Harper Lee, author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' discusses her rise to fame and the pressure to produce a second book. The podcast explores Lee's childhood, friendship with Truman Capote, the evolution of her manuscript, and her role in assisting Capote with 'In Cold Blood.' It also delves into her health, legal actions, and the discovery of her previously unseen manuscript, 'Go Set a Watchman.'

James Baldwin, celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, and poet, discusses his life, career, and the fight for racial equality. He shares his experiences with racism, his move to Paris to escape discrimination, and his influential writings. The podcast also covers his struggles as a writer, his return to the US, and his legacy as a powerful voice for justice.

Explore the intense bombing campaign of the Vietnam War known as the “Christmas Bombing” ordered by President Richard Nixon. Follow the experiences of a B-52 pilot and the impact on American servicemen. Learn about the successful shoot down of an American B-52 by the North Vietnamese Army. Delve into the aftermath of the US bombing strike and the adjustments made by the US Strategic Air Command. Discover the protests and backlash against the bombing campaign. Finally, learn about the final days of Operation Linebacker II and the resumption of peace talks in Paris.

John Steinbeck, author who captured the struggles of everyday Americans during the Great Depression, is the guest. Topics include his early life and career, influences and struggles, the release and impact of 'The Grapes of Wrath,' his depression and turbulent personal life, and his father's determination.

Mark Twain, famous author, discusses his early life on the Mississippi River and rise as a renowned writer. Topics include his social issue exposés, financial struggles, and contradictory views on wealth. Also mentioned are his contrarian stance on imperialism and U.S. interventions abroad, as well as his impact on American literature.

December 4, 1991. After 64 years dominating the skies, a series of poor financial decisions forces Pan American Airways to shut down.You can listen ad-free in the Wondery or Amazon Music app. Or for all that and more, go to IntoHistory.comHistory Daily is a co-production of Airship and Noiser.Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Louisa May Alcott, beloved author of Little Women, defied societal norms by exploring the aspirations and challenges faced by young women. The podcast delves into Alcott's early life, her determination to continue writing despite rejection, and the creation and impact of her beloved novel.

Edgar Allan Poe, Master of Macabre, overcame setbacks and financial struggles to establish American literature. Topics include his provocative nature, early struggles, court-martial, shift to prose, rejection for support, tragic life, and controversial legacy.

A fire at Windsor Castle in 1992 raises questions about the future of the British monarchy after a year of scandal. Topics include Diana's tell-all interviews, scandalous photos of the Duchess of York, and the Queen's response to the crisis.

Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle culture critic, joins the podcast to discuss stories from the archives about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. They explore the resilience of the Chronicle staff during the chaos and their collaboration with the Oakland Tribune. The podcast also highlights the response and aid from surrounding areas, the rebuilding efforts, and the city's ability to recover from future earthquakes.