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Opinion
Notes from the Underground
Scott McLemee notices that scholars are creating a new sort of academic community. Or is that just the dream of a ridiculous man?
Opinion
Beyond Consolation
Scott McLemee interviews Sandra Gilbert about her new book, "Death's Door."
Opinion
Literature to Infinity
Franco Moretti is a theorist with a reputation for counting literary works, rather than reading them. Scott McLemee asks if it all adds up.
Opinion
Aiming the Can(n)on
Is there any value to debating what gets counted as a major literary work? Scott McLemee didn't think so -- until he saw the news from China.
Opinion
The Formless Form
A literary scholar pays tribute to the essay as a literary genre. Scott McLemee thinks you should wait a couple of weeks before reading this book.
Opinion
Thinking at the Limits
25 years have passed since Louis Althusser went over the edge of sanity. Scott McLemee wonders what keeps drawing scholars into his orbit.
Opinion
A Killing Concept
Does the work of pop philosopher Colin Wilson provide clues to a serial killer's motives? Scott McLemee is banking on the idea.
Opinion
Piled Higher and Deeper
Is Harry Frankfurt's best-selling book useful for understanding the current political situation? Scott McLemee thinks we need another concept.