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

Peter Sellars talks about his production of "The Merchant of Venice." Peter Sellars also compares Los Angeles California to the world of "The Merchant of Venice". Sellars also discusses the history of the Jewish people, immigrants, the ghetto, and race relations.

William L. Shirer discusses his book "The Collapse of the Third Republic". Shirer talks about the fall of the third republic of France. Shirer also discusses World War II Europe.

Theologian Robert Short talks with Studs Terkel about the Christian allegories and references in the comic strip “Peanuts” as well as Short’s book “The Gospel According to Peanuts.” Terkel reads a few excerpts from Short’s book. Terkel, Short, and Cathy Zmuda read a few “Peanuts” comic strips and all three assume various “Peanuts” characters during the readings.

Clancy Sigal and Studs Terkel discuss Sigal’s book “Zone of the Interior” and the role that schizophrenia plays in it. Both Sigal and Terkel read excerpts from Sigal’s book.

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.

Shel Silverstein discusses his books and children's literature, and art. Shel Silverstein discusses his contemporaries, art, and life experiences.

Studs and Tom Wolfe discuss Wolfe's first collection of essays, "The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby". Terkel and Wolfe begin their conversation by listening to and discussing an excerpt from an interview with a young motorcycle enthusiast named Chuck. Topics of conversation include Wolfe's writing process and personal history, the generation gap, class and income disparity, motorcycle culture, Las Vegas, and stock car racing.

Studs Terkel and Tom Wolfe discuss Wolfe's first collection of essays, "The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby". Terkel and Wolfe begin their conversation by listening to and discussing an excerpt from an interview with a young motorcycle enthusiast named Chuck. Topics of conversation include Wolfe's writing process and personal history, the generation gap, class and income disparity, motorcycle culture, Las Vegas, and stock car racing.