Books & the Arts

AIDS and Imperialism: Karma and Colonial Crimes AIDS and Imperialism: Karma and Colonial Crimes

A new book shows that the HIV virus was triggered by wanton imperial depredations.

Feb 28, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Bob Dreyfuss

In Defense Of ‘The Help’

In Defense Of ‘The Help’ In Defense Of ‘The Help’

Though complicated by controversy, a weekend in Los Angeles with thirty domestic workers underscores the power of Hollywood to propel social change. 

Feb 27, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Ilyse Hogue

Melissa Harris-Perry: How ‘The Help’ Commodifies Black Women’s Suffering Melissa Harris-Perry: How ‘The Help’ Commodifies Black Women’s Suffering

How does the movie The Help "photoshop" American history?

Feb 27, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Melissa Harris-Perry

Wislawa Szymborska, 1923–2012

Wislawa Szymborska, 1923–2012 Wislawa Szymborska, 1923–2012

The great Polish poet disclaimed grand political schemes in favor of irony, wit, skepticism and the individual.

Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Katha Pollitt

The Treason of the Senate The Treason of the Senate

A famous indictment from a century ago aptly describes today’s corrupt legislative body.

Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / David Sarasohn

Galileo’s Credo

Galileo’s Credo Galileo’s Credo

Two new biographies differ over the astronomer’s view of the relationship between science and faith.

Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Paula Findlen

A Child of Sleepwalkers: On Gregor von Rezzori

A Child of Sleepwalkers: On Gregor von Rezzori A Child of Sleepwalkers: On Gregor von Rezzori

A novelist’s grim portrait of Central Europe between the wars.

Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Lorna Scott Fox

Shelf Life

Shelf Life Shelf Life

David Orr’s Beautiful and Pointless: A Guide to Modern Poetry; Kenneth Goldsmith’s Uncreative Writings

Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Jordan Davis

Berlusconiland Berlusconiland

Has Silvio Berlusconi’s corruption deprived Italians of their liberty?

Feb 15, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Yascha Mounk

Whitney Houston: My Love Is Your Love Whitney Houston: My Love Is Your Love

Whitney's death reminds us of a music industry that does not take care of its own.

Feb 13, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Dave Zirin

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