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.
May 21, 2003 - Two Irish brothers are out in a bog cutting turf for a fire. One of the brothers swings his shovel and makes a grisly discovery--the perfectly preserved head of a red-haired woman. Because peat bogs prevent decay, the head could have been buried for centuries--or she could be a new homicide. That is the opening scene of Minneapolis writer Erin Hart's new book "Haunted Ground." Hart's novel combines archeology, forensics and her love of Irish music and culture. She left her job with the Minnesota State Arts Board to pursue her dream of becoming a novelist. Erin Hart told Minnesota Public Radio's Greta Cunningham winning Glimmer Train Magazine's literary contest started her professional writing career.
May 21, 2003 - Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, Anna Quindlen, in a speech given Tuesday at a luncheon sponsored by the Minnesota Women's Campaign Fund. The event was the group's 21st Annual Celebration of Women's Leadership in Minnesota Government.
May 21, 2003 - Two Irish brothers are out in a bog cutting turf for a fire. One of the brothers swings his shovel and makes a grisly discovery--the perfectly preserved head of a red-haired woman. Because peat bogs prevent decay, the head could have been buried for centuries--or she could be a new homicide. That is the opening scene of Minneapolis writer Erin Hart's new book "Haunted Ground." Hart's novel combines archeology, forensics and her love of Irish music and culture. She left her job with the Minnesota State Arts Board to pursue her dream of becoming a novelist.
May 26, 2003 - A special Memorial Day broadcast featuring a speech by the late World War II historian Stephen Ambrose, remarks from Memorial Day ceremonies, essays, and a conversation with Vietnam veteran Jon Hovde of Fertile, Minnesota. Also, a birthday essay from Gary Eichten to friend and war vet, William (Bill) Gagnier.
May 30, 2003 - Michael Lewis, the author of "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game", spoke in the Twin Cities Wednesday about the economics of baseball.
June 4, 2003 - Writer and humorist Calvin Trillin has written 22 books, and his work has appeared in Time magazine, and The New Yorker. He has written about everything from culture to cuisine. He spoke at the Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka. The event was part of the Pen Pals Lecture series, from The Library Foundation of Hennepin County.
June 12, 2003 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with former Minnesota U.S. Senator Eugene McCarthy on past and current presidential campaigns, candidates, and the Presidency of George W. Bush. McCarthy also answers listener questions.
June 16, 2003 - St. Paul gym teacher and hockey coach Jon Westby spent yesterday's Father's Day holiday with two rambunctious 7 year-olds -- his twin sons, Henry and James. It was a remarkable day for Westby because there was a time when he wasn't sure his sons would overcome the difficult odds they faced. Westby writes about that experience in his new book, "They Will Know They are Loved: A Family's Life with Premature Twins." He says when he first found out his wife Catherine was having twins, he was elated. But that excitement soon turned to fear.
June 16, 2003 - Actor, screenwriter, and theater director Hume Cronyn died yesterday in his home in Fairfield, Connecticut. He was 91. Cronyn and his late wife, Jessica Tandy, were the first notable actors hired by the Guthrie Theater for its opening season. Joe Dowling is the Guthrie's artistic director. He says it was an honor to know Cronyn.
June 17, 2003 - Hume Cronyn, the versatile stage and screen actor who charmed audiences with his portrayals of irascible old men and frequently paired up with his wife, Jessica Tandy, died of cancer Sunday. He was 91. His last public appearance was at the Guthrie Theater last month, when he talked with the theater's Artistic Director, Joe Dowling.