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Culture and Ideas
Book reviews, cultural critiques, essays on the zeitgeist, and profiles of the avant-garde.
Read ‘Catcher in the Rye’ When You’re Young, or Not at All
J.D. Salinger’s famous coming-of-age novel turned 75 this week. But if you ask Joseph Epstein, it’s not worth reading after the age of 20.
Joseph Epstein
There Is Good and Evil. Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Isn’t Afraid to Say So.
Nolan trusts Homer—and his audience—to recognize that villains deserve defeat and heroes deserve to triumph.
Spencer Klavan
The Humiliation of Prince Harry
He’s been crusading against the press for years, but last week he suffered a brutal, humiliating defeat.
Kara Kennedy
My Grandfather, the Secret War Hero
A cache of old documents gave me a window into the life of a proud, brave man who had been part of the resistance during World War II. Why in the world…
Nicholas Wyman
Daniel Mendelsohn: The Immortal Appeal of ‘The Odyssey’
Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster is only the latest adaptation of a story that has captivated audiences for three millennia. Here’s why the epic poem has…
Daniel Mendelsohn
Yes, Phones Are Bad. But Can You Live Without One?
I went to the much-hyped anti-tech conference, where everyone was wondering: How do you give up apps in a modern world that assumes you have them?
River Page
Clavicular Is Israelmaxxing
About six months ago, Jewish leaders nationwide condemned the Gen-Z icon for partying to ‘Heil Hitler.’ Now he’s in Tel Aviv to ‘have a good time.’
Olivia Reingold
‘Jackass’ Was the Last Great Boys’ Show
The documentary prank show was dangerous, rude, ridiculous, and disgusting. We didn’t know how good we had it.
Suzy Weiss
America Is Becoming a Soccer Country
With Trump’s lobbying to reverse a star player’s red card, America is shedding its soft, disinterested approach to the beautiful game.
Josh Kaplan
Arthur Brooks: Taylor and Travis, a Prenup Won’t Protect Your Marriage
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce reportedly signed one of the most elaborate prenups ever assembled. That decision reflects a broader trend—and a…
Arthur Brooks
Caitlin Flanagan: The Indivisible America
I first pledged allegiance to America at a time of raging war and political violence. People said the nation would unravel, which was—and is—a juvenile…
Caitlin Flanagan
Rod Dreher: My American Homecoming
I spent four years living in Hungary. After coming home to the Deep South, I remember why America, for all its faults, is still home.
Rod Dreher
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