The Damned United review – Brian Clough as puritan avenger

An adaptation of David Peace’s novel that is a remarkable re-enactment of Clough’s tempestuous six weeks in charge of Leeds United

The Overcoat

Lyric Hammersmith, LondonThis Gogol story is so hysterical, it made Lyn Gardner want to hide under her coat

Beauty review – so much for the pleasures of the flesh

Roger Scruton’s timely book argues that human reason is essential for appreciating beauty. Wrong, argues Sebastian Smee

The first blond bombshell

Review: Stanley, I Presume by Stanley JohnsonBoris's father has led a fascinating and varied life, but his prose lets him down badly, says Rachel Cooke

The Thoughtful Dresser by Linda Grant review – dressing the part

Review: The Thoughtful Dresser by Linda GrantAlice Rawsthorn is impressed by a sensible assessment of the importance of clothes

From Vogue to dirty brogues

Review: Fashionista by Simone WerleOne of the real pleasures here is to encounter the lesser-known icons of ages past says Olivia Laing

The life and times of an Oxford don who never flowed quietly

Review: Maurice Bowra by Leslie MitchellA sense of what the campus agitators of the 1960s were reacting against says Ronan McDonald

Portraits of the artist

The collages that once adorned Louis Armstrong's walls capture the essence of the man, writes Stuart Nicholson

Caravan Thieves

Review: Caravan Thieves by Gerard WoodwardWoodward's strange stories don't always succeed, says James Smart

Cold Cream

Review: Cold Cream by Ferdinand MountThis is a book that makes you laugh while inciting class hatred, suggests Jo Littler

Everyday miracles

Review: Constable in Love by Martin GayfordMartin Gayford's portrait of Constable is a gift to the artist's many admirers, writes Andrew Motion