Has there ever been a comprehensive exhibition of Marc Chagall’s literary etchings and lithographs? Dead Souls, The Odyssey, the Bible. . . ? I wish someone would put such a thing together — in New York. Or at least that the universe would award me a plane ticket to Nice. (That’s Isaiah at the top of the post. Other Biblical . . .
An astonished Junot Díaz wins the Pulitzer for Oscar Wao, and wonders which limb he’ll have to lose to balance the universe.
The Smart Set is a weekly feature, compiled and posted by Lauren Cerand, that usually appears Mondays at 12:30 pm, and highlights the best of the week to come. Special favor is given to New York’s independent booksellers and venues, and low-cost and free events. Please send details to Ms. Cerand at lauren [at] maudnewton.com by the Thursday prior to . . .
The MTA’s Emergency Instructions (above) might provide a diversion if your subway car goes up in flames and you can’t escape, but I wouldn’t bother with them if you’re in a hurry. Essentially, the redundant and confusing information (presented in four separate columns — Fire, Medical, Police, and Evacuation) boils down to: (1) DO NOT PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE (conveniently . . .
Anya Ulinich is a writer and artist who moved to Phoenix from Russia at 17 and ended up in Brooklyn. Her recipe contribution (illustrated below) appears in her entertaining first novel, Petropolis, which was published last fall. The protagonist’s mail order fiancee teaches her to make this uniquely American delicacy — a food, Ulinich explains, “that my mother-in-law calls a . . .