Paddy--the caricature of the heavy-drinking, hardbrawling Irishman born in Vaudeville acts and nativist cartoons-- remains, unfortunately, a vivid feature of the American national imagination. But as this stereotype fades into the past, what image...

There is something about barber shop conversations that sets them apart from the usual small talk. These exchanges are enjoyed on both sides of the chair. Here is a range of stories from funny to eye opening.

On the eve of World War II, "just another little murder" in New York City draws two vastly different men - an American detective and a German admiral - into the Gathering Storm. Hour of the Cat is a stunning achievement: tautly suspenseful, huanti...