Professor William J. Fishman explores topics from his book “The Streets of East London.” He discusses Cockney culture, poverty, labor, and history in East London.

A hotel porter tells Studs Terkel that he's had his job as a porter for five years, thanks to someone's recommendation. Prior to being a porter, he was a gentleman's taylor and he worked in the armed forces, too The porter explained he really liked his job a lot because of all the different and interesting people that he meets. A man off the street, asked Studs Terkel, why he was talking to himself, not realizing that Studs was making a recording.

Donald Sassoon, professor and writer, discusses his book “One Hundred Years of Socialism: The West European Left in the Twentieth Century.” Sassoon explores the history of socialism in Europe since 1889 and socialism's relationship with capitalism. He explains how the 1930 depression and World War II affected the growth of socialism in Europe and America. He also explains the creation and government of the Soviet Union

Author and historian Tim Pat Coogan talks about the history, culture, and division of Ireland. Coogan tells the backstory and summary of his book, "The IRA: A History." Later, he gives an in-depth view of the history, politics, and religion of the IRA and gives some ideas on how to fix the problems.

The Irish actress joins Studs to discuss some of her roles and to perform some dramatic readings.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The Irish actress joins Studs to discuss some of her roles and to perform some dramatic readings.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs joins the two English actors to discuss their careers and the drawing-room comedy Lloyd George Knew My Father. Includes some recordings of their dramatic readings.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations

The British historian and writer relates Shakespeare to modern day sensibilities, reads sonnets, and discusses Elizabethan cultural norms.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations