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.
February 5, 1994 - Jack Weatherford, author and professor of anthropology at Macalester College, discusses his books and experiences traveling the world. Weatherford also answers listener questions.
February 5, 1994 - Minnesota poet, singer, and advocate Julia Dinsmore shares her thoughts and experiences on the struggle of American violence and poverty. Segment contains reading and performance excerpts.
February 7, 1994 - Morning Edition’s Bob Potter interviews Minnesota writer Audrey Talkington, co-author of To Save a Child: Things You Can Do to Protect, Nurture and Teach Our Children.
February 9, 1994 - A short Midmorning interview with Jack Weatherford, author and professor of anthropology at Macalester College, who discusses his writing, world travel experiences, and hopes for humanity.
February 16, 1994 - MPR’s Perry Finelli talks with Emilie Buchwald, co-founder and editor of Milkweed Editions, about being named as a finalist for individual Achievement Award from Literary Market Place (LMP).
February 16, 1994 - American journalist and author Larry Millet provides insights into the final design choice by St. Paul officials for the Wabasha Street Bridge.
February 19, 1994 - St. Paul writer and commentator Lawrence Sutin tells the tale of writing Alphonse, the Happy Tree.
February 21, 1994 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews teacher and author Judy Henderson about recording and preserving the music of African American communities in Minnesota over the course of state’s history. Henderson compiled a book w/accompanying CD, titled African American Music in Minnesota.
February 24, 1994 - American journalist and columnist James Lileks discusses writing satire and experience in Washington D.C., and his book, Fresh Lies.
March 2, 1994 - A Midmorning interview with William L. Crozier, professor history professor at Saint Mary's University in Winona, MN. Crozier shares historical time markers of the river city of Winona.