Books and Ideas

An effigy of President Donald Trump is lowered outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

On the Power of Small Acts of Noncompliance On the Power of Small Acts of Noncompliance

At a moment when large-scale resistance can feel futile,
there are other ways to oppose, engage, and fight back.

Aug 18, 2025 / Column / Elie Mystal

The Bookstores Bridging Divides in Israel

The Bookstores Bridging Divides in Israel The Bookstores Bridging Divides in Israel

People of goodwill on either side of the horror find unity in the search for a good read.

Aug 15, 2025 / Feature / Eric Orner

A May Day protest against the committee’s witch hunt at City College.

Eric Foner’s Personal History Eric Foner’s Personal History

Reflecting on his decades-long career, the historian considers what his field of study owes to the public.

Aug 14, 2025 / Feature / Eric Foner

Anne Lamott and the Power of Hope

Anne Lamott and the Power of Hope Anne Lamott and the Power of Hope

‘I will not let them defeat me.’

Aug 13, 2025 / Q&A / Pamela Alma Weymouth

Catherine Lacey’s Missed Connections

Catherine Lacey’s Missed Connections Catherine Lacey’s Missed Connections

In her most personal work, The Möbius Book, Lacey uses a devastating moment of heartbreak to ruminate on the messy intersections between life and writing.

Aug 13, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Alana Pockros

Donald Trump and Melania Trump

Republicans Look to Rename the Kennedy Center Opera House After Melania Trump Republicans Look to Rename the Kennedy Center Opera House After Melania Trump

—Headline, The New York Times

Aug 12, 2025 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Joseph McCarthy and Roy Cohn at a HUAC hearing.

Red Scares, Past and Present Red Scares, Past and Present

What are the parallels between the rise of McCarthyism in the 1950s and today? 

Aug 12, 2025 / Books & the Arts / David Cole

What History Tells Us About the Rise of Fiorello La Guardia

What History Tells Us About the Rise of Fiorello La Guardia What History Tells Us About the Rise of Fiorello La Guardia

Zohran Mamdani’s favorite mayor was nobody's idea of a shoo-in—until he became inevitable.

Aug 12, 2025 / Richard Kreitner

Nation Poetry

Imposter Ghazal for Forugh Imposter Ghazal for Forugh

Aug 12, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Mandana Chaffa

Nation Poetry

Die-off Off Vancouver Die-off Off Vancouver

Aug 12, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Sally Ball

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