Arts

Artist Parviz Tanavoli with his sculpture Big Heech Lovers.

Father Of Modern Iranian Sculpture Gets First U.S. Show In Nearly 40 Years

6:16pm May 08, 2015

by Andrea Shea

Parviz Tanavoli's calligraphy-inspired figures helped revive sculpture as an art form in Iran. Now, Wellesley College's Davis Museum is giving American viewers a chance to see his work.

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During her lifetime, singer and dancer Carmen Miranda (shown here in a dressing room at the London Palladium in 1948) was a huge success in the United States, but rejected at home in Brazil as a sellout.

Of Fruit Hats And 'Happy Tropics,' A Renaissance For Carmen Miranda

6:12pm May 08, 2015

by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

The Brazilian performer was a huge hit with American audiences who loved her outrageous costumes and beautiful voice. But she's been less appreciated in her homeland — until now.

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Ted Lewis' gritty storytelling takes readers inside London's seedier quarters.

Books
Arts

Gangsters, Goons And 'Grievous Bodily Harm' In Ted Lewis' London

5:29pm May 08, 2015

by John Powers

Soho Press recently reissued the late British crime writer's final novel. Critic John Powers says Lewis' GBH is a pulp-fiction triumph worthy of Jim Thompson or James Ellroy.

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Books
Arts

Remembering Ruth Rendell, Master Of Smart And Socially Aware Suspense

4:23pm May 08, 2015

by Maureen Corrigan

The British novelist set shocking crimes in mundane settings — always adding a dash of social criticism. Critic Maureen Corrigan says she is forever giving Rendell's books to friends.

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A recent Death over Dinner party in San Francisco. From left: Tim Ferriss, Laura Deming, Luke Nosek, Eric Weinstein, Mason Hartman, and Max Hodak.

Let's Talk About Death Over Dinner

3:50pm May 08, 2015

by Lesley McClurg

Over the last two years, more than 70,000 people around the world have gathered to dine and discuss their own deaths, and the end-of-life decisions that entails. We eavesdrop on one such gathering.

Arts

Schwarzenegger Meets Zombies In A Haunting, Slow-Paced New Film

1:56pm May 08, 2015

by David Edelstein

The zombie movie Maggie examines an array of cultural anxieties such as plague, environmental catastrophe and big government. Critic David Edelstein says the film is more art flick than blockbuster.

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Books
Arts

'Fresh Air' Remembers Mystery Novelist Ruth Rendell

1:56pm May 08, 2015

The British author wrote crime novels for 50 years, many featuring Chief Inspector "Reg" Wexford. Rendell died May 2. Originally broadcast in 1989 and 2005.

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