The world’s intelligence agencies send operatives to scientific conferences to collect information and protect themselves.
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‘I Try Not to Have a Schedule’: Talking Writing with William Vollmann
Renowned for the size of his books as the magnitude of his subjects, the author is ready to take on waste and climate change.
How a Medical Catastrophe Can Bankrupt a Life
A bout with food poisoning, the birth of my first child, and the terrifying discovery that I couldn’t walk.
Dawn of Dianetics: L. Ron Hubbard, John W. Campbell, and the Origins of Scientology
Read an excerpt adapted from Alec Nevala-Lee’s book, Astounding.
A British Seaweed Scientist Is Revered in Japan as ‘The Mother of the Sea’
Kathleen Drew-Baker died never having set foot in Japan, and never knowing what an impact her research would make. Plus, how to build a lazy bed, how to cook Irish blancmange, and other surprising seaweed stories.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Libby Copeland, Patrick Blanchfield, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Cory Taylor, and Tabitha Blankenbiller.
Death Rattle: The Body’s Betrayals
Since my father’s death, I dream about descents and falls. How, without warning, gravity has you in its grip.
Death Rattle: The Body’s Betrayals
Since my father’s death, I dream about descents and falls. How, without warning, gravity has you in its grip.
Seeing Private Everyman
Steve Edwards searches for the hidden truths in the public and private sacrifices his granddad made serving in World War II.
Longreads Best of 2017: Under-Recognized Stories
Here are the best stories we thought deserved more attention this year.

