The Novels That Explain the Failure of Centrism The Novels That Explain the Failure of Centrism
Anthony Trollope’s six-volume saga about moderates in British parliament can now be read as a critique of liberal political values.
Feb 20, 2020 / Jake Bittle
‘High Fidelity’ Is a Broken Record ‘High Fidelity’ Is a Broken Record
While the TV reboot breaks out of some of the original’s male-centered whiteness, it refuses to take risks that would make it more memorable.
Feb 19, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Julyssa Lopez
The Removal of Lt. Col. Vindman (and His Brother) From the White House Staff The Removal of Lt. Col. Vindman (and His Brother) From the White House Staff
To White House employees the message is clear: For someone who wants to protect his career, Acceptance of alternate facts is required. And telling the truth can now get you fired.
Feb 18, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
The Nightmare Touches Its Forehead to My Lips The Nightmare Touches Its Forehead to My Lips
The sky feels like a k-pin doused with some other shit that’ll kill you— infectious harp. :: The space between language— shard of porcelain from the dictator’s hous…
Feb 18, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Andrés Cerpa
A Smiling Understanding A Smiling Understanding
There is an understanding, a smiling understanding, between orchards and orchestras. Jazz and Bach are fertilizers, something extra. Trees are much older than music and poetry, wer…
Feb 18, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Stanley Moss
The Making of France’s Presidential System The Making of France’s Presidential System
Focusing on the tensions between top-down reforms and bottom-up democratic discontent, Herrick Chapman’s new history tells a very different story about postwar France.
Feb 18, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Hugo Drochon
Ricardo Piglia’s Books of Disquiet Ricardo Piglia’s Books of Disquiet
As he witnessed the dissolution of civil society under a series of repressive governments, the Argentine novelist and critic began recording the most mundane parts of everyday life...
Feb 17, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Jessica Loudis
Richard Powers on the Standing of Trees Richard Powers on the Standing of Trees
The author of The Overstory hikes through the Great Smoky Mountains and discusses giving personhood to nonhumans.
Feb 17, 2020 / Drinks On The Nation / Zoë Carpenter
The Modern GOP Is Built on Lies The Modern GOP Is Built on Lies
In some ways Trump is more truthful than previous Republican presidents.
Feb 14, 2020 / Column / Eric Alterman