Recent ISSUES

Missed out on an exclusive interview with your favourite band? Need to know what our well-regarded critics think about a recent film release? Didn’t manage to get your hands on the latest special edition? Want to know what we have to say about the issues affecting your world?

Whether you’re a fan, a student, a teacher or just an avid reader we’re happy to send you a back issue of the magazine at a cost of £4 (inc P&P) For further information, or to order a back issue, please email backissues@bigissue.com , or call 020 7526 3267.

Here are a few of our most recent editions, if you can’t find what you’re looking for here please get in touch.

Click here to read 'Bland Faith' by Paul Kingsnorth, from Issue 848.

#912 A Dying Shame We examine why sueccesive governments have refused to tackle the streets deadliest threat by banning super-strength lagers. Also in this issue... A bomb disposal officer's harrowing story of the tour of duty in Iraq which left him suffering post traumatic stress disorder... We talk to the first woman to write a play for performance at The Globe theatre in its 400 year history... One vendor's tale of escaping domestic violence and starting a new life... And John Bird's open letter to the coalition leaders.

On Sale August 23rd: Click here to purchase a back issue

#911 Uniform offers 'hand up' As our first official vendor uniform hits the streets we examine the impact it will have on vendors and debate the controversy surrounding uniform sponsor Fairhills Fairtrade wine company.

On Sale August 16th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#910 Mitchell & Webb on taking comedy slightly seriously. Also in this issue... Walk on the Wildside - the unusual guided tour givinghope to the homeless... Next steps for school leavers; our guide to navigating the clearing process... And John Bird writes to Pablo Picasso.

On Sale August 9th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#909 Usher The life of an R'n'B superstar, actor, music mogul and philanthropist. Also in this issue... Visionary business - the London restaurant employing visually impaired staff to serve dinner in the dark...John Bird's pens an open letter to new Justice Minister Ken Clarke to the state of our prison system... PLUS: How one man's tale of how he went from working as a clinical psychologist to selling The Big Issue.

On Sale August 2nd: Click here to purchase a back issue

#908 Tom Jones - the Welsh legend talks Elvis, Johnny Cash and 45 years in the business... Also in this issue.... As anti-war activists are cleared of criminal damage we examine the court case which has put arms manufacturers under the spotlight... War Child - we talk to the charity about the fresh challenges it faces in the wake of Iraq and Afghanistan... And as the new government unveils plans to tackle homelessness we ask, have they gone far enough?

On Sale July 26th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#907 The Big Issue launches in Korea

On Sale July 19th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#906 Professor Green

On Sale July 12th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#905 Fat Boy Slim

On Sale July 5th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#904 LCD Soundsystem

On Sale June 28th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#903 Alicia Keys

On Sale June 21st: Click here to purchase a back issue

#902 Summer books special

On Sale June 14th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#901 Stephen Gerrard

On Sale June 7th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#900 The Black Eyed Peas

On Sale May 31st: Click here to purchase a back issue

#899 Justice For All - Crime & Punishment special

On Sale May 24th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#898 Elle Macpherson

On Sale May 17th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#897 Free stuff and how tips on where to find it!

On Sale May 10th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#896 Pendulum

On Sale May 3rd: Click here to purchase a back issue

#895 Broken Britain - challenging the politicians

On Sale April 26th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#894 Richard Branson guest edits

On Sale April 19th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#893 Plan B On his incredible journey from Essex B-Boy to Atlantic soul boy. Also in this issue... Capital punishment - why we are on the cusp of a social revolution... Blair's former speech writer talks to us about new political thriller 'The Ghost' hitting cinemas this week... And a spring garden revelation!

On Sale April 12th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#891 Shakira Activist, philanthropist and all round pop-goddess! Also in this issue... Alain De Botton on the age old struggle for a work/life balance... Noveslist and writer of The wire, George Pelecanos talks crime and punishment... And don't miss out on a Kissy Sell Out download track - free with this week's issue!

On Sale March 29nd: Click here to purchase a back issue

#890 The Wedge Card Guest Edit! Dermot O'Leary and other stars join The Battle for the High Street... Also in this issue... Colin Firth's latest venture... Rosie Boycott on the fight to save Portebello... And the weird and wonderful world of curiosity shops! Plus: Don't miss your chance to get a free Wedge Card

On Sale March 22nd: Click here to purchase a back issue

#889 Sport Relief Tackling social problems on our streets and our playing fields.

On Sale March 15th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#888 Craig David The Gloves Are Off... Craig David comes fighting back. Also in this issue... The shameful rise in the global sex trade... Casualties of war - supporting our injured service people... And Gordon Roddick on the shocking injustice faced by the Angola 3. PLUS - Buy this issue and receive a free coffee from Giraffe restaurants.

On Sale March 8th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#887 Rough sleeping examined The chaos, complexity and confusion of the rough sleeping and the attempts to end it. PLUS: World Book Day industry focus... Polarbear - upcoming spoken word artist... Population worries misplaced, says scientist

On Sale March 1st: Click here to purchase a back issue

#886 Harry Hill The funny man talks family and Fairtrade. Plus - Buy this week's issue for huge discounts on Fairtrade products.

On Sale February 22nd: Click here to purchase a back issue

#885 Massive attack Musical pioneers Massive Attack on politics, purism and why blood is thicker than music. Also in this issue... Fault lines - charting Haiti's tragic history,,, The fight to save women's refuges' from planned closures... And Bafta nominated actor James McAvoy on his latest offering 'The Last Station'.

On Sale February 15th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#884 David Cameron Read our exclusive interview with Conservative party leader David Cameron. Can the Tory leader convince the electorate (and our vendors) that he's the man for the job? Also in this issue... Colin Firth on his Oscar nominated performance in 'A Single Man'... And our guide to the biggest and best releases hitting cinemas in 2010.

On Sale February 8th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#883 Hot Chip The electro pop stars talk about their critically acclaimed new album and why they refuse to be pigeon-holed. Also in this issue... We go behind the scenes with The English Defence League, but are they peaceful protestors or far-right thugs? And we talk to San Diego rockers The Soft Pack talk front-room gigs, Danny Glover and transvestites. PLUS - WIN TICKETS TO SEE GOLDIE AND ROOTS MANUVA!

On Sale February 1st: Click here to purchase a back issue

#882 What a waste As our land fills overflow, waterways become polluted and emissions continue to rise we ask, are we the most the wasteful generation in history? Also in this issue... US political pundit Barbara Ehrenreich on the dangers of 'positive thinking'... 'Precious' director Lee Daniels on Oscar buzz and the drive to succeed... The disabled-led theatre company breaking new ground. PLUS: 50% OFF FOOD AT SLUG & LETTUCE FOR EVERY READER!

On Sale January 25th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#881 Emma Bunton Ex-Spice Girl Emma Bunton talks motherhood, Comic Relief and Dancing On Ice. Also in this, our Travel special... Winter warmers - where to go to beat those January blues... And budget breaks - holidays that won't break the bank! PLUS - WIN A HOLIDAY TO INDIA!

On Sale Januray 18th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#880 Business and finance special. Entrepreneur, Dragon's Den star and newly appointed Big Issue Chairman - James Caan talks to us about taking philanthropy to the next level. Also in this issue... Our top tips on staying debt free in 2010... Ethical investments - the businesses securing social and financial returns in their communities. PLUS 50% OFF ALL FOOD AT SLUG & LETTUCE FOR EVERY READER.

On Sale Januray 11th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#879 Mumford & Sons Folk music's newest heroes, Mumford & Sons, talk faith, manliness and banjo lessons... Also in this issue... Viggo Mortensen on his role in the film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's apocalyptic The Road... New year, new you - does your life need to take a different direction in 2010? And Big Issue founder John Bird explains why it's high time we tackled the crisis in the provision of mental health services.

On Sale Januray 4th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#878 New year Special

On Sale December 28th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#877 Paul McCartney

On Sale December 16th: No back issues available

#876 George Michael ** Exclusive ** Reclusive global superstar George Michael on an eventful twelve months and releasing his first Christmas single in 25 years. Also in this issue... The first installment of our two part short story by Kate Mosse, the best-selling author of Labyrinth... Our guide to the best of British Christmas gifts.

On Sale December 7th: No back issues available

#875 Madness British ska legends Madness on politics, performing and supporting The Big Issue. Also in this issue... The ultimate in ethical gifts this Christmas... On the eve of world Aids Day we ask if awareness is of the risks is falling... And Home Secretary Alan Johnson on a varied career.

On Sale November 30th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#874 Bob Dylan - the living legend talks exclusively to The Big Issue about his unique project with the homeless. Also in this issue... Bill Bailey talks music and madness... And The Green Awards - who's doing their bit to save the planet?

On Sale November 23rd: Back issue unavailable

#873 Jamie T The South London lyricist on laryngitis, losing it and having a laugh. Also in this issue... Insider art - the artistic talents found in Britain's prisons... And DIY Couture, your guide to making a beautiful garment from scratch.

On Sale November 16th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#872 Hate crime - are we breeding a new generation of homophobes? Also in this issue... Ethical investment under the microscope; how doing good pays dividends... Adoption - a child's perspective... And celebrating 18 years of Big Issue photography, The Bigger Picture exhibition hits Bristol.

On Sale November 9th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#871 Climate change special - is Copenhagen our last chance? Bright ideas to save the planet...

On Sale November 2nd: Click here to purchase a back issue

#870 Danny Dyer The hardman of British cinema, Danny Dyer, talks drugs, tabloid stings and thespian frustrations. Also in this issue... Creator The Wire, David Simon, on the corruption at heart of middle American... We get philosophical with acclaimed Scottish novelist Iain Banks, and debate boys versus girls with acclaimed English novelist Nick Hornby.

On Sale October 26th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#869 Communities Special We ask - is Britain really broken? Also in this issue... The election and the world wide web... The myth of community... And the people making beautiful music in Britain's prisons.

On Sale October 19th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#868 Short Story & Poetry Special While away an autumn afternoon with our jam-packed poetry and short story special...

On Sale October 12th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#867 Tiesto The world's biggest DJ, Tiesto, on playing to crowds of 25,000 and taking Djing to a whole new level. Also in this issue... Human rights lawyer Michael Mansfield on a career filled with triumphs and tragedies... We celebrate Black History Month with the cast of uplifting Zimbabwean show 'Zambezi Express'... And to mark World Mental Health Day we explore the link between physical and mental well being. On Sale October 5th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#866 King Blues frontman Itch guest edits our student special. As a member of the hugely popular and hotly-tipped punk-ska band, King Blues, Itch explores how punk's influence has spread far beyond music and fashion. Also in this issue... We examine the heavy-handed policing of recent high profile demonstrations... How the spoken word is fast becoming the new rock'n'roll... And the unlikely rise of the ukulele!On Sale September 28th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#865 Happy 18th birthday Big Issue! Celebrating eighteen amazing years spent helping the homeless to help themselves. Including... Big Issue vendors give the Prime Minister a grilling at Downing Street... Spreading the social revolution - The Big Issue as a global phenomenon... And the biggest names in the world of entertainment, politics and sport have their say on The Big Issue.

On Sale September 21st: Click here to purchase a back issue

#864 Art Special Art from the outside.,, In our art special five very different artists present their manifestos for the 21st century. Also in this issue... Photographer Reza Aramesh on making an art of homelessness at the Tate Modern... We talk to one of Britain's most important playwright's, Trevor Griffiths, about his epic new production... And Gang Of Four talk conflict and consumerism.

On Sale September 14th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#863 Leona Lewis **Exclusive** X factor winner and global superstar Leona Lewis talks exclusively to The Big Issue about her eagerly anticipated new album, working with Justin Timberlake and the fight to do things her way.

On Sale September 7th: Click here to purchase a back issue

#862 Doing the business! The seven inspirational winners of the Spark social enterprise challenge tell us their amazing stories. Also in this issue... Irvine Welsh on writing the prequel to Trainspotting,.. Stephen Fry on the search for species on the verge of extinction... And The Wire's Dominic West on being catapulted into the big time.

