power is gained, wielded and lost in Britain today.

The rise, fall, and revival of the Caesar of Silicon Valley.

Elon Musk famously leads his companies from a bully pulpit, cutting through red tape whenever possible with little regard for the fallout. Musk's approach to business and politics is truly singular - he alternately seems to be either in complete command or on the verge of a meltdown, and many in his orbit have had their lives upended by buying into his utopian vision.

From the chaotic launch of the Tesla Cybertruck to his decision to reshape Twitter into 'X' as part of his self-proclaimed mission to defeat the 'woke mind virus', Musk is seemingly drawn to public controversy, yet he has emerged from these turbulent moments more influential and powerful than ever.

Hubris Maximus offers an unprecedented insight into the motives and mindset that have driven Musk's stratospheric rise to power. In this cautionary tale about the pitfalls of magnetic leaders, Washington Post journalist Faiz Siddiqui offers a gripping portrait of a uniquely messy and lucrative period in Musk's career, one which has seen him ascend into a key role in Trump's administration.