The Idler magazine helps you to slow down, have fun and live well. Founded by writer Tom Hodgkinson in 1993, each bi-monthly issue offers a book-sized feast of great writing, interviews, cartoons, practical advice on living the idle life and beautiful illustrations. Which other magazine has columns on beekeeping, sheds and snooker?

“A sumptuous treat… the Idler’s appeal and relevance seem to increase by the day,” says Michael Palin.

“The Idler offers me the chance to learn about everything that really matters and a respite for what we are told really matters – like working hard for your boss” says Dominic West.

“The absurd, apparently useless or bizarre concerns of the magazine – Latin, ukuleles, handwriting – have over the years given me a deep joy bordering on the religious,” says Sally Phillips.

Latest issue

Featuring Michael Palin′s guide to diary-writing, tech guru Jaron Lanier on how the Internet went wrong and what we can do about it, the Victorian eccentric who translated the great Persian hymn to pleasure, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam, plus Paul Robeson, sheds, beekeeping, ukulele, philosophy, Virginia Ironside′s problems page plus Rachel Kelly on good mental health.