This collection encompasses 50-plus years of interviews, readings, speeches, and reports on the vibrant literary scene in Minnesota. Not only home to giants F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sinclair Lewis, our state has an array of incredible contemporary poets, novelists, and playwrights. Their words make up majority of this collection.
Repeatedly being named the “Most Literate City in the United States,” the Twin Cities has played host to numerous visiting national writers via book tours, festivals, and lectures. Many recordings of these are also included.
This project was funded by the National Historical Publications & Records Commission.
September 14, 1978 - MPR’s John Ydstie talks with Minnesota author Frederick Manfred. Manfred participated in a symposium in Moorhead that explored the effects of place on a writer's works.
November 15, 1978 - MPR’s Kim Hodgson visits poet Bill Holm’s residence in Minneota, Minnesota. Holm talks about his small town and the people who live there.
December 5, 1978 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents a report on Minnesota Historical Society’s exhibit, called "The Wish Book." The exhibit explores the role of the mail order catalog in American life at the turn-of-the-century.
January 15, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan Interviews Minneapolis poet Keith Gunderson, who talks about his work 3142 Lyndale Ave. So. Apt. 24: Prose Poems and writing poetry. Segment also includes Gunderson reading his poetry.
January 19, 1979 - An interview with author Jon Hassler. He was one of five Minnesotans that won $10,000 grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board for annual fellowships. Segment includes reading segments.
February 15, 1979 - Poets Joe and Nancy Paddock share their impressions on the sale of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, located in Taunton Minnesota. Segment also includes comments from Vickie Sturgeon and church members.
March 4, 1979 - Terri Keefe reports on Daniel Berrigan speaking to a packed house at The Vietnam Experience and America Symposium, held at the Macalester College Chapel. Segment includes speech clip.
March 6, 1979 - MPR’s Nancy Fushan presents highlights from The Vietnam Experience and America Today Symposium, held at Macalester College. Segment includes speakers at conference exploring the impact of Vietnam on the arts and Fushan interviewing three war fiction authors, including Minnesota writer Tim O’Brien.
March 28, 1979 - A news feature presenting review on John J. Koblas' book, A Guide to F Scott Fitzgerald's St Paul: A Traveler's Companion to His Homes & Haunts.
April 10, 1979 - Midday presents Phillip Berrigan, former Jesuit priest and antiwar activist, speaking to a Moorhead State University audience. Berrigan also talks with KCCM reporter John Ydstie about nuclear disarmament, American militarism, and his views of American society today.