Topic: Salman Rushdie

5 famous plagiarism and fraud scandals in the book world

Everyone has Google on his or her computer these days – and that includes publishers. So why, in this day and age, would any author dare to plagiarize from the work of another? Nevertheless, the accusations continue to fly. Currently, Lenore Hart, author of "The Raven's Bride" is the latest on the hot seat, defending herself against charges that she plagiarized from another novel about Edgar Allan Poe's wife. Her publisher says she's innocent. While the outcome of the Hart incident is still to be determined, here are five high-profile cases in which an author was accused of plagiarism and fraud. Each – in its own way – rocked the book world in its time.

Why Mark Twain would be booted from Facebook

A Google doodle gave Mark Twain a warm birthday salute on Wednesday. But Facebook would have given Mark Twain a hard time. It's company policy, Mr. Clemens.

Finally – a Booker Prize win for Julian Barnes

His fourth time nominated was the charm for British novelist Julian Barnes, winner of the 2011 Man Booker Prize.

Nobel Prize in Literature 2011: The surprising top 4 favorites

The winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature – one of the highest awards a writer can receive – will be announced on Thursday. All across the world, literati are preparing for the big event in a decidedly plebeian way. They’re betting on the frontrunners. British bookmaker Ladbrokes has ranked the contenders’ odds, according to bets it is accepting online from “clued up literary fans.” Here’s a somewhat surprising look at the top four contenders.

Occupy Wall Street protest 'about people claiming some autonomy'

The purpose and future of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement is as vast as the thousands who have gathered there. After 700 arrests Saturday on the Brooklyn Bridge, Sunday was quiet as protesters planned their next big march Wednesday.

Letterman threat on Al Qaeda website is no laughing matter

Letterman threat, by a blogger on an Al Qaeda message board, is being investigated by the New York Police Department and the FBI. The talk show host and comedian had joked about Al Qaeda leaders killed in US attacks, reportedly prompting the Letterman threat.

How M.F. Husain, the 'Picasso of India,' tested free expression

M.F. Husain went into self-imposed exile after threats by Hindus offended by his work. The modernist painter's work prompted hundreds of lawsuits.

A war of extremes over Quran burning

A Florida preacher's acts don't typify Christianity. Mob violence doesn't typify Islam.

Why Europe is turning away from multiculturalism

Britain joined Germany and France in questioning Europe's approach to multiculturalism, saying that it no longer works for other cultures to live 'apart ... from the mainstream.'

American jihadi gets 25 years for 'South Park' and Facebook death threats

Zachary Chesser of Virginia, who converted to a militant form of Islam, had pleaded guilty to three charges, including threatening the lives of 'South Park' writers and participants in 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day.'

Bestselling books the week of 1/6/2011, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Bestselling books the week of 12/30/10, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

The rise of India's pulp fiction

As literacy grows, so do the ranks of inexpensive and sometimes racy paperbacks that appeal to youths.

Bestselling books the week of 12/16/10, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Iran's steady anti-Western stance

Bestselling books the week of 12/9/10, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Bestselling books the week of 12/2/10, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best at independent booksellers across America.

Bestselling books the week of 11/23/10, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Free speech in a fishbowl

In a world where everyone has access instantly to what is said on the other side of the planet, free speech has to reckon with millions of new 'free listeners'

From Fatwa to Jihad

Is multiculturalism to blame for further alienating Muslims who live in Western countries?

Is today's fiction irrelevant?

The blogosphere debates: Are today's novels merely clever where they should be deep?

Opinion: Obama death group on Facebook shows the dark side of digital culture

The Obama death group, the South Park Muhammad episode, and even the Supreme Court case about a Christian student group point to a common lesson for today’s social-media age: We cannot foster freedom from a veil of anonymity.

Philip Pullman: Another author faces religious ire

Philip Pullman, author of "The Golden Compass," says his new book has provoked "scores" of angry and threatening letters.

Salman Rushdie will write about the decade he spent in hiding

"It's my story, and ... it does need to be told," Salman Rushdie told reporters this week.