Books and Ideas

Science Fiction Science Fiction

Richard Powers's The Echo Maker speaks volumes about neuroscience, nature and environmental degradation. But it says little about what it means to be alive.

Sep 20, 2006 / Books & the Arts / William Deresiewicz

New Bill Would Defend Marriage From Sharks New Bill Would Defend Marriage From Sharks

Some Democrats who say they support sharks' rights have been careful not to oppose the bill outright.

Sep 18, 2006 / The Nation

Short Takes Short Takes

Reviews of Half of a Yellow Sun, St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves and The City Is a Rising Tide.

Sep 14, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Fatin Abbas and Christine Smallwood

The Lives They Led The Lives They Led

Claire Messud's The Emperor's Children is a superb comedy of manners, a richly tragicomic view of three thirtysomething Ivy Leaguers in the days leading up to 9/11.

Sep 14, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Kate Levin

George Bush Explains His Policy on Torture To Someone Who Is Being Waterboarded George Bush Explains His Policy on Torture To Someone Who Is Being Waterboarded

Don't worry--it only feels like you're drowning.

Sep 14, 2006 / Column / Calvin Trillin

US Dedicates $64 Billion to Undermining Gates Foundation Efforts US Dedicates $64 Billion to Undermining Gates Foundation Efforts

Director Of National Intelligence John D. Negroponte gives details.

Sep 11, 2006 / The Nation

Unsentimental Education Unsentimental Education

A new memoir by Robert Hughes reveals the idiosyncratic sensibility of a celebrated art critic.

Sep 7, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Christopher Hitchens

Londonistan Calling Londonistan Calling

Gautam Malkani's new novel explores the cross-section of youth culture, heritage and identity in London's polyglot, postcolonial neighborhoods.

Sep 7, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Gary Younge

Ottoman Ghosts Ottoman Ghosts

Caroline Finkel's new book, Osman's Dream, explores the rise and calamitous fall of the Ottoman Empire.

Sep 7, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Daniel Lazare

George Bush’s Pledge to the People of New Orleans on the Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina George Bush’s Pledge to the People of New Orleans on the Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The President gives us a lesson in drive-by personal diplomacy.

Sep 7, 2006 / Column / Calvin Trillin

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