bizarro, book reviews, books, culture, history, horror, humor, law, media, nature, non-fiction, politics, pop culture, science, sexual politics, theater, tourismLeave a comment

Reflections in Gold and Mud: Monstrosity, Agency, and Stability in Early Modern Europe

May 1, 2021May 1, 2021 driftlessareareview

An essay exploring agency and identity of “freaks” in early modern Europe. Continue reading Reflections in Gold and Mud: Monstrosity, Agency, and Stability in Early Modern Europe

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art, bizarro, books, german, history, media, non-fiction, politics, pop culture, rhetoric, satireLeave a comment

The Disorder of Things: Politics and The Printing Press in The Early Reformation (1517-1526)

April 25, 2021 driftlessareareview

Early modern Germany saw religious conflict weaponize the printing press. Continue reading The Disorder of Things: Politics and The Printing Press in The Early Reformation (1517-1526)

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book reviews, books, CCLaP, CCLAP Fridays, fictionLeave a comment

American Odd: Henry Darger: Selected Art and Writings, by Michael Bonesteel

November 25, 2016March 28, 2020 driftlessareareview

This week I continue my American Odd essay series with a look at Chicago-area artist and recluse Henry Darger. Continue reading American Odd: Henry Darger: Selected Art and Writings, by Michael Bonesteel

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books, Commonplace Book, conservatism, culture, non-fiction, politicsLeave a comment

Commonplace Book: G.K. Chesterton on politicians

August 1, 2016 driftlessareareview

English conservative Catholic writer GK Chesterton tells us what’s wrong with the world … especially politicians. Continue reading Commonplace Book: G.K. Chesterton on politicians

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Akashic Noir, book reviews, books, fiction, New York Journal of BooksLeave a comment

Zagreb Noir, by Ivan Srsen @ NYJB

November 4, 2015 driftlessareareview

“Zagreb Noir,” edited by Ivan Sršen, is yet another international addition to the long-running Akashic Noir series. Continue reading Zagreb Noir, by Ivan Srsen @ NYJB

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American Odd, book reviews, books, CCLaP, CCLAP FridaysLeave a comment

American Odd: Conspiranoia!: the Mother of All Conspiracy Theories, by Devon Jackson

October 30, 2015April 16, 2020 driftlessareareview

This week I continue my American Odd essay series with a look at Conspiranoia!: the Mother of All Conspiracy Theories, by Devon Jackson. It’s the essay the UFO nazi Bilderbergers don’t want you to read … or do they? Continue reading American Odd: Conspiranoia!: the Mother of All Conspiracy Theories, by Devon Jackson

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book reviews, books, CCLaP, CCLAP FridaysLeave a comment

CCLaP Fridays: Speak Now: Marriage Equality on Trial, by Kenji Yoshino

August 21, 2015April 16, 2020 driftlessareareview

This week I review “Speak Now: Marriage Equality on Trial,” by Kenji Yoshino, about the court case that eventually repealed Prop 8. Continue reading CCLaP Fridays: Speak Now: Marriage Equality on Trial, by Kenji Yoshino

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Critic's Notebook, Critical Appraisals, On Being Human, On Being Human Redux, pop culture, postmodernism, The Internet, TVLeave a comment

On Being Human Redux: Notes on “Orphan Black”

April 17, 2015April 15, 2015 driftlessareareview

An occasional series that is a continuation of my essay anthology, On Being Human: critical looks at books and movies that examine the question of humanity. (Buy the limited edition hardcover, Kindle version, or download it for free at the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography.) Via Orphan Black: Season 3 will be premiering on April 18, 2015 on BBC America. Below are a series of notes on Seasons 1 and 2. Due to the nature of these essays, they contain many spoilers, major and minor. If you haven’t seen the series, I would suggest watching it before reading these … Continue reading On Being Human Redux: Notes on “Orphan Black”