June 28, 1943: War Bonds and Literary Trivia with Walter Yust

What this episode covers

In this June 28, 1943, episode of <i>Information Please</i>, host Clifton Fadiman welcomes an enthusiastic audience at the Civic Opera House in Chicago, where every attendee purchased a war bond for admission. The expert panel—Franklin P. Adams, John Kieran, and Oscar Levant—is joined by special guest Walter Yust, editor-in-chief of the <i>Encyclopedia Britannica</i>.<br /><br />The panel dives into a rich mix of literary, musical, scientific, and geographical trivia. Highlights include discussions on Chicago’s literary settings, poetic phrases like “zephyr” and “whirlwind,” and curious place names like East St. Louis and West New York. Yust engages deftly with references to his encyclopedic domain, even fielding questions on capillary action and historical figures with alias transformations.<br /><br />With humor, quick wit, and intellectual camaraderie, this episode offers a delightful blend of culture and wartime patriotism. Tune in for a special evening that combines knowledge, entertainment, and national spirit on <i>Information Please</i>!