Nelson Algren discusses his short story, "How the Devil Came Down Division Street," the art of writing, and writers of the Beat Generation.

Neil Postman, an author, educator, media theorist and cultural critic discusses his book; "The School Book: For People Who Want to Know What All the Hollering Is About,". Mr Postman and Studs talk about his definition of what school is for and it's worth, and they converse about several sections of the book. Mr. Postman reads an excerpt from his book to begin the interview.

Ned Rorem discusses the differences between writing books and writing compositions, his book "The Paris Diary of Ned Rorem", and how he uses poetry in his compositions.

Studs Terkel interviews composer Ned Rorem. They discuss Rorem's childhood, music, poetry, languages, and religion.

The interview begins with Ms. Milford reading from the prologue of her book "Zelda". Ms Meyer talks with Studs about her book and the lives of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Studs reads a few lines of a farewell poem by Ring Lardner to Zelda Fitzgerald "To Z.S.F." Both Studs and Ms. Meyer read letters from Zelda and F Scott Fitzgerald from the book. Excerpt of Virginia Durr of Montgomery AL. talking about southern women and the image they have to live up to.(1965958-4-1 & -4-2) Excert of Mrs.

South African writer and political activist Nadine Gordimer joins Studs Terkel to talk about her book “A Guest of Honor,” a novel that explores African politics in a post-colonialism era. As an introduction to their conversation, Terkel plays a clip of an interview with Conor Cruise O’Brien, where an interaction with former Ghanaian president Kwame Nkrumah is discussed.

N. Scott Momaday, a Kiowa author and poet, discusses his collection of poetry in "The Presence of The Sun" and Native American history. Momaday also talks about horses, Native American shields, Billy the Kid, and Native American culture.

A discussion about the book, "House Made of Dawn," awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969. N. Scott Momaday reads from his book.

Discussing the book "An open book" with the author Monica Dickens.

Michael Frayn reads from his book "At Bay in Gear Street" and how he approaches writing. Oliver Howes, a livery driver, talks about music, his middle class background, and his work;part 1.

Meridel Le Sueur discusses the publication of her selected works and her life as an activist, fighting for socialist ideals and women's rights. She goes on to discuss the time she spent with Native American Navajo tribes and their theory of nonlinear time.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

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.

Writer and poet Maya Angelou talks about her life, Creole influences, and her book “Gather Together in My Name” with Studs Terkel. Angelou reads an excerpt from the book and the recording opens with Angelou reading one of her poems.