Tag Archives: Books

THE NEW YORK TIMES – THURSDAY, DEC. 18, 2025

U.S. Inflation Unexpectedly Slowed to 2.7% in November

The latest Consumer Price Index was below what economists had expected and likely reflects distortions caused by the government shutdown.

European Leaders Face Off Over Whether to Tap Russian Frozen Assets for Ukraine

The European Council convened on Thursday, and at stake is a contentious deal to back Ukraine and its war effort. The final decision is a major test of Europe’s ability to support Ukraine.

A Bellicose Trump Points Fingers in Defending Record on Economy

In an 18-minute address, President Trump said the economy was booming despite the public’s consistent concerns about prices. Here are six takeaways.

‘Don’s Best Friend’: How Epstein and Trump Bonded Over the Pursuit of Women

Documents and interviews reveal a complicated relationship in which chasing women was a game of ego and dominance, and female bodies were currency.

The New Criterion – January 2026 Preview

About | The New Criterion

THE NEW CRITERION: The latest issue features

Reflections on the revolution: an introduction

On George Washington’s Farewell Address of 1796. by Roger Kimball

Conceived in liberty

On revolution and counterrevolution in America. by Myron Magnet

Burke’s revolutionary reflection

On the Gordon riots of 1780. by Dominic Green

The great divorce

On the causes of the American Revolution. by Andrew Roberts

LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS – DECEMBER 25, 2025 PREVIEW

LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS: The latest issue features ‘Will the AI Bubble burst?’


Walter Lippmann: An Intellectual Biography 
by Tom Arnold-Forster


The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia and the World’s Most Coveted Microchip 
by Stephen Witt

The Nvidia Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant by Tae Kim

Empire of AI: Inside the Reckless Race for Total Domination by Karen Hao

Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race that Will Change the World by Parmy Olson


Alchemy: 
An Illustrated History of Elixirs, Experiments and the Birth of Modern Science by Philip Ball

Cover: Claremont Review Of Books – Winter 2026

Claremont Review of Books: The latest issue features ‘Special Anniversary Double Issue’….

Palace Intrigues

by Barry Strauss

The Lives of the Caesars

Imagine sitting near the apex of power in an empire and then being shown the door. You might want to write a tell-all book about it. If so, however, you would be advised to proceed with caution. Now, imagine what would barely be conceivable today: that you undertook to write your exposé while you were still in office. You would need all the finesse of a tightrope walker. 

The Lives of the Caesars

One Score and Five

by Charles R. Kesler

This essay is adapted from remarks delivered at the Claremont Review of Books 25th anniversary gala, held at the Metropolitan Club in New York City on November 6, 2025.

Radical Republican

by Randy E. Barnett

Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation

Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation

In the early hours of March 11, 1874, word spread around Washington that Charles Sumner was on the brink of death. The 63-year-old senator from Massachusetts had suffered a massive heart attack the previous evening. By 9 a.m., a crowd of several hundred had gathered in front of his home on Lafayette Square. “Colored men and women mingled with white in knots about his home,” wrote The New-York Tribune. Government workers, merchants, shopmen, waiters, and even “old colored women with baskets and bundles on their arms” stood together. Many were crying and begging to be let inside. They were stopped by one of Sumner’s friends and two policemen standing guard at the front door.

THE NEW YORK TIMES – WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17, 2025

Trump Dangles Cash Payments to Buoy Voters’ Views of the Economy

With tariffs unpopular and prices still high, the White House has teased the promise of tariff rebates and large tax refunds next year.

Reiner Family Associate Details Events Before and After Killings Were Discovered

A person close to the family provided a detailed account of what occurred in the Reiner house after a massage therapist received no response at the gate.

Warner Bros. Says Ellisons ‘Misled’ Shareholders in Takeover Bid

The claim was made as part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s dismissal of Paramount’s hostile takeover offer.

Trump Revised Chevron’s Venezuela Deal. Maduro’s Oil Trader Profited

.A firm controlled by a businessman tied to a seized tanker carrying Venezuelan oil has sold millions of barrels from a Chevron-operated oil field.

