Editorial
In Memoriam Tony Hall
In this inaugural issue of Ars Notoria, we embrace intellectual rebellion, re-examining received wisdom across history, politics, culture and personal life with a critical, often irreverent eye. The edition opens on a solemn note with a tribute to Tony Hall, magazine editor, honouring a significant figure whose teachings and insight inspired this publication.
From there we turn to history and identity. Andy Hall explores the nomadic warrior cultures of the Eurasian steppe, connecting their legacy to themes of invasion, migration and the forging of civilisations. Norman B. Schwartz then traces the historical stigma of acting as a disreputable, quasi-criminal profession, examining how society once viewed performers as outcasts and challenging the romanticised image of the stage.
In our culture and society section, Arun Kapil offers a playful meditation on improvisational cooking from whatever is left in the fridge, elevating the mundane act of panic cooking into a creative and almost spiritual exercise in resourcefulness. We then present a feature on psychoanalysis with two opposing viewpoints. Tina Bexson re-examines Jeffrey Masson’s controversial critique of Freudian theory, while Phil Hall Steinhardt defends Sigmund Freud against his detractors, showcasing our commitment to presenting divergent perspectives.
On politics and world affairs, Phil Hall delivers a direct analysis asserting Ukraine’s sovereignty, positioning the magazine’s stance on the ongoing conflict. Pete Field contributes a critical piece on the UK Prime Minister’s rhetoric, drawing parallels to Enoch Powell’s language on immigration while condemning Starmer’s bellicosity towards Russia.
Our literature and fiction section features Amal Chatterjee’s short story about an inspector’s internal thoughts during a school visit, which satirises bureaucratic self-importance and social performance. We also present three book excerpts from our own imprint. Paul D. Halas offers a historical piece emphasising the personal motivations behind major events. Peter Cowlam provides a satirical diary-based memoir set in the New Labour era, skewering political power and governmental absurdity. J.W. Wood contributes a satirical story about a man’s revulsion at the cruel rituals of the elite, told through a shooting weekend gone wrong.
The issue concludes with David Yip’s poignant first instalment of his memoir exploring paternity, family rejection and identity, centred on a father’s cruel joke about the speaker being the milkman’s son, despite their striking resemblance.
This issue blends historical reappraisal, political commentary, literary satire and personal reflection. We want to establish Ars Notoria as a forum for unconventional and provocative thought.
ANDY HALL ON THE HORSEMEN OF THE STEPPES
NORMAN B. ScHWARTZ
MALE IMPERSONATORS
Of all the occupations known, none has been more admired or reviled than acting. Once upon a time, society viewed acting as no better than a hanging branch of prostitution, the last refuge of criminals and inverts—its practitioners (male and female) utilizing the stage to peddle something other than drama. Signs on boarding house doors read JEWS, NEGROES, AND ACTORS NOT WELCOME.
Arun Kapil’s, Fridge-Door Alchemy
The best meals don’t come from perfect conditions. They come from panic. From 6:42 p.m. fridge-staring, teeth on edge, belly growling and the only thing looking back at you is a soft carrot, a crusty-lidded jar of Dijon, a half-dead yoghurt with its watery ghost layer on top, and a tin so old and label-less you start Googling the batch code like it’s a clue in a murder mystery. But this is not a crisis. This is a portal. This is not failure — it’s an invitation. Welcome to the holy, grubby world of Fridge-Door Alchemy, where the saints wear aprons stained with old sambal and the miracles happen one limp vegetable at a time.
PSYCHOANALYSIS
Is Freud Misunderstood?
Jeffrey Masson & The Assault on Truth
Tina Bexson
More respect for Sigmund Freud!
Phil Hall Steinhardt
Barra Boy – David Yip
I asked my dad why he didn’t like me. He answered “because you’re the milkman’s”. Upset by this, I go and tell my mother who asks my dad why he said it. He simply shrugs and doesn’t reply. Despite my father’s comment, as I grow I become my father’s reflection with many people saying we are the double of each other.
A SHORT STORY FROM AMAL CHATTERJEE
The Inspector
The coffee, he thinks, ought to be warmer. On a scale, he prefers closer to hot than to body temperature. And a little more sugar, half a teaspoon more, that’d do the trick.
‘…it’s a privilege,’ the Headmaster is saying.
He isn’t even half-listening, he doesn’t need to, the Headmaster likes the sound of his own voice enough for both of them. For all of them.
Phil Hall on Ukraine’s Right to Self Determination
Book excerpts from AN Editions
The Rights of Man and Fish
‘You see what’s really interesting about history isn’t the bare facts – we all know them – but the back stories…what made historical events take place – that’s what’s so different about the book, and that’s what got people so worked up. But first things first. Let’s take a seat on la terrasse, and can I offer you a glass of rosé? It’s from the local vineyard, and it’s very nice – especially on a day like this..’
Paul D. Halas
That Was Hugh Blythe MP
That Was Hugo Blythe MP is the memoir, in diary form, of government researcher Alaric Casteele. It is set in a vaguely determined period in the early 2000s at the height of the New Labour project. Casteele’s boss is the Right Honourable Hugo Blythe MP, who jokingly refers to his department as the Department of Cult. The following is an excerpt from Casteele’s diary.
Peter Cowlam
Captcha This!
‘Martin began to gain power. And power, as we all know, is the greatest narcotic – or hallucinogen. For instance, the high-powered Simon Tickley invited him to a shooting weekend. This consisted of people dressing up in clothes from the nineteenth century and blasting away at defenceless ducks and geese which died in agony from their wounds. Martin had never wanted to kill anything and the sight of dying birds made him feel sick. Especially if they weren’t that bastard pheasant.’
J.W. Wood
CARTOON
Pete Field on Keir Starmer’s Scare Tactics
Recently Keir Starmer has been echoing the language of Enoch Powell who talked about the ‘strangers in our midst’ and at the same time his bellicosity toward the Russian Federation is reaching dangerous proportions.
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