Books and Ideas

Theater on the Left Theater on the Left

The Federal Theatre Project presented plays that made audiences think. That's what made them so richly rewarding--but too dangerous for Congress to stomach.

Apr 22, 2009 / Feature / Charles R. Walker

A Gay Gathering Storm Ad Parody A Gay Gathering Storm Ad Parody

Alicia Silverstone, Lance Bass and several other stars join forces to spoof the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage ad.

Apr 21, 2009 / Funny or Die

Black Power: Mr. Charlie’s Puzzle Black Power: Mr. Charlie’s Puzzle

With SNCC's new chairman Stokely Carmichael and his chant for "black power" the civil rights movement takes on a different tone.

Apr 21, 2009 / Feature / The Editors

John Oliver Reveals Tea Party Tyranny John Oliver Reveals Tea Party Tyranny

British correspondent John Oliver attends a tax day protest to see what has the colonists' knickers in a twist.

Apr 20, 2009 / The Daily Show

Colbert Coalition’s Anti-Gay Marriage Ad Colbert Coalition’s Anti-Gay Marriage Ad

The (totally straight) Colbert Coalition has formed to oppose same-sex marriage--and make a commercial about it.

Apr 17, 2009 / The Colbert Report

Cables Coming in From the Cold Cables Coming in From the Cold

There's good reason to be skeptical about the government's Venona releases and the claim that they are the final word on the cold-war espionage cases.

Apr 16, 2009 / Feature / Walter Schneir and Miriam Schneir

What’s the Deal With the Tea-baggers? What’s the Deal With the Tea-baggers?

Jon Stewart draws the distinction between sponsoring and covering the tax day tea parties for Fox News, since they can't do it themselves.

Apr 16, 2009 / The Daily Show

Wilson Agonistes: The Battle Over Woodrow Wilson Wilson Agonistes: The Battle Over Woodrow Wilson

More than any other president's, the luster of Woodrow Wilson's legacy corresponds with vogues in foreign policy.

Apr 15, 2009 / Books & the Arts / David Milne

Not Easy Being Greene: Graham Greene’s Letters Not Easy Being Greene: Graham Greene’s Letters

A Life in Letters as chronicled by the determinedly elusive Graham Greene.

Apr 15, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Michelle Orange

This Small Extravagance: The Life of Shakespeare’s Mind This Small Extravagance: The Life of Shakespeare’s Mind

Writing a biography of the mind of Shakespeare is a challenge that requires the ingenuity of an artist.

Apr 15, 2009 / Books & the Arts / James Longenbach

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