The Insane Trump-Is-Dead News Cycle

The Demons is a novel that delves into the lives of a group of revolutionaries in a provincial Russian town. The story revolves around Pyotr Stepanovich Verkhovensky, a cunning and manipulative figure who leads a secret society aimed at overthrowing the government. The novel explores themes of ideology, morality, and the psychological effects of radical ideas on individuals and society. It is inspired by the true story of a political murder in 1869 and critiques various 'isms' such as nihilism, socialism, and liberalism. The plot is complex, involving multiple characters with diverse motivations, and it culminates in a series of tragic events including murders, suicides, and social upheaval.

In this seminal work, Richard Hofstadter explores the concept of the 'paranoid style' in American politics, which he defines as a way of seeing and doing politics characterized by heated exaggeration, suspiciousness, and conspiratorial fantasy. The book, which includes the titular essay first published in Harper's Magazine in 1964, delves into historical examples such as the Anti-Masonic Movement, Father Coughlin's antisemitic conspiracies, and the post-McCarthy Right. Hofstadter argues that this style is not exclusive to any one side of the political spectrum and has been a recurring theme throughout American history, influencing political discourse and the behavior of individuals and groups. The book also includes other essays on topics like 'Free Silver and the Mind of 'Coin' Harvey' and 'What Happened to the Antitrust Movement? '

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought.