Philip Quarles

Van Cliburn was feted in New York City for his gold medal at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia. WNYC covered the young Texan's triumphant return.

Arthur C. Clarke talks about space. Go figure.

Bennett Cerf of Random House speaks at this 1952 Book and Author Luncheon.

Novelist and screenwriter James M. Cain promotes his idea for an American Authors Authority that would treat literature as "property." Though it never caught on at the time, Cain's plan offers insight on present-day debates about copyrights. 

Secretary of State James F. Byrnes, walks a tightrope in the years immediately following World War II as the Cold War takes root.

One of the few successful peace negotiations of the Middle-East.

William F. Buckley discovers surrealism on the campaign trail.

Musical prodigy and composer Marc Blitzstein, the featured guest on this 1941 installment from  WNYC's American Music Festival, increasingly identifies with radical left-wing political movements in the hardscrabble years leading into the Depression.

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt interviews her friend Mary McLeod Bethune in a 1949 radio broadcast in support of 'interracial understanding.'

Adopting the family of man.

Gore Vidal speaks at this 1964 Book and Author Luncheon 

Louis Auchincloss talks about the novelist's great themes

Spoiler: it does

As eloquent in her speech as she is in her song, the contralto Marian Anderson on issues of prejudice and segregation head-on in this 1957 Books and Authors Luncheon appearance.

Stalin's daughter says she has no political philosophy and talks of a soon-to-be released memoir.

Steve Allen plays to the crowd with his appearance at this Book and Author Luncheon.

Some things never change.