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.

Anita Miller and Jeanne Madeline Weimann discuss their book, The Fair Women, published in 1981, a book that talks about the women's role in the World's Columbian Exposition, especially in the creation of the Women's Building.

Robert del Tredici photographer, artist, and author discusses the history of nuclear weapon production plants around the United States and the effects of nuclear radiation.

Willard Van Dyke, cinematographer and co-director of documentaries like "The City" and "The River," talks about 20th century American history and how it effected the arts. Using his documentaries and other artists' work, he explores how the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War changed American art and culture. He discusses Public Works of Art, war propaganda, and McCarthyism and their challenges for artists. Near the end of this interview, Van Dyke discusses the changes in modern still photography and documentaries as Americans forget history.