Books & the Arts

Then–Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama in Mitchell, S.D.

What Does It Take to Win? What Does It Take to Win?

In his new history of American politics, Timothy Shenk examines the past and future of political realignments.

Jan 24, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Kim Phillips-Fein

Nation Poetry

Three Short Poems Three Short Poems

ORACULAR: THE WOMAN IN THE ARMCHAIR SPEAKS The beings after the Anthropocene will be formed of inorganic matter they will be not unfeeling they will study us the way we study the n…

Jan 24, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Alicia Ostriker

The Strange Thrills of “The Crown”

The Strange Thrills of “The Crown” The Strange Thrills of “The Crown”

While the infighting and personal lives of the British royals is boring, their desperate struggle to protect the monarchy makes for fine television. 

Jan 23, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Gary Younge

US radio talk show host and conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh

Rush Limbaugh’s Toxic Legacy Rush Limbaugh’s Toxic Legacy

The more unpleasant side of Limbaugh does not appear in his new posthumous book, but it is hard to not think about its influence.

Jan 23, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Nathan Robinson

A.E. Stallings and the Afterlives of Antiquity

A.E. Stallings and the Afterlives of Antiquity A.E. Stallings and the Afterlives of Antiquity

In a career spanning collection This Afterlife, the poet opens up a dialogue about the history of form and the rich possibilities of the practice's oldest modes of expression.

Jan 19, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Ryan Ruby

Was the True Meaning of Capitalism Forgotten?

Was the True Meaning of Capitalism Forgotten? Was the True Meaning of Capitalism Forgotten?

A conversation with historian Michael Sonenscher about the tricky task of defining capitalism and his new book, Capitalism: The Story Behind the Word. 

Jan 18, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins

The Honesty of “Atlanta”

The Honesty of “Atlanta” The Honesty of “Atlanta”

After four seasons, Donald Glover’s television show leaves behind a fascinating and complicated legacy.

Jan 12, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi

A concert audience in New York’s Tompkins Square Park, 2022

Did New York’s Creative Spirit Revive During the Pandemic? Did New York’s Creative Spirit Revive During the Pandemic?

In Feral City, Jeremiah Moss asks if Manhattan changed during the Covid years.

Jan 11, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Daniel Brook

The Past and Future of Mexican Chicago

The Past and Future of Mexican Chicago The Past and Future of Mexican Chicago

From the machine politicians in La Villita to the radicals in Pilsen, Mexican Chicagoans have played a central role in defining their city. 

Jan 10, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Juan Ignacio Mora

The Fragile and Complex Worlds of George Saunders

The Fragile and Complex Worlds of George Saunders The Fragile and Complex Worlds of George Saunders

In his short fiction, Saunders reminds us that when it comes to ethical dilemmas there are often no clean ways out.

Jan 9, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Erin Somers

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