Books and Ideas

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

Ketanji Brown Jackson

Mitch McConnell and Ketanji Brown Jackson Mitch McConnell and Ketanji Brown Jackson

If Mitch controlled the Senate, how would he Explain why Jackson’s hearings weren’t to be? No hearings while the French election nears? No hearings held in even-numbered years?…

Mar 8, 2022 / Column / Calvin Trillin

The Messy Humanity of Leo Bersani (April 16, 1931–February 20, 2022)

The Messy Humanity of Leo Bersani (April 16, 1931–February 20, 2022) The Messy Humanity of Leo Bersani (April 16, 1931–February 20, 2022)

Two friends and colleagues on the late scholar, whose analyses of gay identity during the height of the AIDS crisis still loom large over sexuality studies.

Mar 7, 2022 / Zahid R. Chaudhary and Anne Anlin Cheng

My Norman Mailer Problem—and Ours

My Norman Mailer Problem—and Ours My Norman Mailer Problem—and Ours

Digging down into the roots of white America’s infatuation with Black.

Mar 7, 2022 / Feature / Darryl Pinckney

The New Politics of Desire

The New Politics of Desire The New Politics of Desire

In her new book, the philosopher Amia Srinivasan asks: “What would it take for sex really to be free?” 

Mar 7, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Maggie Doherty

Francesco Pacifico Confronts Fiction’s Oldest Questions

Francesco Pacifico Confronts Fiction’s Oldest Questions Francesco Pacifico Confronts Fiction’s Oldest Questions

His new novel, The Women I Love, asks if men can accurately portray and represent the experiences of women.

Mar 3, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Piper French

The Riddle of Zoomer Politics

The Riddle of Zoomer Politics The Riddle of Zoomer Politics

Pollster John Della Volpe claims he’s cracked the puzzle on this generation’s ideology. But is there really straightforward answer to what makes Gen Z tick?

Mar 2, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Julian Epp

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