Canadian poet and novelist Margaret Atwood discusses her poetry and her first novel, “Surfacing,” focusing on the novel’s symbolism and the themes of nature, religion and memory. She compares life, attitudes, and politics in Canada with those of the United States.

Poet and editor Michael Anania discusses his poetry collection, “Riversongs” and reads selected works from the collection. Anania discusses the themes of place, transience, and permanence in the Midwest. Episode includes relevant music recordings, including a number of unidentified instrumental recordings and songs by Woody Guthrie, Los Jaivas, and Joni Mitchell.

Poet and editor Michael Anania discusses his poetry collection, “The Color of Dust” and reads selected works from the collection. Anania discusses Midwest history and geography and his own Nebraska roots as influences on the work and its themes of love, war, and social issues. Episode includes relevant music and theatrical recordings, including “Immortality” read by William Jennings Bryan, “Rake and Rambling Boy,” Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love,” “Dust Bowl Refugee” by Woody Guthrie, and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Three distinguished Chicago poets — Michael Anania, Ralph Mills, and Lisel Mueller — read selections of their work and discuss the art and rhythm of poetry, influences and inspiration, and the power of memory. Includes a recording of Gwendolyn Brooks reading her poem, "The Rites for Cousin Vit."

Discussing the book "Apostle of Peace: Essays in Honor of Daniel Berrigan," with essayist and poet Father Daniel Berrigan.

Discussing the book "Under the Skin: The Death of White Rhodesia," (published by Penguin) with author, dramatist and journalist David Caute and South African poet Dennis Brutus.

Interviewing poet Dennis Brutus and novelist and Northwestern University Professor Leon Forrest.

Discussing the book "Shannon" with the author Gordon Parks.

Discussing the book "Brown River, White Ocean: An Anthology of Twentieth-Century Philippine Literature in English" (published by University of Rutgers Press) with editor and poet Luis Francia.

Discussing the art of translation with Kimon Friar.

As a tribute to Nelson Algren after his death, a collection of his writing is dramatized in this radio program titled "Come in at the Door."

Please note, some copyrighted material has been removed from the original program.