Book critic John Leonards says the Russian author is the greatest writer never to have received the Nobel prize. He reviews a new biography by Brian Boyd, which explores Nabokov's complex and unnerving mind.
Cerf writes children's songs for Sesame Street and helped launch the humor magazine the National Lampoon. In 1978 he co-edited the journalistic parody "Not the New York Times." His most recent humor book is "The Book of Sequels," a spoof of current trends in the publishing and film industries.
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new (and first) recording of John Harbison's cantata "The Flight into Egypt," which won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize. The CD also includes two additional works by the composer.
Burton's new film is called Edward Scissorhands, starring Johnny Depp as the title character who navigates suburban life. Burton also directed one of the most popular films of all time "Batman," along with "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" and "Beetlejuice."
Sherry Ettleson is a staff attorney for Public Citizen's Congress Watch, and a member of the financial democracy campaign. She did research for the new book, "Who Robbed America?," and joins Fresh Air to discuss current legislation regarding who should bail out the banks.
Linguist Geoff Nunberg mourns some of the colorful words that seem to have vanished from our language, like galoot, dudgeon, and geegaw. Some quick research reveals that no one is quite sure where they came from.
Rock and roll historian Ed Ward profiles pioneering rhythm and blues artists Joe and Jimmy Liggins. Joe recorded one of the the genre's first hits,"The Honeydripper" in 1945. Jimmy was a lesser musical figure, but also enjoyed success with his more rough and ready style.
The Peanuts creator has been drawing his comic strip for more than 40 years. Schulz says he's always written for adults rather than children, and that his character each reflect a different part of personality.
Television critic David Bianculli reviews the newest installment of the documentary series, "The Koppel Report." It presents a savvy, unexpected, and often sad picture of sexuality abroad.
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by the Music Revelation Ensemble, led by guitarist James Blood Ulmer. Ulmer studied with Ornette Coleman, and has developed a loose, free, and often bluesy sound. A new guitar player, Joe Morris, takes Ulmer's style even further in his trio record, Sweatshop.
Journalist Lawrence Weschler is a staff writer for the New Yorker and has been covering Eastern Europe for the past decade. He joins Fresh Air to talk about labor leader Lech Walesa's successful democratic election, and the fallout of Poland's changing government and economy.
David Rosengarten and Joshua Wesson, coeditors of the "Wine and Food Companion," join Fresh Air to talk about the history, science, and varieties of sparking wine. Later, Atlantic Magazine food writer Cory Kummer recommends some of cheaper options available.
Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews Sydney Pollack's new movie, a love story that's supposed to be steamy, but, according to Schiff, lacks both passion and political sophistication.
Classical Music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the Great Performances telecast of Peter Sellars' production of "The Marriage of Figaro." It airs this Friday night on PBS.
Luft is featured on the new complete recordings of the 1930 musical Girl Crazy -- she sings the part that gave Ethel Merman her start on Broadway. Luft's mother was Judy Garland, and her sister is Liza Minnelli.
Kenneth Jackson and Camilo Jose Vergara are the authors of Silent Cities, about the evolution of cemeteries in the United States. They say these sites reflect American attitudes toward class, race, and public space.
Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the new book by Elijah Anderson, which features interviews with city dwellers. The sociological text reveals much about crime and and racism in urban areas.
It was recently revealed that Wise's character on Twin Peaks was the killer of Laura Palmer. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his role as Leland Palmer, whom he says he thought of as a good friend.
Reporter Steven Mufson covered South Africa for three years; he was expelled by the country's government in 1987. His new book, "Fighting Years," is about the conflicts among black communities over the which forms of resistance against the apartheid government are most effective.
Book critic John Leonard reviews the African American writer's new novel, set against the events surrounding the 1985 burning of the MOVE house in West Philadelphia by the Philadelphia police.
