The British poet takes on the 1981 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas as the setting for his book, The Biggest Game in Town. He and Studs talk about the many people that inhabit Las Vegas at any given time - the tourists, the gamblers, the professional poker players, and everyone else.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

When Leon Edel set out to write a biography of Henry James, he thought it would take him three years. It ended up taking him twenty years.  Jean Strouse chose to focus on the life of the diarist Alice James, Henry's lesser-known younger sister.  Both books are considered to be definitive biographies.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The biographer discusses the early life of comedian Groucho Marx, his stage career, his brothers, and their mother/manager, all further described in the book, Hello, I Must be Going: Groucho & His Friends.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs asks the actor how he researched and prepared for his portrayal of Edgar Allan Poe at Chicago's Theatre Building.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

After having traveled the world speaking to children in war-torn countries, the American editor and essayist published Children of War. He and Studs discuss the thoughts and lives of these children, from Northern Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Cambodia, and Vietnam.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The Chicago newspaperman gives Studs some insight into what's happening in the city's many taverns, folk clubs, and blues bars, as further described in his book, Dr. Night Life's Chicago: An Intimate & Informative Guide to the City's Best Entertainment.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The British playwright discusses his nine-hour adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel Nicholas Nickleby, at Chicago's Blackstone Theatre.*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 

Drugs, painkillers, football contracts, and survival are all covered in Pete Gent's book, "North Dallas Forty." Gent said the business of football meant players would take painkillers and abuse their bodies with drugs all in order to do whatever was necessary to win a game. An excerpt of an interview with George Allen is included.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Nora Ephron discusses the women’s movement and her book, “Crazy Salad: Some Things About Women.” Ephron discusses the influence of writer Dorothy Parker on her work, as well as topics including women’s rights; the exploitation of women in politics, war, and advertising; the many conflicts she faces in her role as a journalist; and traditional and non-traditional gender roles. Includes an excerpt from a previous interview with Dorothy Parker.

Million Mayer, journalist, reads his article, "Ill Met by Moonlight" and discusses his thoughts on technology and automation replacing jobs and human interactions.he also talks about youth, non-violence protesting for change, and education.

Mike Royko discusses his book "Up Against It" which is a collection of early columns from the Chicago Daily News. The topic in his columns varies from machine politicians and gangsters to professional athletes, from well-heeled Chicagoans to down-and-out hoodlums.

Discussing Thailand and interviewing journalist Louis Lomax. Includes passage from book.

After interviewing multiple ballplayers whose careers spanned the first half of the 20th century, Lawrence S. Ritter published a well-received collection of their stories and perspectives. Included are some clips of Ritter's recordings.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations