Books

In Henry IV, Sir John Falstaff, played by Antony Sher (left), is a rogue and a liar, but he also serves as a mentor to King Henry IV's son, played by Alex Hassell.

Books
Arts

Shakespeare Saw '360 Degrees Of Humanity,' And That's Why He Endures

9:39am April 23, 2016

by Jeff Lunden

From actor David Tennant to artistic director Gregory Doran, Royal Shakespeare Company thespians reflect on the Bard's legacy. Shakespeare is said to have died 400 years ago on April 23.

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Books
Arts

Activist, Professor, Historian — Now A Poetry Pulitzer Prize Winner

9:36am April 23, 2016

Peter Balakian is the author of "Ozone Journal," winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Scott Simon talks with Balakian about how the collection has changed since he began writing decades ago.

George Plimpton Reissues Books That Took Us Inside The Game

9:36am April 23, 2016

Seven of the the late George Plimpton's sports books are being re-released. NPR's Scott Simon talks with sportscaster Bob Costas about the collection.

Books
Arts

'Maestra' Is Pure Pulp Madness

7:00am April 23, 2016

by Bethanne Patrick

L.S. Hilton's new book, the first in a trilogy, follows the aptly-named Judith Rashleigh on a wild ride of sex parties, private yachts, and behavior just as shallow and selfish as any male character.

An illustration depicts a scene from Shakespeare's Coriolanus, a play that opens with citizens armed with "staves, clubs, and other weapons" in protest against the city fathers they accuse of hoarding grain. In Shakespeare's day, food shortages tore throu

In Shakespeare's Day, Hunger Tore Through England. His Plays Tell The Tale

7:00am April 23, 2016

by Anne Bramley

Many food riots broke out during Shakespeare's era. Endless rain wiped out crops, and speculators profited (including the bard). The chaos and anxiety around food show up in some of his famous works.

Books
Arts

Flights Of Fancy: Exploring The Songs And Pathways Of 'The Living Bird'

1:31pm April 22, 2016

Wildlife photographer Gerrit Vyn and essayist Scott Weidensaul share bird calls and discuss some of the remarkable abilities of birds. Originally broadcast Oct. 20, 2015.

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Electric Currents And An 'Emotional Awakening' For One Man With Autism

11:27am April 22, 2016

Switched On author John Elder Robison says the emotional empathy he gained after receiving transcranial magnetic stimulation was intense. "It's like I lost a protective shield," he says.

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Manischewitz is closely associated with Jewish tradition, but it was once a huge crossover success. Sammy Davis Jr. was its spokesman in TV advertising. At one point, the typical drinker was described as an urban African-American man.

'Man, Oh Manischewitz': When The Jewish Wine Was Big With Gentiles, Too

11:05am April 22, 2016

by Jessica Leigh Hester

The wine associated with Jewish tradition was once a huge crossover success. At one point, the typical drinker was described as an urban African-American man.

Excavations of The Globe revealed a lot about Elizabethan and Jacobean theatergoers' snacking habits.

Snacking In Shakespeare's Time: What Theatregoers Ate At The Bard's Plays

11:31pm April 21, 2016

by Anne Bramley

There were no dress circle lounges nor mezzanine bars 400 years ago. Back then, audience snacked on cold nibbles and ready-made street food from vendors they passed on their way to the performance.

A Baby Boomer With Parkinson's Reports Back From Front Lines Of Aging

6:50pm April 21, 2016

by NPR Staff

Journalist Michael Kinsley was diagnosed when he was in his 40s. Now in his 60s, he says he feels like he's "a scout for his generation." His new book is Old Age: A Beginner's Guide.

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