1. Choosing the running mate (29:12)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Discusses the influence of the president in picking vice-presidential nominees and the difficulties in getting able men to accept this nomination. Points out that candidates are most often selected to "balance the ticket" from the standpoint of geography as well as points of view on pertinent issues. Considers the "whys" behind the nomination of seven vice presidents who eventually became president.

2. Ghost town in the Negev (29:45)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Discusses and demonstrates how the deciphering of papyri led to recent excavations in Negev that have resurrected the village of Nesson--lost for 2000 years. (NYU) Kinescope.

3. Portraits of ancient people (29:34)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Explains how we learn from the portraiture left us, how ancient people looked. Indicates that the artist's styles are much the same today as they were 2500 years ago. (NYU) Kinescope.

4. Royal jewels (29:37)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Pictures three expeditions which trace the acquisition by the metropolitan Museum of Art of jewelry which belonged to an Egyptian Princess of the XIIth Dynasty. Traces and discusses changes in the techniques of archeology during the past 100 years. (NYU) Kinescope.

5. The new old Greece (29:31)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Considers the recently deciphered tablets from Pylos and Knossus that have furnished evidence calling for a thorough revision of Greek history before Homer. Discusses this "brand new" world of Ancient Greece and the possibility that Homer could actually write. (NYU) Kinescope.

6. The pen and the word (29:38)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Discusses early Egyptian writing of 4000 B.C. Explains the deciphering of this writing from the Rosetta stone. (NYU) Kinescope.

7. The unlucky traveler (29:43)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Professor Kraemer reads from an illustrated account by an Egyptian envoy, written in 1200 BC, who traveled to Syria at a time when law and order within the Egyptian empire were in a state of corruption. The account stresses the indignities suffered by a traveler.

8. The Declaration of Independence by the colonies (19:21)

Date:
1956
Main contributors:
Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, Henry Steele Commager, John T. Bobbitt
Summary:
Presents some of the conflicts between the colonies and England that led to a demand for independence and the eventual signing of the Declaration of Independence. Dramatization such famous events in history as the Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere's Ride.

9. Roger Williams : founder of Rhode Island (27:58)

Date:
1956
Main contributors:
Perry Miller, John Barnes, Encyclopaedia Britannica Films
Summary:
Recreates the conflict of Roger Williams with the Puritan leaders of New England, including his attempts to achieve separation of church and state, freedom of conscience, and protection for minority groups; the heresy trial resulting in his banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony; and his decision to establish the new colony of Rhode Island. | Dramatically depicts the life of Roger Williams from his arrival in the New World until the time of the "heresy" trial which resulted in his banishment from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Re-creates the conflict of Roger Williams and the Puritan leaders of New England and explains his concern over the separation of the New World Church and the Church of England, the separation of church and state, religious persecution, freedom of conscience, freedom of inquiry, and the protection of minority groups.

10. Village of Spain (21:09)

Date:
1956
Summary:
Pictures some of the traditions, religion, family life, and education which are the world of Juan Jose who lives in the Spanish coastal village of Mijas. Shows the daily activities of the village people--planting crops, making bread, plaiting ropes, weaving sandals, making paper, and fashioning paper sacks. Depicts children enjoying dancing and playing football using the bladder of a pig for a ball. Explains that the family, faith, pleasantries, and work are the important bases of Spanish life.