Discussing the book "Twentieth century journey: 1930-1940" with the author William Shirer.

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.

William Craig discusses his book "The Fall of Japan: The Final Weeks of World War II In the Pacific." He speaks mostly on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Includes several excerpts from the book.

Willard Van Dyke, cinematographer and co-director of documentaries like "The City" and "The River," talks about 20th century American history and how it effected the arts. Using his documentaries and other artists' work, he explores how the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War changed American art and culture. He discusses Public Works of Art, war propaganda, and McCarthyism and their challenges for artists. Near the end of this interview, Van Dyke discusses the changes in modern still photography and documentaries as Americans forget history.

Wilfred Burchett (an Australian journalist) discusses his journalism career. He was reporting conflicts in Asia (North Korea, Vietnam, China and Japan) and their Communist supporters. He speaks briefly about his experiences in Nazi Germany and concentration camps. Towards the end of the interview he talks about his interest in learning and reporting more about the new euro-communism (prominent in Italy, Spain and France).

Werner Burkhardt, German music journalist, critic, and translator, discusses his life and work with Studs. Mr Burkhardt speaks about his life during the time of Adolph Hitler, the Hitler Youth, and World War II. They end the interview talking about Jazz in Munich, a recording of "My Man" by Billie Holiday closes the interview.

Thomas Keneally discusses the book "Schindler's List," detailing the actions of Oskar Schindler saving Jews during WWII.

Discussing Hiroshima and nuclear nonproliferation with survivors of the Hiroshima bomb of August 6, 1945 and activists organizing against nuclear proliferation.

Interviewing Ed Ruff, Joe Polowski, and Leroy; three veterans of the meeting of U.S. and Soviet forces at the Elbe River on April 25, 1945. The result of this meeting was the splitting of Nazi Germany into two parts and the ensuring of victory in Europe.

Part 1 of this recording is Mitch Kraus interviewing Studs Terkel on his thoughts of self-indulgence, stereotypes, generational challenges, and historical events.

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 and Richard Lester discuss the impact of "How I Won the War" on both audiences and critics. Insight is offered on the unjustness of even just wars like World War Two. The film offers insight into the mindless acceptance of death. Terkel then closes the show with his impressions of London during his stay that includes a mention of race, culture, nightlife, and sports.