Sidney Sheldon

Obituary: Blockbusting US writer whose racy novels, stylish films and hit plays made him a legend on Broadway and in Hollywood.

‘The hottest place on earth’

It's bleak, depressed, run down - and local artists are selling works for a million dollars. Gordon Burn goes to Leipzig to see why the art world is flocking to a mill in the former GDR.

Is Nick Cohen right about the left? His critics reply

Last week, we printed an extract from Nick Cohen's provocative new book, What's Left?, a searing account of how the British liberal-left has lost its way and, in the process, turned a blind eye to Islamic fascism. Cohen's piece sparked a huge response both online and in print. Here, Peter Oborne, the distinguished commentator and author, reviews the book, and other political thinkers have their say.

In Rocky’s footsteps

Ever since the first Rocky film, fans have been running up the most famous steps in America in homage to their boxing hero. And their stories are just as inspirational as that of their idol, Sarfraz Manzoor discovers.

How racist is Britain?

Events on Big Brother have ignited a fierce debate about Britain and racism. While researching his new book about the British psyche, philosopher Julian Baggini spent six months living in Rotherham, Yorkshire. Here, he explains why he doesn't believe most white Britons are racists - even though he heard racist language almost everywhere he went