In The Queen of America Goes to Washington City, Lauren Berlant focuses on the need to revitalize public life and political agency in the United States. Delivering a devastating critique of contemporary discourses of American citizenship, she addresses the triumph of the idea of private life over that of public life borne in the right-wing agenda of the Reagan revolution. By beaming light onto the idealized images and narratives about sex and citizenship that now dominate the U.S. public sphere, Berlant argues that the political public sphere has become an intimate public sphere. She asks why the contemporary ideal of citizenship is measured by personal and private acts and values rather than civic acts, and the ideal citizen has become one who, paradoxically, cannot yet act as a citizen—epitomized by the American child and the American fetus.
As Berlant traces the guiding images of U.S. citizenship through the process of privatization, she discusses the ideas of intimacy that have come to define national culture. From the fantasy of the American dream to the lessons of Forrest Gump, Lisa Simpson to Queer Nation, the reactionary culture of imperilled privilege to the testimony of Anita Hill, Berlant charts the landscape of American politics and culture. She examines the consequences of a shrinking and privatized concept of citizenship on increasing class, racial, sexual, and gender animosity and explores the contradictions of a conservative politics that maintains the sacredness of privacy, the virtue of the free market, and the immorality of state overregulation—except when it comes to issues of intimacy.
Drawing on literature, the law, and popular media, The Queen of America Goes to Washington City is a stunning and major statement about the nation and its citizens in an age of mass mediation. As it opens a critical space for new theory of agency, its narratives and gallery of images will challenge readers to rethink what it means to be American and to seek salvation in its promise.

A collection of essays dedicated to the awe and solitude that can only be found in nature-now in paperback!

Step outside and marvel at the grand experience of the North-the power of a storm building on the greatest of the Great Lakes, the glory of Northern Lights in the shimmering night sky, the embracing, absolute silence of a snowhouse. Or stay inside with Quiet Magic and savor Sam Cook’s unique blend of sensitive portrayals and gentle humor.

Starting with his discovery of one of nature’s wonders-the simplicity of a stand of reeds against a wide-open sunset-and ending with a deep appreciation for the never-ending surprises of the outdoors, Sam Cook weaves a tapestry of enchanting images of the North Woods and keeps you smiling and chuckling all the way.In this long-awaited paperback edition, Sam Cook invites you to look outward to discover the North Country, and look inward to discover yourself."A special book about a special place." Jim Brandenburg, National Geographic"An uncommonly compassionate writer, Cook is arguably Minnesota’s best-loved newspaper columnist." Minnesota Monthly"The word pictures in Sam Cook’s latest literary sketch pad are poignant reminders of the depth of wonder and enjoyment that can be drawn from every experience in nature’s world." Paul Schurke, North Pole explorer