Welcome: Robert Polito. Master of Ceremonies: W. Paul Coates. Finalists: Richard Peck, Edward Ball, Michael Harper for Gayl Jones, Alicia Ostriker, Louis Sachar, Yaffa Eliach, Allegra Goodman, B.H. Fairchild, Jack Gantos, Beth Kephart, Alice McDermott, Carl Phillips, Ann Cameron, Henry Mayer, Paul Elie for Tom Wolfe, Linda Pastan, Anita Lobel, Harold Bloom, Robert Stone, Gerald Stern. DAT Inscription: National Book Awards / MFA Writing / Tishman - 11/17/98 orig. VHS Inscription: National Book Awards / MFA Writing / 11/17/98 orig.