“A Ridiculous Optimist”
In a rare interview, Quentin Blake, the inimitable children’s-book illustrator behind Roald Dahl’s Matilda, explains why he’s still drawing at 92
Bruce Davidson Goes Way Back
From miners in Wales to construction workers on Staten Island, the Magnum photographer trawls through 60 years of never-before-published work for a new coffee-table book
Deadly Pleasures to Read and Watch
A novel reckoning with the aftermath of a cult, and two detective shows set in the worlds of art and L.A. crime
Celestial Crisis Management
Seeking to distance himself from Trump, God is desperate for help—even from you-know-who
Glimpses of Sara & Co.
Priceless clips on the New York City Ballet Web site
Band of Brothers
After surviving Auschwitz, a Jewish boy was saved by a company of American soldiers barely older than himself. His daughter pieces together his unknown story
Peter Marino’s Guide to Long Island
The American architect shares his favorite spots around his Southampton home
What J.F.K. Could Teach Trump About Lying and Deceit
On this week’s podcast, the author of a new book on Kennedy looks at the character question
Renée Fleming Ponders the Big Picture
In Aspen, America’s No. 1 diva gives Così Fan Tutte a considered makeover
The Lies He Told Himself
John F. Kennedy’s charm could sell anything, even to himself. But near the end, the spin started to wobble
Galley Envy
Could the most coveted object of the summer be an uncorrected manuscript you can’t even buy?
Gary Fisketjon’s Next Act
Fired from Knopf in 2019, the literary Brat Packer and editor of everyone from Cormac McCarthy to Donna Tartt picks up his green mark-up pen again
Cliff-Hangers for the Commute
One-minute micro-dramas—designed to be watched on your smartphone—are now a billion-dollar industry
Too Much Is Just Right
Lena Dunham’s new TV show is a sharp, funny, expat rom-com that blurs the line between her life and art—as always
Whitney Peak
Once a part-time Wendy’s employee, the 22-year-old actress is now starring in the next Hunger Games movie and making her stage debut alongside Pamela Anderson
A Cut Above the Rest
At 70, the artist William Kentridge is still tearing things up—literally
The Secret Gardens
From Stephen Sills’s retreat in Westchester to Veere Grenney’s oasis in Tangier, a new coffee-table book showcases the private sanctuaries of celebrated interior designers
Martin Cruz Smith
The crime novelist persevered through Parkinson’s disease for decades to create his richly imagined Arkady Renko series—including the final installment, Hotel Ukraine
Aatish Taseer’s Guide to Istanbul
The travel writer shares his go-to spots in one of his favorite cities
Elonophobia
That’s it. I’ve had it
