Matthew Norman

3 weeks ago | theoldie.co.uk | Matthew Norman

How many people marooned in late middle age across this godforsaken planet show no signs whatever of cognitive decline? Most typically, this will manifest itself as the sporadic failure of short-term recall – although I write smugly in the abstract as one of the lucky few. My own short-term memory remains indecently perfect. How many people marooned in late middle age and beyond across… Forgive me, I find myself momentarily paralysed by an inexplicable sense of déjà vu.

1 month ago | greekreporter.com | Matthew Norman

Considered by some to be the influence for Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, the Greek-speaking British spy Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz carried out a series of unique, solo espionage missions that undermined the Nazis during their World War II (WWII) occupation of Greece. Up until his capture and execution in 1943, Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz was arguably the most courageous and effective British agent in Nazi-occupied Greece. He was worth an entire division of soldiers, according to British officials.

2 months ago | greekreporter.com | Matthew Norman

Whether between Greek city-states or against external powers such as Persia, ancient Greece was a hotbed for war and the exercising of power. Yet, among the clatter of swords and shields in warfare, there still existed certain laws. Perhaps the earliest and best-known example of a practical statement about international relations and warfare comes from the ancient Greek historian Thucydides.

Mar 6, 2025 | greekreporter.com | Matthew Norman

The Greek Orthodox Holy Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai is believed to house the oldest icon depicting the crucifixion of Christ. St. Catherine’s icon of the crucifixion of ChristThe icon in question, a panel painting, features the crucified Messiah, with arms stretched over the wooden beams of the cross, surrounded by several figures from the crucifixion narrative.

Mar 6, 2025 | theoldie.co.uk | Matthew Norman

In the way of this dismal age for the young, my son, Louis Norman, has been restored to his childhood home for some 16 months. This is less by choice than through economic necessity. No one within 17 postcodes of sanity, let alone a close relative, would wish to cohabit with me. For all that, I think he finds it almost tolerable. He and his partner have turned the previously condemnable top floor of the house into a pleasant apartment.