The Grapes of Wrath: Fiftieth Anniversary Edition
- 619 pages
- 22 hours of reading
"Traces the migration of an Oklahoma Dust Bowl family to California and their subsequent hardships as migrant farm workers."--Amazon.com.
Studs Terkel Books
May 16, 1912 – October 31, 2008
Studs Terkel was an American author and historian, renowned for his oral histories of ordinary Americans. His works focus on capturing the voices and experiences of people from diverse social strata, creating a rich tapestry of American life. Terkel's approach involves gathering and presenting authentic recollections that illuminate key moments in American history from the perspective of those who lived them. His work not only documents the past but also emphasizes the significance of the individual story within the broader historical context.
Oral history evokes the innocent idealism, as well as the terror and horror, of ordinary Americans at home and abroad during World War II
This Pulitzer Prize Winning oral history by America's legendary radio host Studs Terkel presents a remarkable document of the American experience of World War II.
Touch and go. A memoir
- 288 pages
- 11 hours of reading
The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian author of The Good War recounts his hard-working early childhood in Chicago, his beginnings as a disc jockey after World War II, his struggles after being blacklisted in spite of his television successes, and more. Reprint. 50,000 first printing.
Studs Turkel records the voices of America. Men and women from every walk of life talk to him, telling him of their likes and dislikes, fears, problems, and happinesses on the job. Once again, Turkel has created a rich and unique document that is as simple as conversation, but as subtle and heartfelt as the meaning of our lives.
A panorama of American life and work throughout this century from the mouths of 74 very different people, the youngest of whom is 70 and the oldest 99 years old. The text traces the extraordinary ways in which working lives have changed in the past few decades.
Takes a close-up look at America in the 1980s, from Star Wars and Iranscam to Rick and Joanie struggling with parenthood and Mike and J.J. pioneering in New York City
America's most inspirational voices share their stories in this remarkable oral history published when Studs Terkel was ninety-one. It explores the elusive subject of hope: its origins, essential qualities, and how to sustain it during dark times. This personal chronicle of the "American century" reflects Terkel's indefatigable spirit and serves as an inheritance for those actively pursuing their dreams. A former death row inmate recounts his relentless fight for justice, while Tom Hayden reflects on the legacy of 1960s student activism. Liberal economist John Kenneth Galbraith discusses corporate malfeasance, and a compassionate doctor shares insights with his students. The retired brigadier general who flew the Enola Gay over Hiroshima adds his perspective, revealing much about the American dream and the individuals advocating for a better world. Terkel's subjects express their hopes and dreams with grace and warmth, creating an inspiring narrative of optimism and persistence. This collection of interviews offers fascinating stories and deep insights into the vast range of human experience. Critics praise it for its eloquence and the unique lens it provides on the human condition, solidifying Terkel's legacy as an American treasure.
Ballantine Reader's Circle: Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
Reflections on Death, Rebirth, and Hunger for a Faith
- 448 pages
- 16 hours of reading
“IT’S THE UNGUARDED VOICES HE PRESENTS THAT STAY WITH YOU. . . . Terkel’s interviews may not allay fears about death. But reading them certainly encourages life while we have it.”–The New York Times The legendary oral histories of Studs Terkel provide invaluable insights into American life. At eighty-eight, the Pulitzer Prize winner tackles the challenging subject of death, presenting voices from both esteemed individuals and the everyday. This collection shares wise words, meaningful memories, and compassionate predictions about life’s end and what may follow. A grad student recounts how her two-year coma led her to believe in reincarnation, while a Hiroshima survivor reflects on reconciling painful memories with her culture's stoicism. Actress Uta Hagan discusses how her art serves as her religion and legacy. Oscar-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler relives his harrowing World War II experience in a lifeboat among injured comrades. An AIDS counselor highlights the psychological needs of healthy gay men, and a retired firefighter shares how he felt most alive while facing danger in his job. Covering the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of death, this work is a stirring culmination of Terkel’s brilliant career, encouraging readers to embrace life while confronting its inevitable end.
This landmark reissue of a classic work offers a vibrant microcosm of America, showcasing diverse voices and experiences. Enhanced by a new foreword from a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, it invites readers to explore the rich tapestry of American life through personal stories. The book serves as both a historical document and a reflection on societal themes, making it a significant contribution to understanding the complexities of the American experience.
