Books & Literary Life

Literary criticism, author interviews, and book culture from within and beyond Harvard.

America’s Past, Opera's Future: 11 New Books from Harvard Authors

These newly released novels, histories, and memoirs grapple with identity in all its forms.

by Gabriella Gage

Michael Sandel’s “The Tyranny of Merit” reviewed by Spencer Lenfield

Michael Sandel makes the case against meritocracy.

by Spencer Lee Lenfield

Recent books with Harvard connections

Recent books with Harvard connections

Boston Book Festival

A literary festival for children and adults

by Nell Porter-Brown

Harvard University Press releases “Racism in America: A Reader”

Harvard University Press releases a new book, Racism in America: A Reader, free online.

by Lydialyle Gibson

Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College?

Historian Alexander Keyssar on why the unpopular institution has prevailed 

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

How Harvard Handled the 1918 Flu Pandemic

Fall semester interrupted, a century ago

by Matteo Wong

Author Gabrielle Zevin profiled by Nell Porter Brown

A prescient novelist is hopeful that “after great change, amazing things can happen.”

by Nell Porter-Brown

“Lives in Limbo”—Roberto Gonzales tallies the human and social costs

Sociologist Roberto Gonzales on the predicament of undocumented young people

by Lydialyle Gibson

Callimachus

Brief life of a multifaceted poet: c. 310 B.C.E. - c. 240 B.C.E.

by Stephanie Burt , Mark Payne

Excerpt from Marjorie Garber, “Character: The History of a Cultural Obsession”

Marjorie Garber explores the word’s complexity and history.