The Guardian Long Read - Spring 2026

In this issue, you’ll find stories about the aeroplane stowaway who fell to earth in suburban London, how private equity is plundering the world, and what it’s like growing up in a family of Nazis. Plus: Who will win the dirty war between hand dryers and paper towels?

 

What readers have said about these stories:

The man who fell from the sky by Sirin Kale

“High quality journalism from one of Britain's best journalists.”

“If you have time today, or any day for that matter, this long read is insane and riveting at the same time.”

How wildfires got weird by Daniel Immerwahr

“Beautifully written, and with a mind-expanding big-picture focus.”

“Daniel Immerwahr weaves together the climate science, health & safety impacts, ecological role, and political economy of our relationship with fire — in a really beautiful way.”

The man who turned his home into a homeless shelter by Samira Shackle:

“This is so good. A rare mix of life-affirming and blood-boiling writing.

 

Is free will an illusion? by Oliver Burkeman

“I fell down a wormhole of chaos theory, probability, randomness and predictability and it became more and more fascinating.”