Browse Exhibits (8 total)
Portraits in print
10 episodes, 1960, WHYY (Philadelphia)
From WNET:
"Each program presents the life of a famous author as it was reflected in his own writing. A series of drawings, etchings, lithographs, and photographs of the times and places mentioned recreates the times and physical appearance of each writer. A narrator describes these times and places, often from the authors’ works. In addition, actors on camera read well-known passages. The programs were prepared in cooperation with the Free Library of Philadelphia."
Plays and players
8 episodes, 1953, WQED (Pittsburgh)
From WNET:
"This series offers the general audience a chance to gain a better appreciation and understanding of the development of the actor and his medium. Included are various style of theatrical presentation with the contributing forces present in a given area. The styles and eras covered are: classic theatre, romantic theatre, realistic theatre, and the twentieth century theatre. Arnold Moss and John Gassner appear on alternate programs outlining the broad basis for the understanding of the theatrical style, discussing style and acting in the context of its audience, its architecture, design, literature, etc. The series was produced by WQED, Pittsburgh."
The Written Word
15 episodes, 1957, Department of Cinema, University of Southern California
From WNET:
"This long-awaited series featuring Dr. Frank Barter tells the story of human records from primitive marks and pictographs to the coming of modern machine methods of printing after 1800. Using pictures, charts, maps, blackboard, and many models and demonstrations, the program tells the story of our alphabet from its Proto-Semitic beginnings to important families of modern typefaces. Attention is given to cuneiform writing and to the many varieties of writing of the Egyptians. The basic writing substances of the western world (clay, papyrus, parchment and paper) are all discussed and actual demonstrations show the making of a clay brick and the manufacture of sheets of papyrus and paper. Dr. Baxter demonstrates the art of block printing, and on a model of an early press prints a small four-page folio book. Most of the models, drawings, and visual materials used on these programs are the work of the lecturer. Original manuscript and printed leaves and books are displayed and commented on. Dr. Baxter feels that this brief series constitutes an interesting introduction to the history of the written and printed word. A bibliography prepared by Dr. Baxter will be available for distribution."
Books and ideas
20 episodes, 1956, Syracuse University
From WNET:
"This series features three professors from Syracuse University – men who love books and enjoy exploring the ideas behind man’s creative processes – in an informal, ad lib discussion of books, contemporary and ancient, which have influenced American culture or western civilization. Titles which come under discussion range from William Faulkner’s “The Big Woods” to “The Book of Ecclesiastes” from the Bible. Participants who gather weekly in the Syracuse Library for this meaty, literary feast include Stuart Gerry Brown, professor of citizenship and American culture in the Maxwell graduate school at Syracuse; Edwin H. Cady, professor of American literature and author of “The Gentleman in America,” and Albert J. George, professor and chairman of the department of Romance Languages. Discussion moderator is Arthur Weld, Jr., television program director at the Syracuse Radio and Television Center."
Meant for reading
10 episodes, 1959, KQED (San Francisco)
From WNET:
"This ten-program series is a spoken anthology of great literature chosen and read by John W. Dodds, professor of English and director of special programs in humanities at Stanford University. The programs are divided into six categories: freedom, mortality, nature, stories in verse, satire and love. The readings are from authors as varied as Socrates, Shakespeare, Donne, Benchley, Whitman, Milton, Benet and Emily Dickinson. Each program blends philosophy and literature around a central theme. The series was produced for KQED, San Francisco."
The measure of man
6 episodes, 1957, KQED (San Francisco)
From WNET:
"Dr. John W. Dodds, Professor of English and a distinguished author, takes careful aim and levels a barrage of studious inquiry at the human race, its ideas, ideals, and idols. He looks into such matters as loyalty, dignity, and the sense of tragedy. Qualified though he is to philosophize on the frailties and merit of humanity, as a scholar, he still turns often and intelligently to the writings of others. With his vast knowledge of literature, acquired through more than thirty years as a teacher of English, he is able to find selections from classical and current writings that succinctly draw together the clearest thinking on the varied aspects of taking a “measure of man.” Dr. Dodds – a master of dramatic reading – reads many literary selections aloud. His reading range from the facetious humor of Thurber to the powerful drama of Euripides. It is his hope that through these readings and discussions, he will lead the viewer into further debate, introspection, and reading on the subjects which measure man. The series was produced for the Center by KQED, San Francisco. The producer was EG Valens; assistant producer, Herbert D. Seiter; set designer, Tom Borden; and camera work by Joe Dieves. “The Measure of Man” was filmed at WA Palmer Films, Inc."
Of poets and poetry
8 episodes, 1959, META
From WNET:
"These programs are designed to heighten an adult audience’s appreciation of poetry and stimulate further enjoyment by introducing excellent poetry and the poets who created it. Poets were selected because of their ability to read dramatically as well as their stature as poets. Stephen Spender, Ogden Nash, John Crowe Ranson and others read their works and offer comment and analysts. They are interviewed by poets and professors, such as Barry Ulanow of Barnard College, and Galway Kinnell now at the University of Teheran. The series was produced by Barbara Davidson in cooperation with the Poetry Center of the 92nd Street YMHA of New York City."
A prospect of literature
8 episodes, 1957, KETC (St. Louis)
From WNET:
"The eight programs of “A Prospect of Literature” compass a broad but selective survey of imaginative writing from the distant past to the present. Each of the dialogue accentuates the collaboration of writer and reader, which is literary experience. These oral essays by two distinguished professors of American literature are complemented by accompanying musical scores, paintings, statuary, line drawing, photographs, vocal and instrumental recordings and mechanical artifacts which dramatize and criticize the process of an author’s projection of his experience onto the printed page."