Books and Ideas

A lithograph illustrating the discovery of iguanodon fossils in Bernissart, Belgium, 1878 (c. 1880).

The Fight Over the Meaning of Fossils The Fight Over the Meaning of Fossils

When the remains of prehistoric creatures were discovered in Europe and the United States, it opened up a vociferous debate on the nature of time and the purpose of science.

Sep 22, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Andrew Katzenstein

What Are Drugs For?

What Are Drugs For? What Are Drugs For?

A conversation with P.E. Moskowitz about the chemical imbalance theory of depression, the false schism between prescription and recreational drugs, and collective psychic pain.

Sep 11, 2025 / Emmeline Clein

How Did Republican Fashion Go From Blazers to Belligerence?

How Did Republican Fashion Go From Blazers to Belligerence? How Did Republican Fashion Go From Blazers to Belligerence?

Trump and his cronies’ style reflects a platform where grievance is currency and performance is power.

Sep 10, 2025 / Feature / Derek Guy

The Lost Souls of the Internet

The Lost Souls of the Internet The Lost Souls of the Internet

In Searches, Vauhini Vara probes the ways that we rely on the Internet and how we periodically attempt to free ourselves from its grip.

Sep 10, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Laila Lalami

Susan Choi’s Big Novel of History

Susan Choi’s Big Novel of History Susan Choi’s Big Novel of History

In Flashlight, Choi examines the tragedies—past and present—that haunt a family living in Japan.

Sep 10, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Sarah Chihaya

James Baldwin’s Radical Politics of Love

James Baldwin’s Radical Politics of Love James Baldwin’s Radical Politics of Love

While Baldwin was persecuted in part because of whom he loved, it was love that impelled him to bring about a more utopian future in which such persecution was not possible.

Sep 9, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Elias Rodriques

Joe Biden at a cabinet meeting in 2021.

The Catastrophe of Democratic Foreign Policy The Catastrophe of Democratic Foreign Policy

A new book on the Biden’s wars serves as a stark reminder that the Democrats need to formulate a new foreign policy—as well as reckon with the one they had.

Sep 9, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Matthew Duss

The Ghosts of Ingeborg Bachmann

The Ghosts of Ingeborg Bachmann The Ghosts of Ingeborg Bachmann

Haunted by a dark past, the poet and novelist tried to explore the limits of language itself.

Sep 9, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Becca Rothfeld

Donald Trump speaks to members of the media as he departs a House Republican meeting at the US Capitol on May 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. Trump joined conservative House lawmakers to help push through their budget bill after it advanced through the House Budget Committee on Sunday evening.

Stable Business Genius Stable Business Genius

Sep 9, 2025 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Rebecca Solnit on Trump, Books, and the Reincarnation of King George III

Rebecca Solnit on Trump, Books, and the Reincarnation of King George III Rebecca Solnit on Trump, Books, and the Reincarnation of King George III

A conversation with the writer and activist about living in a nation where those who lead are often disinclined to read—let alone write—meaningful books.

Sep 8, 2025 / Q&A / John Nichols

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