Top of the Stack
Smart Tartt
In 1992 Donna Tartt’s first novel created a sensation in the literary world. Tartt was a throwback, a T.S. Eliot freak with a southern-gothic past, as well as a breakaway talent.
The Front Page
Looking for The Real Thing
A previously unpublished look at Martin Scorsese as he promoted “Mean Streets” in the fall of 1973.
Jacqueline Susann: The Writing Machine
What becomes a legend most? The unsinkable Jacqueline Susann.
I Cover the Waterfront
Three scenes from Max Miller’s brilliant book that Joyce Wadler used to give all her young reporters.
The Insanity Bit
The landmark New Journalism essay about Krim’s Crack-Up.
Justice in Summer
A reporter’s account of the Emmett Till trial—An American Tragedy.
Shadow Boxing
Robert Weaver makes like Joseph Cornell and everybody wins.
This Gun for Hire
The cinematic brilliance of Julian Allen.
John Mellencamp, Daddy’s Boy
E Jean hangs with the all-American rocker in the thick of his Pink Houses prime.
Patricia Wells: An American Food Critic in Paris
Wells is a genuine phenomenon, an American and a woman who suddenly occupies a stellar position as a critic in a trade dominated by French men.
‘Shrew’ With No Apologies
Meryl Streep and the great Raul Julia in “A Taming of the Shrew” for the ages.
Toni Morrison: Finally Just a Writer
When quitting your day job is a brilliant career move.
The Making of “Fat City”
Craft Beats Art by a T.K.O. Leonard Gardner on location during the filming of “Fat City.”