Arts

Author Michael Wallis says there are modern lessons to learn from the Donner Party — primarily about the fatal combination of ignorance and arrogance. Above, an undated drawing of the pioneers, looking to make their way West.

Books
Arts

'What Would You Do?' Author Wants To Stop Sensationalizing The Donner Party

11:25am June 28, 2017

by Dave Davies

In The Best Land Under Heaven, Michael Wallis chronicles the saga of a band of pioneers who resorted to cannibalism after getting stranded en route West. He says "there's so much more" to the story.

Queue Listen Now

Actor Michael Nyqvist poses for photos in Munich in 2015.

Arts

Actor Michael Nyqvist, Of Swedish 'Dragon Tattoo' Films, Dies At 56

10:34am June 28, 2017

by Glen Weldon

Nyqvist, whose other films include John Wick and Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol, died of lung cancer, according to his representative.

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has had several confrontations with Chinese authorities.

'They Love Freedom': Ai Weiwei On His Lego Portraits Of Fellow Activists

9:56am June 28, 2017

by Elizabeth Blair

The Chinese artist created Trace while under house arrest, and he wasn't allowed to travel to their San Francisco debut. Now, he has his passport back, and was finally able to see it on display.

Queue Listen Now

Books
Arts

Multiple Narratives Mean Non-Stop Action In 'The Child'

7:00am June 28, 2017

by Bethanne Patrick

Fiona Barton's latest — a followup to last year's hit The Widow — picks up with journalist Kate Waters as she digs into another cold case, this one an infant skeleton found at a building site.

'The Strange Death Of Europe' Warns Against Impacts Of Immigration

5:47pm June 27, 2017

NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Douglas Murray about his new book, The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam. He argues that European civilization is dying as a result of immigration.

Queue Listen Now

Baby (Ansel Elgort) looks dubious as Doc (Kevin Spacey) convinces him to do One! Last! Job! in Edgar Wright's Baby Driver.

Arts

In 'Baby Driver,' The Action, The Script And The Music Go Full Throttle

5:00pm June 27, 2017

by Chris Klimek

"This is a squealing-tires symphony that owes more to Jacques Tati ... than to Justin Lin or Michael Bay," says critic Chris Klimek.

A college student and her mother head west on the Empire Builder in Albert Maysles' In Transit.

Documentary Giant Albert Maysles' Last Film, 'In Transit,' Is Still In Limbo

4:41pm June 27, 2017

by Joel Rose

Before he died, Maysles (who also made Grey Gardens) said In Transit was his "dream film." But questions about who owns the rights has made it difficult to see.

Arts

In Ambitious 'Okja,' A Teen Attempts To Save Her Super Pig From Slaughter

3:33pm June 27, 2017

by Justin Chang

You'll root for 13-year-old Mija at every step of this new Netflix film. And Okja, the huge, genetically modified pig, is among the most touching and realistic computer-generated characters ever made.

Queue Listen Now

From left, Von Humbolt's Natur wasser, named after the German explorer and naturalist; Blood & Sand, inspired by silent movie star Rudolph Valentino; and a single malt by Macallan in collaboration with artist Steven Klein.

From Film Stars To Naturalists, These Lives Have Become Boozy Inspirations

12:32pm June 27, 2017

by Kristen Hartke

Breweries and distilleries are collaborating with artists and fashioning their drinks after influential people to try to better connect with customers or bring attention to the drink's origin.

Senior conservator of paintings Michael Swicklik works to clean up the yellowed layers of Fra Angelico's The Entombment of Christ, c. 1450.

Arts

With Chemistry And Care, Conservators Keep Masterpieces Looking Their Best

12:10pm June 27, 2017

by Susan Stamberg

Armed with cotton swabs, strong solvents and a lot of training, conservators are entrusted with restoring priceless works of art. At the National Gallery of Art we learn that varnish is enemy No. 1.

Queue Listen Now