Found in Translation: Literature in Other Languages
Gifted translators like Edith Grossman break through language barriers to introduce readers to the great literature of the world, so you can finally find out what people mean when they talk about Don Quixote and windmills.
Six Tons of Sand and a Dream: Remembering Playwright Tina Howe
Tina Howe was a playwright, which is to say, she wasn't a household name. But she was a beloved and respected artist whose body of work resonates through the careers of any number of artists that you've definitely heard of.
Sinéad O’Connor (1966-2023)
The Irish musician Sinéad O'Connor had one massive hit and a lifetime of influence. Regrettably for those of us who were fans, July 26 was the last day of our acquaintance.
Remembering Harry Frankfurt, Philosopher and Author
Many philosophers write about concepts that are hard to describe. Harry Frankfurt became a bestselling author by writing about one you're not supposed to say out loud.
5 Books to Read So You Can Talk About Milan Kundera (1929-2023)
The writer Milan Kundera died recently at the age of 94. So if you haven't read any of his novels -- or can't remember if you've read them -- here's your chance to catch up.
Remembering Alan Arkin, an Everyman With a Side of Chaos
The funniest grandpa in Little Miss Sunshine was also the scariest guy in Wait Until Dark and the saddest salesman in Glengarry Glen Ross. Alan Arkin could play almost anyone while always being unmistakably himself.
5 Cormac McCarthy Books You Gotta Read
The only thing more depressing than losing an author of Cormac McCarthy's stature is the stuff that happens in Cormac McCarthy's books.
Better Than All The Rest: Remembering Tina Turner
From Nutbush to Thunderdome and beyond, superstar Tina Turner put her indelible stamp on American music and American culture.
R.I.P. MTV News (1987-2023): Headbanging the Headlines
For years, MTV News told the youth of America what was happening to the nation, to the world, and to Jamiroquai. But now it's gone. Tabitha Soren, we hardly knew ye.
It’s Funny Because it’s (Sam) Gross: The New Yorker’s Most Unruly Cartooning Genius
Until he died this month, cartoonist Sam Gross was the master of making you laugh at things you felt bad about laughing at.
Okay, I Believe You: The Art and the Activism of Harry Belafonte
A movie star, a singing sensation, and a major civil rights leader, the late Harry Belafonte accomplished enough to fill several lifetimes.
The Final Snappy Answer of Cartoonist Al Jaffee (1921-2023)
For decades, cartoonist Al Jaffee was one of the most consistent fixtures among Mad Magazine's "Usual Gang of Idiots" with his sardonic and cutting observations about modern life. But he's inked his last fold-in.
The Chronicles of Lance Reddick
Some actors get typecast as Everyone's Dad. The captivating character actor Lance Reddick was more like Everyone's Lieutenant.
Too Munch of a Good Thing: Remembering Richard Belzer
A stand-up comic who got TV-famous pretending to investigate deadly serious crimes, Richard Belzer embraced contradictions.
3 Was the Magic Number
De La Soul, featuring the late David Jolicoeur, so thoroughly reimagined hip hop that their records sounded like transmissions from another reality. Plug Two, over and out.
5 Indispensable Tom Verlaine Recordings
Rock guitarist Tom Verlaine didn't sell a ton of records, but the legions of musicians he influenced did.
5 Indispensable Jeff Beck Recordings
Play a tune in memory of guitar god Jeff Beck. And play it loud.
7 Comic Voices That Went Silent in 2022
To lose one comedian in a year may be regarded as a misfortune. To lose seven looks like carelessness.
