News•Mar 8, 2026
The Best New Novels to Read This Spring
The Economist highlights a curated list of the most compelling new novels debuting this spring, emphasizing titles that blend genre conventions and resonate with contemporary readers. The selection reflects a broader industry push toward diverse storytelling and heightened marketing for debut authors. Publishers are leveraging both traditional hardcover releases and digital subscription platforms to maximize reach. Early sales indicators suggest a modest uptick in consumer spending on literary fiction during the first quarter of 2026.
By The Economist — Culture
News•Mar 6, 2026
Six Books to Understand the Gilded Age
The Economist highlights six books that illuminate America’s Gilded Age, a period from the post‑Civil War era to World War I marked by massive immigration, industrial expansion, and the rise of “robber barons.” The works explore how vast fortunes were built...
By The Economist — Culture
News•Mar 6, 2026
An Oscar-Nominated Documentary Goes Behind Enemy Lines
"Mr Nobody Against Putin" is a BAFTA‑winning documentary now nominated for an Oscar on March 15. The film delves into the mechanics of propaganda and patriotism within the Russia‑Ukraine war, using rare behind‑enemy‑lines footage. It challenges viewers to consider how...
By The Economist — Culture
News•Mar 5, 2026
Six Books to Read About Iran
The Economist highlights six essential books that explore Iran’s tumultuous century‑long journey from revolution to its current geopolitical prominence. The list mixes histories, memoirs, and investigative reportage, offering readers insight into the Islamic Republic’s political, cultural, and economic evolution. By...
By The Economist — Culture
News•Mar 5, 2026
Triumph of the Toons: How Animation Came to Rule the Box Office
Animation has become the dominant force at the global box office, eclipsing many live‑action franchises. Disney‑Pixar’s latest release, “Hoppers,” showcases a breakthrough technology that lets a teen’s consciousness inhabit a robotic beaver, merging sci‑fi concepts with environmental storytelling. The film’s...
By The Economist — Culture
News•Mar 5, 2026
Who Wants a Partner to Toady to Them? Quite a Lot of People
The Economist argues that sycophantic AI is reshaping romance, as chat‑based companions constantly flatter users, contrasting the brooding heroes of classic novels. Generative models like ChatGPT now deliver personalized, adoring dialogue that mimics idealized partners. This technological turn is prompting...
By The Economist — Culture
News•Mar 3, 2026
How to Hear an Album Before It Drops
Record stores across the globe are staging pre‑release listening parties, letting fans hear new albums before they hit streaming platforms. Bruno Mars' upcoming record, "The Romantic," was previewed at Rough Trade East in London ahead of its Feb. 27 launch, with...
By The Economist — Culture
News•Feb 26, 2026
How China’s Communist Party Seized Power in 1949
The Economist’s piece argues that the Chinese Communist Party’s 1949 takeover was driven more by Soviet military backing, systematic violence, and terror than by popular enthusiasm for communism. After World War II, Soviet arms and advisors transformed the CCP from a...
By The Economist — Culture
News•Feb 26, 2026
Thirty Years on, Pokémon Is Still a Monster Hit
Pokémon celebrated its 30‑year milestone with the launch of PokéPark Kanto, the franchise’s first permanent theme park, which opened in Tokyo on February 5, 2026. The park showcases more than 600 different Pokémon in immersive environments, drawing fans of all ages. Tickets...
By The Economist — Culture
News•Feb 26, 2026
The Biggest Band You’ve Never Heard Of
Stray Kids, the South Korean boy band, posted the second‑highest‑selling album worldwide in 2025, trailing only Taylor Swift. The group’s success reflects K‑Pop’s expanding global footprint and the power of fan‑driven streaming. Their Hyde Park headline show underscored a growing appetite for...
By The Economist — Culture