Discussing the book "Contact" (published by Simon & Schuster) with the author, astronomer and science writer Carl Sagan. Starts with clip from Arthur C. Clarke (1856688-3-1).

The journalist, writer, and editor discusses her book, First Person America, which documents over 80 oral histories from the time of the Federal Writers' Project, which was part of the Works Progress Administration.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The author and communications professor offers some insight into his book Black and White Styles in Conflict. This program includes clips from recordings of a Black preacher's sermon and a white attendee of the 1963 March on Washington.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The feminist poet and author reflects on the life of her mother, as described in the memoir, Fatal Flowers: On Sin, Sex, and Suicide in the Deep South.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The American author and educator was inspired to explore the city of Prague after the death of her Czech grandmother. In her travels, Hampl came to learn more about contemporary Prague than about her family's roots, but it led to the publication of the memoir, A Romantic Education.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The English writer discusses her semi-autobiographical novel, The Long Way Home (Keepers of the House), loosely based on some of her life experiences, having been married to a Venezuelan man and having lived and worked on a farm.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Visual arts and literature are covered in Jane B. Katz's book, This Song Remembers: Self-Portraits of the Native Americans in the Arts. When talking to artists, Katz learns that they aren't just capturing their past, but that they're keeping their cultures alive for future generations.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The American poet and writer adapts nursery rhyme forms to address modern day topics like corruption, unemployment, and domestic abuse in her play, Street Dreams: The Inner City Musical, at The Apollo Theater.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The novelist and journalist reflects on his childhood in small-town America, as described in his book, Prairie City, Iowa: Three Seasons at Home.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The writer and Vietnam War veteran gathered various accounts from his fellow soldiers in an effort to document the thoughts and emotions of those who fought. His book, Everything We Had: An Oral History of the Vietnam War, is discussed here with Studs.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The journalist and historian joins Studs for a discussion about the first installment of his memoir, Twentieth Century Journey, which weaves his personal history into the great historical events of the world around him. Includes a clip of the lawyer and politician William Jennings Bryan.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The author sits down with Studs to discuss the history of the Cajun people, as described further in his book, The Cajuns: From Acadia to Louisiana.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The independent journalist questions the United States government and Papal policy regarding Latin America in her book, In Banks We Trust: Bankers and their Close Associates - The CIA, The Mafia, Drug Traders, Dictators, Politicians, and the Vatican.*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 playwright discusses his Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, A Soldier's Play, before its opening at the Goodman Theater. This program also includes a clip from an interview with African-American military veteran Charles Gates.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations