What would the United States look like today if Thomas Jefferson’s argument to measure land according to metric units had succeeded? Would road atlases and other maps show the system of squares and grinds that so simply marks the... Read More

“The ordinary novel would trace the history of the diamondÃ’but I say, Ódiamond, what! This is carbon.’ And my diamond might be coal or soot, and my theme is carbon.“ Latticed in the writings of D.H. Lawrence are numerous... Read More

“There is no possibility on earth that I can go to Italy,” the author begins, and from there unrolls an unusual travel narrative. Perhaps no other modern tourist has traveled so reluctantly, yet written so affectionately. That... Read More

Cookbooks that are enticing, but specific, that are sensible, but exciting, are always welcome to a cook’s library. This is such a book. Its audience will include not only cooks who like to entertain, but also those who cook for... Read More

“North American evangelicalism is the community-of communities in which I have made my own religious way,“ explains the author. “I present these essays, therefore, with the love of a family memberÃ’critical, yes, but... Read More

Many of America’s household names began in chautauquas. Edgar Bergen began there, honing his ventriloquist act. Lady Mary Heath of Ireland, an aviation pioneer, went on tour, as did other notable women. Dick Mallett, whose father was... Read More

As a person reaches the late middle years of life, the push and pull of personal connections inform the decisions she makes, decisions that will change the course of her remaining years. In the author’s third short story collection,... Read More

The author learned empathic, active listening from a few people who listened well to him. Prior to attending the University of Wisconsin, he was a bookish introvert who felt “it was ridiculous to confide in anyone. They wouldn’t... Read More