Books and Ideas

Sanctioning Oligarchs

Sanctioning Oligarchs Sanctioning Oligarchs

Yes, Putin’s Russian oligarchs have lots Of London mansions, not to mention yachts. A yacht that’s seized brings pressure hard to bear— Unless, of course, that Russian has a spare.

Mar 22, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

A 20-Year Debacle in Afghanistan

A 20-Year Debacle in Afghanistan A 20-Year Debacle in Afghanistan

Why the American war was destined for catastrophe and tragedy from the start.

Mar 21, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Charlie Savage

Can a Thriller Capture the Feeling of Being Watched?

Can a Thriller Capture the Feeling of Being Watched? Can a Thriller Capture the Feeling of Being Watched?

Calla Henkel’s Other People’s Clothes mines the gossip and sleaze of early 2000s culture to tell a story about celebrity obsession and spectacle.

Mar 17, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Philippa Snow

The War of Words Between Between “Rashka” and Ukraine

The War of Words Between Between “Rashka” and Ukraine The War of Words Between Between “Rashka” and Ukraine

On the culture front between “Rashka” and Ukraine.

Mar 17, 2022 / Benjamin Moser

Zelensky speaking in Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky Is Not a Comedian—and That’s No Joke Volodymyr Zelensky Is Not a Comedian—and That’s No Joke

A belated review of Servant of the People that may turn into an obituary.

Mar 16, 2022 / Barbara Garson

Alt-Lit’s Jeremiad Against the Novel

Alt-Lit’s Jeremiad Against the Novel Alt-Lit’s Jeremiad Against the Novel

Where Sean Thor Conroe’s Fuccboi fits in recent literary history.

Mar 16, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Cal Revely-Calder

What We’re Still Getting Wrong About the Unabomber

What We’re Still Getting Wrong About the Unabomber What We’re Still Getting Wrong About the Unabomber

Ted Kaczynski’s violence—reexamined in a new biopic—fascinates US audiences, but not for the reasons we think.

Mar 15, 2022 / R.H. Lossin

Are We Still Fighting the Battles of the New Left?

Are We Still Fighting the Battles of the New Left? Are We Still Fighting the Battles of the New Left?

Terence Renaud’s new book compels us to revisit post-war activist movements around the world to understand generational conflicts in the left.

Mar 15, 2022 / Q&A / Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins

The Incurable Optimism of Dave Grohl

The Incurable Optimism of Dave Grohl The Incurable Optimism of Dave Grohl

In his new memoir, the Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighter front man charts his swift rise in the music industry.

Mar 14, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Daniel Bessner

Kent Macdougall

A Socialist in the Newsroom: Kent MacDougall, 1931–2021 A Socialist in the Newsroom: Kent MacDougall, 1931–2021

The once-controversial reporter and teacher dies without notice.

Mar 11, 2022 / Tom Goldstein

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