David Cannadine talked about his book Mellon: An American Life, published by Knopf, the first biography of one of the economic and political giants of the 20th century. With the cooperation of both the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Mellon family, Mr. Cannadine had full access to all archival materials and conducted interviews with family members that had never before been granted. He spent 12 years researching and writing the book. He also talked about the history of the U.S. and the great changes during Mellon's lifetime. He also described Mellon's philanthropies. The guest interviewer was Leslie Schweitzer. David Cannadine is the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Professor of British History at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London. He is also chairman of the board of trustees of Britain's National Portrait Gallery.