Studs discusses the life and work of Irish playwright, critic, and political activist George Bernard Shaw with historian and biographer Stanley Weintraub. The focus of the interview is Weintraub's book, Journey to Heartbreak: The Crucible Years of Bernard Shaw 1914-1918.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Mr Quinlan a pioneering Chicago TV executive and one time general manager of Chicago's ABC affiliate WBKB, discusses the book "The Hundred Million Dollar Lunch." Mr Quinlan and Studs converse about the trials against RKO General/General Tire, a struggle that lasted 15 years. Includes an excerpt of an interview with Denis Mitchell.

Sterling "Red" Quinlan discusses his book "Inside ABC: American Broadcasting Company's Rise to Power". Quinlan was a pioneering Chicago TV executive who worked for ABC (which later became WLS-Ch. 7), WFLD-TV, and WTTW, Chicago's public television station.

Stephen B. Oates discusses his book "Let the Trumpets Sound: A Biography of Martin Luther King;" 2 short excerpts played during the program: one of Terkel interviewing Martin Luther King and another of E.D. Nixon speaking about MLK.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books and children's literature, and art. Shel Silverstein discusses his contemporaries, art, and life experiences.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books "Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back" and "Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book".. Shel Silverstein discusses his books, children's literature, and cartoonists.

Lies, violence and history repeating itself are all topics covered in Russell Banks' book, "Affliction." Banks points out that his novel is about the men's complicated attempt to transcend their burdens.

Back in his day, there was no journalism school, explained Russell Baker. He spent time with the police and that's how he often got his stories about the underclass or the superfluous. Baker pointed out when a paper didn't want to print one of his stories, Baker was told the subject matter was in poor taste.

The writer, speaker, and humorist discusses his book, One Fell Soup: or I'm Just a Bug on the Windshield of Life.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Power, politics, sex, and violence are all themes found in Ronald Sukenick's Out, an experimental novel that challenges conventional forms.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

"Where the Steel Winds Blow" is Robert Cromie's anthology of 210 war poems. With his book, Cromie wanted to point out the impact of war. There are also war-related songs throughout the program.

Discussing "The Sportswriter" (published by Random House Vintage) with the author Richard Ford.

Discussing the novel "Wildlife" (published by Atlantic Monthly Press) with the author Richard Ford.

Discussing the book "Women With Men: Three Stories" (published by Knopf) with the author Richard Ford.

Mr. Rosen discusses why he has written a memoir so early in his life and speaks about his other writings. Mr. Rosen reads excerpts from his book.