Pariahs’ Progress: On Isolationism Pariahs’ Progress: On Isolationism
For Christopher McKnight Nichols, isolationists were cultural cosmopolitans who distrusted the impact of empire.
Aug 29, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Jackson Lears
The Antagonist: On Lillian Hellman The Antagonist: On Lillian Hellman
How did Lillian Hellman become the archetype of hypocrisy?
Aug 29, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Victor Navasky
Scissor Work: On the Unintended Reformation Scissor Work: On the Unintended Reformation
Brad Gregory wants to upend how we think about the emergence of capitalism, secularism and individualism.
Aug 29, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Paula Findlen
Holiday Holiday
The ad for the American moment says, “Make today famous.” (That little nobody!) Bury her under the foundation. Rome did. Have her wear that seasonal affective collapse get up. Keep an eye- in-the-sky on it
Aug 29, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Rae Armantrout
‘Poem about My Rights’: Todd Akin, Meet June Jordan ‘Poem about My Rights’: Todd Akin, Meet June Jordan
Todd Akin, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan all have me thinking of June Jordan’s great “Poem about My Rights.”
Aug 22, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Laura Flanders
Ayn Rand Ayn Rand
(Sung to the tune of “Blue Moon”) Paul Ryan has said that the writings of Ayn Rand were what inspired him to go into public life. —News reports Ayn Rand Because of you I’m now free. Because of what you have taught, I know it’s all about me. Ayn Rand You taught we should be ambitious, And strive to be avaricious, Since money’s truly delicious. And we shouldn’t share a nickel of this money With citizens who can’t prevail. The government is not the Easter Bunny. The poor are weaklings who deserved to fail. Ayn Rand Before you I was immobile But then you taught me to know That being selfish is noble.
Aug 22, 2012 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Liehards: On Political Hypocrisy Liehards: On Political Hypocrisy
Hard truths about lying in politics
Aug 22, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Sophia Rosenfeld
Shelf Life Shelf Life
W.G. Sebald’s Across the Land and the Water: Selected Poems, 1964–2001; Saturn's Moons; Grant Gee’s Patience (After Sebald).
Aug 22, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Peter C. Baker
The Stone Dies Away Also: On Jimmie Durham The Stone Dies Away Also: On Jimmie Durham
Does a sculptor destroy things or merely change them?
Aug 22, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Barry Schwabsky
Behind the Bureau: On the FBI Behind the Bureau: On the FBI
Tim Weiner’s Enemies is not so much a history of the FBI as a compendium of interesting historical material.
Aug 22, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Beverly Gage