Discussing the book, 'Uncommon Women', published in 1981. The book chronicles the lives of Gwendolyn Brooks, Julie Harris, Sarah Caldwell, Maria Tallchief, Alice Neel, Mary McCarthy, Eugenia Zukerman, Roberta Peters, and Mary Lou Williams, discussing the impressive things they have accomplished in their respective professions ranging from poetry, to opera, to literature, and art and abstraction.

Discussing the books written by Nat Hentoff for young people: "The First Freedom: The Tumultuous History of Free Speech in America," and the novel, "Does This School Have Capital Punishment?" Includes oral reading from the books.

The writer and public intellectual discusses his recent publications, Myron: A Novel, and, Burr, an historical novel about Founding Father, Aaron Burr.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The New York City firefighter and writer reads from his book, The Final Fire, and discusses his two careers.  Includes a clip of an interview with Brooklyn firefighter Tommy Gates.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Interviewing lawyer, activist and author Derrick Bell.

Discussing the book "Another War, Another Peace: A Novel" with the author Dr. Ronald J. Glasser.

Writer and poet Maya Angelou talks about her life, Creole influences, and her book “Gather Together in My Name” with Studs Terkel. Angelou reads an excerpt from the book and the recording opens with Angelou reading one of her poems.

Angelou discusses her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and recites "When I Think About Myself." She talks about growing up in Stamps, Arkansas, and her family. Copyrighted material has been removed.

Angelou discusses: her early life; her international travels; dancing; blues and jazz music; and the book "Youngblood" by John Oliver Killens. Musical selections have been removed due to copyright.