Rose Rigsby a writer and poet is interviewed along with Betty Shifflett, who teaches fiction at Columbia College. Ms Rigsby and Ms. Shifflett talk about writing with Studs. Ms. Rigsby reads from her stories and about her time in the Sanitarium and receiving shock therapy. Several excerpts are presented from an interview with Rose Rigsby speaking about children and of taking care of them. (1925145-3-1)

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 

Ninety five miles outside of London, Ronald Blythe has interviewed residents of the village of Akenfield for his next book, "Akenfield: A Portrait of an English Village." Blythe said what surprised him most of all was that newspapers and TV didn't have much effect on this little village. Blythe also learned that the village people would take part in political conversations with one another but they'd never let on as to which political party they were apart of.

American cities, American Indians, architecture and archaeology are all apart of Roger G. Kennedy's book, "Hidden Cities: The Discovery and Loss of Ancient North American Civilization." Kennedy explained how we are destroying the past by building new towns and cities and erecting brand new buildings onto some places that were once ancient grounds.

Studs interview with Roddy Doyle, Irish writer, and author of "Paddy Clark Ha Ha Ha." Doyle reads several times from the book. Studs also reads a few lines from the book. Doyle describes the book set in the Republic of Ireland in the 1960's that portrays the life of a small boy. He discusses the characters and themes of the book that relate to real-life. Doyle speaks about his own childhood that is not reflected in the book. Studs notes that the musical comedy-drama film "Commitments" is based off Doyle's book.

Canadian journalist and novelist Robertson Davies discusses his new book, the second installment in "The Deptford Trilogy" titled "The Manticore." Much of the discussion also focuses on the prequel, titled "Fifth Business."

Robertson Davies, Canadian writer and professor, discusses his newest book, "Lyre of Orpheus," the third book in the "Cornish Trilogy." The summary of the book and its ties to the King Arthur legend are explained.

Theologian Robert Short talks with Studs Terkel about the Christian allegories and references in the comic strip “Peanuts” as well as Short’s book “The Gospel According to Peanuts.” Terkel reads a few excerpts from Short’s book. Terkel, Short, and Cathy Zmuda read a few “Peanuts” comic strips and all three assume various “Peanuts” characters during the readings.

Robert Morley, stage and screen actor, starring in Ustinov's "Halfway Up the Tree," discusses education, technology and youth and the changes in the social makeup because of technology.

Charles M. Schultz gave high praise to Robert L. Short's book, "Parables of Peanuts". Long explained Schulz's comic strips and his thoughts of cruelty among children. Short further explained that Schulz's comic strips turns the readers back to themselves and gives the readers the opportunities to see their own lives as they really are.

Robert Coover's "John's Wife" is about a made-up town, with its various townspeople and their interactions with one another and with John. What's also brought up is the fact that the wife has no name, mostly because John's wife does not exist.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Ring Lardner Jr. discusses the writings of his father Ring Lardner, and his new book "The Lardners: My Family Remembered", discussing his family life, Mother, Father, and siblings.

Rick Cluchey's love for the theatre began in the Theatre Group of the San Quentin Prison. After his time there, Cluchey spent three months in Berlin working with Samuel Beckett. It was there that Cluchey learned how Beckett seemed to choreograph his works onto the stage. An excerpt of an interview with Alan Schneider is also included.

Richard McLanathan discusses his book "The American Tradition in the Arts" and takes Studs on a sprawling journey through artistic breakthroughs in architecture, painting, literature, and more while touching on dozens of artists and their works.

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