Nicholson Baker
Wednesday 30 April 2008 21:45-22:30 (Radio 3)
Philip Dodd talks to American writer Nicholson Baker about his new book Human Smoke, which explores the social landscape and political decisions which led to the Second World War.
Vanessa Redgrave in The Year of Magical Thinking
Vanessa Redgrave
(Photo credit: Brigitte Lacombe)
Playlist
Human Smoke: the Beginnings of World War II, the End of Civilization
American novelist Nicholson Baker's new book, Human Smoke: the Beginnings of World War II, the End of Civilization, juxtaposes hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, radio speeches, memoirs and diaries to build up an account of the lead up to and early years of the second world war. Philip Dodd talks to Nicholson Baker about the mixed reactions the book has provoked amongst historians and reviewers.
Human Smoke: the Beginnings of World War II, the End of Civilization by Nicholson Baker is published by Simon & Schuster on 6th May.
The future of the book
To what extent does the medium or format of the book influence both its content and its impact? As electronic books gain a toehold in the market, what is the future of the paper book and how might changes in technology affect the kind of books that are written and read?
The Year of Magical Thinking
Susannah Clapp reviews the first night of the UK premiere of the 'The Year of Magical Thinking': Vanessa Redgrave reprises her award-winning Broadway role in the stage adaptation of Joan Didion's memoir of losing a husband and daughter.
The Year of Magical Thinking is currently running in repertoire at the National Theatre, London.
