American Masters

Amy Tan’s first job was writing astrology

Amy Tan’s first job was “making up” astrology for her friend’s astrology hotline business. She later wrote ad copy, direct mail, and became a technical writer for a telecommunications company: “all the subjects I had absolutely no interest in,” Tan recalls. She turned to writing fiction in the search for more meaningful work and learned a lot about herself in the process.

Amy Tan’s first job was writing astrology

2m 12s

  • The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (ASL): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (ASL)

    1h 40m

    Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr. See how the author and commentator, one of the foremost public intellectuals in American history, galvanized the modern conservative movement. This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation.

  • Weaving Nature: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Weaving Nature

    18m 39s

    Maryland artist David Bacharach creates "The Mounds," an outdoor arts installation that confronts global climate change. Bacharach employs traditional weaving and metalsmithing techniques to build sculptures that reflect environmental problems that impact land, air and water. This synthesis of art and nature illustrates the interconnectedness of human activity and environmental degradation.

  • The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (Extended Audio Description): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Incomparable Mr. Buckley (Extended Audio Description)

    1h 42m

    Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr. See how the author and commentator, one of the foremost public intellectuals in American history, galvanized the modern conservative movement. This version of the film contains extended audio description and large open captions.

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