Harrowing images reveal civilians being killed, starved and forced from their homes, living each day in fear amid Sudan’s civil war

After a decade and a half of excavations, archæologists have uncovered the naturally mummified remains of well over 100 indigenous Yakuts of north-eastern Siberia, one of the coldest places on Earth.

John Tolan Islam A new history from Muhammad to the present 304pp. Princeton University Press. £25 (US $29.95). James McDougall Worlds of Islam A global history 608pp. Allen Lane. £40. Elizabeth Drays

FROM A CONVERTED BANK WITH A SPA IN ITS VAULT TO A NILE CRUISE THAT ESCHEWS THE CROWDS, THIS IS TRAVEL, ELEGANTLY DONE

Every month, we trawl the nation’s coastline to bring you news of the people, places and exciting goings-on that are worth knowing about

A new exhibition at the British Museum explores the mythmaking of Japan’s feudal warriors