Discussing the book "Homestead: The Glory and Tragedy of an American Steel Town" (published by Times Books) with the author, journalist William Serrin.

Presenting "Hard Times: An oral history of the great depression": "Bonnie laboring boy" with Joe Morrison, Evelyn Finn and Jose Yglesias (program V).

The investigative journalists discuss and read from America: What Went Wrong? The book is based on a series of articles in the Philadelphia Inquirer about corporate greed and its effects on the middle class.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The American author and staff writer at The New Yorker talks about the Solidarity movement in Poland, as further detailed in his book, The Passion of Poland.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

While traveling for his book - American Journey: Traveling with Tocqueville in Search of Democracy in America - Richard Reeves was surprised to learn how much people really loved America and being Americans.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Poor people, welfare, and egalitarianism are among the topics in Richard Elman's book, "The Poorhouse State: The American Way of Life on Public Assistance."  Elman shares some people's individual stories and he points out the problems with the system.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Pierre Burton, Canadian writer and journalist, discusses his book “The Impossible Railway,” touching on topics including the significance of the Canadian Pacific Railway, poor labor conditions on the railway, and differences between America and Canada. Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

Peter Lyon discusses the book "Success Story: The Life and Times of S. S. McClure." Includes recitation of "Immortality" by William Jennings Bryan.

Discussing the book "Angry middle-aged man" with Pat Watters.

A reporter for WMAQ-TV, an NBC affiliate, Pat Thompson talks about her background and her TV reporting career. Ms. Thompson loved to read books, to be in other locales. Going into TV was the result of realizing she received her news mostly from the television.

Mike Royko, a long-time journalist in Chicago, discusses some of his most popular columns. Topics include Cook County Hospital's lack of air conditioning in surgery rooms, the future of workers, and the Civil Right's Movement. The responsiblities of journalists and the effect of newspapers are also discussed.

Marya Mannes discusses her book But Will It Sell?, published in 1964. Mannes talks about American life and consumerism.

Marya Mannes talks about her book But Will It Sell?, published in 1964. Mannes talks about American life and consumerism.