This book pulls together the finest writing and the most important stories from the Guardian in 2004. From war reports to eyewitness accounts, political commentary to court reports, sports coverage and editorials, to art criticism and photography, The Guardian Year covers it all to provide a lasting record of a tempestuous year. With contributions from some of the Guardian's best writers, including Max Hastings, Jackie Ashley, Benjamin Zephaniah, Catherine Bennett, David Aaronovitch, Louisa Young, David McKie, Joan Bakewell, Jonathan Freedland, Suzanne Goldenberg, Martin Woollacott, Simon Hoggart, Polly Toynbee, Tristram Hunt, Elena Lappin, Simon Callow, James Fenton, Lucy Mangan, George Monbiot, James Meek, Niall Ferguson, Peter Preston, Martin Amis, Jonathan Freedland, Martin Kettle, Roy Greenslade, John O'Farrell, Ian Mayes, Jonathan Glancey, and Jonathan Steele.