Discussing the book "Lincoln" with the author Gore Vidal.

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

While in a Dusseldorf prison, Gitta Sereny spent 70 hours interviewing Franz Stangl, the commandant of the Treblinka extermination camp. Her book, "Into That Darkness: An Examination of Conscience," questions how could an ordinary man with a wife and children become such an evil monster. Stangl rationalized his job by saying he never hurt anyone, that he never murdered anyone. Sereny said in the end, the only guilt Stangl harbored was that of still being alive.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Author George Thayer speaks with Studs Terkel about Thayer’s book “The War Business: The International Trade in Armaments,” the business of weapons manufacturing, the arms trade, and what part the United States plays in international arms dealing. Terkel plays an audio clip of his interview with Gerald P. Nye, a Senator from South Dakota, and both Terkel and Thayer read excerpts from Thayer’s book.

Terkel interview author Geoffrey Wolff about his latest book. Entitled "Black Sun," it is a biography of Harry Crosby.

Journalistic responsibility is a major theme of Gay Talese's book, "The Kingdom and the Power: Behind the Scenes at The New York Times, The Institution That Influences the World". Should they print what's true and verifiable or some watered down version of the truth? The New York Times has endured, says Talese because the paper plays it safe, it's never too right or too left.

Garson Kanin discusses his book "Hollywood: Stars and Starlets, Tycoons, Moviemakers, Frauds, Hopefuls, Great Lovers", published in 1967.

Discussing the book, "The Kennedy Imprisonment: A Meditation on Power," and interviewing the author Garry Wills.

Discussing the book, "Inventing America: Jefferson's Declaration of Independence," and interviewing the author Garry Wills.

Discussing the book "Who Rules America Now?: A View for the '80s" with author and educator William Domhoff.

Begins with a reading by Frank Eli from the opening of the book "The Riot." Mr. Elli discusses his early life, his time in three different prisons, and the writing of his book "The Riot," a personal account of a riot in Walla Walla Prison. (Note: last 5 minutes missing)

Erica Jong discusses the paperback release of "Fear of Flying," reading excerpts as well as several of her poems from her previous collections, "Half-Lives," and "Fruits and Vegetables."