Ben Macintyre's book delves into the 1980 Iranian embassy siege in London, highlighting the Special Air Service's (SAS) pivotal role in resolving the crisis. The siege, led by Towfiq al Rashidi and his poorly trained team, demanded the release of Khuzestan activists. The British government, under Margaret Thatcher, was determined to avoid past failures, leading to a successful SAS operation, Operation Nimrod. The event elevated the SAS's public profile and bolstered Thatcher's standing. Macintyre's narrative skillfully intertwines the political, military, and personal dimensions of the siege, solidifying his reputation as a leading author of non-fiction action thrillers.

Kamala Harris's presidential campaign is facing significant challenges as it struggles to maintain momentum and voter support. Despite being the Democratic nominee, Harris's campaign lacks a clear message and is criticized for not effectively engaging with key voter demographics, particularly black male voters in Michigan. Polls indicate a tightening race against Donald Trump in crucial Rust Belt states, with Trump gaining ground in Michigan. The Democratic Party is deploying prominent figures to boost voter turnout, but concerns remain about the campaign's outreach and messaging. Harris's centrist stance on gun ownership is highlighted as a potential strategy to connect with voters, but its impact remains uncertain.

The article explores the life and works of Ian Fleming, focusing on his creation of the iconic James Bond character. It delves into Fleming's background, his experiences during World War II, and how these influenced his writing. The discussion includes an analysis of several Bond novels, highlighting their unique elements and Fleming's evolving style. The article also touches on the cultural impact of Bond, particularly in America, and Fleming's legacy beyond the Bond series. Additionally, it mentions Charlie Higson's contributions to the Bond universe through his Young Bond series and a recent short novel, emphasizing the enduring appeal of Fleming's creation.

The article discusses Arthur Conan Doyle's lesser-known work 'The Tragedy of Korosko' and his extensive travels that influenced his writing. The novel, which touches on Islamic fundamentalism, was inspired by Conan Doyle's journey to Egypt in the late 19th century. The article highlights Conan Doyle's experiences in Egypt, where he traveled for his wife's health and worked as a correspondent during the war against the Mahdi. It also covers his early writing about the Arctic, his contributions to travel writing and photography within Britain, and his role in popularizing skiing through his articles about Switzerland. Additionally, the article mentions his travels to North Africa, Istanbul, the Indian subcontinent, Australasia, and the United States, reflecting on his observations and their impact on his fiction and nonfiction works.

The book 'Behind the Enigma: The Authorised History of GCHQ, Britain’s Secret Cyber-Intelligence Agency' by John Ferris offers an official narrative of Britain's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and its role in Signals Intelligence (Sigint). Initially set to release in 2019 during GCHQ's centenary, the publication was delayed due to necessary approvals from international partners. Ferris provides insights into the agency's evolution from intercepting communications in World War I to adapting to the digital age. The book highlights GCHQ's successes, such as the decryption of German ULTRA material in WWII, and its influence on historical events like the Falklands War and the turmoil in Palestine. Ferris also discusses the internal dynamics of GCHQ, including funding challenges and cultural changes. The book is noted for its access to internal documents and for shedding light on an institution that operates in secrecy.

The article discusses a new book that delves into the world of Sherlock Holmes and his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle. Biographer Andrew Lycett explores the influences that shaped both the character of Holmes and Conan Doyle himself, including Victorian interests in detection, science, and psychology. The book is praised for its elegant production, rich illustrations, and insightful text, making it a must-have for fans of Sherlock Holmes. The reviews from various sources, including The Washington Post and the I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere podcast, commend the book's quality and the depth of Lycett's exploration into the iconic detective's creation and enduring fascination.

The article reviews 'The Five' by Hallie Rubenhold, published by Bloomsbury. It challenges the long-held narrative surrounding the victims of Jack the Ripper, the infamous serial killer who terrorized Whitechapel in London during 1888. The book shifts the focus from the killer and the sensationalized theories about his identity to the five murdered women. It criticizes the historical demonization of these women as prostitutes and the perpetuation of this stereotype in the Ripper myth. The review highlights the book's aim to provide a more accurate and respectful account of the victims' lives.

The article discusses the historical context behind Britain's favourite poem, 'If –', revealing that it is a tribute to Sir Leander Starr Jameson. Jameson was involved in the Jameson Raid, an event that aimed to overthrow the Transvaal government in South Africa and was backed by Cecil Rhodes of the British South Africa Company. This raid indirectly led to the outbreak of the second Boer War. The piece also commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Rudyard Kipling, the author of the poem, highlighting his international influence and mentioning some of his works, including 'Kim' and 'The Gardener'.

Kathryn Hughes criticizes modern biographies for neglecting the physical embodiment of their subjects, a trend she attributes to a focus on moral and psychological aspects that began with Lytton Strachey's post-WWI works. Hughes advocates for the inclusion of physical details to enrich biographical narratives, as she believes they offer a more intimate understanding of historical figures. In her book 'Victorians Undone: Tales of the Flesh in the Age of Decorum', she explores the lives of several Victorian personalities, including Queen Victoria, Charles Darwin, George Eliot, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Fanny Adams, through the lens of their physical experiences and characteristics. Hughes combines humor and academic rigor to provide a fresh perspective on Victorian biographies.

The article discusses the complex legacy of Lord Louis Mountbatten, touching upon his role in Indian independence and his status within the royal family. It references the work of historians like Andrew Roberts and Andrew Lownie, the latter of whom has written a joint biography of Mountbatten and his wife, Edwina Ashley. Lownie's biography suggests that Mountbatten was likely bisexual, a claim supported by anecdotes but with no evidence of impact on his decision-making. The article also covers Edwina's life, highlighting her wealth, affairs, and eventual significant role in the St John's Ambulance Service and in India as the viceroy's wife. The article mentions the substantial payment received by Philip Ziegler from the Sunday Times for extracts from his official biography of Mountbatten.