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.

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 

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. In this program "In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down)" and "Joe Turner No. 2 (Blues of 1892)" by Big Bill Broonzy, "I Ain't Gonna Pick No More Cotton" by Sam Lightnin' Hopkins is played, as well as other musical selections.

Writer Gore Vidal discusses his novel, 1876, and how the political corruption and social atmosphere of the times inspired its plot. Vidal reads several excerpts from the book.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Hearing Chopin being played through the pipes of another apartment and a tale about a young girl who died and whose father froze her body in an ice house are among the stories in Stuart Dybek's book, "The Coast of Chicago." Dybek explained that although his stories may seem dream-like, he tries to come up up with stories from some place of reality.