Join the analogue revolution with the Idler, says Tom Hodgkinson

Imagine a world where every traveller on a bus or train is reading a print copy of the Idler instead of staring at their phones. Ah, it would be truly marvellous, and maybe not impossible: I heard this week that our current issue is breaking all our previous records and is now outselling Guardian Weekly and the New Yorker on the newsstand.

So today I wanted to urge you to take out a print subscription to the magazine. Or if you’re already a subscriber, to buy one for a friend.

When you subscribe, you get each copy for £8.30, a saving of £1.70 on the shop price. And we send it to your door. No exhausting trips to the shop. We’ll also send you a copy of my book Idle Thoughts, worth £8.95. It’s a collection of 40 letters from the editor, guaranteed to raise a smile and help you enjoy the idle life.

What’s more, Idler subscribers also get FREE entry to our weekly online event, “A Drink with the Idler”. Forthcoming guests include Michael Pollan and Peter Ackroyd.

Plus you’ll get Idler paywall access.

Merriment and learning guaranteed!

Live well,

Tom

PS Join here or call our order line on 01442 820 581, Mon-Fri, 9-5. Ask for Nina or Jane.

Subscribe to the Idler here and get 12% off the shop price plus a FREE copy of Idle Thoughts by Tom Hodgkinson, worth £8.95.

Subscribers may comment. Please add your idle thoughts using the box below

A Drink with the Idler

“A Drink with the Idler” is taking a short break but will be back in April with author and activist Michael Pollan, who will be talking to Tom about one of life’s deepest mysteries: consciousness. That’s Thursday 9 April at 6pm. Find out more and book tickets here.
It’s FREE to subscribers – otherwise £7.50.

How to Live Like a Stoic

The March/April 2026 issue of the Idler (#108) is available in Waitrose, Smiths and TG Jones.

Click here for your nearest stockist.