Books & the Arts

Death mark of the poet John Donne

The Enigma of John Donne The Enigma of John Donne

Racy, profane, and spiritual, the Metaphysical poet has remained a mystery to generations of readers. 

Oct 24, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Zachary Fine

The Past, Present, and Future of the Labor Movement

The Past, Present, and Future of the Labor Movement The Past, Present, and Future of the Labor Movement

Kim Kelly’s survey of labor organizing in America—telling the stories of workers on the margins, from miners to sex workers—offers hope and inspiration for working-class victories ...

Oct 20, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Nick Juravich

The Ghosts of “Irma Vep”

The Ghosts of “Irma Vep” The Ghosts of “Irma Vep”

Olivier Assayas's clever and beguiling HBO miniseries responds to the state of cinema in the age of streaming.

Oct 19, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi

MI5’s War Against British Intellectuals and Artists

MI5’s War Against British Intellectuals and Artists MI5’s War Against British Intellectuals and Artists

The British Security Service’s futile record of harassment and surveillance.

Oct 18, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Richard J. Evans

How the United States Fails the Chronically Ill

How the United States Fails the Chronically Ill How the United States Fails the Chronically Ill

In her new book, the poet and critic Meghan O’Rourke charts her and many Americans’ struggle with chronic illness.

Oct 17, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Libby Watson

Hermann Burger’s Frenzied Harmonies

Hermann Burger’s Frenzied Harmonies Hermann Burger’s Frenzied Harmonies

His roman à clef Brenner documents the last days of a hyper-articulate and depressive scion of a cigar fortune. 

Oct 13, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Charlie Lee

Rick Barton, “Barcelona”

Beyond the Wall: On Rick Barton Beyond the Wall: On Rick Barton

An exhibition of drawings by a forgotten Bay Area artist is a feat of curating, reminding us that museums can a still shine a light on remarkable work.

Oct 12, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

The Politics of Star Wars

The Politics of Star Wars The Politics of Star Wars

On this episode of The Time of Monsters, TV critic Sean Collins discusses an unexpectedly radical TV show.

Oct 12, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Jeet Heer

Megan Nolan’s Modern Women

Megan Nolan’s Modern Women Megan Nolan’s Modern Women

Act of Desperation is an unsparing novel about the troubling dimensions of our sexual desire.

Oct 11, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Yen Pham

Do Sanctions Work?

Do Sanctions Work? Do Sanctions Work?

A new history examines their use in the past and considers their effectiveness for the future.

Oct 6, 2022 / Books & the Arts / James Stafford

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