Discussing and reading from "Fairy Tales" and "The Saga of Eric the Viking" (both published by Schocken Press) with the author Terry Jones.

The comedic creative force of Lily Tomlin and Tomlin's comedy writer Jane Wagner discuss the character of Edith Ann as well as the bag lady, Trudy. The comic geniuses discuss with Studs Terkel the new release "Edith Ann: My Life So Far". Tomlin assumes the character of Edith Ann to relay stories of her life in a dysfunctional family as a six year old. Edith Ann writes letters to Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, and Senate representatives to get her message heard. She tells the Senator that kids model grownups and grownups need to act better to protect the kids.

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.

Studs, author-journalist Mike Royko and Cathy Zmuda discuss and read from Mike's 1973 collection, "Slats Grobnik and Some Other Friends". First half are Slats Grobnik tales; the second half features a variety of columns by Royko. Musical excerpts include the songs "The Twelve Days of Christmas", "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt", "Ma, He Wants to Marry Me", "Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)", "Sweet and Low", "America The Beautiful". "Go 'Way From My Window" (performers uncredited).

Jean Shepherd discusses his book "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash". Includes earlier clip of Jean Shepherd talking in the beginning. Includes excerpts of Jean Shepherd and Studs Terkel reading from Shepherd's book.

Discussing the book "Not Exactly What I Had in Mind" (published by Atlantic Monthly Press) with the author, journalist and humorist Roy Blount.

Writer Gore Vidal discusses his book “Kalki,” the Eastern Philosophy behind it, and its theme of media sensationalism. Vidal reads several excerpts from “Kalki.”

Discussing the books "Myron" and "Burr" and interviewing the author Gore Vidal.

Dorothy Parker’s thoughts as a critic and writer on the state of American literature.