"When I had finally finished The Master of Hestviken, I could hardly bear the realization that it wouldn’t be waiting by my chair of an evening, with yet another chapter to read. Great books are like great loves — delicious while they last, but when they… more »

“Take us home, my dears,” he said to the horses as he tied off the reins, wrapped himself deep into his buffalo robe, and curled up on the seat of the buggy.By the time the horses stumbled into the barnyard, his eyelids were frozen shut by the vapor from his exhaled breath, and his beard had frozen to his shirt. You may be sure that Nelly and Gypsy received a good rubdown and an extra ration of oats, that night. more »

From her entrée to the world of journalism to her formidable attainment of power, the National Portrait Gallery’s One Life: Katharine Graham exhibition presents a multifaceted view of the woman whose personal tenacity had the ability to shape the nation more »

A case selected for argument usually involves interpretations of the US Constitution or federal law. At least four Justices have selected the case as being of such importance that the Supreme Court must resolve the legal issues. During an argument week, the Justices meet in a private conference, closed even to staff, to discuss the cases and to take a preliminary vote on each case. If the Chief Justice is in the majority on a case decision, he decides who will write the opinion. more »