Author Norma Field. Field teaches Japanese literature at the University Chicago and was born to a Japanese mother and an American father. Her new book, "In the Realm Of A Dying Emperor," tells the true stories of three Japanese who went against the ultra-conformist Japanese society, and the condemnation they suffered. (It's published by Pantheon). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Used to be that big bands were the thing. Now, they're pretty much a thing of the past. But jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says he's found a couple of big bands from Boston where teachers and students are drawn to schools like the New England Conservatory and the Berklee College of Music. He reviews "Orange Then Blue," by Funkallero, and "After Blue," by the Ken Schaphorst Big Band.
Journalist Nan Robertson. Robertson spent more than three decades at the New York Times. Her new book, "The Girls In the Balcony," is a look back at the sexual inequality that for many years was part of working life at the Times, and throughout journalism in general. (It's published by Random House). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Nancy Lieberman-Cline dominated women's college basketball and was the youngest woman ever to play on the women's Olympic basketball team. She was also a star of the short-lived women's pro basketball league. She also spent several years as companion and trainer to tennis star Martina Navritilova. She has a new autobiography called "Lady Magic." (Published by Sagamore). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Dancer and choreographer Edward Villella. Villella's new autobiography, "Prodigal Son," chronicles his rise as one of the best known male dancers and choreographers in the history of American ballet. It also looks at his often stormy working relationship with choreographer George Balanchine. (It's published by Simon and Schuster). (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Christopher Hitchens, the Washington editor for "Harper's Magazine" and columnist for "The Nation," talks to Marty about how pre-election polling becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Book critic John Leonard reviews "The Spyglass Tree" (published by Pantheon) the new novel by Albert Murray. It's the sequel to his critically acclaimed book, "Train Whistle Guitar."
Roger Simon, a syndicated columnist for the Baltimore Sun. He'll analyze yesterday's New Hampshire primary, and speculate about the results will affect the rest of the campaign. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Michael Jacobson, the executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. The center's just issued the second edition of their "Fast Food Guide." (published by Workman Publishing).
Reporter Pete Earley. Earley spent two years observing life at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was given complete access to the prisoners, guards, staff, and the warden. He tells about life in Leavenworth in his new book, "The Hot House." (published by Bantam) (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Book critic John Leonard reviews "The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception," by Michael Baigent ("baa-gent") and Richard Leigh. The authors contend that the interpretation of the scrolls has been deliberately slowed by scholars that want to protect their religious views. (It's published by Summit Books).
Writer Richard Bausch. His new novel, "Violence," explores that subject from several points of view,...among then an adult man's memory of child abuse, his wife's earlier experience with an abusive husband, and a violent robbery. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Popular culture junkie Michael Barson's latest book is a collection of postcards. The pictures are the covers from vintage romance comic books. It's called "Boy Loves Girl, Girl Loves Boy."
Writer Gay Talese. His new book, "Unto The Sons," is the story of the immigrant experience in America, and also the chronicle of Talese's own Italian ancestors coming to this country. Talese's previous works include the best-sellers "The Kingdom and the Power," "Honor Thy Father," and "Thy Neighbor's Wife."
