Books and Ideas

So It Goes With Wall Street Titan John A. Thain So It Goes With Wall Street Titan John A. Thain

They all said he was a genius. They were wrong.

Jan 28, 2009 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Updike Evaluated: The Writer as Matchmaker Updike Evaluated: The Writer as Matchmaker

One measure of his genius lay in his ability to invoke the hard beauty of a man endlessly wandering the labyrinth of his own needs, abusively fearful of broken spells.

Jan 27, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Josephine Hendin

My Future as an Arms Manufacturer My Future as an Arms Manufacturer

It's not that I'm keen on killing people. It's just that the money's so good.

Jan 22, 2009 / Terry Jones

Adventures in Editing: Ted Solotaroff’s ‘Commentary’ Days Adventures in Editing: Ted Solotaroff’s ‘Commentary’ Days

An unfinished memoir by the late literary editor and critic. The first part of a two-part article.

Jan 22, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Ted Solotaroff

Stimulating Reading Stimulating Reading

The economy of reading is rapidly collapsing. If we can bail out banks, why not the book industry?

Jan 22, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Katha Pollitt

Inside the Barack Concert Inside the Barack Concert

Jon Stewart observes that after eight long years good entertainers will perform for the president again.

Jan 20, 2009 / The Daily Show

Dick Cheney: The Final Interview Dick Cheney: The Final Interview

Dick Cheney says his farewells and, as per usual, makes no apologies for his tenure in office.

Jan 19, 2009 / Saturday Night Live

Inaugural Journey Inaugural Journey

Traveling by train to Washington today, to witness an historic inauguration, summons memories of a very different inauguration, fifty-five years ago.

Jan 19, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Victor Navasky

A Very Different 100 Days A Very Different 100 Days

Many comparisons have been made between Obama and FDR. But the forty-fourth president will have a very different first 100 days.

Jan 17, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Nicholas von Hoffman

Jazz Is?: A Power Stronger Than Itself Jazz Is?: A Power Stronger Than Itself

A new book on the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians looks at jazz as a power stronger than itself.

Jan 15, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Franklin Bruno

x