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.

Discussing the book "From Bauhaus to our house" with the author and journalist Tom Wolfe.

Discussing the book, "Getting out," and interviewing its author, Edgar Smith. Topics include imprisonment, the legal system, and capital punishment. Includes a clip of an interview with Hermann Field a former Polish prisoner. Includes clip of an interview with former prison inmate Jimmy Blake.

William Stringfellow discusses the book "The Christian Ethic." Includes passages from the book.

William Bradford Huie discusses his novel The Klansman. Includes recordings of interviews from Rev. Paschal Carlton, an unknown Alabama cab driver, and an unknown woman of Birmingham, Alabama.

Thomas Keneally discusses the book "Schindler's List," detailing the actions of Oskar Schindler saving Jews during WWII.

Canadian poet and novelist Margaret Atwood discusses her poetry and her first novel, “Surfacing,” focusing on the novel’s symbolism and the themes of nature, religion and memory. She compares life, attitudes, and politics in Canada with those of the United States.

Writer Gore Vidal discusses his book “Myra Breckinridge,” the central characters of the book, and some of his previous work. Vidal reads excerpts from “Myra Breckinridge.” The songs “Crucifixion” by Jim & Jean and “Prisoner Numero 9” by Volutia are played. Additionally, Lily Kraus performs the 3rd Movement from Mozart’s Allegro number 15.

Studs Terkel and Billy Taylor discuss the book "Jazz Piano: History and Development". They discuss jazz musicians and the history of jazz music. Includes excerpts of drums, piano, and orchestra playing in the background.

Anna Deavere Smith discusses and demonstrates her unique character portrayals from her works "Fires in the Mirror" and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992."