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Author and "Cunning Man" Robertson Davies

The Canadian writer has a new novel called "The Cunning Man." It follows the life of a Toronto-based doctor during World War 2 who witnesses the death of a father at the High Altar. The Washington Post has called it "one of [the] author's most entertaining and satisfying novels." Davies, now 81, has had three successive careers -- he began as an actor, then was a journalist and newspaper publisher, and in 1981 retired as professor of the Massy college at the University of Toronto.

22:26
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Other segments from the episode on February 23, 1995

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, February 23, 1995: Interview with Robertson Davies; Interview with Sargent Shriver; Review Ann Douglas's book "Terrible Honesty."
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16:29

The War on the War on Poverty

Sargent Shriver is currently Chairman of the Special Olympics. He was organizer and first director of the Peace Corps, elevating it to become one of the most successful programs of the Kennedy Administration. Shriver headed President Johnson's War On Poverty in the 60s. During his tenure he also created VISTA, Head Start, Job Corps and many other successful programs. He recently received the Medal of Freedom from President Clinton -- the country's highest civilian honor.

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27:08

Canadian Novelist Robertson Davies

Davies began his working life as an actor in England. At the start of World War II, he returned to his home country of Canada and became a journalist. Now a popular author best known for his Deptfod Trilogy, Davies says he still only "squeaks by" as a writer.

Interview

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