Books and Ideas

Gimmicks Might Be the Key to Understanding Capitalism

Gimmicks Might Be the Key to Understanding Capitalism Gimmicks Might Be the Key to Understanding Capitalism

Sianne Ngai’s Theory of the Gimmick continues her project of looking at how aesthetic categories shape labor, value, and everyday experience.

Jun 11, 2020 / Q&A / Jennifer Wilson

Harry Dodge’s ‘My Meteorite’ Is Like a Wonderful Sculpture

Harry Dodge’s ‘My Meteorite’ Is Like a Wonderful Sculpture Harry Dodge’s ‘My Meteorite’ Is Like a Wonderful Sculpture

We spoke to the artist about his recent book, which is the latest installment in a long-standing investigation into materiality, love, and consciousness.

Jun 9, 2020 / Q&A / Tal Milovina

Tom Tomorrow cartoon

One Week in Trump’s America One Week in Trump’s America

As protests erupt across the country, the president hides behind a big, beautiful wall.

Jun 9, 2020 / Tom Tomorrow

The Twisted Legacy of Alfred Jarry’s Monsters

The Twisted Legacy of Alfred Jarry’s Monsters The Twisted Legacy of Alfred Jarry’s Monsters

A recent retrospective of his work, viewable online at the Morgan Library and Museum, illustrates the sprawling influence of his many artistic and philosophical creations.

Jun 8, 2020 / Will Fenstermaker

Masha Gessen on Trump’s ‘Autocratic Attempt’ on America

Masha Gessen on Trump’s ‘Autocratic Attempt’ on America Masha Gessen on Trump’s ‘Autocratic Attempt’ on America

The author of Surviving Autocracy argues that ideals are needed to defeat Trumpism but they’re missing from the Democratic Party.

Jun 3, 2020 / Q&A / Stephanie deGooyer

Letters Icon

Letters From the June 15/22, 2020, Issue Letters From the June 15/22, 2020, Issue

Don’t blame the Boasians… Tilting at windmills… Dark recesses… The road already taken… Submerging the valley…

Jun 2, 2020 / Our Readers

A Fourth Inspector General Bites the Dust

A Fourth Inspector General Bites the Dust A Fourth Inspector General Bites the Dust

The IG had Pompeo in his sights. An IG’s independence is required— Or was. Pompeo needed just a word With Trump to get that pesky fellow fired.

Jun 2, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin

The Troubling Origins of Birthright Politics

The Troubling Origins of Birthright Politics The Troubling Origins of Birthright Politics

Two new works of history examine how the politics of birthright citizenship can be a vehicle for liberation and equality and serve the cause of exclusion.

Jun 2, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Nathan Perl-Rosenthal

The Fight for the Soul of the Democratic Party Is a Fight for the Future

The Fight for the Soul of the Democratic Party Is a Fight for the Future The Fight for the Soul of the Democratic Party Is a Fight for the Future

Henry Wallace, FDR’s vice president, argued 75 years ago that Democrats had to go big on economic and social and racial justice. That’s still true.

Jun 2, 2020 / Feature / John Nichols

Tom Tomorrow cartoon

The Year of Making America Great The Year of Making America Great

The first half of 2020 shows Trump’s true incompetence.

Jun 2, 2020 / Tom Tomorrow

x