Our top stories

A letter to Charles Dickens on his 200th birthday
Claire Tomalin, who wrote a biography of the novelist, wonders what he would make of the 21st century

The light fantastic? Ballet dancers and anorexia
Comment: A ballerina who accused La Scala of promoting anorexia has been sacked. There's more to this weighty issue than meets the eye, says Judith Mackrell

How we made: Vicken Parsons and Antony Gormley on Bed
'The eating part was tedious. I never want to have anything to do with industrially produced bread again'

Best of the rest of the web

The Amazing Spider-Man Trailer
Sneddo: Here is the new theatrical trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man, released today.

Metallica offer teaser for live movie
Music news: Metallica have posted a teaser video promising that fans will see them like never before, possibly in 3D.

Gut instinct versus hard facts
The Stage blog: In the midst of so much inevitably subjective opinions and responses to what we see, the theatre is also notoriously reliant on word-of-mouth not just to sell its shows but also to understand its audiences

UK artists protest against government plans for NHS
Art Info: Contemporary artists have launched a campaign to protest against the Health and Social Care Bill

Architecture school confidential
The Varsity: A heartbreaking tale of sleepless nights, severed fingers, and a shitload of hard work

You tell us

What's on your cultural radar this week? What's the best piece you've read today? Tell us which events and exhibitions you're looking forward to, and share your arts and culture tips and links in the comments below.