Biography

Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington

Martin Luther King’s Dream at 60 Martin Luther King’s Dream at 60

King offered Americans the choice between acting in accordance with the constitution and resistance—often violent—to change.  In many ways, we face the same choice today.

Aug 28, 2023 / Eric Foner

Walter Benjamin, by Joe Ciardiello.

Walter Benjamin’s Radio Years Walter Benjamin’s Radio Years

After the faculty of philosophy in Frankfurt rejected his dissertation and dashed his hopes for an academic career, the Marxist critic found work as a radio broadcaster. 

Aug 8, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Peter E. Gordon

Cornel West speaking at a lectern

Cornel West: The Christian Socialist Running for President Cornel West: The Christian Socialist Running for President

In an exclusive interview with The Nation, the candidate talks church, state, prophecy—and politics.

Jul 31, 2023 / Q&A / Wen Stephenson

How Stan Lee Became the Face of an Exploitative Industry

How Stan Lee Became the Face of an Exploitative Industry How Stan Lee Became the Face of an Exploitative Industry

The Marvel editor became a Hollywood icon by claiming credit for other people’s creations.

Jul 28, 2023 / Jeet Heer

black and white photo of j. robert oppenheimer testifying before the senate

Even as the Oppenheimer Film Rights a Historic Wrong, the Memo That Smeared Him Remains Redacted Even as the Oppenheimer Film Rights a Historic Wrong, the Memo That Smeared Him Remains Redacted

The physicist was punished for opposing development of the hydrogen bomb, and for warning about the dangers of nuclear proliferation.

Jul 21, 2023 / Peter Shinkle

Martha Graham performing in 1962.

Martha Graham’s Movement Martha Graham’s Movement

A recent biography dives into the choreographer's role as both an artist and figure of early American modernism.

Jul 19, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Emily Hawk

“Portrait of Juan de Pareja,” by Diego Velázquez

The Many Ghosts of Juan de Pareja The Many Ghosts of Juan de Pareja

Through the life of the 17th-century artist, we can find an entangled history of slavery, Black figuration, and art.

Jul 11, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Rachel Hunter Himes

Elliott Abrams looking pensive

Henry Kissinger, Elliott Abrams, and the Rot of American Foreign Policy Henry Kissinger, Elliott Abrams, and the Rot of American Foreign Policy

Our bipartisan elite is always willing to forgive war crimes by its made men.

Jul 7, 2023 / Jeet Heer

Who Was Lydia Maria Child?

Who Was Lydia Maria Child? Who Was Lydia Maria Child?

A new biography examines the life and times of the pioneering activist, abolitionist, and writer.

May 17, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Susan Cheever

Jeffrey Epstein is photographed wearing a Harvard sweatshirt.

Jeffrey Epstein, Harvard Man Jeffrey Epstein, Harvard Man

Why a horrific criminal found elite universities so congenial.

May 8, 2023 / Jeet Heer

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