Books on Arts and Culture

Life Out of Context

By Walter Mosley

This powerful meditation by the bestselling author of the Easy Rawlins mysteries explores his evolution as an African-American writer and ends with a call to action.

The Big Empty

Dialogues on Politics, Sex, God, Boxing, Morality, Myth, Poker and Bad Conscience in America

By Norman Mailer and John Buffalo Mailer

In this collection of conversations, John Buffalo Mailer poses a series of questions to his father, challenging the reflections and insights of the man who has dominated and defined much of American letters for the past sixty years.

Brushes With History

Writings on Art from The Nation 1865-2001

By Peter G. Meyer and Arthur C. Danto

American Rebels

By Jack Newfield

In this anthology of original essays, leading American writers discuss individuals who reconciled authentic patriotism with original artistic creation, unpopular opinion, and real moral principles.

I See Black People

The Rise and Fall of African American-Owned Television and Radio

By Kristal Brent Zook

Read the book review on Publishers Weekly.

The Future's So Bright, I Can't Bear to Look

By Tom Tomorrow

"Hail Tom Tomorrow!"
—Michael Moore

Travel as a Political Act

By Rick Steves

Travel connects people with people. It helps us fit more comfortably and compatibly into a shrinking world. And it inspires creative new solutions to persistent problems facing our nation. We can't understand our world without experiencing it. Travel as a Political Act helps us take that first step. In his new book, acclaimed travel writer Rick Steves explains how to travel more thoughtfully—to any destination. He shares a series of field reports from Europe, Central America, Asia and the Middle East to show how his travels have shaped his politics and broadened his perspective.

A Heartbeat and a Guitar

Johnny Cash and the Making of Bitter Tears

By Antonino D'Ambrosio

A Heartbeat and a Guitar tells of the collaboration of two distinct yet connected musicians–iconoclast Johnny Cash and little known folk artist Peter LaFarge–and the album they created, Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian. It also tells of the unique personal, political and cultural struggles that informed this album–especially the fight for Native people's rights–one that has influenced scores of musicians and activists. In this inimitable account, A Heartbeat and a Guitar strays out of the recording studio and into the presidential campaigns, government halls, Indian reservations, picket lines, bohemian cafes, university campuses, factory lines, civil rights marches, fish-ins and anti-war protests.

The Battle for Gotham

New York in the Shadow of Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs

By Roberta Brandes Gratz

The week of May 10, Roberta Brandes Gratz answered questions from readers about Robert Moses, Jane Jacobs, their legacies, and what the future holds for urban planning in New York City. Read her answers on The New York Times' City Room blog here.