The Beatles are Back
The Beatles are back with newly re-mastered versions of their albums, so we asked Philip Norman back to talk about The Beatles some more. Philip Norman is the author of Shout! and John Lennon The Life, so he knows a lot about the Fab Four. < previou
Cornelius Vanderbilt and his Times
T. J. Stiles has written a brilliant history of the 19th century in the form of a biography of tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt. We discuss how he did it on this week’s From the Bookshelf. < previous
A Day In The Life
Robert Greenfield, journalist and rock music historian tells a tragic tale of the beautiful people of Swingin’ London and the death of a dream on this week’s From the Bookshelf < previous
Rachel DeWoskin’s Repeat After Me
Rachel DeWoskin of Foreign Babes In Beijing has written a wonderful novel that you will soon be thanking me for turning you on to. We discuss Repeat After Me as well as Rachel’s career as the star of a chinese soap opera! < previous
Barry “The Fish” Melton
Barry Melton, founding member and lead guitarist of the legendary ‘60’s band Country Joe & The Fish joins us this week. He was a boy who just wanted to be a lawyer but his parents put pressure on him to become a musician, so he put off his law degree
Catherine Clinton on Mary Lincoln
Historian Catherine Clinton discusses the first First Lady to be called The First Lady, Mary Lincoln. The story of Mrs. Lincoln is touching and fascinating. Listen! < previous
Shawn Levy
Shawn Levy, who only writes books about things that Gary Shapiro is interested in (i.e. Swingin’ London, Jerry Lewis, The Rat Pack) has written a superb biography of Paul Newman. Newman, of course, was the fine actor to whom I bear such a striking re
N. Jay Young – A Ship’s Tale
“This is an extraordinary tale from World War II of an extraordinary sailing vessel written by a courageous and extraordinary author. ” — Walter Cronkite < previous
Rock Photographer Henry Diltz
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, (already?) From the Bookshelf represents this interview with official Woodstock photographer Henry Diltz. Recorded in 2007. < previous
Oscar Winning Actress Cloris Leachman
When I called for our interview, Cloris Leachman was in Montreal working on a film. It was 3 pm her time, but she told me she had not yet had breakfast. I thought, with her busy schedule we might only have a few minutes to talk, but Cloris Leachman w