by NPR Staff
On the Map author Simon Garfield speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep about the history of maps, how they can be used as political tools, and how GPS and modern mapping applications are changing the way we see ourselves and our place in the world.
by John Wilwol
Maps do more than help us get around, Simon Garfield makes evident in his tour through the history and science of map-making. They can unlock vast wealth, solve mysteries of science, project political power — even trace the outlines of the divine.
Jeffrey Eugenides traces a love triangle, while Sebastian Barry examines a woman's well-lived life. In nonfiction, Jodi Kantor explores the Obamas' marriage, David Margolick revisits Arkansas school integration, and Simon Garfield romps through the history of type.
Susan Stamberg gathers recommendations for the season's best books from independent booksellers Lucia Silva, Rona Brinlee and Daniel Goldin. This winter, their top picks range in subject from toasters to typeface, odd bookmarks to old Volkswagens, department stores to pasta design.
Are you an Arial person? A Times New Roman? A Garamond? Like the car you drive or the clothes you wear, your typeface can help express your personality. Author Simon Garfield talks about the fashion of fonts ... and why so many people hate Comic Sans.
Simon Garfield's lively, richly illustrated history of typefaces is an eye-opening — and sometimes eye-straining — read.
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