Books and Ideas

The American Political Tradition The American Political Tradition

American foreign policy is shaped by a myth of national righteousness. In two new books, Peter Beinart abuses history to suggest liberals embrace this myth, while Stephen Kinzer us...

Jul 10, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Andrew J. Bacevich

How to Create a Liberal Bestseller How to Create a Liberal Bestseller

Progressives can take a lesson from the success of "How Would a Patriot Act?" Mobilize the liberal blogosphere and take an obscure book for a ride on the bestseller list.

Jun 29, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Jennifer Nix

Shadows Shadows

George Hutchinson's new biography of the mystery woman of the Harlem Renaissance reconsiders both Nella Larsen and a key moment of black cultural history.

Jun 28, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Darryl Pinckney

Historical Note Historical Note

For once, the President tells the truth.

Jun 28, 2006 / Column / Calvin Trillin

The Plot Against America The Plot Against America

John Updike's Terrorist rips its plot from the headlines. But the book's Irish-Egyptian protagonist is paper-thin, and its jihad-lit plot remains stubbornly inanimate, devoid of pa...

Jun 26, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Jonathan Shainin

Who’s Really Screwing America Who’s Really Screwing America

Right-wing nutcase Bernard Goldberg may think he has a lock on who's messing up the Republic, but consider Dan Brown, Joe Franklin, Tucker Carlson...

Jun 23, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Jack Huberman

Some Perspective Some Perspective

Celebrating the death of Zarqawi, the President puts his spin on the truth.

Jun 21, 2006 / Column / Calvin Trillin

The Passion of Anna The Passion of Anna

In Elaine Feinstein's new biography, the complicated life of Russian poet Anna Akhmatova is flattened into a fable of suffering and redemption.

Jun 21, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Elif Batuman

The Poet and the Muse The Poet and the Muse

A new collection of letters between Rainer Maria Rilke and Lou Andreas-Salome reveals an intimate portrait of a poet and his muse.

Jun 15, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Mark M. Anderson

We Are the World We Are the World

When liberals and conservatives discuss the United States' role in the world, they are really talking about the narcissism of small differences. Two new books show how both sides s...

Jun 15, 2006 / Books & the Arts / David Rieff

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