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January/February 2022
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Features
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The Old Man and the Tree
Ecologists thought America’s primeval forests were gone. Then Bob Leverett proved them wrong and discovered a powerful new tool against climate change
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A Healing Presence
Kwane Stewart, a veterinarian who helps animals kept by homeless people, discovers a little-known world of generosity and love
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Guardians of Assur
The ancient Assyrian capital faced waves of invasions and abandonment. Now a small team of Iraqi archaeologists is all that stands between this cultural treasure and an array of modern threats.
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The Wonder Bird
It flies thousands of miles a year and even sleeps in midair. The more scientists learn about the Hudsonian godwit, the more they’re amazed—and worried
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Sister Queens of the North
Over the centuries they were forgotten, dismissed, even parodied. But a new book shows that Brunhild and Fredegund boldly seized power and outwitted enemies like few rulers in history
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After the Catch
In the remote Lofoten Islands of Norway, youngsters are happy to embrace local tradition—and earn good money—performing a highly specialized task when the cod come in
Departments
Discussion
Your feedback on biblical archaeology, life in the ANWR and Clara Barton
Picking Up the Pieces
In the wake of crisis and disaster, rescue workers led by the Smithsonian step in to safeguard irreplaceable cultural treasures
Crunch Time
A fussy magnate, a miffed chef and the curious roots of the comfort food we hate to love
Rhythm and Blues
A new view of an American original who improvised on works by the old masters
Changing Lincoln's Mind
In the Civil War, pioneering African Americans met with the president and altered the course of U.S. history
The Bug That Saved California
The Golden State’s citrus industry faced a lethal threat. The answer would herald a new kind of pest control
From Grunge to Glam
Rebellious youth. Olympic glory. How a goofy American pastime conquered winter
Poetice Justice
A groundbreaking book by a young African American woman was put to a cruel test and surpassed all expectations
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