Books and Ideas

Shanker Blows Up the World Shanker Blows Up the World

The life and legacy of a fiery New York teachers' advocate gets caught in the crossfire of a changing liberal landscape.

Oct 25, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Thomas J. Sugrue

Play It (Over and Over Again) Play It (Over and Over Again)

Ben Ratliff's not-quite biography of John Coltrane considers the jazz legend's enduring influence.

Oct 25, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Travis A. Jackson

Revenants Revenants

In South African writer Zakes Mda's fiction, the past hovers like a ghost--seductive and terrifying.

Oct 25, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Laila Lalami

Thieves of Black History Thieves of Black History

In the struggle over the ownership of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, black history is on sale at bargain prices.

Oct 25, 2007 / Beneath the Radar / Gary Younge

Advise and Consent Advise and Consent

What sets Michael Mukasey apart from the rest of the Bush crowd?

Oct 25, 2007 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Gracelands Gracelands

The taint of an unjust war tarnishes the lives of Vietnam-era Americans in Denis Johnson's stunning new novel.

Oct 18, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Keith Gessen

Godzilla in Mexico Godzilla in Mexico

Listen carefully, my son: bombs were falling over Mexico City but no one even noticed. The air carried poison through the streets and open windows.

Oct 18, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Roberto BolaƱo

The Imperfectionist The Imperfectionist

Reconsidering the life and legacy of avant-garde artist and poet Francis Picabia.

Oct 18, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky

Father of History Father of History

Bettina Aptheker's recent memoir has incited fierce debate over her father s legacy.

Oct 18, 2007 / Books & the Arts / Christopher Phelps

The End Game The End Game

What kind of trouble can Bush and the boys get us into now?

Oct 18, 2007 / Column / Calvin Trillin

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