Readings

Since the 1970s, stoners from all walks of life have been laughing hysterically at what seemed like the worst ever in earnest anti-drug propaganda. But the history of exploitation cinema shows that the film might never have been so earnest to begin with.

The Ford Mustang was once as iconic as it was affordable—a triumph of strength over luxury. Now, celebrating its 50th anniversary with sales in decline, it’s worth wondering if the era of the zeitgeist-capturing automobile is over for good.

The complex web of deceit that was the Iran-Contra affair is now mostly forgotten, subsumed by Ronald Reagan’s reputation as a conservative hero. But the CIA’s interference in Nicaragua is impossible to ignore, even if the remnants of it whither away.

Ramachandra Guha’s new biography, Gandhi Before India, reveals that even saints can act like mere mortals—and how refreshing it can be to see the faults in our leaders, enlightened and otherwise.

In Up, Up, & Away, author Jonah Keri recounts the history of the bygone Montreal Expos and his connection to the team. In this excerpt, Keri regales us with the tale of an epic 22-inning game, replete with a misbehaving mascot.