When did the air of scandal surrounding Philip Roth give way to a kind of reverence? At a certain point, Roth lost his reputation for controversy. In The New Republic, Adam Kirsch investigates the odd story of Roth’s career, including evidence from Claudia Roth Pierpoint’s new book about the author, Roth Unbound (which we reviewed).
Think of the Children
It Might as Well Be Sentient
This is really happening: In February, an IBM-programmed computer will take on former champions (including Ken Jennings) in three games of Jeopardy. (via)
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Novel Reviews You
Maybe your novel got bad reviews, but at least you weren't attacked for it. This is the story of Oleg Kashin, a reporter-turned-novelist who was beaten to within an inch of his life for his critiques of the Russian government.
Read Dickens Now!
Charles Dickens turns 200 in February, which is one good explanation for two new biographies (Charles Dickens: A Life) and (Becoming Dickens) appearing just in time. But even more importantly, why is now the perfect time to read him? Here's one hint: the man's vast social imagination.
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“If you must write prose or poems”
Stop the presses: Morrissey maybe, might, let's not hold our breaths yet but could possibly in fact be publishing a memoir. To be recited in front of the cemetery gates of your choosing.
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Powerhouse
Big news in the publishing world: Penguin and Random House have announced their decision to merge.
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