<DIV>It is a great American art form, read by millions every day. The best of it rises to the level of literature: balancing the urgency of news with the precision of poetry. Assembled with care by three successful journalists and columnists in their own right, <i>Deadline Artists--Scandals, Tragedies, and Triumphs</i> is a collection of short stories that really happened. Contributors include H.L. Mencken, Nellie Bly, Damon Runyon, Shirley Povich, Murray Kempton, Grantland Rice, Ruben Salazar, Peggy Noonan, Mitch Albom, David Brooks, Carl Hiaasen, Mike Barnicle, and Steve Lopez . . . .<br></div>