When History Rhymes
The Nikole Hannah-Jones controversy calls to mind an earlier racially motivated effort to stifle free speech at the University of North Carolina
By Sally Greene Thursday, July 8, 2021
“Bound to Respect”
How Black and white reformers transformed the meaning of the Dred Scott decision’s most infamous line
By Jonathan W. White Saturday, July 3, 2021
Night Train to Riga
Two stories of love, heartbreak, and escape
By David Stromberg Thursday, June 17, 2021
The First Lady of Noir
Celebrated actress Ida Lupino directed The Bigamist and other taboo-busting films
By David Lehman Saturday, May 22, 2021
Caught Between Worlds
Minari, Nomadland, and reflections on Asian-American identity
By Jean Kim Thursday, April 22, 2021
Blind Accidents
How John Huston’s The Asphalt Jungle brilliantly epitomizes the caper film
By David Lehman Saturday, April 17, 2021
Ramona the Pest, Cleary the Friend
Remembering the prolific children’s author
By Jayne Ross Monday, March 29, 2021
A Reluctant Spy’s Conversion
Revisiting George Seaton’s underrated 1962 film, The Counterfeit Traitor
By David Lehman Thursday, February 4, 2021
The Importance of Being Idle
What Paul Lafargue taught us about work
By Robert Zaretsky Monday, March 30, 2026
Gilded Guilt
On Taylor Swift, Julian Fellowes, and the class conflicts that never die
By Jessa Crispin Friday, February 13, 2026
The Popper Principle
Did Plato really espouse ideas that led eventually to totalitarianism?
By Robert Zaretsky Thursday, January 29, 2026
It’s a Wonderful (Falling Apart) Life
In the disrepair of our everyday world are suggestions of life’s burdens and consolations
By Ben Slote Friday, December 19, 2025
The Conspiracist Cotton Mather
The zealot who oversaw the Salem Witch Trials initially voiced restraint—what changed?
By Colin Dickey Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Baby Shoggoth Is Listening
Why are some writers tailoring their work for AI, and what does this mean for the future of writing and reading?
By Dan Kagan-Kans Wednesday, October 29, 2025
What Is an American Hero, Anyway?
Lists of great artists say more about the list-maker than the artist
By Jessa Crispin Friday, October 24, 2025
Inner Demon Hunters
Could a hit animated movie hold the key to healing generational trauma in Korea?
By Jean Kim Friday, October 10, 2025
Days of Awe
The Romantics sought the sublime in nature, but the feeling may be experienced in humanity, too
By Robert Zaretsky Thursday, September 25, 2025
