Updike's new book is 'Memories of the Ford Administration,' which introduces a new hero, Alf Clayton. He's a history professor who is invited to write his memoirs of working for Gerald Ford. But the memoirs turn out to be more a chronicle of the Clayton's sex life during the sexually liberal '70s.
A Bush apointee, Frohnmayer ran the National Endowment for the Arts from 1989 until last May, when he was asked to resign. Frohnmayer was routinely attacked by the religious right for giving grants to what it deemed "obscene" art. He also angered many who thought he didn't question enough the administration's pandering to the right. Since his resignation, he's become a strong advocate for the First Amendment.
Maupin served in Vietnam and worked for Jesse Helms in his pre-Senate days. When he moved to San Fransisco, he came out of the closet. He was a journalist for several years before writing his "Tales of the City" series, which blended gay and straight storylines. His latest novel, "Maybe the Moon," expounds on Hollywood's hypocrisy, as seen through the eyes of a little person actress. His partner Terry Anderson joins him for the interview.
Rivers has a new autobiography, "What Did I Do?" He's known by art historians as "a great figurative painter," "the father of Pop Art," and is recognized as the first American artist to use vulgar objects in an artistic context. Rivers was part of a loosely knit association of poets and painters in New York in the 50's. His book looks back at his work as a jazz saxophonist, his drug use, and his unashamed interest in sexuality.
Journalist Robert Krulwich is hosting a new "Frontline" documentary on PBS, "The Best Campaign Money Can Buy," about the funds that go into the presidential campaign. In particular, the documentary looks at contributors that give "soft money," -- money given to a party rather than to a candidate. This kind of giving bypasses the law which limits individual donations to presidential candidates to $1,000.
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new recording of the London Symphony Orchestra playing the composer's Adagietto, from his Fifth Symphony.
Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews the classic compendium of health information for women--which she says is as important today as it was when it was first published two decades ago.
Buscemi's list of movie credits include "Parting Glances," "Slaves of New York," "Mystery Train," and "Reservoir Dogs." His newest film is "In The Soup," a low budget film directed Alexandre Rockwell. Before becoming an actor, Buscemi was a fire fighter.
Writer Jack Beatty has written a biography of four-time Boston Mayor James Michael Curley, called "The Rascal King." Curley, an Irish-Catholic, is a Massachusetts legend, having run in 32 elections, serving as governor, congressman, and mayor. While Curley could be dismissed as an old-fashioned machine politician, Beatty portrays him as a forerunner of the modern entrepreneurial politician.
Safire writes a Pulitzer Prize winning op-ed column for The New York Times. He has a new book called "The First Dissident," which applies the lessons of the biblical Job to modern politics. Before writing columns, Safire worked for the Eisenhower campaign and wrote speeches for the Nixon administration. He tells Terry about his frustrations with President Bush.
Young has been accused of not truly reflecting the black experience in his writing because he is not militant. Instead. Young employs humor as means of protest. He often bases his characters on parodies of white stereotypes of black people. He is most noted for his poetry and novels, but has also written musical memoirs and screenplays. His new book is "Heaven: Collected Poems 1956-1990."
Quindlen has been a reporter since the age of 18, and is a syndicated Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times. Some of her recent columns have dealt with the double standards applied to the wives of Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, the rumor alleging that Clinton tried to renounce his citizenship, and the expectations that could accompany a new president.
Dershowitz is one of America's most famous attorneys. He has defended Claus Von Bulow, Mike Tyson, Leona Helmsely, and many other well-known figures. Dershowitz has a reputation for being controversial and out-spoken. He refuses to align himself on the right or the left, but considers himself a civil libertarian. He has written a new book, "Contrary to Popular Opinion," which examines the most difficult legal, political and moral problems of our era.
Lessing is the author of more than thirty books, including, "The Fifth Child" and "The Golden Notebook." She grew up in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), but was exiled for twenty-five years when she began to speak out against the oppressive white-ruled government. Lessing has just written a new book, "African Laughter," a personal story about the trips she took to Zimbabwe between 1982 and 1992.
All Things Considered host Noah Adams. After dropping out of college he began his radio career as a DJ. He was also a car salesman. Adams came to National Public Radio over twenty years ago as a writer and tape editor; he started working for "All Things Considered" soon after he was hired. His new book, "Noah Adams on All Things Considered," discusses his involvement with ATC and how the show and his journalistic style have changed.
