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 25, 1981 - Local historian Virginia Kunz describes the various life experiences of pioneer women via their writings.
September 26, 1981 - An interview with author and photographer Gordon Parks about his writing. Parks details his interest in Ireland and the resulting novel Shannon.
October 3, 1981 - MPR’s Dale Connelly talks with Minnesota writer Carol Bly about the Midcontinent Forum for the Future of Literature. The conference of theme is on literary funding options as writers find less federal government and foundation money available.
October 23, 1981 - Local historian Virginia Kunz comments on Jonathan Raban’s book Old Glory: An American Voyage and on history of the Mississippi River.
November 6, 1981 - Local historian and author Virginia Kunz reflects on historical vivid account of Ellen Rice Hollinshead as she embarked on a hair-raising journey down the Mississippi.
November 10, 1981 - Jackpine Bob Cary pronounces the sad state of affairs for the deer hunter and how they may overcome the affliction.
November 20, 1981 - Local historian and author Virginia Kunz comments on various long-standing Twin Cities sites and their changing look and function.
December 23, 1981 - Bruce Bomier and his daughter, Beth, discuss Christmas elves. The Bomiers’ express the need for more appreciation of elves.
January 7, 1982 - Morning Edition’s Bob Aronson interviews Minnesota author Monica O’Kane about her book Living With Adult Children: A Helpful Guide for Parents and Grown Children Sharing the Same Roof.
January 9, 1982 -