THE LAST OF HEATH | 50
With an exclusive look at Heath Ledger’s final months, Peter Biskind learns how the actor’s passion inspired Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell to rescue his last movie.

THAT OLD SINATRA MAGIC | 58
Tony Bennett lifts his glass to his best friend and inspiration, the late, great Frank Sinatra. Photograph by Mark Seliger.

IT CAME FROM WASILLA | 60
Sarah Palin’s disastrous ride on the Republican ticket didn’t faze her at all. Talking to top McCain advisers, Todd S. Purdum finds that the freshest face in the G.O.P. has some of the sharpest teeth.

THE MAN WHO CRASHED THE WORLD | 66
Investigating the implosion of A.I.G., Michael Lewis explains how one of the world’s safest insurers became a reckless juggernaut—and a national target.

MAD ABOUT THE HATTER | 72
Mary Ellen Mark and Evgenia Peretz spotlight the frabjous combination of Tim Burton and Lewis Carroll.

RICH HARVARD, POOR HARVARD | 74 
If Harvard is so smart, how come its record $36.9 billion endowment has collapsed? Nina Munk hits a campus in crisis.

DANGEROUS LESSONS | 80
Brigitte Lacombe and Krista Smith spotlight Eva Green, who shows her class in Jordan Scott’s debut feature, Cracks. 

OUR LADY OF THE KITCHEN | 82
Laura Jacobs serves up the trailblazing life and legacy of America’s beloved “French” chef, Julia Child.

AIN’T WE GOT STYLE? | 88
Channeling John Ford and Frank Capra, V.F. re-creates Depression-era movie magic, with fashion’s top names and the summer’s top stars. Photographs by Michael Roberts, Norman Jean Roy, Mark Seliger, and Art Streiber.


Fanfair

31 DAYS IN THE LIFE OF THE CULTURE | 28
Krista Smith relaxes at the Annenberg beach house; nine sandwiches that hit the spot; The Cultural Divide  | 29

Elissa Schappell’s Hot Type; Lisa Robinson’s Hot Tracks | 30

My Stuff—Michael Smith; Dolce & Gabbana debuts a scent wardrobe; Hot Looks  | 31


Vanities

GORDON-LEVITTATION | 33
Lawrence Levi categorizes Oeuvre Appendages; Howard Schatz captures Jeff Daniels in character | 34

Out to Lunch: Denise Hale educates John Heilpern on the rules of society—including the ones she doesn’t follow | 35


Columns
WHAT’S A CULTURE SNOB TO DO? | 38
When all our entertainment can fit on a microchip, James Wolcott asks, how will we display our superior tastes to houseguests, fellow subway riders, and potential mates? 

NO, PRIME MINISTER | 42
Hardly recognizing the Labour Party of his rebellious British youth, Christopher Hitchens blames embattled prime minister Gordon Brown for crushing its remaining ideals.

SOMEONE’S WATCHING | 44 
Emma hardy and cullen murphy spotlight v.f.’s london editor, henry porter, whose new thriller is being watched. 

POLITICO’S WASHINGTON COUP | 46 
With its über-wonky Washington reporting, Politico has captured more than six million power readers, online and in print. Michael Wolff argues that such obsession is the future of journalism. Photograph by Gasper Tringale.

ABE AND MR. JONES | 49 
Bruce Weber and Laura Jacobs spotlight dance star Bill T. Jones, who has choreographed a tribute to Abraham Lincoln. 


Et Cetera 

EDITOR’S LETTER | 18

CONTRIBUTORS | 20

LETTERS Behind The Miracle | 22

FAIRGROUND | 24

CREDITS | 117

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE Tony Curtis | 120

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