Five of the Best Books About the World Cup
The article spotlights five standout books that explore the FIFA World Cup’s history, drama, and cultural impact. It notes that a YouGov poll predicts 42 % of adults worldwide—about 2.6 billion people—will follow the 2026 tournament. The selected titles range from tactical analyses to deep dives on political undercurrents, offering fans a richer perspective beyond matchday excitement. By highlighting these works, the piece underscores the growing appetite for literary takes on the sport’s global phenomenon.
The Weird, Wild Story of Humanity’s Obsession with Gold
A newly released book maps humanity’s centuries‑long fascination with gold, tracing its role from ancient temples to modern portfolios. It highlights a vivid anecdote from Lloyd Blankfein, who as a rookie trader in the 1980s bought a kilogram of the...
The AI that Transformed American Warfare
The MAVEN Smart System is an AI‑driven weapon platform that not only pinpoints targets but also advises commanders on how to engage them. It has intercepted Iranian missile trajectories bound for Israel, located rocket launchers in Yemen, and tracked drug...
“Companion Podcasts” Are the Latest Hit Format
Companion podcasts—audio series that run alongside popular TV shows—have become the newest hit format in entertainment media. Streaming giants such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ launched dozens of these shows in 2025, delivering behind‑the‑scenes interviews, plot deep‑dives, and exclusive...
Plot Twist Newsletter: Art or Propaganda? The Furore at the Venice Biennale
The Economist's Plot Twist newsletter examines the heated debate surrounding the 2026 Venice Biennale, where several high‑profile installations were accused of serving as state‑backed propaganda. Critics and artists clash over whether the works represent legitimate artistic expression or political messaging,...
Welcome to a Spectacularly Fraught Edition of the Venice Biennale
The 61st Venice Biennale, traditionally a celebration of contemporary art, has turned into a stage for geopolitical drama. Russian artists’ presence sparked protests and heated debate over Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, while the Ukrainian pavilion highlighted security guarantees as...
Oscar Wilde’s Grandson Separates Fact From Fiction
Oscar Wilde’s tomb in Paris has long been a flashpoint for controversy, highlighted by a 1961 act of vandalism that removed the statue’s testicles. The monument’s provocative description by Wilde’s son—"a flying angel with an erection"—has fueled both fascination and...
Many Celebrities Now Have Book Clubs. Most Are Irritating
Celebrity influencers are launching book clubs at a rapid pace, turning reading lists into social media events. The clubs generate massive buzz and often translate into immediate sales spikes for featured titles. However, most of these clubs prioritize hype over...
Six Books to Understand the Vietnam War
The Economist lists six essential books that illuminate the Vietnam War from multiple viewpoints—policy makers, intelligence operatives, soldiers, and Vietnamese civilians. One title, published a decade before the first Marines landed, warned of the United States’ idealistic overreach and foreshadowed...
In an Age of Status Symbols, Tiaras Take the Crown
Pinterest searches for “bandeau tiara” and “tiara hairstyles wedding” jumped 140% and 185% between December and February compared with the same period a year earlier, signaling a sharp rise in consumer interest. Luxury jewellers Chaumet and Bentley & Skinner report...
Turn on, Tune in, Trust No One: The Paranoid Style Captures TV
The article examines how the “paranoid style” has become the dominant narrative in television, with conspiracy thrillers now the most popular genre. It links the surge to a broader societal distrust fueled by political polarization, misinformation, and high‑profile security incidents....
What Really Happened During the Black Death
A newly released scholarly work challenges conventional narratives of the 14th‑century Black Death, arguing that the plague originated in Asia and entered Europe via Italy before spreading rapidly across the continent. The authors combine archival records with recent genetic analyses...
LA’s Levitating Amoeba: A Radically New Kind of Museum
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will unveil its new David Geffen Galleries on May 4, 2026. Designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, the $724 million concrete‑and‑glass structure hovers above Wilshire Boulevard, earning the nickname “levitating amoeba.” The museum abandons traditional chronological and geographic organization,...
What to Watch This Week
Economist’s weekly guide highlights three standout releases, including the Apple TV drama "Margo’s Got Money Troubles" starring Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer, and two other titles that explore how fame shapes narratives. The column also warns readers to skip a newly...
Judy Blume’s Radical Honesty Changed Literature for Ever
A new biography details Judy Blume’s journey from a shy New Jersey child to a pioneering novelist whose radical honesty reshaped young‑adult literature. The book highlights how Blume’s candid treatment of puberty, sexuality, and family dynamics broke taboos in the...