The intensification of the War for the Greater Middle East after 9/11 revealed unsuspected defects in America’s basic approach to raising its military forces. Notwithstanding the considerable virtues of our professional military, notably durability and tactical prowess, the existing system rates as a failure. The All-Volunteer Force is like a burger from a fast-food joint: […]
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Posted inNonfiction, Uncategorized
The Art of Escape
What do we gain from giving inmates access to video games?
Posted inBooks, Nonfiction, Story, Uncategorized
Kidnapping a Nazi General: Patrick Leigh Fermor’s Perfect Heist
Travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor recalls his most dangerous journey.
Posted inEditor's Pick
Hotter Than Lava
Flashbangs—a $50 device that is not dissimilar to a military-style grenade— are used by cops across the country during raids, with little oversight and horrifying results.
Posted inBooks, Nonfiction, Uncategorized
Kidnapping a Nazi General: Patrick Leigh Fermor’s Perfect Heist
Travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor recalls his most dangerous journey.
Posted inBooks, Fiction, Story
Between Generals: A Newly Translated Short Story by Antonio Tabucchi
The complicated history of one of New York City’s immigrants, a former Hungarian General who realizes he spent one of his best days with his worst enemies.
Posted inNonfiction, Story
Can an Outsider Ever Truly Become Amish?
One of the rarest religious experiences you can have in America is to join the Plain.
Posted inReading List
Longreads Best of 2015: Essays & Criticism
Story picks by Leslie Jamison, Jia Tolentino, Roxane Gay, Tom Scocca, Ann Friedman, Rachel Syme, Francesca Mari, Sari Botton, and Emily Perper.
Posted inBooks, Fiction
Between Generals: A Newly Translated Short Story by Antonio Tabucchi
The complicated history of one of New York City’s immigrants, a former Hungarian General who realizes he spent one of his best days with his worst enemies.
Posted inBooks, Nonfiction
My Dinner With Rasputin
Writing in 1924, Teffi, a Russian writer in exile known for her wit, recalls a series of humorous (but increasingly ominous) encounters with the trusted friend of the last Tsar of Russia.
