Jan 4th, 2009 · Langston Hughes and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper are prominent African-American poets who wrote about civil rights and whose work still resonates today. Host Liane Hansen speaks with poet E. Ethelbert Miller about Harper's and Hughes' work and what it means in this time of change in America.
Jan 1st, 2009 · Independent producer Jake Warga visits Whitehorse, Canada, and goes up the Yukon River. He explores the places that inspired poet Robert Service and writer Jack London. He finds the original cabin London used. And he meets various people at this northern outpost.
Jan 1st, 2009 · It's the first day of 2009, and Melissa Block has a preview of some events and trends expected for this year. Vic Fischer, who worked on Alaska's state constitution a half-century ago, talks with Block about the celebration of 50 years of statehood. Park ranger Helen McKenna Uff says it's going to be a big year at the Edgar Allan Poe Historical Site in Philadelphia as Poe fans celebrate the poet and writer's 200th birthday. Lynn Dornblaser of the global research firm Mintel shares her top five flavors for 2009: lavender, cactus, persimmon, masala and chimichurri. Finally, Nicholas Staddon of Monrovia Co. — a leading producer of plants in the U.S. — shares his garden pick for 2009. He says small is big this year: Look out for the Baby Pete Agapanthus.
Dec 31st, 2008 · With a timid yet powerful voice, Amy Correia took the stage armed with a songbook inspired by authors, poets and songwriters. Correia performs a series of new, yet-to-be-recorded songs in this Mountain Stage appearance from January 2008.
Dec 31st, 2008 · Morning Edition is speaking this week with thinkers and scholars overseas about the transition from the Bush presidency to the Obama administration. We turn now to Africa. Renee Montagne talks with Veronique Tadjo, an author, poet and painter from Ivory Coast. She teaches in Johannesburg, South Africa, and gives workshops across Africa.
Dec 28th, 2008 · The Nobel Prize-winning poet talks to host Jacki Lyden about his life and work. He turns 70 this coming year and reflects on his life so far in the new book Stepping Stones: Interviews with Seamus Heaney.
Dec 19th, 2008 · With his back against the wall, the Illinois governor turns to...Rudyard Kipling? Turns out the English poet is a favorite of high-profile people in times of crisis.
Dec 16th, 2008 · Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and essayist William Stanley Merwin was known in the 1960s as an anti-war poet. Now an environmental activist, Merwin has published a new book of poems, The Shadow of Sirius, which addresses themes of memory and mortality.