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.
January 30, 1984 - Twin Cities poet Roseann Lloyd reads from her work as part of a series of readings presented by COMPAS. Reading is in conjunction with novelist Alice Walker at The Saint Paul Hotel. Lloyd is introduced by David Mura.
March 2, 1984 - John R. Borchert and Judith A. Martin, co-authors of the book, Legacy of Minneapolis: Preservation Amid Chang, answer listener questions about efforts to preserve the city's heritage of architecture and design.
April 24, 1984 - On this Midday program, Minneapolis Star Tribune food columnist Al Sicherman talks about food, writing, and humor.
June 6, 1984 - MPR’s John Biewen profiles poet Thomas McGrath. Report includes excerpts of interview and readings by McGrath.
August 13, 1984 - A Midday call-in show with children's authors, Tomie dePaola and local author Jane Resh Thomas.
November 22, 1984 - A rebroadcast of MPR’s Kim Hodgson visiting poet Bill Holm in Minneota, Minnesota, and talking with Holm about his small town and the people who live there.
November 30, 1984 - Leon Thurman, co-author of the book Heartsongs: A Guide to Active Pre-Birth and Infant Parenting through Language and Singing, comments on the importance of singing.
December 26, 1984 - MPR’s Dennis Hamilton interviews Paul Durand, author of the book Where the Waters Gather and the Rivers Meet: An Atlas of the Eastern Sioux.
December 26, 1984 - MPR’s Stephen Smith profiles Prince Rogers Nelson. Segment includes interview with critic Jon Bream, author of the book "Prince: Inside the Purple Reign" and commentary from local evangelists who find Prince’s music offensive.
February 7, 1985 - MPR’s Lisa DeRemee reports on local reactions as the town of Sauk Centre prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Sinclair Lewis’ birth. The “hometown son” has a complicated relationship to area, as his famous book Main Street provides a less than stellar fictional portrait of town and its residents.