Studs, author-journalist Mike Royko and Cathy Zmuda discuss and read from Mike's 1973 collection, "Slats Grobnik and Some Other Friends". First half are Slats Grobnik tales; the second half features a variety of columns by Royko. Musical excerpts include the songs "The Twelve Days of Christmas", "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt", "Ma, He Wants to Marry Me", "Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)", "Sweet and Low", "America The Beautiful". "Go 'Way From My Window" (performers uncredited).

Dorothy Parker’s thoughts as a critic and writer on the state of American literature.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books "Lafcadio: The Lion Who Shot Back" and "Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book".. Shel Silverstein discusses his books, children's literature, and cartoonists.

Discussing "The Understudy : a Novel" and interviewing Elia Kazan.

Carlotta Monti discusses W.C. Fields and her book "W.C. Fields & Me".

Jean Shepherd discusses his book "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash." Includes earlier clips of Shepherd speaking and excerpts of him reading from the book.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

Jules Feiffer discusses and reads from his children's graphic novel, "The Man in the Ceiling." The book has a central theme of overcoming failure and is slightly autobiographical in nature, with a comic book artist as its main character and author. Studs plays "Golliwog's Cakewalk" - Claude Debussy (1906-1908).

Discussing the book "Not Exactly What I Had in Mind" (published by Atlantic Monthly Press) with the author, journalist and humorist Roy Blount.