AFF's Doublethink

Obama’s mystical aura can only last for so long.

From rappers to novelists to our very own lives, the cultural demand for authenticity has never been higher. But is it worth the price?

Sam Francis was written out of the conservative movement. Was he nothing more than a racist?

Professional hockey’s popularity has fallen hard in America. But there’s no reason it can’t get back up.

A review of Sam Harris’ Letter to a Christian Nation.

To be successful, libertarians, wherever they can, need to promote policies that not only decrease onerous regulation, but also revive the American passions for not only freedom, but for full independence from the managerial elite — in politics, education and media.

An interview with Jeremy Lott, author of the new book In Defense of Hypocrisy.

A review of Ann Coulter’s new book, Godless.

James Burnham provided a conceptual framework for understanding the dominant economic, cultural and political trends of his century and single-handedly imported a tradition of political thought absent in the English-speaking world. But despite his accomplishments and the tendency of conservatives to enshrine their heroes in the movement Parthenon, Burnham is hardly discussed.

John Meacham’s new book, like his Newsweek articles on religion, offers almost nothing in the way of substance. But if you like a lot of cheapened metaphors about darkness and light and approving (but not too approving) references to “transcendence” then run right out and buy this book.

Conservative blogger Ben Domenech’s world collapsed in just a few hours on Friday and many a politics and media junky, through the magic vision of the internet, “watched” the whole thing happen.

How Rod Dreher has probably bit off more than he can chew when he takes on agribusiness, public education, McMansions, the free market and a conservative movement that long ago stopped being interested in the Eternal Verities.

The young man who aspires to dress well must turn to books, but the revival in fashion has produced no Summa Fashionistica for men. Here’s a guide to the best tomes on men’s fashion.

A new biography of Sam Cooke is evidence of Baby Boomers’ attempt to legitimize popular culture.

Your girlfriend or wife is wonderfully and fearfully alive — so beware of the pitfalls in your harmless adoration of celebrity beauties.

A review of the new collection, The Weekly Standard: A Reader: 1995-2005.

A review of a maturing Ben Fold’s new album, Songs for Silverman.