Philip Quarles

Jail Overcrowding and Underfunding…in 1959

"I have no speech. I am not entirely speechless, though," Leo Rosten begins his talk, titled, "On Humor, and What It Is" at this 1959 Books and Authors Luncheon.

Hillary, conqueror of Mount Everest, discusses John Hunt's book about the expedition at the Book and Author Luncheon.

Fifty years after Jacob Riis's famous speech at Cooper Union, his son, Roger William Riis, addresses the same issue, tenement conditions and the need for affordable housing.

"There comes a time in every man's life, and I've had plenty of them.”

The author and critic discusses Maugham, Mann, and more at this 1962 Book and Author Luncheon

Welfare Commissioner William Hodson is questioned by radio journalist Elmer Davis about the city's preparedness plans should Hitler attack.

General Maxwell Taylor warns America about its military preparedness in this 1960 speech at the Herald Tribune's Book and Author Luncheon. 

Producer Ben Park and future Mr Wizard, reporter Don Herbert, follow a group of handicapped teens and tweens as they head out to summer camp.

Composer Henry Cowell introduces music by himself and others in this 1955 broadcast. 

The maestro gives WQXR five minutes.

The 1962 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winners talk about race relations in America in this round table discussion.

The Negro Melody Singers and Juanita Hall Choir present rousing programs of spirituals under the direction of this soon to be famous singer and actress.

"Does wisdom matter?" Robert Frost asks. 

This strange mix of radio drama and homespun instruction is a good sample of mid-century Soviet revisionist history.

Librettist Abe Burrows speaks with an irresistible street-wise schtick at this ASCAP seminar.  

Fleur and Evita; Two Strong Women Go Head-to-Head

Kay Boyle offers her interpretation of post-war Germany at this March 14, 1960 Books and Authors Luncheon.

"It's Good to be alive." Baseball great Roy Campanella talks about coping with paralysis at this 1959 Books and Authors Luncheon.

Leadbelly and Ruby Smith are the stars of this highly eclectic 10th annual WNYC Music Festival.