Letters And Benches

The Emperor’s New Letters

Danny Bate | 6th August 2026

The Latin alphabet, 2000 years old in Emperor Claudius’s time, had 21 letters. A man of books, Claudius added three more letters, but scholars cannot know what they were with any degree of certainty because they did not survive his demise. Contrast this with Spurius Carvilius Ruga, the former slave credited with inventing the successful letter G centuries prior. “Perhaps they just weren’t good letters?” (3,100 words)

The Bench As A Made Object

Leo Umilio | Idle Gazette | 8th August 2026

Short, almost dreamy piece on making benches. Though the simplest of seats, every proportion is a decision. Vindication comes from the neighbour, who takes a liking to one of these made benches. “Last Thursday I came up the road at dusk and he was already there, legs out, hat back, and he moved over exactly one plank’s width without looking, which is both a greeting and a verdict on the joinery” (900 words)