Books
- Explore more »
Sounding Smart with SmartNews: Your Cheat Sheet to the Nobels
Here, in Twitter-sized bites, are descriptions of the work that won the Nobel this week
October 12, 2012 |
By Sarah Laskow
The Traumatic Birth of the Modern (and Vicious) Political Campaign
When Upton Sinclair ran for governor of California in 1934, new media were marshaled to beat him
October 11, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
You Don’t Know As Much As You Think You Do
Basically, most of what you think you know might be wrong
October 09, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Snakes: The Good, the Bad and the Deadly
With venom so potent it can kill a person in just 30 minutes, the black mamba is a snake to avoid—while others are worth learning about before you cast your judgment
October 03, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Antonio’s World: The Life and Work of a Celebrated Fashion Illustrator
Antonio Lopez's electrifying art defined the style of the times, 1960s-'80s. Now, a gallery show and book call renewed attention to his accomplishments
October 02, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Health Hazards of the Traveler
Russian scientist Leonid Rogozov was the only doctor within 1,000 miles when, in 1961, he was struck by appendicitis in Antarctica. Fortunately, he had Novocain and a scalpel
September 28, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
High School Students Hit a Forty Year Low on the SAT Reading Section
Over 50 percent of test takers scored below the level that would indicate college success, and scores from every single racial group but one (Asian) declined
September 25, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Top 5 “Science Done Right” Moments in Movies
Directors take note: scientist and author David Kirby commends the accuracy in these popular films
September 21, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
The Hobbit You Grew Up With Isn’t Quite the Same As the Original, Published 75 Years Ago Today
The Hobbit was first published 75 years ago today - and it wasn't exactly the way you remember it
September 21, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
This Story Has a Picture With It, So It Must Be True
A recent study found that statements accompanied by pictures are more likely to be taken as true than those without
September 18, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Picture-Perfect Bonsai
In a new book, botanical photographer Jonathan Singer focuses his lens on the potted plants
September 13, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
The Unknown Story of "The Black Cyclone," the Cycling Champion Who Broke the Color Barrier
Major Taylor had to brave more than the competition to become one of the most acclaimed cyclists of the world
September 12, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
What's the Perfect Book to Get Over a Breakup?
Alain de Botton has provided a valuable service: giving reading prescriptions for a "shelf-help" approach to everyday problems
September 10, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Martin Amis Contemplates Evil
England’s most famous living novelist has moved to America—and tilted the literary world
September 2012 |
By Ron Rosenbaum
D-Day Spies, Lost Antarctica, Eating Dirt and More Recent Books
A new history blows the cover on British spies in World War II
September 2012 |
By Chloë Schama
Teen ‘Sick-Lit’ Should Leave Parents Feeling Queasy
The newly defined genre of "teen sick-lit" is awash with tear-jerking stories of ill adolescents who seek only to find the love of their life during their final days, but researchers say it reinforces negative stereotypes of the ill
August 29, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Fake Science: A 100% Fact-Free Alternative
Who needs accurate information when you can simply make it up? A fake scientist explains
August 28, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
“Paleo” Isn’t Extinct Yet
After a long hiatus, the series Paleo returns in webcomic form
August 27, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Data Mining the Classics Clusters Women Authors Together, Puts Mellville Out On a Raft
A new macroanalysis method compares thousands of books in order to identify systems of influence, school of thought or other groupings that human scholars might have missed
August 27, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Is Portland, Oregon the Best City for Bikes in the Country?
With dedicated bike lanes and businesses catering to cyclists, the Oregon city is a true pedaler's paradise
August 22, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
