Richard McLanathan discusses his book "The American Tradition in the Arts" and takes Studs on a sprawling journey through artistic breakthroughs in architecture, painting, literature, and more while touching on dozens of artists and their works.

Doris May Lessing discusses the inspiration behind "The Four-Gated City", her thoughts about science and humanity, and her predictions for the future.

Peter Lyon discusses the book "Success Story: The Life and Times of S. S. McClure." Includes recitation of "Immortality" by William Jennings Bryan.

Norman Mailer discusses his writing, literary criticism, and American life. Other topics of conversation include Mailer’s thoughts on “affirmative” literary works, apathy and a lack of passion in modern life, beat writers and their reception in the United States, and many of his contemporary writers.

The Chicago poet and novelist talks about her family's Mississippi roots, her work with The Organization of Black American Culture (OBA-C), and her recent Illinois Arts Council fellowship.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

A 1976 interview with the feminist novelist and poet is rebroadcast after her passing in 1995.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Marjorie Kellogg writer and social worker discusses her second novel "Like The Lions Tooth". The discussion begins with a reading of the first stanza of a poem by W.B. Yeats "Crazy Jane Grown Old Looks at the Dancers". Studs and Marjorie Kellogg both read excerpts from her novel "Like the Lions Tooth", as they discuss the book.

Discussing the novel, The War Between the Tates, and interviewing the author Alison Lurie.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Long-time film critic Vincent Canby talks about his first novel, Living Quarters, which explores the impermanence of life.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations