Topic: Oxford University Press

Will Al Qaeda cement its foothold in Syria?

The massacre in Houla, Syria, over the weekend pushed Russia to finally denounce the atrocities there. But Moscow also warned that the regime of Bashar al-Assad faces threats from Al Qaeda. Al Qaeda's future in Syria depends on how Sunnis there respond to foreign jihadi fighters.

Another anniversary for the overlooked Mrs. Dred Scott

April 6 marks a key date in one of the most divisive cases in the US Supreme Court's history. The Dred Scott vs. Sanford ruling led the nation into the Civil War. Dred’s name remains well known. Lost is the story of his wife, Harriet, whose cause gives the case its greater meaning.

3 new "Titanic" books

A trio of new books – two of which are excellent – allows readers to relive that bitterly cold night on the Atlantic.

7 gifts for history and geography fans

From a massive atlas to a comprehensive history of the White House, here are 7 of the best history and geography gift books of the season.

Lost da Vinci: Priceless da Vinci portrait sold for $21,000

Lost da Vinci: Art historian Martin Kemp, of the University of Oxford, believes the mystery painting, which appeared in 1998, is a portrait of the duke's daughter, created by da Vinci for her wedding book.

Why Congress should not extend unemployment benefits

President Obama wants Congress to again extend unemployment benefits. That's a hard request to resist, politically. But the economic impact of extending jobless benefits is that wages will not fall quickly enough to create more jobs.

Pakistan school offers orphans refuge to prevent turn to militancy

A Muslim charity provides free schooling to Pakistani orphans, putting itself at the forefront of a national effort to close the education gap and reduce the appeal militancy holds for children.

Oxford comma is alive, well, and still in use

Oxford comma: Twitter rumors of the punctuation mark's death have been greatly exaggerated.

How to reform Medicare with faith in market principles – including vouchers

As Americans debate proposals to reform Medicare, they should know that all of them involve trade-offs. Where the current system and the Paul Ryan plan fall short, a true voucher system provides choice, coverage, and cost-efficiency.

20 of the smartest nonfiction titles for summer reading

Some of this summer's best books will introduce you to Machu Picchu, hippie physicists, Parisian walks, and a serial imposter. And that’s just the nonfiction.

Tax evasion: Why do so many Americans cheat?

Tax evasion, nonpayment, and underpayment are important factors in the $300 billion the IRS doesn't collect each year. Why the tax evasion? Lack of enforcement is one reason.

What to read? 8 noteworthy biographies coming in early 2011

The new year holds the promise of a fresh crop of intriguing titles. Here are eight biographies likely to attract attention in the new year.

India, China shake hands on trade, but border disputes prove intractable

India, China agreed to $16 billion in trade deals this week and set a bilateral trade target of $100 billion. But resolution of longstanding border disputes was kicked down the road.

'Easter Parade'

A Christian Science perspective.

A new William Shakespeare play? Long lost play to be published.

Expert says "Double Falsehood" was co-written by William Shakespeare.

Unfriend: Oxford's 2009 Word of the Year

'Unfriend' follows hypermiling, 2008's word of the year choice.

In Pakistan, Clinton fails to charm professional women

When US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Pakistani women Friday afternoon, many left the meeting feeling frustrated that their concerns – particularly on security issues – had not been heard or addressed.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about how e-readers open up new possibilities for book lovers, why there should be a science Wordnik, and why labels don't accurately describe generations.

New online dictionary redefines 'look it up'

Lexicographer Erin McKean’s interactive ‘Wordnik’ is projected to be the largest online dictionary ever.

Lincoln at 200: still a light for democracy's moral purpose

Critics saw in America a 'pigpen of freedom.' He saw a cause worth dying for.

Oxford Junior Dictionary dropping 'nature' words

Gone from the 10,000-word lexicon aimed at 7-year-olds are such words as: 'magpie,' 'vine,' 'beaver,' and 'canary.' In are: 'mp3 player,' 'voicemail,' 'blog,' and 'chatroom.'

Classic review: Lincoln

A biography as tall as Lincoln himself.

What book critics are talking about the week of Dec. 16, 2008.

Fewer items, less controversy in the checkout line

A supermarket chain avoids the choice between the informal and the hypercorrect.