Alien earthsFor thousands of years, humans have wondered whether we're alone in the cosmos. Now, for the first time, we have the technology to investigate. The question should have an obvious answer: yes or no. But once you try to find life elsewhere, you realize it is not so simple. How do you find it over cosmic distances? What actually is life?

The Barnes family is in trouble

His Aunt Agatha decides it is time for Bertie to abandon his life of frivolity in favour of wedding bells

she eventually forms a frightening picture of the past six months

frills and unchecked bad behaviour

Think of any scene of disaster and you'll find Sikh volunteers rallying to the site to perform seva - pronounced 'say-va'

graded to suit all abilities of swimmer

he also tells for the first time the story of the personal struggles that inspired his best work

Urgent and persuasive

a peace-loving hobbit

Buried by sand

One of the most determined creatures on earth

rats and scurvy