In this extract from his new book, journalist Andrew Mueller reflects on a comically dark time in our nation’s musical and sporting history.

Back in the day, students caught misbehaving at this university were sent to a secret subterranean prison. These photos of its graffiti-clad walls show that it was a pretty fun place to be.

Now that’s entertainment.

Who’s a good soldier?

It’s basically the Ocean’s Eleven of flightless bird thefts.

These retro caravan brochures are so fantastically gaudy, you’ll never want to camp without a shagpile rug again.

Nine hundred classic arcade games have been put on the internet. For free. There goes the weekend.

A short film from 1965 captures the art of axe-making in its final days.

Once upon a time, bees across Europe were routinely informed of matters concerning their keeper’s lives. And if they weren’t ‘put into mourning’ after their keeper’s death, things would go astray.