Journalist Oriana Fallaci discusses her book, "A Man," about Greek politician Alexandros Panagoulis, who was imprisoned and tortured-- and finally, after being released, died in mysterious circumstances-- for attempting to assassinate the dictator Georgios Papadopoulos. Panagoulis was also her lover, and Fallaci discusses how she used real events from their lives in the book and why she nevertheless calls it a novel. She also describes in compelling terms Panagoulis's heroism and its costs, saying at one point "I saw in him the solitude of all those who refuse to bend to society."

A Conversation with Oriana Fallaci, 12/5/1980

Amiri Baraka reads “Rhythm Travel” at the 2008 Beyond Margins Celebration.


Amiri Baraka Reads “Rhythm Travel”

The celebrated poet reads the seminal letter of political protest, in which she became the first and only person to date to refuse the highest honor bestowed upon an artist on behalf of the people. Background and discussion: http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/05/16/adrienne-rich-national-medal-of-arts-letter/

Adrienne Rich declines the National Medal of Arts, 1997

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world.  Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.


A Conversation with Oriana Fallaci, 12/5/1980

PEN America

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