Books & the Arts

‘You’re So Pretty’: On Laurel Nakadate ‘You’re So Pretty’: On Laurel Nakadate

Most of what we think we see in the photos and films of Laurel Nakadate is our own projection.

Apr 6, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Elizabeth Taylor: What Becomes a Legend Most Elizabeth Taylor: What Becomes a Legend Most

Remembering the icon, a pro at sex and survival.

Mar 30, 2011 / Books & the Arts / JoAnn Wypijewski

When Nothing Happens: On David Bezmozgis

When Nothing Happens: On David Bezmozgis When Nothing Happens: On David Bezmozgis

The Free World is a novel about lives suspended at a moment when everything is uncertain. It is about frustration. Unfortunately, it too is frustrating.

Mar 30, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Aaron Thier

Turkey’s Transformation: On Islam, Nationalism and Modernity Turkey’s Transformation: On Islam, Nationalism and Modernity

Carter Vaughn Finley's timely new history contends that Turkey's development has been misunderstood as an upward march from Islamic empire to secular republic.

Mar 30, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Marc Edward Hoffman

Looking at Maps Looking at Maps

If they’d had writing in time, Cuba could have been Crete, watery source of the Minoans and thus the Greeks.   What’s lost? A possible us growing like new foliage out of stony ground, emerging?   Last voice, first, a whole world calling— awful, inaudible—into the unstoppable loud (roaring!)   hurricane-force sea wind.

Mar 30, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Elizabeth Arnold

Readjustments: On ‘Win Win,’ ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ and ‘My Perestroika’ Readjustments: On ‘Win Win,’ ‘The Adjustment Bureau’ and ‘My Perestroika’

Is it a good thing that film—not the audiovisual materials that exist everywhere but movies, projected in public spaces— has stopped being central to American life?

Mar 30, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Stuart Klawans

Naoto Kan and the End of ‘Japan Inc.’

Naoto Kan and the End of ‘Japan Inc.’ Naoto Kan and the End of ‘Japan Inc.’

Criticism of the government’s response to the catastrophe has obscured major political changes.

Mar 30, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Tim Shorrock

Sounds and Sweet Airs: Introducing Lyric Nation Sounds and Sweet Airs: Introducing Lyric Nation

A new audio dossier features poets who have been published in The Nation reading selections of their work.

Mar 28, 2011 / Books & the Arts / John Palattella

Three Poems by Nathaniel Mackey Three Poems by Nathaniel Mackey

"Parlay Cheval Ou," excerpt from "Lone Coast Anacrusis," "Song of the Andoumboulou: 77"

Mar 28, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Nathaniel Mackey

Three Poems by Jennifer Moxley Three Poems by Jennifer Moxley

"The Logic of Survival," "On the Face of It," "The Quest"

Mar 28, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Jennifer Moxley

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