In this article, Geordie Cheetham looks at Houellebecq’s first published work, a biography of the American author H. P. Lovecraft. How does disgust with the modern world become a fitting object of literary study, when Houellebecq approvingly cites Lovecraft’s disdain for all forms of realism? And what does a corpse surrounded by shopping trolleys Nouvelles Galeries have to do with it?

In this intriguing column, CLC Columnist Geordie Cheetham expertly explores the man behind some of France’s most popular tales of anomie and despair: Michel Houellebecq.

In the final instalment of her column, Freya Swinburne examines the rise of Clara Luciani.

Columnist Freya Swinburne discusses the rise in prominence of Pomme and her feminism-themed music.

In the first instalment of her column, Helena Pruszewicz traces French feminism back to its roots- revolution- and analyses the égalité achieved in the ensuing period

‘Tongue Tied’ is a short tour through Europe via some of its most at-risk languages. In a series of four articles, Columnist Kieran McGreevy will examine four languages from across the corners of Europe, with the aim of showing what has led these languages to the brink of extinction (and sometimes back), by untying the history of the people, the linguistics of the language itself, and the efforts being made to keep these tongues alive. In the first instalment, Kieran looks at Occitan, its history, features, and efforts for revitalisation.