Paul Hyde Bonner, Barbara Tuchman, and Walter Kerr

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Maurice Dolbier introduces Paul Hyde Bonner, author of "Ambassador Extraordinary" as well as other novels related to international intrigue. He describes his own background, clarifying that he was not a career diplomat, but a reserve member of the Foreign Services. He was a specialist on temporary assignment on several projects. He discusses diplomacy in the years after the second world war.

Next, Dolbier introduces Barbara Tuchman, author of "The Guns of August" a book that describes the beginning of World War I. She speaks of her particular love of history writing. She sees no need to add fiction to the rich tapestry of history. She speaks of the challenges of writing history - particularly he own confusion of the "legend" versus the facts she finds.

Finally, Dolbier introduces Walter Kerr, author of "The Decline of Pleasure" which is about to be published. He encourages a decrease in commercialism in favor of intellectual pleasure.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 71279
Municipal archives id: LT9523