In his 19th novel, Updike spins a tale of feverish and furtive sex and death in a masterly prequel to "Hamlet."

In which the current presidential candidates are matched to ancient Roman emperors with eerie accuracy. But where are their clothes?

Pete Hausler recounts an unforgettable encounter with a Turkish shop owner and book-lover.

In the latest cash-in-on-the-Bard book, the tragic heroes of Shakespeare are just losers who failed at crisis management.

Rather stay home and get decadent watching videos than go see Ridley Scott's "Gladiator"? Here are five classical suggestions.

Real and imaginary events of interest to readers.

Fueled by obscenity, HBO's series "Rome" shocks us back 2,000 years -- and reflects the horror show in Iraq today.

There's something rotten in Denmark, but not in this darkly glittering update of Shakespeare's great tragedy.

Salon talks to scholar Mary Beard about her new history of ancient Rome and what we inherited from their leaders

Victor Hugo raised him in a s

We who are about to be bored salute you! Russell Crowe stars in Ridley Scott's Roman bloodfest.

Charles Schulz, the author of the beloved "Peanuts," was himself a depressive, self-deceiving character many found hard to love.

George W. Bush continues to purge his administration of those who advised caution in Iraq, while Dick Cheney wrests power from a wobbly Condoleezza Rice.

Greek and Roman myths are violent and ugly, sure. But apologizing for art — especially the classics — is a bad idea