The Panto Season ‘Tis upon Us
The British pantomime is noisy, camp, and a complete hoot
No, Virginia, There Isn’t a Santa Claus!
Revisiting a Spy piece that proved, once and for all, scientifically, what no child wanted to hear
Why Are We Still Loving Friends?
It’s the most streamed show on Netflix. Teenagers quote its jokes—even though it is 25 years old. So what explains its appeal?
Once More unto the Holidays
Reliably spirited tracks from David Bowie, Prince, Dire Straits, XTC, Talking Heads, Ice Cube, Buzzcocks, the Clash, and more
First Love
Little-known correspondence from Elizabeth Bishop offers a glimpse into the poet’s romantic life
America’s Next Top Model
Now in its 23rd year, this American city is ready for its close-up—as is its surprise builder!
EPISODE IV: “The Clue Lay in the Outsider Art!”
Still more correspondence from Lansy Everett, formerly of the New York Herald Tribune, Vanity Fair, Esquire, Vogue, Worth, and Harper’s Bazaar
B. J. Novak
So much more than a children’s book: on metafiction for kids
Donald Trump’s Completely Unverified London Diary*
The “stable genius” becomes a laughingstock
Sometimes, Bigger Is Better
Never-before-seen Avedon, a Trump-free Palm Beach, Helmut’s nudes: everyone loves a beautiful coffee-table book, and this year options abound
