What is Cosy Moments?

In P.G. Wodehouse’s 1915 novel Psmith, Journalist, Psmith (the P is silent, "as in pshrimp") accompanies his friend Mike to New York for a cricketing tour. Through his charm and personality, Psmith takes charge of a minor periodical called Cosy Moments. After walking through a slum neighbourhood, Psmith uses Cosy Moments to expose the corruption and poverty in the area. He is attacked by thugs, and in the fight his hat is ruined. “Cosy Moments,” he asserts to those who would intimidate him, “cannot be muzzled.”

As newspapers devote less space to literature and the arts, and as critical acumen is blunted by conformity and laziness, I wanted to set up an independent publication that helps you avoid the mists of cliche and banality while pursuing the true and the beautiful. Avoiding the larger media organisations with dubious priorities and unclear motives, this newsletter will try to recreate the feeling of two old friends talking by a fireplace — the feeling of cosiness.

The modern world has made us nomads — moving from one place to the next, from one relationship to the next, from one thought to the next, distracted by thousands of idols and trivialities. We yearn for peace and connection. When has cosiness ever been more important?

What will you cover?

Cosy Moments will cover literature, music, culture, and politics. I’ll write in various forms — with a mix of essays, reviews, comments, encomium — but my main priority is to entertain you while offering guidance.

I hope that this won’t be an intellectual OnlyFans but a place where we can help each other see more clearly. Grab a chair, pour a whisky, and join Cosy Moments.

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If you have any questions, please email williampoulos@substack.com.