On Sale August 31st Click here to purchase a back issue

#861 Royksopp Norweigan pop duo Royksopp talk sell-outs, soundscapes and Scandinavia. Also in this issue... As the NHS hits the headlines a junior doctor exposes the shocking treatment received by homeless people... Poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy explains why she's anything but 'establishment'... And indie rockers Metric on 'playing ball with the devil'.

On Sale August 24th Click here to purchase a back issue

#860 Little Boots Electro-pop sensation Little Boots talks exclusively to The Big Issue about moving from the bright lights of Blackpool to life in the limelight... Also in this issue... Fast Show writer Charlie Higson on his new book... We tackle the highly emotive debate around euthanasia and the right to die... Plus more on our campaign to stop home repossessions.

On Sale August 17th Click here to purchase a back issue

#859 Sean Paul Dancehall superstar Sean Paul on roots, culture and seeing the light. Also in this issue… We assess the government’s £5 billion back to work scheme for young adults… Our guide to the ins and outs of student finance… And the surprising benefits that come with volunteering your time… Plus comment from Will Self.

On Sale August 10th Click here to purchase a back issue

#858 Rankin Renowned photographer Rankin talks art, exploitation and being 'a funny w@*ker'. Also in this issue... Sheila Hancock on over four decades spent treading the boards... From women's refuge to successful business woman; a remarkable story... And we a day in the life of a debt counsellor.

On Sale August 3rd Click here to purchase a back issue

#857 Florence and teh Machine - Mecury prize nominee and artist du-jour Florence talks suprising success and sudden aclaim... Plus... Speech Debelle, Will Hutton and the wonder of that is the humble Wedge Card!

On Sale July 27th Click here to purchase a back issue

#856 Reverend and the Makers on hanging out with Arctic Monkeys and heading for super-stardom. Plus... Booker Prize winning author, Arundhati Roy... Legendary French popsters, Phoenix... And the fearless journalists covering the monks uprising in Burma.

On Sale July 20th Click here to purchase a back issue

#855 Summer Special! It's time for a bit of summer lovin'... Get your fill of food, fetes and festivals in our summer special! Also in this issue... We tackle the most enduring myths about homelessness and its causes... The weird and wonderful world of singer/song-writer Natasha Khen, aka Bat for Lashes... And our special investigation into illegal immigration.

On Sale July 13th Click here to purchase a back issue

#854 The Youth Issue The kids aren't alright: we talk to the inspirational people trying to change the lives of young people, and changing society's attitude in process.

On Sale July 6th Click here to purchase a back issue

#853 Ricky Gervais The British comedy genius on his most famous comic characters, his latest tour and topping The Office. Also in this issue... All the latest on our campaign to halt home repossessions... And Evening Standard Editor Geordie Greig on fighting for the paper's survival.

On Sale June 29nd Click here to purchase a back issue

#852 Andy Murray Don't miss our exclusive interview with tennis champ and Wimbledon hopeful Andy Murray. He tells us why he thinks he's capable of beating both Nadal and Fedderer to become the first British man to win the championship since 1936. Also in this issue... We talk to six gay Californian couples who married before the state's U-turn on same-sex unions... Plus all the latest on our Stop Repossessions campaign.

On Sale June 22nd Click here to purchase a back issue

#851 Books special - celebrating the written word! In this most literary of issues we talk to legendary broadcaster David Attenborough about half a century of enthralling audiences... Also in this issue... The best summer reads to hit the beach with... And the rise and rise of literary festivals.

On Sale June 15th Click here to purchase a back issue

#850 Basement Jaxx Festival headliners Basement Jaxx talk joy, sadness and sweet summer madness! Also in this issue... Cardboard Citizens, the UK's only professional theatre company for homeless people, on staging war-time drama 'Mincemeat'... Our Stop Repossessions campaign receives high-profile endorsement, as we examine the far reaching impact that losing his home had on the life of one man.