Unreal Images: On Javier Cercas Unreal Images: On Javier Cercas
In a nonfiction account of a failed coup, the novelist Javier Cercas tackles the confounding history of Spain's transition to democracy.
May 18, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Jonathan Blitzer
Islam’s Nonviolent Tradition Islam’s Nonviolent Tradition
History is replete with peaceful role models like the “Frontier Gandhi” of colonial India.
Apr 27, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Michael Shank
How Socialists Built America How Socialists Built America
The history of our nation has many rich and vibrant hues—some of them red.
Apr 13, 2011 / Books & the Arts / John Nichols
Before the Flood: Information Before the Information Age Before the Flood: Information Before the Information Age
Ann Blair’s Too Much to Know explains how across the centuries the profusion of information has always inspired readers to invent shortcuts to knowledge.
Apr 13, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Paula Findlen
On the Case: On Simon Wiesenthal On the Case: On Simon Wiesenthal
As Tom Segev’s biography makes clear, in the entire pantheon of Jewish superheroes there is no more unlikely figure than Simon Wiesenthal.
Apr 6, 2011 / Books & the Arts / D.D. Guttenplan
Turkey’s Transformation: On Islam, Nationalism and Modernity Turkey’s Transformation: On Islam, Nationalism and Modernity
Carter Vaughn Finley's timely new history contends that Turkey's development has been misunderstood as an upward march from Islamic empire to secular republic.
Mar 30, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Marc Edward Hoffman
Naoto Kan and the End of ‘Japan Inc.’ Naoto Kan and the End of ‘Japan Inc.’
Criticism of the government’s response to the catastrophe has obscured major political changes.
Mar 30, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Tim Shorrock
A Parade of Arrogance: On John Dower A Parade of Arrogance: On John Dower
During war, John Dower explains, “the system filters out the thoughtful and replaces them with the faithful.”
Mar 23, 2011 / Books & the Arts / George Scialabba
Hiroshima to Fukushima Hiroshima to Fukushima
The problem with mankind wielding nuclear power isn’t about backup generators or safety rules—it’s our essential human fallibility.
Mar 17, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Jonathan Schell
Remembering the Triangle Fire Remembering the Triangle Fire
After 100 years, the tragedy still inspires outrage and grief. Why does it have a hold on us?
Mar 16, 2011 / Books & the Arts / Joshua Freeman