Cultural Criticism and Analysis

Joan Didion’s California

Joan Didion’s California Joan Didion’s California

How the splendor and chaos of the Golden State explains the writer’s vision of the world

Dec 29, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Emma Hager

Maggie Nelson and the Evolving Politics of Liberation

Maggie Nelson and the Evolving Politics of Liberation Maggie Nelson and the Evolving Politics of Liberation

In her new book, Nelson examines the politics of freedom on the left and the right.

Dec 28, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Jennifer Wilson

The Startling Postcolonial Poetics of “Coolitude”

The Startling Postcolonial Poetics of “Coolitude” The Startling Postcolonial Poetics of “Coolitude”

Khal Thorabully’s epic poem “re-voices” the history of Indian indentured migration, and in the process imagines a new kind of transoceanic political solidarity.

Dec 16, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Aditya Bahl

What Is the Relationship Between Democracy and Authoritarianism?

What Is the Relationship Between Democracy and Authoritarianism? What Is the Relationship Between Democracy and Authoritarianism?

The Age of Revolution inaugurate a new era in modern history defined not only by new democratic institutions but also by despots and charismatic leaders.

Dec 14, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Tyler Stovall

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

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

Chile Street Protest

Donald Duck Quacks Again as Chile Elects a New President Donald Duck Quacks Again as Chile Elects a New President

A half-century after it fed the Pinochet regime’s bonfire of heretical books, a celebrated “handbook of decolonization” has new relevance to a country on the brink of a momentous c...

Nov 22, 2021 / Ariel Dorfman

Em Rata

Emily Ratajkowski: “I’m Very Displeased With Capitalism” Emily Ratajkowski: “I’m Very Displeased With Capitalism”

A conversation with the essayist and model about her debut collection My Body, critiquing capitalism, the commodification of one’s image, and much more.

Nov 17, 2021 / Q&A / Larissa Pham

George Packer’s Liberal Faith

George Packer’s Liberal Faith George Packer’s Liberal Faith

In his new book, Packer returns to his theme of liberalism in crisis and in need of renewal.

Nov 15, 2021 / Books & the Arts / Nikhil Pal Singh

x