Books

Charles McIlvaine, Pioneer of American Mycophagy

“I take no man’s word for the qualities of a toadstool,” said the man who took it upon himself to sample more than 600 species

February 8, 2012

Bedtime Reading From Beatrix Potter: Amateur Mycologist

Would Flopsy, Mopsy and Peter Cottontail have been conceived had it not been for the biases of Victorian era science?

February 6, 2012

Super Bowl Guide to Football Films

The sport was fodder for slapstick comedy, but as the technology evolved, so did the way in which filmmakers portrayed the gridiron on the big screen

February 1, 2012

Saving the Whales (And Eating Them Too?)

What does whale meat taste like, and is it anything like jojoba oil, prosciutto or jellied crustaceans?

January 27, 2012

The Allure of Nonexistent Places

Long-gone destinations have their own special appeal, don’t you think?

January 24, 2012

History Writers to Watch in 2012

A rundown of historians, authors and bloggers to follow in the coming year

January 19, 2012

The Stalking of the President

Charles J. Guiteau said he wanted to kill President James A. Garfield “in an American manner.”

January 17, 2012

The Essentials: Charles Dickens

What are the must-read books written by and about the famed British author?

January 17, 2012

Q and A: Judy Blume

The children’s book author speaks about her career and what it means to write a “banned book”

January 2012

Q and A with Cake Wrecks Blogger Jen Yates

“I’m not out to vilify bakers; I’m just trying to find a little funny in unexpected places”

December 23, 2011

Seven Islands to Visit in 2012

Pitcairn Island is populated by 50 people, has a handful of hostels, a general store and a café and, frankly, could really use a few visitors

December 22, 2011

That Moon On Your Christmas Card

An astronomer finds that depictions of the Moon on Christmas cards, wrapping paper and books is often wrong

December 22, 2011

Evolution, A Book That Turns Science Into Art

See examples of these beautiful photographs of animal skeletons in our image gallery

December 20, 2011

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Adventure Traveler

A chess set, soccer ball, bear spray and other items, even dog food, make the list of gifts to give your favorite hardened traveler

December 16, 2011

Last Minute Food-Themed Gift Ideas

Food, jewelry, toys and books for those hard-to-shop-for people on your gift list

December 15, 2011

A Trio of Outstanding Picture Books

Three more books to add to the Best of Childrens Books 2011 list

December 14, 2011

The Edible Is Political: Cookbooks from Both Sides of the Aisle

The cookbook has been a campaign tool for the women’s suffrage movement, John F. Kennedy and now Ron Paul

December 9, 2011

A Holiday Gift List for Science Lovers

Some books, toys, art and clothing for the scientist or geek in your life

December 5, 2011

Best of Children’s Books 2011: For Picture Book Readers (Part I)

As you begin your holiday shopping, review these selections of the best picture books of the year

December 2, 2011

Women and the Way of the Pedal-empowered

Susan B. Anthony said bicycling “emancipates women than anything else in the world. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel”

November 29, 2011