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The Humbug
"The Philosophy of Composition” is a lovely little essay, but, as Poe himself admitted, it’s a bit of jiggery-pokery, too. More
Spill Split
I am sentimental, but continue to be surprised by how quickly an event, while / retreating into the past, gains its nostalgia. More
Larry Kramer honored by PEN, HBO at Literary Awards Ceremony
For the writers of PEN, the defense of free expression and human rights is not a task but an inspiration. It's no coincidence that many of the writers whose… More
Nigerian writers face climate of intimidation, censorship and repression
In anticipation of Nigeria's review yesterday at the United National Human Rights Council, PEN International released a statement in conjunction with the International Publishers Association expressing concern for the… More
The Slippery Slope of Self-Censorship in China
Many Chinese authors refuse to self-censor at great personal risk to themselves and their families. In the first half of 2013, there were 33 Chinese writers languishing in… More
PEN American Center Protests Fifteen-Year Prison Sentence for Qatari Poet
Al Ajami was arrested in 2011 on charges of “inciting the overthrow of the ruling system” and insulting the emir after a video of him reading an original poem… More
Dead Money: Pfizer, Cisco, and Other Value Traps
No one knew the rules. No one knew they’d have to cut off their tongues to keep those little machines of fire going, incinerating the moons and white… More
The Cardboard House
You do not understand how one can possibly go to school so early in the morning, especially when there are esplanades and the sea below. More
The Island of Second Sight
People ate differently here, talked differently, scolded differently. I would have to adapt. I realized this within the hour during which I was the wideeyed observer of this nation’s… More