Search results for

Turkish author Orhan Pamuk's Snow is an admittedly political novel. But while its subject matter touches upon everything from the European Union to Islamic fundamentalism, Snow has been praised for its indelible characters, its insistence on a basic humanity. NPR's Steve Inskeep spoke with Pamuk about his latest novel.

The Old Farmer's Almanac has been around since the 19th century, when its readership was mainly farmers. The newly released 2005 edition has been updated for a 21st-century audience. NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with publisher John Pierce.

In His Excellency: George Washington, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Joseph J. Ellis examines the myths and realities surrounding our nation's first president. Ellis suggests Washington was motivated as much by enlightened self-interest as idealism. Ellis speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep.

In March 2003, reporter Evan Wright was in central Iraq with Marines leading the charge toward Baghdad. He captured his experience in "The Killer Elite," this year's winner of the National Magazine Award for "Excellence in Reporting." NPR's Jennifer Ludden speaks with Wright.

Presidential campaigns mean a busy time for politicos and journalists — and also for satirists. The Washington, D.C.-based comedy troupe the Capitol Steps has been in the thick of it, writing songs and skits that bring out the silly side of the campaign trail.

According to figures released by Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, Americans' credit ratings vary significantly by region. South Dakotans boast the best scores, Texans the worst. Hear NPR's Steve Inskeep and Beth Kobliner, author of Get A Financial Life.

Novelist Alan Hollinghurst is awarded this year's prestigious Man Booker Prize. Hollinghurst won for The Line of Beauty, the first gay-themed novel to win the British literary honor in its 36-year history. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne and Rebecca Jones of the BBC.

In his book Why the Electoral College Is Bad for America, author George Edwards argues the system may be outdated and irrelevant in today's political climate. NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Edwards about how the Electoral College impacts voting in the United States.

The most wanted man in India has met his end. For decades, Koose Muniswamy Veerappan eluded capture in the forests of southern India as he smuggled ivory and sandalwood worth millions and terrorized villagers. After a long undercover operation, authorities killed him in a late-night shoot-out. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.

In the 1950s, composer William Bolcom began an ambitious project to set the 46 poems in William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience to music. A massive work, the result premiered in 1984. Now, a recording of Bolcom's work has finally been released. NPR's Jeffrey Freymann-Weyr reports.