Books and Ideas

A Darker Shade of Noir A Darker Shade of Noir

Walter Mosley's Fortunate Son is a serious novel about intimately connected yet diametrically opposed black and white stepbrothers.

Apr 20, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Robert Christgau

Calls For Rumsfeld’s Resignation Calls For Rumsfeld’s Resignation

The Pentagon chief has been too wrong for too long.

Apr 20, 2006 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Remember ‘The Jungle’! Remember ‘The Jungle’!

As Upton Sinclair's novel turns 100, it reminds us that the best way to nurture pride in America is to see its underbelly--and tell the truth about it.

Apr 17, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Kevin Mattson

John Yoo’s Tortured Logic John Yoo’s Tortured Logic

The Berkeley law professor's carte blanche constitutionalism was a gift to the Bush Administration, offering legalistic justifications for lawless behavior.

Apr 13, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Stephen Holmes

If This Isn’t War If This Isn’t War

A musical answer to a bellicose question, with apologies to Yip Harburg and Burton Lane.

Apr 13, 2006 / Column / Calvin Trillin

The Gospel of Scooter The Gospel of Scooter

A political nightmare, with a scriptural spin, tells the true story of two nefarious lords and their faithful servant.

Apr 12, 2006 / Feature / Richard Lingeman

The Nino Scalia Guide to Sicilian Hand Gestures The Nino Scalia Guide to Sicilian Hand Gestures

It can now be revealed that Justice Antonin Scalia has compiled his own secret list of Sicilian hand gestures expressing subtle jurisprudential points.

Apr 10, 2006 / Feature / Garrett Epps

Rabbit’s Revenge Rabbit’s Revenge

Time-honored traditions of Christianity are being challenged by scientists and scholars questioning the motives of Jesus, Judas and the power of prayer.

Apr 10, 2006 / Column / Nicholas von Hoffman

The World According to Karen Finley The World According to Karen Finley

Performance artist Karen Finley answers questions about politics, satire and her new book, a fantasy affair between George W. Bush and Martha Stewart.

Apr 7, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Bryan Farrell

The Odd Couple The Odd Couple

In Sound and Fury, sportswriter Dave Kindred examines the intersecting lives of Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell.

Apr 6, 2006 / Books & the Arts / Gene Seymour

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