Also enjoyed Prof. Mark McGurl's well-argued response to Elif Batuman's review of his book The Program Era, on the rise of the "creative writing" classes ( Read more... )

I really enjoyed reading Perry Anderson's LRB essay on the historical novel. It provides an interesting theoretical discussion of the genre, which I found insightful. Be sure to also read the reader comments at the end.

I didn't know anything about Le Corbusier other than the placeholder-tag "important architect who wrote". Theodore Dalrymple supplies a convincing demonstration of his importance, while condemning the man's works and legacy [City magazine].

Once again, Yoav Karny pulls off a superb, erudite, and interesting column [Hebrew].

Some time ago, themoniker linked to this brilliant, brilliant essay on the crappiness of science-fiction-and-fantasy plots, by Nick Lowe.

I don't read science fiction any more, and haven't read any of the works mentioned except Tolkien's and Adams's, but Lowe brings citations to make his points. And ach, what a scathing tongtypewriter Mr. Lowe had ( Read more... )