Repeatedly 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. This curation presents broadcasts over the decades of writer’s voices in form of speech, interview, and discussion.
December 26, 1990 - Mainstreet Radio’s John Biewen profiles Icelandic North Dakota poet Kristjan Niels Julius. Segment includes interviews about the poet and readings of his work.
January 30, 1991 - Elie Wiesel, a survivor of World War II concentration camps and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, speaks at Winona State University about the importance of remembering the past.
April 27, 1991 - Weekend’s Paula Schroeder interviews author and artist Tomie dePaola about the importance of art education and experiences for children.
May 8, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts presents excerpts from a keynote speech by playwright August Wilson, entitled "Odyssey of an African in America," for the Minnesota Alumni Association annual meeting.
July 6, 1991 - Tomie dePaola, noted children's book author, speaks at Macalester College convocation for the retirement of professor Patricia Kane. DePaola shares several stories and personal reflections.
July 19, 1991 - Janet Sternburg, editor of collection, The Writer on Her Work: New Essays in New Territory, and contributing author Patricia Hampl, discuss the focus on women writers.
July 27, 1991 - With the passing of Isaac Bashevis Singer, a Polish novelist and short story writer, Weekend Edition presents an excerpt of Singer speaking about his Nobel Prize in Literature.
July 27, 1991 - A Weekend Edition reading of The Squire, a story by Isaac Bashevis Singer. The story follows a miracle.
September 23, 1991 - MPR’s Beth Friend interviews American writer Madeleine L'Engle about her most famous work, A Wrinkle in Time. Segment also includes author reading her work.
September 25, 1991 - Author and instructor Rosellen Brown reflects on her 1974 novel Street Games. Milkweed has re-issued the book.