The Spectator was established in 1828, and is the oldest continuously published magazine in the English language. The Spectator's taste for controversy, however, remains undiminished. There is no party line to which The Spectator's writers are bound - originality of thought and elegance of expression are the sole editorial constraints.

The free trial issue marks the election of Barack Obama with perspectives from Reihan Salam, James Forsyth and Rod Liddle. UK politics come under scrutiny from Brendan O’Neill and Irwin Stelzer, while Marcus du Sautoy writes his diary and Lisa Hilton reports on life in Italy.

The Spectator's regular arts coverage includes books, theatre, opera, cinema and radio.