A discussion about the book, "House Made of Dawn," awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969. N. Scott Momaday reads from his book.

Discussing the book "An open book" with the author Monica Dickens.

Author Mona Simpson discusses and reads from her novel “The Lost Father”, a novel that focuses on a woman that becomes obsessed with finding the father she never met. This program includes an excerpt from a previous interview between Studs and Simpson in which Simpson discusses her novel “Anywhere But Here.” Studs plays “Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home” - Susannah McCorkle (1977).

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.

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).

Michael Frayn reads from his book "At Bay in Gear Street" and how he approaches writing. Oliver Howes, a livery driver, talks about music, his middle class background, and his work;part 1.

Michael Dorris' book, "A Yellow Raft in Blue Water," is about 3 Native American women: Rayna, Christine and Ida. Dorris said when he started to write the book, he didn't know where it would end up. He further explained that Rayna was originally Raymond but that Dorris liked the character better as a woman.

Three distinguished Chicago poets — Michael Anania, Ralph Mills, and Lisel Mueller — read selections of their work and discuss the art and rhythm of poetry, influences and inspiration, and the power of memory. Includes a recording of Gwendolyn Brooks reading her poem, "The Rites for Cousin Vit."

Poet and editor Michael Anania discusses his poetry collection, “The Color of Dust” and reads selected works from the collection. Anania discusses Midwest history and geography and his own Nebraska roots as influences on the work and its themes of love, war, and social issues. Episode includes relevant music and theatrical recordings, including “Immortality” read by William Jennings Bryan, “Rake and Rambling Boy,” Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love,” “Dust Bowl Refugee” by Woody Guthrie, and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Poet and editor Michael Anania discusses his poetry collection, “Riversongs” and reads selected works from the collection. Anania discusses the themes of place, transience, and permanence in the Midwest. Episode includes relevant music recordings, including a number of unidentified instrumental recordings and songs by Woody Guthrie, Los Jaivas, and Joni Mitchell.

Meridel Le Sueur discusses the publication of her selected works and her life as an activist, fighting for socialist ideals and women's rights. She goes on to discuss the time she spent with Native American Navajo tribes and their theory of nonlinear time.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. In this program "In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)" and "Joe Turner No. 2 (Blues of 1892)" by Big Bill Broonzy, "I Ain't Gonna Pick No More Cotton" by Sam Lightnin' Hopkins is played, as well as other musical selections.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. Musical selections have been removed due to copyright.

Writer and poet Maya Angelou talks about her life, Creole influences, and her book “Gather Together in My Name” with Studs Terkel. Angelou reads an excerpt from the book and the recording opens with Angelou reading one of her poems.