Literary Criticism

Illustration from “The Ship That Sailed to Mars,” by William M. Timlin.

The Radical World-making of Joanna Russ The Radical World-making of Joanna Russ

In her science fiction, the novelist offered not only an astringent critiques of the present but also bold visions of the future.

May 13, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Stephanie Burt

Vinson Cunningham’s Searching Novel of Faith and Politics

Vinson Cunningham’s Searching Novel of Faith and Politics Vinson Cunningham’s Searching Novel of Faith and Politics

In Great Expectations, Cunningham examines the hope and aspirations of the Obama generation.

May 8, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Tope Folarin

Nell Irvin Painter’s Chronicles of Freedom

Nell Irvin Painter’s Chronicles of Freedom Nell Irvin Painter’s Chronicles of Freedom

A new career-spanning book offers a portrait of Painter’s career as a historian, essayist, and most recently visual artist.

May 7, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Elias Rodriques

Leslie Jamison and the Travails of Millennial Divorce

Leslie Jamison and the Travails of Millennial Divorce Leslie Jamison and the Travails of Millennial Divorce

In her new book, the novelist and essayist examines life before and after marriage.

May 7, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Edna Bonhomme

A Left Between Victory and Defeat

A Left Between Victory and Defeat A Left Between Victory and Defeat

How can the left escape burning out?

May 6, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Sam Adler-Bell

Lauren Oyler and the Critic in the Internet Age

Lauren Oyler and the Critic in the Internet Age Lauren Oyler and the Critic in the Internet Age

In No Judgment, the novelist and critic explores the perilous activity of literary criticism in the era of social media.

Apr 10, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Alana Pockros

How Did Joe Biden’s Foreign Policy Go So Off Course?

How Did Joe Biden’s Foreign Policy Go So Off Course? How Did Joe Biden’s Foreign Policy Go So Off Course?

The president set out to chart a more pacific and humane foreign policy after the Trump years but at some point he and his team of advisers lost the plot.

Apr 9, 2024 / Books & the Arts / David Klion

Olga Ravn’s Novel of Parenting and Its Discontents

Olga Ravn’s Novel of Parenting and Its Discontents Olga Ravn’s Novel of Parenting and Its Discontents

In My Work, the novelist examines the trials and tribulations of being a mother.

Apr 2, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Jess Cotton

Lucy Sante

Lucy Sante and the Solitude and Solidarity of Transitioning Lucy Sante and the Solitude and Solidarity of Transitioning

In her new memoir, I Heard Her Call My Name, Sante dissects her past in order to understand her future.

Mar 18, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Stephanie Burt

Bad Brains in London, 1987.

Black Punk Means Liberation Black Punk Means Liberation

The present and future of Black punk culture.

Mar 13, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Marc Bayard

x