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 11, 1992 - Local writer Carol Pine shares her love for sailing in this commentary.
September 17, 1992 - An interview with Minnesota author Gary Paulsen about his book Clabbered Dirt, Sweet Grass. It is an illustrated book that highlights the hard work and simple life of a farming family on the Great Plains.
September 17, 1992 - A Midmorning interview with Pat Stave Helmberger, Minnesota author of "Transplants: Unwrapping the Second Gift of Life - The Inside Story of Transplants As Told by Recipients and Their Families, Donor Families and Health Professionals.
September 25, 1992 - Midmorning’s Jim Wishner interviews Minnesota authors Susan Marie Swanson and Ken Meter, both of Hungry Mind Review, about the varied topics within children’s books. They also talk about their publication and it’s purpose.
September 25, 1992 - On this segment of Voices from the Heartland, Duluth writer Barton Sutter reads Hawk Ridge, an essay on watching migrating hawks.
October 2, 1992 - On this segment of Voices from the Heartland, Minnesota writer Laurie Allmann reads an essay about her close family friends from her childhood and the revelation of color televisions in rural Minnesota.
October 2, 1992 - Morning Edition broadcasts a BBC Outlook interview with writer and performer Garrison Keillor, who comments on writing, the Midwest, politics, and New York City. Segment opens with Keillor reading.
October 12, 1992 - A Worldview interview with Jack Weatherford, anthropology professor at Macalester College and author of the book, Native Roots: How the Indians Enriched America. As part of revisionism of American history, especially the story of Columbus, Weatherford discusses the importance and influence of Native people on America as two continents.
October 16, 1992 - MPR’s Kitty Eisle interviews performers of “Selected Shorts,” a World Theater production featuring the work of Minnesota writers interpreted by popular actors. Stories include those by by Julie Schumacher and David Haynes, amongst others.
October 17, 1992 - Historian and pop culture expert Karal Ann Marling talks with Minneapolis author M. D. Lake about his books, including A Gift of Murder. Lake’s mysteries revolve around murder and universities.