The American poet describes a lonely childhood that was made bearable by his discovery of literature and how the discipline of reading and writing has sustained him throughout his long career.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing the novel, The War Between the Tates, and interviewing the author Alison Lurie.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs interview with Hildegard Knef, actress and writer. They discuss her life in Nazi Germany during the war and her experience as an actress when she came to America. Studs and Hildegard read together from her book, "The Gift Horse." Knef describes her family, Nazi Germany, survival, and her experience as a German in American post WWII. Her husband, David Anthony Palastanga, also reads an excerpt from her book.

The relationship between novelist Thomas Wolfe and theater director Aline Bernstein is covered in Carole Klein's book, Aline.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The writer and publisher discusses his biography of the poet Delmore Schwartz, who found literary fame early in his career but later struggled with loneliness, mental illness, and depression.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations  

The clever writer and editor, fond of wordplay and literary forms, shares with Studs some insight into his satirical biography, The Life and Works of Mr. Anonymous.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The novelist, best known for his works of historical fiction, expresses hope that his book about New York City in the early 20th Century will find its way into the hands of people who don’t normally pick up novels.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The poet, translator, and critic shares with Studs some of the quirks of language, further analyzed in his book, A Browser's Dictionary. The program includes a clip from an earlier interview with Ciardi.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

In his book, Make-Believe Presidents: Illusions of Power from McKinley to Carter, the American journalist Nicholas von Hoffman examines which presidents had power and which did not.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The archaeologist and author discusses the controversial theory that modern humans may have originated in North America, further explored in his book, American Genesis.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations