Discussing his book and upcoming television series "Life on Earth," with the writer and narrator, David Attenborough.

Discussing the book "The New Indians" and interviewing the author Stan Steiner.

Discussing the book "The New Indians" and interviewing the author Stan Steiner.

Nelson Algren, Nathan Kantrowitz, and David Maurer discuss language and criminal subculture, including the development of institutional slang at different prisons, the nature of drug addiction and its influence on criminal language and vocabulary, and the myth of the criminal mind. Includes an Interview with an inmate at a Chicago prison.

Jean Auel discusses her novel, "The Clan of the Cave Bear," including the anthropological research that informed her writing, feminism in her main character, Ayla, and the book's themes of cooperation, adaptation, tribal memory, and reverence for life. Includes excerpts from the book and recordings of pygmy music made by anthropologist Colin Turnbull.

Studs discusses the book "The Hidden World of Misericords" with authors Dorothy and Henry Kraus. They describe how they discovered an entire European collection of church-located woodcarvings depicting a wide variety of scenes crafted by local artisans. Hundreds of years of political, religious, and social events shaped the portrayals and they explore many of the illustrations in their book, focusing on the themes of labor, animals, and religion. They marvel at the skill and craftsmanship and observe that the works can be a rich source of primary research material for modern scholars.

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.

Discussing the book "Black and white; styles in conflict" with the author-teacher Tom Kochman.

Discussing the book "Good Company" and recounting thoughts and observations while riding the rails with the author Douglas Harper.

Discussing the book "Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools" with the author and advocate for disadvantaged children, Jonathan Kozol.

Discussing the book "The Sixties: Years of Hope, Days of Rage" with the author Todd Gitlin.