Books and Ideas

Benedict Anderson’s View of Nationalism

Benedict Anderson’s View of Nationalism Benedict Anderson’s View of Nationalism

The child of late empire, who transformed the field of area studies, lived a life beyond boundaries.

May 19, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Scott Sherman

Tom Tomorrow cartoon

The Pundits Are Always Right The Pundits Are Always Right

There’s no place for ambition in American politics.

May 18, 2016 / Tom Tomorrow

The Annie Dillard Show

The Annie Dillard Show The Annie Dillard Show

In felicitous language, she enables us to see the world afresh. But there is always a distance, a sense of performance.

May 18, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow

A Blues for Albert Murray

A Blues for Albert Murray A Blues for Albert Murray

His name was never household familiar. Yet his complex, mind-opening analysis of art and life remains as timely as ever—probably more so.

May 16, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Thomas Chatterton Williams

The Anthropocene Truism

The Anthropocene Truism The Anthropocene Truism

Humans and the environment have never been separable. But what does the idea mean for politics?

May 12, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Katrina Forrester

“Hunger March,” n.d., by William Gropper

Let’s Not Forget Socialism in the Resurrection of Socialist Art Let’s Not Forget Socialism in the Resurrection of Socialist Art

William Gropper’s art offers a lasting lesson in how useful pencils and paintbrushes can be in the fight against the exploitation of the many for the profit of the few.

May 12, 2016 / Richard Kreitner

Illustration of the Memphis Riot of 1866

The Roots of Today’s Racism and Police Violence, in an ‘Inconceivably Brutal’ Riot 150 Years Ago The Roots of Today’s Racism and Police Violence, in an ‘Inconceivably Brutal’ Riot 150 Years Ago

“The police headed the butchery” in Memphis in May of 1866, The Nation reported at the time, “and occupied themselves in shooting down every colored person, of whatever sex, of who...

May 11, 2016 / Richard Kreitner

Don DeLillo’s American Dream

Don DeLillo’s American Dream Don DeLillo’s American Dream

His recent protagonists dream only of money, except perhaps for the technological advances that will allow them to go on acquiring it indefinitely.

May 11, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Jon Baskin

Tom Tomorrow cartoon

Puny Fact Checkers Are No Match for the Incredible Trump Puny Fact Checkers Are No Match for the Incredible Trump

And other lessons from Primary Pandemonium.

May 10, 2016 / Tom Tomorrow

Revolutionary Mothering

How to Understand Mother as a Verb This Mother’s Day and Always How to Understand Mother as a Verb This Mother’s Day and Always

A new book reminds us that mothers are voices from the front lines that we all need to hear.

May 7, 2016 / Dani McClain

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