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.
October 5, 2009 - David Allen Sibley on tree and bird identification. The acclaimed wildlife artist and best-selling author of "The Sibley Guide to Birds" is out with his latest book, "The Sibley Guide to Trees." Many consider David Sibley to be the "new John James Audubon."
October 13, 2009 - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Nicholas Kristof addresses the Westminster Town Hall Forum about his new book, "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide."
October 13, 2009 - Best-selling author Harold Kushner joins Midday to talk about his newest book, "Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World."
October 15, 2009 - From the pilgrims to Independence Hall, the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement; from Presidents George Washington to Barack Obama author Bruce Feiler traces how the Exodus story of Moses plays out in American history. Feiler discusses his newest book, "America's Prophet: Moses and the American Story" in conversation with Stephen Smith, executive editor of American RadioWorks.
October 19, 2009 - Author Mitch Albom discusses his latest book.Mitch Albom, columnist and author of "Tuesdays with Morrie," joins Midday in the studio to talk about his latest book, "Have a Little Faith."
October 22, 2009 - The Druid Theater, one of Irelands best known companies is in the Twin Cities this week to present a twisted take on family life. In "The Walworth Farce" three Irishmen living in London perform a drama in their apartment every morning. The play-within-a-play is based on the characters own lives. Euan Kerr reports it's a comedy with some very dark philosophical overtones.
October 23, 2009 - Kate DiCamillo discusses her books with MPR's Cathy Wurzer at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. "Because of Winn-Dixie" and "The Tale of Despereaux" won Newbery Awards and were made into movies. Her newest book is "The Magician's Elephant." Guest: Kate DiCamillo: Award-winning author of several children's books, including "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" and "The Tiger Rising," which was a finalist for the National Book Award.
October 23, 2009 -
October 23, 2009 - Kate DiCamillo discusses her books with MPR's Cathy Wurzer at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. "Because of Winn-Dixie" and "The Tale of Despereaux" won Newbery Awards and were made into movies. Her newest book is "The Magician's Elephant." Guest: Kate DiCamillo: Award-winning author of several children's books, including "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" and "The Tiger Rising," which was a finalist for the National Book Award.
October 27, 2009 - Garrison Keillor talks about life, literature, and his latest book, Pilgrims: A Wobegon Romance.