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New book details how Hannibal Lecter went from character to franchise

NPR | By Scott Simon

Published February 14, 2026 at 8:19 AM EST

He will have you for dinner: what is it about an unapologetic cannibal that so captured readers and audiences? NPR's Scott Simon talks with Brian Raftery about his new book, "Hannibal Lecter: A Life."

Copyright 2026 NPR

Scott Simon

Scott Simon is one of America's most admired writers and broadcasters. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First. He has reported from all fifty states, five continents, and ten wars, from El Salvador to Sarajevo to Afghanistan and Iraq. His books have chronicled character and characters, in war and peace, sports and art, tragedy and comedy.

See stories by Scott Simon

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