time machine: 18 Dec

The Lure of Hidden Treasure

Reading Harry Hervey's search for lost treasure made me realize I was holding a hidden treasure of my own: Harry's writing.

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Inside the the Régie d’Opium

In French Indochina in 1925, Harry Hervey examines men in their worst role: that of an altruist. An excerpt from the newly released

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The Difficulty of Debussy

To appreciate an impressionist, forget everything you knew about listening to classical.

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The Difficulty of Debussy

To appreciate an impressionist, forget everything you knew about listening to classical.

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explore the archives

founded in 2017, the smart set has published more than 1,800 essays on arts, culture, books, and life. Explore our archives by searching, by column or author, or with our curated lists below.

on walking

The Last Walk
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Are cars turning human beings into quadrupeds? Or is there room for walking after all?

Take a Walk
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How to overcome the argument that walking is too slow.

and the living’s easy

A Day at the Beach
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The disappointment of going to the seaside on the cusp of summer.

The Summer Jam
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Why "Umbrella" is one (and "Zombie" wasn't).