The Chicagoan
The Second City citizen’s eponymous magazine, which initially ran from 1926 to 1935, is revived in the form of a well-produced, well-illustrated coffee table book.
Robert Birnbaum
Voices in Chicago
To put President-elect Obama’s best speeches in a historical context, pick up former presidential speechwriter William Safire’s collection of great examples, or two like compendiums from the Library of America.
"Have You Seen...?"
A prolific writer of various genre with two biographical dictionaries of film to his credit, David Thomson presents a new collection of short essays introducing a thousand films.
Best Thought, Worst Thought
Though the aphorism already has its pantheon, Scottish poet, editor, and musician Don Paterson adopts the title of aphorist with the release of his new book.
A Great Idea
As newspapers eschew paper, Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam investigates the mid-20th-century “Great Books” movement and why millions of Americans bought in.
A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity
An attempt is made for a fair and balanced look at Fox Network blabbermouth Bill O’Reilly’s eighth book, a so-called “issues-based memoir.”
In Memoriam: Studs Terkel
Studs Terkel, one of several Chicago wonders, passes away at a glorious 96 years old. His most recent work, published earlier this year, anthologizes previously unpublished writings, broadcasts, and interviews.
Fred Astaire
Joseph Epstein introduces this monograph, in a series from the Yale University Press, on American icon and extraordinary entertainer/everyman Fred Astaire.
Parrworld
Photographer, collector, and Magnum member once derided as being “from another planet,” Martin Parr releases a small portion of his mammoth collection in a two-volume set dedicated to postcards and other kitsch.
Recently Read
Whether waiting in some queue or traffic jam, it’s always recommended to have an escape appliance. By way of suggestion, Robert Birnbaum sifts through his recently read list.