John Leonard

Literary editor of The Nation and television critic for New York Magazine John Leonard (and former Fresh Air book critic). His new book is a collection of essays, "Smoke and Mirrors: Violence, Television, and other American Cultures."

Book critic John Leonard reviews Andre Brink's novel of political intrigue in South Africa, "An Act of Terror."

Critic John Leonard talks to Terry Gross about how television news shows are covering the war in Iraq. They conclude that networks are framing the conflict as a kind of entertainment program -- a strategy which may actually bring the war closer to home for many viewers.

Film critic Stephen Schiff and book critic John Leonard look back at the movies and books of 1990. They give us their favorites from the year, and consider trends and highlights in popular culture.

Book critic John Leonard reviews "Two States - One Nation" by Gunther Grass, which collects the author's writings over the decades against German reunification.

Host Terry Gross continues her series of interviewers with Fresh Air contributors. Today she talks with John Leonard, whose criticism appears widely. As a college student he considered a life of political activism before deciding that writing was were his strengths lay. A recovering alcoholic, Leonard describes how, even while he bottomed out, he still delivered copy to his editors.