David Gessner discovered the American West as a young man, and the huge mountains and wide open spaces changed his life. He recently took a road trip through the West, following in the footsteps of two literary heroes, Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner. Gessner says their books help us see the West in all its complexity.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
Audio
Stephen Barber is a surrealism expert who provides the commentary for a new DVD release of “Un Chien Andalou.” This was a short silent film made in 1929 by Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali which still shocks viewers.
Fashion photographer David Jay recently sent us a book of his photos. The lighting was perfect. The settings intimate. The women, nearly naked, were gorgeous. As we looked at these beautiful images, something stood out – the mastectomy scars.
Wesley Stace has a new novel, "Charles Jessold, Considered as a Murderer."
Journalist and educator Thomas Kunkel recommends "Here Is New York" by E.B. White.
Journalist and poet Ruben Martinez tells Steve Paulson that there are powerful economic incentives for Mexicans to cross the U.S. border to find work.
Tom Wolfe talks with Steve Paulson, and explains why he's so fascinated by the connection between sex and social status.
Stephen Prothero thinks it's imperative that Americans have a working knowledge of religious traditions at home and abroad to understand other peoples and our own politicians.
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