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With His New Novel Ken Follett Moves to Literary Fiction from Thrillers.

Writer Ken Follett. He was only 27 when his 11th novel, "Eye of the Needle," became a huge bestseller. When it was later adapted into a hit film, it only enhanced Follett's reputation as a master of the thriller genre. His other novels include "Triple" and "The Key to Rebecca." Follett's latest effort is a departure from this successful formula. "The Pillars of the Earth" is a historical novel set in 12th century England; its plot centers on the building of a cathedral. Follett says it's the beginning of a move for him towards more serious fiction.

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Other segments from the episode on September 8, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 8, 1989: Interview with Ketan Mehta; Commentary on braggers; Interview with Ken Follett; Commentary on the school year.
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22:13

Ketan Mehta Discusses the Tropes of Indian Cinema.

Filmmaker Ketan Mehta (Kay-Tahn May-Ta). He's one of a group of young, politically committed directors in India today who believe movies can be effective tools for social change and not just entertainment, and his films have dealt with such issues as the caste system and feminism. His latest film, "Spices," tells the story of a young woman in a remote village in India and her struggle to resist the advances of a powerful feudal overlord.

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02:22

Mark Halliday Reads his Poem "Fort Brag."

Poet Mark Halliday reads a short work titled "Fort Brag." The poem is an ode to people who are absolutely certain about most everything. Halliday, an English professor at the University of Pennsylvania, is a regular contributor to Fresh Air.

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14:04

"The Business of Books."

Publisher Andre Schiffrin director of The New Press, and former head of Pantheon books, talks about the New York publishing world from the business side. He’s just written “The Business of Books,” (Verso) described as part memoir, part history of contemporary publishing.

Interview
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23:51

Talking About the Book and Publishing Industry.

Three veteran book editors discuss the state of publishing today. . .when mergers create mega publishing houses, the bottom-line dominates decision making, and e-technology threatens the book itself. The three are: Michael Korda, editor-in chief of Simon & Schuster, Robert Loomis, executive editor at Random House, and Jonathan Galassi, editor-in-chief at Farrar, Straus and Giroux. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).

Interview
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27:17

Editor and Writer Michael Korda.

Editor in chief of Simon & Schuster Michael Korda. In his previous memoir, "Man to Man" he chronicled his ordeal with prostate cancer. In his new book "Another Life: A Memoir of Other People" (Random House) he tells about the world of publishing and his rise from assistant editor to editor in chief. Along the way, Korda worked with writers Jacqueline Susan, Graham Greene, Tennessee Williams, and Harold Robbins.

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