Biography

On Not Naming Names

The reporter was given a choice: Identify his confidential sources or go to jail. He chose jail

September 2005

The Real Robinson Crusoe

He was a pirate, a hothead and a lout, but castaway Alexander Selkirk—the author's ancestor inspired one of the greatest yarns in literature

July 2005

Plutarch's Exemplary Lives

An ancient Greek wrote the book on biography then and now

July 2004

Chess Queen

At 22, Jennifer Shahade is the strongest American-born woman chess player ever

August 2003

To Fly!

A new book traces the Wright brothers' triumph 100 years ago to an innovative design and meticulous attention to detail

April 2003

Madam Montessori

Fifty years after her death, innovative Italian educator Maria Montessori still gets high marks

September 2002

Boy Wonder

For a few fleeting moments in 1956, Elvis Presley was still an unaffected kid from Tupelo, Mississippi, and the road to stardom seemed paved in possibility

July 31, 2002

LBJ Goes for Broke

June 2002

Changing Spots

April 2002

New Routes to Old Roots

Twenty-five years after Alex Haley's best-seller topped the charts, millions of Americans are using high-tech tools to find their ancestors

March 2002

Excerpt from George Orwell: A Life

August 2001

Dr. Franklin's Plan

This printer, scientist and ambassador early formed a plan for himself —and for the country he helped to found

May 31, 2001

King of the Lobby

Gilded age lobbyist Sam Ward almost always got his way, swaying movers and shakers with his legendary food, wine and charm

April 30, 2001

Looking for Henry Hudson

Set adrift by mutineers during his expedition to find a Northwest Passage, the famous explorer was never heard from again. What was his fate?

September 30, 1999

George C. Marshall The Last Great American?

No soldier since Washington has had his Roman virtues, and so significantly shaped a peace

July 31, 1997

If You've Always Been a Hacker, Why Would You Want to Be Like Mike?

April 1997

The Spirited Story of the Psychic and the Colonel

May 1995

Chris Evans vs. the Southern Pacific

He's not well known today, but a century ago this unpredictable train robber and killer was sensational front-page news in California

May 1995

Frederick Douglass Always Knew He Was Meant to Be Free

Taking to the podium throughout his life,the former slave fought with tireless eloquenceto "secure the Blessings of Liberty" for all

February 1995