What He Stood For
How Angus Cameron, one of the most significant editors in the history of American publishing, responded to being targeted by the McCarthy blacklist
By Jonathan Coleman Friday, April 24, 2026
Who Is Blake Whiting?
The most astonishingly productive historian in recent times is someone you’ll never meet
By Andrew Lawler Thursday, April 16, 2026
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
Radical Elegies
At a time when many of us are cut off from the natural world, Wordsworth seems more essential than ever
By Jonathan Bate Thursday, May 21, 2020
The Givers
On this Mother’s Day, let’s acknowledge the power of those who offer both professional and domestic care
By Amanda Parrish Morgan Friday, May 8, 2020
Great Movie Music
Fifteen examples that avoid the usual suspects
By David Lehman Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Witness to an Unfolding Disaster
On this 50th Earth Day, a painter meditates on the changing relationship between her art and our imperiled planet
By Susan Williams Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Separating Viral Truths and Lies
Nudging people to be more skeptical on social media
By Marcus A. Banks Monday, March 23, 2020
A Matter of Pride
The enduring legacy of Gentleman’s Agreement
By David Lehman Monday, February 10, 2020
A Million Kindnesses
Honoring Jim Lehrer, beloved newsman and friend
By Robert Wilson Friday, January 24, 2020
Revolutionary Chaos
The first-ever English translation of a 20th-century Russian masterpiece
By Gary Saul Morson Friday, January 17, 2020
