William L. Shirer discusses his book "The Collapse of the Third Republic". Shirer talks about the fall of the third republic of France. Shirer also discusses World War II Europe.

Discussing the book "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors: A Search for Who We Are" about the evolution and the future of the human species. Includes an excerpt of the astronomer Harlow Shapley speaking at the beginning. Includes Carl Sagan reading an excerpt from the book at the end.

Yiddish author Isaac Bashevis Singer discusses his collection of short stories, "Short Friday," as well as his writing style and spiritual influences.

Studs Terkel and Billy Taylor discuss the book "Jazz Piano: History and Development". They discuss jazz musicians and the history of jazz music. Includes excerpts of drums, piano, and orchestra playing in the background.

Discussing bicentennial time and interviewing Otto Friedrich. Otto Friedrich discusses his "Time" magazine piece, his writing, and American history. Includes songs "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Free America" by Joseph Warren, a German song, an 18th century Boston Tea Party song, and a 18th century British soldier song.

South African writer and political activist Nadine Gordimer joins Studs Terkel to talk about her book “A Guest of Honor,” a novel that explores African politics in a post-colonialism era. As an introduction to their conversation, Terkel plays a clip of an interview with Conor Cruise O’Brien, where an interaction with former Ghanaian president Kwame Nkrumah is discussed.

Discussing the book "Schindler's list" with the author Thomas Keneally.

An interview with Maria Kuncewicz about her book of fiction, "Don Quixote and the Nannies" and how this book reflects her travels to Spain and her personal observations, memories, and experiences. The story reflects the freedom and beauty that people want today post WWII. Kuncewicz tells her experience as a child with nannies and a particular event that helped inspire her writing. She speaks about authority and author, Miquel de Cervantes. Kuncewicz also talks about the people of Spain and how they reflect different Don Quixote characters.

Studs Terkel discusses literature, Judaism, and the Holocaust with the novelist, poet, journalist, and teacher Richard M. Elman (1934-1997). Their discussion revolves around Elman's recently published work of historical fiction, "The 28th Day of Elul", much of which takes place in the village of Clig, Hungary, during the time of the Nazi occupation of Hungary during World War II. Topics include Jewish identity, The Holocaust, persecution of The Jews, feelings of guilt and social prejudice among Holocaust survivors.

Studs Terkel discusses literature, Judaism, and the Holocaust with the novelist, poet, journalist, and teacher Richard M. Elman (1934-1997). Their discussion revolves around Elman's recently published work of historical fiction, "The 28th Day of Elul", much of which takes place in the village of Clig, Hungary, during the time of the Nazi occupation of Hungary during World War II. Topics include Jewish identity, The Holocaust, persecution of The Jews, feelings of guilt and social prejudice among Holocaust survivors.