Words Matter 
An opera can succeed only if libretto and score are in concert
By Dana Gioia Monday, December 2, 2024
Vital Signs
What happened when my husband became a paramedic
By Olivia Clare Friedman Monday, December 2, 2024
The Patron Subjects
Who were the Wertheimers, the family that sat for a dozen of John Singer Sargent’s paintings?
By Jean Strouse Thursday, November 14, 2024
A Giant of a Man
The legacy of Willie Mays and the Birmingham ballpark where he first made his mark
By Eric Wills Thursday, October 10, 2024
Adventures With Jean
Striking up a friendship with an older writer meant accepting the risk of getting hurt
By Craig Nova Thursday, October 3, 2024
Feels Like Coming Home
The wonders of the coastal redwood
By Danusha Laméris Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Free
The knowledge of approaching death may allow some of us to experience time in new and liberating ways
By Philip Weinstein Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Riding With Mr. Washington
How my great-grandfather invented himself at the end of Reconstruction
By David Nicholson Thursday, August 22, 2024
Bards Behind Bars
Reading Sartre aloud inside a maximum-security prison
By Tony Eprile Thursday, August 8, 2024
Afloat Between Worlds
What is the meaning of the mystical visions that a sailor experiences at sea?
By Joseph S. Christensen Monday, March 2, 2026
Thinking in the Margins
What Oliver Sacks jotted down in the books he read
By Bill Hayes Monday, March 2, 2026
Rhetorical Questions
In Eavan Boland’s Stanford workshop, the poet imparted lessons on suffering, expression, and the importance of a sandwich
By Hugh Martin Monday, March 2, 2026
Night Shade
After my husband died, why did he continue to haunt my dreams?
By Diane Cole Monday, March 2, 2026
Weekend Warriors
How are competitive kids’ sports changing America?
By Rosalie Metro Monday, March 2, 2026
The Heart of the Matter
A new cardiovascular drug may be revolutionary, but what we really need is more quality time with our doctors
By Jay Neugeboren Thursday, February 12, 2026
Too HIP to Be Square
Wagner’s Ring on period instruments?
By Vivien Schweitzer Thursday, February 5, 2026
The Breath Is Everything
How an encounter with the Dalai Lama led to forays into Buddhism
By James Conaway Thursday, January 22, 2026
