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.

Jonathan Miller reminisces about his childhood in Regent Park, London and offers his opinion on philosophy and the changing English class structure with the loss of the Indian empire. His remake of "Alice in Wonderland" for BBC 1 is reviewed and he states he is most interested in the human imagination.

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.

Stuart Brent believes people are totally indifferent to reading. He has come to the realization that, for some, material rewards are more important than cultural activities and as a result, culture is dying. But he is puzzled as to why readers would want to shop at big conglomerate stores like Kroch's and Brentano's when his store offers a personal, caring nature to its customers. This recording includes two excerpts from interviews with British booksellers Una Dillon and Handasyde Buchanan.

Stephen T. Sohmer discusses his first novel, "The Way It Was," a cynical commentary on his generation's struggle to develop stable relationships. In the context of stoic upper-middle-class conservatism, the novel chronicles how discontent can brew into rage beneath the veneer of social expectation.

Stephen B. Oates discusses his book "Let the Trumpets Sound: A Biography of Martin Luther King;" 2 short excerpts played during the program: one of Terkel interviewing Martin Luther King and another of E.D. Nixon speaking about MLK.

Studs Terkel interviews writer and artist Simone de Beauvoir at her home in Paris, France, where they discuss her family history, early writing career and artistic influences, individualism, and the creative commitment required to be a successful writer.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books and children's literature, and art. Shel Silverstein discusses his contemporaries, art, and life experiences.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books "Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back" and "Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book".. Shel Silverstein discusses his books, children's literature, and cartoonists.

Sandra Cisneros sits down with Studs Terkel and provides behind the scenes commentary on poems from her new book "My Wicked Wicked Ways." She provides an enlightening history to them. "Curtains," "Velorio," "Arturo Burro," "I Told Susan Reyna," "Traficante," "In a redneck bar down the street," The Poet Reflects on Her Solitary Fate," "His Story," "Letter to Ilona from the South of France," "New Year's Eve" have been removed due to copyright restrictions.

Lies, violence and history repeating itself are all topics covered in Russell Banks' book, "Affliction." Banks points out that his novel is about the men's complicated attempt to transcend their burdens.

The writer, speaker, and humorist discusses his book, One Fell Soup: or I'm Just a Bug on the Windshield of Life.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Rose Rigsby a writer and poet is interviewed along with Betty Shifflett, who teaches fiction at Columbia College. Ms Rigsby and Ms. Shifflett talk about writing with Studs. Ms. Rigsby reads from her stories and about her time in the Sanitarium and receiving shock therapy. Several excerpts are presented from an interview with Rose Rigsby speaking about children and of taking care of them. (1925145-3-1)