E.Y. (Yip) Harburg and Studs Terkel read from the book "At This Point in Rhyme". E.Y. Harburg also discusses his thoughts on humanity, how to properly write a song, and the importance of light verse and humor as a basis for everything he creates. Excerpts of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" by the Weavers, and a Broadway recording of "How Are Things in Glocca Morra" are played in the original airing but have been removed from this version for copyright reasons.

E. L. Doctorow’s way of writing has turned to storytelling in his book, “Lives of the Poets: A Novella and Six Stories”. To get the reader interested, it is as though the storyteller has placed a sort of spell on his audience, explained Doctorow. As the author and storyteller, Doctorow’s said his job was to make uneventful events seem more interesting than they actually are.

The novelist, best known for his works of historical fiction, expresses hope that his book about New York City in the early 20th Century will find its way into the hands of people who don’t normally pick up novels.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Dr. Richard Selzer, a surgeon, reads essays from his book, "Mortal Lesson: Notes on the Art of Surgery." Dr. Selzer recalls moments of his profession that stuck with him including the removal of a diabetic women's leg and the removal of a botfly larvae. He also takes a poetic look at the liver and the skin, including a story about Henry Moss. Dr. Selzer finishes his interview with a story about his first time witnessing an abortion. A comedy skit by Mike Nichols and Elaine May is also played.

Dorothy Parker’s thoughts as a critic and writer on the state of American literature.

Doris May Lessing discusses the inspiration behind "The Four-Gated City", her thoughts about science and humanity, and her predictions for the future.

In her book, “Liberty Denied: The Current Rise of Censorship in America,” Donna Demac points out that we, as a society, are not as free as we think we are. Demac can’t understand why anyone would want to keep people from reading great pieces of literature. While some groups called certain books anti-Christian, Demac said no one has ever died from reading a four-letter word.

Discussing the new edition of Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (published by Random House) with editor Victor Doyno.

The comedic creative force of Lily Tomlin and comedy writer Jane Wagner discuss the character of Edith Ann as well as the bag lady, Trudy, upon the release of their book "Edith Ann: My Life So Far".* Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations. 

Discussing the books written by Nat Hentoff for young people: "The First Freedom: The Tumultuous History of Free Speech in America," and the novel, "Does This School Have Capital Punishment?" Includes oral reading from the books.