Trump Orders Blockade of Some Oil Tankers to and From Venezuela

THE NEW YORK TIMES – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025

U.S. Unemployment Rate Rises, a Warning Sign for the Economy

Employers added 64,000 jobs in November and the unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent, according to data delayed by the government shutdown.

Cooling Labor Market and Elevated Inflation Stoke Fed Divisions

Suspected Sydney Gunmen Were Motivated by ISIS, Australia’s Leader Says

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said two gunmen who killed 15 people at a Jewish holiday celebration were motivated by “Islamic State ideology.”

Australia Doubles Down on Gun Control After Mass Shooting

The country has long looked warily at the cycle of gun violence in the United States, where meaningful changes in policy have been rare

Nick Reiner’s Struggles With Drugs Left His Parents ‘Desperate’

Mr. Reiner, 32, who was arrested in connection with the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, once estimated he had been in drug treatment 18 times as a teenager.

THE NEW YORK TIMES – MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025

Police Resume Search for Brown University Gunman After Releasing Person of Interest

The authorities said they were renewing their hunt for the gunman, who killed two people. Officials released a person of interest late Sunday.

Hollywood Director Rob Reiner and His Wife, Michele, Are Found Dead

The Los Angeles Police Department said it was investigating an apparent homicide at the couple’s home. The family said they were “heartbroken by this sudden loss.”

Rob Reiner: An Actor Who Went On to Direct Classic Films

Rob Reiner starred in “All in the Family” before directing films including “When Harry Met Sally …,” “The Princess Bride” and “A Few Good Men.”

Australian Police Plan to Charge Suspect in Bondi Massacre

Officials said a father and son killed at least 15 people at a Jewish holiday celebration. More than three dozen others were hospitalized, including a surviving suspect.

THE NEW YORK TIMES – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025

At Least 11 Killed After Jewish Community Is Targeted in Sydney Attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the shooting on Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration a terrorist attack. At least one gunman is dead and another is in custody.

Deadly Attack on U.S. Troops Exposes Growing Challenges for Syria’s Leader

The attacks further complicate President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to unify the country and rebuild international relationships, analysts say.

Person of Interest Detained Over Deadly Shooting at Brown

Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence said this morning that an individual had been detained a day after a shooting inside a classroom killed two students and injured nine others.

The S.E.C. Was Tough on Crypto. It Pulled Back After Trump Returned to Office.

An investigation by The Times found the administration’s change in enforcement benefited the industry, including companies that had ties to the president.

THE NEW YORK TIMES – SATURDAY, DEC. 13, 2025

Venezuela Oil Tanker Seized by U.S. Was Part of Effort to Finance Cuba

Firms with ties to Cuba are getting a larger share of Venezuelan oil exports, as the island’s security agents boost President Nicolás Maduro’s defenses.

Behind the Venezuelan Opposition Leader’s Daring Escape to Oslo

An American firm with experience in special operations spirited María Corina Machado out of the country in a secretive land, sea and air operation.

In Trump’s Justice Dept., Failing in Court Might Be Better Than Bucking the Boss

Thursday demonstrated an emerging reality for President Trump: Commanding the Justice Department is not the same as controlling the justice system.

Biden Has Raised Little of What He Needs to Build a Presidential Library

Former President Biden’s library foundation has told the I.R.S. that it expects to bring in $11.3 million — not enough for a traditional presidential library.

THE NEW YORK TIMES – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025

From Chips to Security, China Is Getting Much of What It Wants From the U.S.

For China, President Trump’s moves to loosen chip controls, soften U.S. rhetoric and stay silent on tensions with Japan amount to a rare string of gains.

Historic Shift Is Underway in China’s Economy as Investment Slump Deepens

Investment in manufacturing, infrastructure and property is expected to fall this year, a remarkable turn for an economy whose growth reshaped the world.

Indiana Lawmakers Reject Trump’s New Political Map

Many G.O.P. lawmakers defied President Trump’s wishes, voting against a map aimed at adding Republicans in Congress.

What Indiana’s Defiance Means for Trump

U.S. Issues New Sanctions Targeting Maduro’s Family and the Oil Sector

The United States is escalating its pressure campaign on Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, after seizing an oil tanker off the coast.