Books
Walking the Broomway
Marco Werman talks to writer Robert Macfarlane about walking “The Broomway” – a path off the southeast coast of England that’s only navigable when the tide is out.
California’s Averroes Institute: Islamic Prep School in America
In the US, we’re used to seeing religious private schools and now there is a newcomer: private Islamic schools.
The Jazz Genius and the Heiress: Thelonious Monk’s Connection to English Aristocrat
Anchor Marco Werman speaks with writer Hannah Rothschild about the subject of her new book, “The Baroness.” Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswater to be exact. Like the author, ‘Nica’ was a member of the wealthy Jewish dynasty, the Rothschilds, and she was also inspiration for her companion, jazz musician Thelonious Monk.
Tripoli Witness: Living Through Libya’s Revolution
The BBC’s Rana Jawad was the only Western reporter to remain in Tripoli throughout the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi last year.
How Al-Qaeda Bomb Plot was Foiled
The plot wasn’t carried out because the designated bomber was reportedly a double agent working for Saudi intelligence and the CIA.
The Appetite for Books about Afghanistan
Ten years into the war in Afghanistan, American publishers continue to put out new books about the conflict and the country. But will those books dry up as the United States proceeds to withdraw its forces from the country?
Madeleine Albright on the Holocaust and Foreign Policy
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright talks with host Marco Werman about her new book Prague Winter. Sec. Albright considers how her family’s loss during the Holocaust might impact her view on how and when to intervene in global conflicts.
Afghanistan: How Britain’s First Intervention Ended in Disaster
The most disastrous exit by foreign forces from Afghanistan was by the British during the First Anglo-Afghan War, 170 years ago. More than 16,000 people retreated from Kabul, and only one single Briton reached safety. A new book re-tells the story of that war, and readers can make their own parallels to today. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with author, Diana Preston.
Book Reading Demonstration at Tunisia’s Symbolic Habib Bourguiba Avenue
A demonstration of sorts was held on Habib Bourguiba Avenue where people literally sat on the street reading books.
British Library Buys St. Cuthbert Gospel – the Oldest European Book
The 7th century manuscript known as the St. Cuthbert Gospel was buried with St. Cuthbert at Lindisfarne monastery on the northeast coast of England in about 698 AD.
Best-Selling Writer William Boyd Accepts Bond Mission
Ian Fleming, died in 1964. But his creation, super spy James Bond, lives on. In recent years, the Fleming estate has commissioned new 007 novels — and it’s just announced that British writer William Boyd will write the next one. The World’s Carol Zall has the story.
Why America Wants the UK Terrorism Suspects
Anchor Marco Werman speaks with author Seth Jones who recently wrote “Hunting in the Shadows: The Pursuit of al Qa’ida”. He explains why the US government has been intent on bringing the five terrorism suspects to America.
Writing the Arab World: Reading to Help Understand the Arab Spring
Marco Werman talks to John Freeman, editor of literary magazine Granta, about writers and writing from the Arab world.
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life in Mumbai’s Annawadi Slum
Marco Werman talks with Katherine Boo, author of “Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity”.
Iranian Officials Arrest ‘Funny in Farsi’ Translator
Two weeks ago, Iranian authorities arrested the Iranian scholar Mohammed Soleimani Nia. Nia had translated American works into Persian, including Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing up Iranian in America. The memoir’s author, Firoozeh Dumas, tells host Marco Werman about Nia’s work, and his impact inside Iran.
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