Blake Maddux

Writer, The ARTery

Blake Maddux writes about nonfiction, popular music and stand-up comedy for several publications in the Boston area and on the North Shore.

Recently published

The Combat Zone in January 1989. (Courtesy)

From Scollay Square To The Combat Zone, Author Documents Demise Of Boston's Red-Light Scene

Former Boston Herald writer Stephanie Schorow's “Inside the Combat Zone” chronicles not only the physical changes in the city since the 1950s, but also the social, cultural and political trends...

Local Coverage

Feb 14, 2018

"The Decibel Diaries." (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Longtime Boston DJ Chronicles The Change In Rock — And Radio — Over The Years

WZLX midday DJ Carter Alan has been to 3,313 concerts, but he narrowed his experiences down to just 50 for his new book.

Local Coverage

Jun 19, 2017

James Ryan's "Wait, What?" (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

How A Harvard Dean's Commencement Speech On Life's Big Questions Went Viral

Harvard Dean James E. Ryan gave a speech at the Graduate School of Education's commencement that quickly went viral -- and was recently adapted into a book.

Local Coverage

May 15, 2017

Stephen Kinzer's "The True Flag." (Elizabeth Gillis/WBUR)

In 'True Flag,' Kinzer Pinpoints Forgotten Moment To Explore Debate Over American Imperialism

Stephen Kinzer makes clear that the United States might have been less likely to repeat its mistakes abroad if its leaders learned the lessons of the Spanish-American War.

Local Coverage

Mar 9, 2017

Richard Nixon at the 1968 Republican Convention. (AP)

Michael Cohen On Eugene McCarthy, Richard Nixon And What 1968 Says About 2016

The historian points to similarities between Richard Nixon and Hillary Clinton, George Wallace and Donald Trump, Gene McCarthy and Bernie Sanders.

Local Coverage

Sep 5, 2016

Portion of the cover of "Stand By Me" by Jim Downs. (Courtesy)

'Stand By Me' — The History Of Gay Liberation Isn't What You Think It Is

Jim Downs revisits the history of gay liberation, beyond the bars, beaches and bathhouses.

Local Coverage

Mar 18, 2016

Stephen Prothero's latest book "Why Liberals Win The Culture Wars" tackles the history of religious battles in America. (Courtesy Vernon Doucette/Boston University Photography and Harper Collins)

In 'Why Liberals Win The Culture Wars,' Stephen Prothero Reminds Us That History Repeats Itself

In his latest book, the Boston University religion professor sets today's culture wars in the context of historical religious battles in the United States.

Local Coverage

Jan 26, 2016

Dorchester native and comedian Sue Costello. (Courtesy Laugh Boston)

Comedian Sue Costello On Her Dorchester Roots And Latest Project

Dorchester-born comedian, actor, performer and writer Sue Costello jokes a lot about her work's misadventures, but she's made a living as a performer for more than 20 years. Her latest...

Local Coverage

Jun 8, 2015