The fourth in a five-part magazine series for omnivorous book readers.
Alchemy fascinates writers and readers from fantasy fiction to science history. Kevin Jackson goes in pursuit of the philosopher's stone and reviews some of the many modern publications devoted to this ancient art. Michael White discusses his forthcoming biography of Isaac Newton , The Last Sorcerer, which sees the founding father of modern science as more of a magician than a logician. And, as the Guilt List reaches Proust. Alain de Botton offers tips on tackling Remembrance of Things Past.