Hearing Chopin being played through the pipes of another apartment and a tale about a young girl who died and whose father froze her body in an ice house are among the stories in Stuart Dybek's book, "The Coast of Chicago." Dybek explained that although his stories may seem dream-like, he tries to come up up with stories from some place of reality.

Author Nelson Algren discusses what it means to love a city, the re-release of his book, "Chicago: City on the Make," and his interactions with Irish writer and playwright, Brendan Behan.

Nelson Algren and Mario De Vecchi discuss the international appeal of Federico Fellini’s film, “La Dolce Vita.” In part one, Algren and Devecchi focus on the film’s main character, journalist Marcello Rubini, and his quest for identity, particularly in relation to his interactions with the film’s intellectual character, Steiner. They discuss the film’s key metaphorical images and its portrayal of the influence of media and the emotional detachment and dehumanization it can create.

In this continued discussion of “La Dolce Vita,” Nelson Algren and Mario Devecchi discuss the film’s critical reception, the contrast it draws between humor and bitterness, and the religious and moral nature of the film. Includes part of the 36th issue of the Fiction Review, featuring host Bob Lefley, a review of the program’s first series of interviews with numerous authors, and a biography of writer Howard Nemerov.

In a quick roundtable discussion, Moe Asch, Jerry Silverman and Dick Waterman cover the topic of music. Much to their surprise, American folk music is very popular over in Europe. All three men agree that one's everyday experiences, past or present, do become subjects of writers' songs.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. In this program "In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)" and "Joe Turner No. 2 (Blues of 1892)" by Big Bill Broonzy, "I Ain't Gonna Pick No More Cotton" by Sam Lightnin' Hopkins is played, as well as other musical selections.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. Musical selections have been removed due to copyright.

Discusses future literary plans as well as past works (the Studs Lonigan trilogy in particular). Also, briefly on Chicago.

Interviewing author Nelson Algren and an investigator for the New Jersey Public Defender's Office, Fred Hogan. Hogan found evidence that led to the overturning of the first conviction of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter.

The Chicago poet and novelist talks about her family's Mississippi roots, her work with The Organization of Black American Culture (OBA-C), and her recent Illinois Arts Council fellowship.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations