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Leon Uris, a master of historical fiction, died Saturday of heart failure at his home on Shelter Island, N.Y. Uris was best known for his novel Exodus, which told the story of Jews trying to establish modern Israel. NPR's Michele Norris speaks with Jill Uris about her ex-husband's life and work.

Leon Kagarise indulged his passion for country music by dragging his bulky tape recorder to outdoor music festivals in rural Maryland in the 1950s and 60s. His collection now includes thousands of live recordings from the golden years of country and bluegrass music. Hear Johnny Cash and other performers, and see photos from the concerts.

The sort of movie popularized by Doris Day and Rock Hudson has returned to the screen. Down with Love stars Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor in a '60s-style, battle-of-the-sexes romp. NPR's Bob Mondello provides a review.

Time-Life has released an eight-CD collection of music called The Folk Years. It's the subject of late-night infomercials and also the subject of a conversation with NPR's Linda Wertheimer and musicians Bob Flick of The Brothers Four and John Sebastian of The Lovin' Spoonful.

Bob Hope, master of the one-liner and world-famous comedian, dies of pneumonia at 100. A star in vaudeville, radio, television and film, Hope helped define the monologue. NPR's Lynn Neary asks visitors at the Library of Congress' Bob Hope exhibit for their thoughts on Hope's passing. And NPR's Michele Norris talks with longtime Hope writer Larry Gelbart.

A new documentary airing on the National Geographic Channel examines how Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews and Muslims view the concept of heaven. Featuring personal stories of faith and religion, In the Name of Heaven presents the varying ideas of heaven from people around the world. Hear filmmaker John Scheinfeld.

N!xau, the Kalahari bushman who wooed audiences around the world with his starring role in the 1980s blockbuster The Gods Must Be Crazy, has died, police officials confirmed. In real life, he was a herdsman and farmer in southern Africa on the border between Botswana and Namibia. All Things Considered offers a remembrance.

In Chicago, doctors and former patients struggle to save the Cook County Hospital from the wrecking ball. The county agreed in 1988 to tear down the 89-year-old building once a new, state-of-the-art medical center was built next door. Hear Jay Field of Chicago Public Radio.

The Legend of Suriyothai is based on the true story of the 16th century Thai queen Suriyothai. The movie comes to the United States under the auspices of legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Los Angeles Times and Morning Edition film critic Kenneth Turan offers a review.

The latest show from artist and filmmaker Matthew Barney is a massive exhibit that fills Manhattan's Guggenheim Museum. A New York Times critic has dubbed Barney the greatest artist of his generation. But the new issue of Artforum says the Cremaster Cycle show may prove to be Barney's Waterloo. Jad Abumrad of member station WNYC reports.