Minimalism: a story told in 8 pulses
In their new book On Minimalism, musicologists William Robin and Kerry O'Brien capture the lesser-known stories of the musical movement and its development, era by era.
Author Interviews
Madhur Jaffrey's no fuss introduction to Indian cooking
Madhur Jaffrey says she never took cooking seriously, and it may be her secret to her success: "I love to eat and when you do, you think of all the possibilities."
Is 'Toxic Fashion' making us sick? A look at the chemicals lurking in our clothes
In 2018, Delta airlines unveiled new uniforms made of a synthetic-blend fabric. Soon after, flight attendants began to get sick. Alden Wicker explains how toxic chemicals get in clothes in To Dye For.
Ruth Madievsky's new novel explores trauma, drugs and toxic sisterhood
NPR's Adrian Florido talks with Ruth Madievsky about her debut novel All Night Pharmacy, which tells a story of addiction and the love between sisters.
In 'Onlookers,' people from Charlottesville reckon with the civil unrest of 2017
NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with author Ann Beattie about her latest book Onlookers.
'Blight' warns of the alarming public health threat posed by fungi
Emily Monosson says fungi and fungus-like pathogens are the most devastating disease agents on the planet, causing the extinction or near extinction of species of trees, bananas, bats, frogs and more.
Nishanth Injam on 'The Best Possible Experience', his collection of short stories
Nishanth Injam turned his difficult immigration experience into a collection short stories, some funny, some tender. He talks with NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer about "The Best Possible Experience."
Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris on their book 'Nobody's Fool'
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris about their new book, "Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do about It."
Writer John McPhee on his book 'Tabula Rasa'
Writer John McPhee has tackled wide variety of topics, from oranges to the geological history of North America. NPR's Scott Simon talks with McPhee about his latest book, "Tabula Rasa."
'Fragile Cargo' chronicles the quest to save China's Forbidden City treasures from war
A book recounts how precious works of art thousands of years old were taken to safety as Japan began its invasion of China in the 1930s — a part of China's history largely unknown outside Asia.