Battles in Print & Culture Wars

Battles in Print are specially-commissioned essays that explore topics being discussed at the Battle of Ideas 2008, serving as introductions to the debate and encouraging further reflection. Battles in Print take a variety of forms, from short provocation essays to longer think pieces and interviews, and are available both online and in print at the festival itself. They are complemented by themed book reviews on Culture Wars, the Academy of Ideas' online review, which was relaunched this summer.

Editors: Dolan Cummings and Sarah Boyes

The 2008 Battles in Print are now available below. Select a theme on the left to see related Battles in Print from the archive.

 Education

The value of poetry, Michele Ledda

Judgement in crisis, Chris Kerr

Criticism in crisis?, Nick Westbrook

Rethinking therapy culture, Kathryn Ecclestone

The Empty Staffroom, Richard Swan

What is education for?, Michael Young interview by Toby Marshall

The Tyranny of Skills, Alec Turner

 Festival Buzz

"Taking part in the Battle of Ideas is like putting your brain in a pencil sharpener. It works better as a result."
George Brock, Saturday Editor, The Times