Philippa Gregory is a British historical novelist with a particular interest in the Tudor period. Her novel The Other Boleyn Girl became a film starring Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman.
One law I would pass:
A law against parental neglect to improve the protection of children from abuse. And to oblige society to educate children well, ensure they are fed and clothed, and give every child a chance in life.
Whom I would ennoble:
I really wouldn't ennoble anyone. It enforces the innate English snobbery. I would immediately abolish all Lord Mayors.
One thing I would ban:
Any transport with a fuel engine. The world was a cleaner, better, slower place before the motor car, and it should take six weeks to get to America.
Whom I would exile to Siberia:
Rude people, bossy people, unkind and shouty people. People who mess up public spaces with litter and noise.
Where I would build my palace:
It's there already – Windsor Castle (so much nicer when I have banned aeroplanes).
The book every child would have to read:
The works of James Thurber to see how silly and funny adults secretly are.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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