Books and Ideas

Henry Louis Gates Jr. and the Long Arc of Reconstruction

Henry Louis Gates Jr. and the Long Arc of Reconstruction Henry Louis Gates Jr. and the Long Arc of Reconstruction

In his new book, Gates argues that the history of American democracy has always been one of constant push and pull.

Aug 13, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Robert Greene II

The Contradictions of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

The Contradictions of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. The Contradictions of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

The Supreme Court justice may have been heralded by many of his progressive peers, but the legacy he left behind is far more ambiguous.

Aug 13, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Brenda Wineapple

Richard Holbrooke and the Lost Idealism of a Generation

Richard Holbrooke and the Lost Idealism of a Generation Richard Holbrooke and the Lost Idealism of a Generation

Holbrooke’s public and personal life captures the contradictions of a cohort of liberals that came of age in the 1960s.

Aug 13, 2019 / Books & the Arts / David Klion

Toni Morrison Bookshelf

Toni Morrison Bookshelf Toni Morrison Bookshelf

Drawing a legend. In 2014 The Nation asked me to draw a piece to present to Toni Morrison at a tribute to her at the annual dinner. Ms. Morrison, I was led to understand, did no...

Aug 10, 2019 / OppArt / Steve Brodner

Jia Tolentino On Wringing Joy Out of Our Nightmare World

Jia Tolentino On Wringing Joy Out of Our Nightmare World Jia Tolentino On Wringing Joy Out of Our Nightmare World

The New Yorker staff writer talks to us about all the cultural obsessions and crises she chronicles in her debut nonfiction collection Trick Mirror.  

Aug 8, 2019 / Quinn Moreland

Tom Tomorrow cartoon

Who Doesn’t Love Private Health Insurance? Who Doesn’t Love Private Health Insurance?

Some days, arguing with your representative over the phone is the only human connection you have.

Aug 7, 2019 / Tom Tomorrow

Donald Trump

Trump’s Demagoguery Is an Old American Tradition Trump’s Demagoguery Is an Old American Tradition

Over 100 years ago, the US exploited racial differences to distract the country from its overwhelming inequality. Trump is doing the same.

Aug 1, 2019 / Adam Hochschild

Daša Drndić Dives Into the Abyss of History

Daša Drndić Dives Into the Abyss of History Daša Drndić Dives Into the Abyss of History

The Croatian novelist’s work reckons with some of the 20th century’s most violent moments, all in the hope of recovering the stories of both the victims and victimizers.

Aug 1, 2019 / Nathan Goldman

The Republicans’ 50-State Strategy

The Republicans’ 50-State Strategy The Republicans’ 50-State Strategy

Alexander Hertel-Fernandez’s State Capture examines the trio of right-wing groups that have helped fortify GOP power in local and state government. 

Jul 30, 2019 / Books & the Arts / Bryce Covert

Letters Icon

Letters From the August 12-19, 2019, Issue Letters From the August 12-19, 2019, Issue

Forgotten history… Debating Biden…

Jul 30, 2019 / Our Readers

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