Books and Ideas

Revenants Revenants

In South African writer Zakes Mda's fiction, the past hovers like a ghost--seductive and terrifying.

Oct 25, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Laila Lalami

Thieves of Black History Thieves of Black History

In the struggle over the ownership of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, black history is on sale at bargain prices.

Oct 25, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Gary Younge

Advise and Consent Advise and Consent

What sets Michael Mukasey apart from the rest of the Bush crowd?

Oct 25, 2007 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Gracelands Gracelands

The taint of an unjust war tarnishes the lives of Vietnam-era Americans in Denis Johnson's stunning new novel.

Oct 18, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Keith Gessen

Godzilla in Mexico Godzilla in Mexico

Listen carefully, my son: bombs were falling over Mexico City but no one even noticed. The air carried poison through the streets and open windows.

Oct 18, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Roberto BolaƱo

The Imperfectionist The Imperfectionist

Reconsidering the life and legacy of avant-garde artist and poet Francis Picabia.

Oct 18, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Father of History Father of History

Bettina Aptheker's recent memoir has incited fierce debate over her father s legacy.

Oct 18, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Christopher Phelps

The End Game The End Game

What kind of trouble can Bush and the boys get us into now?

Oct 18, 2007 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Ink-Stained Marx Ink-Stained Marx

A look at the cantankerous dispatches he wrote as London correspondent for the New York Tribune puts the father of communism in a new light.

Oct 18, 2007 / Books & the Arts / James Ledbetter

Latina America Lavishly Comes of Age Latina America Lavishly Comes of Age

The quinceañera has become a rite of passage for even the poorest Latina teens, another example of our most treasured rites debased at the cash register.

Oct 16, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Lakshmi Chaudhry

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