In this lecture with recorded music, renowned author and broadcaster Michael Lasser offers an evocative and probing account of the popular songs - including some written originally for the stage or screen - that America heard, sang, and danced to during the turbulent first half of the twentieth century.

Michael Lasser, a former teacher and theater critic, is host of the syndicated public-radio show Fascinatin’ Rhythm (winner of the Peabody Award) and the author of two previous books. This is his eighth appearance at the Library.