Longreads editors discuss stories in New York Magazine, The New York Times, The Outline, and CrimeReads.
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The Ugly History of Beautiful Things: Mirrors
Mirrors are sparkly and shiny and hypnotic. They’ve fascinated us for thousands of years. And they might show us a lot more about our society’s misplaced priorities than we care to see.
This Week in Books: Several Nihilistic Frenchmen
This week critics have looked to Huysmans, Camus and Jean-Philippe Toussaint for COVID-era inspiration.
Rural California Feeds the Nation, But Too Many Rural Residents Can’t Feed and House Themselves
In a fertile valley that boats an $8 billion agricultural economy, the people who work the fields and in processing plants rarely enjoy the economic security that the fields’ corporate owners do.
Longreads Best of 2019: Arts and Culture
We asked writers and editors to choose some of their favorite stories of the year in various categories. Here is the best in arts and culture.
Obsession and Release: 10 Years to Write a Longread
A Longreads Podcast interview with journalists James K. Williamson and Tim Requarth on writing about family.
The World of Nora Ephron: A Reading List
Seven stories about the journalist and director, on the 20th anniversary of the release of the film, “You’ve Got Mail.”
The Growing Power of Prosecutors
An unintended consequence of mandatory minimums has been to concentrate too much power in the hands of prosecutors. Journalist Emily Bazelon talks about how some cities are pushing back.
‘Everyone is Guilty All the Time’
Is prosecuting crimes about justice, or conviction rates? In Shelby County, Tennessee, the answer isn’t so clear.
On Blackface, Bert Williams, and Excellence
A complicated racial anxiety rests at the heart of American entertainment.
