Books and Ideas

The Puzzle of Eco-Fiction

The Puzzle of Eco-Fiction The Puzzle of Eco-Fiction

George R. Stewart’s Storm gives us an ideal model for how to approach the narrative challenges of a story about climate catastrophe.

Dec 9, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Clinton Williamson

Elizabeth Hardwick

Elizabeth Hardwick’s Life of the Mind Elizabeth Hardwick’s Life of the Mind

The first biography of the critic and novelist examines the personal costs of devoting oneself to intellectual pursuit.

Dec 8, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Sarah Wang

When Did Postmodernism End?

When Did Postmodernism End? When Did Postmodernism End?

A new book by Stuart Jeffries claims we never left behind this heady, late-20th-century period of cultural and political expression.

Dec 7, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Andrew Marzoni

The Question Dave Hickey Dared to Ask

The Question Dave Hickey Dared to Ask The Question Dave Hickey Dared to Ask

His work and life were committed to the trickiest of queries: Why do people despise critics?

Dec 6, 2021 / Books & the Arts / David Schurman Wallace

Book Burning in India

The Hindu Right and Attacks on Academic Freedom in the US The Hindu Right and Attacks on Academic Freedom in the US

Every scholar who conducts research on India is aware that their publications are probably being monitored—and that taking a critical position can lead to threats, beatings, and ev...

Dec 1, 2021 / Vinayak Chaturvedi

Stephen Sondheim’s Art

Stephen Sondheim’s Art Stephen Sondheim’s Art

Despite beginning his career at the end of musical theater’s golden age, Sondheim helped bring the form to its artistic zenith.

Dec 1, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Shuja Haider

Hero as Intern

Hero as Intern Hero as Intern

Congressman Matt Gaetz says he’s open to offering Kyle Rittenhouse a congressional internship.—News report Following closely an intern’s routine, Kyle arrives early, stays late at…

Nov 30, 2021 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Giving Josephine Baker a Hero’s Grave Won’t Bury the Truth…

Giving Josephine Baker a Hero’s Grave Won’t Bury the Truth… Giving Josephine Baker a Hero’s Grave Won’t Bury the Truth…

About France’s republican racism.

Nov 29, 2021 / Feature / Gary Younge

Gayl Jones’s Epic of Liberation

Gayl Jones’s Epic of Liberation Gayl Jones’s Epic of Liberation

In her new novel, Jones offers a story of slavery and freedom in the Americas.

Nov 29, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Farah Jasmine Griffin

John Rawls and Liberalism’s Selective Conscience

John Rawls and Liberalism’s Selective Conscience John Rawls and Liberalism’s Selective Conscience

With its doctrine of fairness, A Theory of Justice transformed political philosophy. But what did it leave out? 

Nov 27, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Olúfémi O. Táíwò

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