'Accidental Highwayman' Stands And Delivers
Ben Tripp's young adult debut is a charming romp through a thoroughly theatrical 18th-century England populated by swashbuckling highwaymen, fairies and circus performers.
Books
The Jacket Designer's Challenge: To Capture A Book By Its Cover
Peter Mendelsund has designed hundreds of book covers, including two new ones of his own: Cover and What We See When We Read. He talks about his process and why "dead authors get the best" covers.
Book News: John Grisham Backs Down From Comments On Child Pornography
After meeting backlash, the author apologized for lamenting the long prison sentences handed to some users of child pornography. Also: Stirrings are afoot in the worlds of Harry Potter and Twin Peaks.
Alabama Attorney General's 1976 Letter Told KKK Off In 3 Short Words
As part of our series Letters of Note, former Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley tells Audie Cornish how he once replied to an angry letter from the Ku Klux Klan.
'How To Cook Everything Fast'? Bittman Says Skip The Prep
Rachel Martin talks to food writer Mark Bittman about his new cookbook, "How to Cook Everything Fast," which thumbs its nose at the French tradition of having ingredients prepped before you cook.
Book News: The 'Dickens Of Detroit' Leaves His Collection To South Carolina
Before his death, crime novelist Elmore Leonard chose to host his archives at the University of South Carolina. Now, the school is unveiling the first of these items. Also: McSweeney's goes nonprofit.
National Book Award Finalists To Be Announced
Finalists for the National Book Awards will be announced on Wednesday's Morning Edition. You've already heard from some of the contenders who have previously been on NPR.
'The Assassination Of Margaret Thatcher' And Other Stories From Hilary Mantel
Heads tend to roll, figuratively and otherwise, in Mantel's writing. Critic Maureen Corrigan says this new short story collection — about grotesque characters in the modern world — is breathtaking.
Pop Culture Happy Hour, Small Batch: A Report From New York Comic-Con
Pop Culture Happy Hour pal Petra Mayer just got back from New York Comic-Con, so we got her to update us briefly on Gillian Anderson, fandom and very big crowds.
When Good Kids Go Feral, Bloody 'Brood' Hits Its Stride
Gratuitous, gore-soaked and reveling in poor taste, Chase Novak's Brood is a true B-movie sequel — and just as fun. But despite its body count, the book still could have used a little more blood.