Literary Lives An interview with artist Edward Sorel and a gallery of images (featuring the story of Tolstoy’s odd life) from his new book of illustrated—and unflattering—biographies of canonized authors.

The Letters of Gary Benchley, Rock Star: Coming to New York In his first installment for TMN, aspiring rock star and Manhattanite Gary Benchley details his recent move from Albany, his new roommates in the city, and the difficulties of being a drummer in New York.

Behind the Scenes: President Bush Merges Agencies Shadow governments, merging powers, churches and children: It’s no secret that power breeds concealment. Yet behind the veils of rhetoric, simple men and women are simply doing business, PowerPoint and all. Ace reporter Joshua Allen was the only correspondent to hide behind a large curtain during a recent press conference and discover that even the mighty have their foibles.

The Tour, Chapter One Ever imagine reading to a cheering stadium of millions? How about a single, disinterested Barnes & Noble customer? It’s one thing to write a book; it’s another to publicize it. Contributing writer Kevin Guilfoile reports from the field of his recent book tour.