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From Shoeless Joe to First Nations: The Essential W.P. Kinsella

Over his writing career spanning more than 30 years, W.P. Kinsella has become one of the finest storytellers in baseball’s history. He is also an acclaimed satirical author.

On this edition of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe talks with Kinsella about his writing and his new book, "The Essential W.P. Kinsella",  a collection of some of his best short stories over the years.

The book includes his finest work, including his notorious First Nation narratives, the “Real” legend of Roberto Clemente and the 1951 Giants, the runaway success of a pirated radio show, an unlikely homage to J.D. Salinger and the improbable result of a rigged hockey game.  The book also features four uncollected tales and much of his work that is out of print.

“I just want people to enjoy the work,” Kinsella said of his new book. “I’d like them to say, ‘wow that story really moved me, or that really made me laugh, or it left me with a little tear in my eye.’ That’s all that I’ve ever wanted from my writing. I want people to enjoy it.”

Dennis Reese was the mid-day host for Iowa Public Radio
Charity Nebbe is the host of IPR's Talk of Iowa