Central Park

Consider the paradox: For more than a century, one of the iconic elements of the concrete-encased island of Manhattan has been the 800-plus acres of verdant green at its heart. This literary celebration of the park's unique charms, which- which collects work from authors including Paul Auster, Jonathan Safran Foer, Bill Buford, and Susan Cheever, is as varied and inviting as its namesake. Take it to the nearest spot of green, spread a blanket, and enjoy.

May 18: Parade, the "first modern ballet," premiered in Paris on this day in 1917. The production was a collaboration of some of modernism's most famous -- music by Erik Satie, scenario by Jean Cocteau, costumes by Picasso,…

Ethan Rutherford and Matt Burgess (Dogfight: A Love Story) on the writing of Rutherford's surreal and fiercely funny story collection The Peripatetic Coffin

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