Books & the Arts

Vampire Weekend Grows Up

Vampire Weekend Grows Up Vampire Weekend Grows Up

Over a decade since its debut, the band that soundtracked the Great Recession returns with one of its most ambitious albums. 

May 6, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Bijan Stephen

Pete Seeger’s Top 10 Songs

Pete Seeger’s Top 10 Songs Pete Seeger’s Top 10 Songs

The legendary singer, songwriter, and activist was born 100 years ago today.

May 3, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Peter Rothberg

Can Humanitarianism Address Inequality?

Can Humanitarianism Address Inequality? Can Humanitarianism Address Inequality?

In his new book, French anthropologist Didier Fassin argues that if humanitarians are to save life they need to rethink the global structures that sustain it. 

Apr 30, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Bruce Robbins

At the Frontiers of Surveillance Capitalism

At the Frontiers of Surveillance Capitalism At the Frontiers of Surveillance Capitalism

Silicon Valley firms don’t want to simply monitor your behavior; they plan to shape it, too.

Apr 30, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Katie Fitzpatrick

Maurice Carlos Ruffin Confronts the Horror and Spectacle of Racism

Maurice Carlos Ruffin Confronts the Horror and Spectacle of Racism Maurice Carlos Ruffin Confronts the Horror and Spectacle of Racism

His debut novel, We Cast a Shadow, is among a series of recent works that pair analysis of race with grim, fantastical tales of metamorphosis.

Apr 23, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Kearse

Dear Melissa—

Dear Melissa— Dear Melissa—

On each body is carried the shape of its absence—the uncontrollable morning— a hammock over-turned by the wind—bird- shit—which implies beauty but is not beautiful in and of itself…

Apr 23, 2019 / Books & the Arts / TC Tolbert

Love Prodigal

Love Prodigal Love Prodigal

I make love when I am bored. That’s how I know I’m an intelligent animal. It’s easy to tremble—a pistil brushed with a bumblebee’s fur— and who doesn’t want to be golden, like pear…

Apr 23, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Traci Brimhall

Harmony Korine’s Boomer Fable

Harmony Korine’s Boomer Fable Harmony Korine’s Boomer Fable

The Beach Bum, starring Matthew McConaughey, is all about excess, anarchy, and baby boomers.

Apr 22, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Erin Schwartz

Democracy’s Midlife Crisis

Democracy’s Midlife Crisis Democracy’s Midlife Crisis

Democracies do not necessarily go out with a bang; they can also end with a whimper.

Apr 22, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Jan-Werner Müller

The Transfixing Spell of Edward Gorey’s Life in Art

The Transfixing Spell of Edward Gorey’s Life in Art The Transfixing Spell of Edward Gorey’s Life in Art

Mark Dery’s Born to Be Posthumous meticulously tells the story of the unconventional author and artist, who amassed an ardent following yet remains unknown to many readers.

Apr 16, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Jillian Steinhauer

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