Cover Story
The Embattled First Amendment
The Supreme Court is interpreting free speech in new ways that threaten our democracy
by Lincoln Caplan
Articles
A Terrible Loss
Lincoln’s assassination 150 years ago turned plans for postwar reconciliation to a frenzy of violence
by Jonathan W. White
Kill the Creature
In search of snakes—and the balm of charity and love in a world of infinitely lonely space
by Christian Wiman
Confessing and Confiding
Knowing the difference between the two can elevate an essay from therapy to art
by Emily Fox Gordon
Failure to Heal
Today’s medical industry thrives on diagnosing and curing, but it doesn’t reach the soul
by Philip Alcabes
Departments
Editor's Note
Letter From …
Tuning Up
Arts
Works in Progress
Back Talk
Fiction
Commonplace Book
Book Essay
Reflections on Alexis de Tocqueville
What is the place of the artist in a democratic society?
Saul Bellow
Book Reviews
Hearts With One Purpose
A revealing group portrait of Ireland’s motley crew of rebels
