Peter Carey discusses and reads from his book "Oscar and Lucinda." The book is a love story that follows two characters, both gamblers, who make a bet to deliver a glass church to a new settlement. Carey begins the interview by recounting a particular event in his hometown that inspired the writing of this book: Carey witnessing a local church being removed from its location. A fascination with land occupation, church construction, and the human tendency towards obsession were driving factors in the writing of this book.

Novelist Oriana Fallaci discusses and reads from her book "Inshallah", a fictional book chronicling the experiences of a group of Italian soldiers on a 1983 peace keeping mission in Beirut. The interview focuses on the book, its characters, and the larger themes at play throughout the novel. Studs Terkel briefly discusses Fallaci's previous book, "Interview with History." Studs plays "Hajartak Part 3 Start (Your Love is Heartless Gives You Hell Poem)" - Oum Kalthoum.

American author and screenwriter Peter Feibleman discusses his friendship with Lillian Hellman and the memoir he wrote about her life called “Lilly: Reminiscences of Lillian Hellman.” Includes an interview with Lillian Hellman. Includes a 30 second test tone.

Otto Friedrich discusses his "Time" magazine piece, his writing, and American history. Songs "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Free America" by Joseph Warren, a German song, an 18th century Boston Tea Party song, and an 18th-century British soldier song have been removed for copyright restrictions.

Alfred Alvarez, poet and author, talks about his new book, "The Savage God," and how depression and suicide affects people. He talks about his past experience with his friend Sylvia Plath and the end of her life. The two men also discuss the history of suicide including the Greeks, Judas, Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Alvarez also talks about famous artists who have committed suicide and why the 20th century may have caused so many suicides. Alvarez reads the opening passage and epilogue of his book.

Oria and Iain Douglas-Hamilton discuss their lives among the elephants at Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. They talk about the elephant life-cycle and the elephant social behavior. The two also discuss conservation and preservation of elephants across Africa.

Dr. Richard Selzer, a surgeon, reads essays from his book, "Mortal Lesson: Notes on the Art of Surgery." Dr. Selzer recalls moments of his profession that stuck with him including the removal of a diabetic women's leg and the removal of a botfly larvae. He also takes a poetic look at the liver and the skin, including a story about Henry Moss. Dr. Selzer finishes his interview with a story about his first time witnessing an abortion. A comedy skit by Mike Nichols and Elaine May is also played.

Author and journalist Tom Wolfe discusses his new book, "In Our Time," which focuses on the ever-changing culture and ethics of America. Drawing examples from his cartoons he discusses how the counterculture of the 1960s, TV evangelists, politicians, and actors are challenging mores and values of the American people.

The American journalist and broadcaster spent years researching the history of the Middle East for her book, From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict over Palestine. It has since been praised and criticized by a wide range of scholars.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations