Terry Eagleton on Milton’s 400th Birthday

 

Milton’s republic

Our great dissident poet, born 400 years ago today, did more than just hymn the praises of revolt

Most poetry in the modern age has retreated to the private sphere, turning its back on the political realm. The two intersect only in such absurd anomalies as the poet laureateship. But whereas Andrew Motion does his bit to keep the monarchy in business, one of the greatest of English poets played his part in subverting it. John Milton, who was born in Cheapside 400 years ago today, published a political tract two weeks after the beheading of Charles I, arguing that all sovereignty lay with the people, who could depose and even execute a monarch if he betrayed their trust.

The Two Faces of Amis: An Interview With Martin Amis

 

Martin Amis’ tiny blonde daughter answers the door to their vast Primrose Hill house, beaming and waving — and then a moment later, the 58-year old novelist appears behind her, with his sad, semi-scowling face sucking on another roll-up. He leads me through into his front room, a huge, swollen nest of books: paperbacks, hardbacks, fictions, histories. This is where the novels that thrilled me as a teenager — the bitter genius of Money and London Fields, the novels that distilled the eighties — were born. This is where we are going to have to discuss The Race Row.

LEMMY!!!

 

Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister  By Keith Carman    Motörhead bassist/vocalist Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister is god, at least in the world of rock’n’roll. And these days he’s pretty much single-handedly maintaining the Holy Trinity of rock — sex, drugs and rock’n’roll — with a touch of class. He’s the kind of guy that even rock stars are nervous to meet. He’s seen the Beatles’ first television performance, was a roadie for Jimi Hendrix and his tour stories are the stuff of legend. More importantly, were it not for his gravelly throat, iconic handlebar moustache and grinding Rickenbacker bass delivering uncompromised, no-holds-barred rock’n’roll since 1975, virtually any band utilizing distortion and power chords today simply wouldn’t exist. Even at 62, Kilmister refuses to slow down, touring in support of latest album Motorizer (SPV/Steamhammer) with long-time cohorts Phillip Campbell (guitar) and Mikkey Dee (drums). While Motorizer is Motorhead’s most accomplished and diverse effort in almost a decade, Lemmy understandably feels it’s no different than their previous 23 studio efforts. “Motorizer is a good album but then again, they’ve all been good albums,” he declares in his trademark to-the-point manner, replete with enigmatically dry British humour. “I hope people latch onto it. I advise everyone to buy two copies. You won’t be disappointed. Why not three? They make great coasters if you don’t like it.” What are you up to? We’re on tour with Judas Priest and Heaven and Hell. We’re in Oklahoma City. What are your current fixations? Women with three tits. You don’t get a lot of ‘em, y’know. You gotta look carefully.