Books

Poet Ted Hughes met Sylvia Plath 1956. "They were both geniuses, says biographer Jonathan Bate. Hughes is shown above on the first day of trout fishing season in April 1986.

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Arts

Sylvia Plath's Husband, Ted Hughes, Lived A Life Of Poetry And Tragedy

10:28am October 10, 2015

by NPR Staff

Biographer Jonathan Bate says his job is to write about "the quality and endurance of the literary work." His new biography has been disavowed by the Hughes estate.

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'Silver On The Road' Is A Pure American Myth

10:03am October 10, 2015

by Jason Sheehan

Laura Anne Gilman creates an authentically spooky Old West in her novel, where it seems perfectly reasonable that the Devil might wear a sharp suit, run a saloon, and always stay true to his bargains.

The Witch of Lime Street, by David Jaher.

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Arts

'Lime Street' Bewitches With Mystery And Mayhem

7:03am October 10, 2015

by Genevieve Valentine

David Jaher's account of Harry Houdini attempt to debunk Boston society psychic Mina Crandon mixes history with high-wire theatricality — even though most readers will know who came out on top.

Books

Steve Jobs: The Story Of The Man Behind The Personal Computer

3:41pm October 09, 2015

The Apple founder spoke with Fresh Air's Terry Gross in 1996. Later, after he was diagnosed with cancer, Jobs asked Walter Isaacson to write his biography. Isaacson spoke to Fresh Air Oct. 25, 2011.

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Fiston Mwanza Mujila was born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

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An Exuberantly Dark First Novel Explores The Chaos Of Central Africa

3:34pm October 09, 2015

by John Powers

Fiston Mwanza Mujila's novel, Tram 83, is a freewheeling tale about life in an imaginary place inspired by the author's home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Critic John Powers has a review.

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Sculptor Turns Rain, Ice And Trees Into 'Ephemeral Works'

12:07pm October 09, 2015

British artist Andy Goldsworthy's sculptures melt and decay. "It's not about art," he says. "It's just about life, and the need to understand that a lot of things in life do not last."

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In 'Gap Of Time,' Shakespeare Is Updated, But Not Upstaged

12:03pm October 09, 2015

by Annalisa Quinn

Jeanette Winterson's retelling of The Winter's Tale includes hedge fund managers and a New Orleans setting. But critic Annalisa Quinn says the book doesn't quite stand on its own.

Books
Arts

'Secret Chord' Sings A New Song About An Ancient Hero

7:03am October 09, 2015

by Jean Zimmerman

Geraldine Brooks' retelling of the biblical epic of King David casts him as larger than life — jester, predator, conqueror and poet. Critic Jean Zimmerman says Brooks "gives the whole king his due."

'Not In God's Name' Confronts Religious Violence With A 'Different Voice'

6:43pm October 08, 2015

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks about his new book, Not in God's Name: Confronting Religious Violence.

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Investigative Journalist From Belarus Awarded Nobel Prize In Literature

6:43pm October 08, 2015

by Neda Ulaby

Investigative journalist Svetlana Alexievich was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize for Literature Thursday. She is the first writer from Belarus to win the prize.

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