Neil Postman, an author, educator, media theorist and cultural critic discusses his book; "The School Book: For People Who Want to Know What All the Hollering Is About,". Mr Postman and Studs talk about his definition of what school is for and it's worth, and they converse about several sections of the book. Mr. Postman reads an excerpt from his book to begin the interview.

Charlemae Hill Rollins and Studs Terkel read from "The Christmas Gif" and discuss it's importance in African American literature. The book is an anthology of Christmas poems, songs, and stories, written by and about Negroes, and compiled by librarian Charlemae Hill Rollins. The book was first published in 1963.

Terkel delves into the life of Frank Norman, a London ex-con who turned his life around and became a novelist and playwright by writing on his experiences. He wrote "Bang to Rights" shortly after his prison release which brought him great fame. He followed that with "The Monkey Pulled it's Hair" that had a U.S. release under the name "Don't Darling Me Darling". Norman opened up to Terkel discussing his illegitimacy, his illiteracy till age 14, his institutionalization in an orphanage which he turned into the novel "Banana Boy".

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

Norman Podhoertz discusses his book "Making It" his memoir about American intellectual life and academia. Discussing the parallels in the relationships between politics, money, and education.

Norman Podhoertz discusses his book "Making It" his memoir about American intellectual life and academia. Discussing the parallels in the relationships between politics, money and education.

Nelson Algren discusses his short story, "How the Devil Came Down Division Street," the art of writing, and writers of the Beat Generation.

Albert Alvarez, poet, writer and critic, discusses how technology advancement is changing society. Specifically he discusses war in general, the Holocaust and advancements in destructive weapons. "Beyond All This Fiddle: Essays, 1955-1967."

Kenneth Allsop, literary critic for the Daily Mail, BBC host of Tonight and author of "The Bootleggers and Their Era" sits down with Studs Terkel to discuss everything from the Social Realism of Arnold Wesker, Allen Sillitoe, and Shelagh Delaney known as the Backstreet Kids to the class warfare of "The Fourth of July" author David Benedictus. The two key groups of theater, the Royal Court led by George Devine and the Theater Workshop led by Joan Littlewood is also discussed.

Interviewing booksellers Handasyde Buchanan and Miss Dillon while Studs was in England. They discuss life in London, England and Scotland, their bookshops, and book selling.