Poet, critic and writer Al Alvarez talks about his personal experiences and how it interlaces with literature and poetry.

Author, professor, and John Keats biographer, Aileen Ward, discusses and reads from the biography “John Keats: The Making of a Poet.” Ward discusses Keats’ schooling, his relationship with Fanny Brawne, and Keats’ work in comparison to his contemporaries such as Percy Bysshe Shelley. Ward reads Keats’ 1818 poem entitled “Isabella, or the Pot of Basil.” Studs plays a recording of Ralph Richardson reading Keats’ 1819 poem “Ode on a Grecian Urn.”*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Abram Loft discusses his career, his book "Violin and Keyboard", art, and music education. Includes Abram Loft reading a passage from his book "Violin and Keyboard". Includes Abram Loft reading excerpts from newspapers.

Aaron Copland discusses his music, his colleagues, contemporaries, musicians, and composers.

Discussing past and present trends in American writing and interviewing distinguished American literary critic Malcolm Cowley.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs joins the British novelist at his Chicago hotel room to discuss his latest book, Daniel Martin.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The celebrated author of The Ginger Man joins Studs to share some of the inspirations for his latest book, The Unexpurgated Code: A Complete Manual of Survival & Manners.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The cartoonist discusses his comic strip collection, Kudzu, and its humorous approach to such everyday themes as wanting to leave one’s hometown, moving through life without a father, and seeking out the local preacher for guidance.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The British poet, translator, and novelist discusses his best-selling novel, The White Hotel, which was loosely based on the case studies of Sigmund Freud.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The American journalist and broadcaster spent years researching the history of the Middle East for her book, From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict over Palestine. It has since been praised and criticized by a wide range of scholars.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The journalist and writer discusses his controversial writings, his time spent as a celebrity figure, and his thoughts about writers as celebrities.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The Irish author reads from and discusses his first novel, On Us Thy Poor Children, based on childhood experiences growing up just outside of Dublin in the 1940s.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The novelist, short story writer, and poet, in town for a reading at Evanston's Amazingrace Coffeehouse, shares with Studs some of the early life experiences that inspired his writing.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Previously known as the filmmaker behind the Vietnam War documentary Hearts and Minds and the PBS series Middletown, Peter Davis focused his storytelling efforts on a book, Hometown: A Portrait of an American Community, about the people of Hamilton, Ohio.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The English novelist talks with Studs about her latest Cordelia Gray mystery, The Skull Beneath the Skin, and how she strives to give emotional and psychological depth to her characters.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations