Novelist Ruth Rendell, Author Of 'Wexford' Books, Dies At 85
She is credited with being a pioneer of the psychological thriller and wrote more than 60 books.
Arts
At 81, The Man Behind Big Bird Sees 'No Reason To Quit'
"It's an awfully good job," Caroll Spinney says, of the more than 40 years he has spent on Sesame Street. A new documentary tells the story of the octogenarian man playing a 6-year-old bird.
Can You Spot The Fake Fragonard?
A London gallery has asked visitors to spot the single fake, produced for about $100 in China, and displayed among its priceless collection. NPR's Scott Simon reflects on what makes art valuable.
A Veteran Scientist Dreams Boldly Of 'Earth And Sky'
Famous — and occasionally controversial — physicist Freeman Dyson's new essay collection ranges from scientific history to today's hot-button issues like climate change and genetic engineering.
Getting To Know The Real Story Was Key To Broadway's 'King And I' Revival
The musical's heroine was inspired by an English-Indian governess who really did travel to the king of Siam's court. The revival, directed by Bartlett Sher, has received nine Tony nominations.
Above The Fray: Mafate Offers A Roadless, Island Isolation
On La Réunion, a remote Indian Ocean island, one community lives in a collapsed volcanic crater, reachable only by foot or helicopter. We bring you an audio postcard.
'Outsider Baseball': Tells Tales Of Obscure Baseball Characters
Gary Cieradkowski's new book is an illustrated compendium of baseball's forgotten characters. He talks to NPR's Scott Simon about The League of Outsider Baseball.
Does Post-Apocalyptic Literature Have A (Non-Dystopian) Future?
Store shelves and libraries are packed with post-apocalyptic, dystopian novels right now. Critic Jason Heller has some suggestions to help you wade through the floods. And the fires. And the fallout.
'Far From The Madding Crowd': Counterprogramming Writ Victorian
NPR film critic Bob Mondello reviews the new movie version of Thomas Hardy's Victorian romance, Far From The Madding Crowd.
In 'Marie's Story,' A Tale Of Teaching And Faith
A new French film about a girl born blind and deaf speaks not only to the questions of how she learns, but of her encounters with faith and loss.