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 The book serves as both a historical document and a reflection on societal themes, making it a significant contribution to understanding the complexities of the American experience.
Studs Terkel Book order (chronological)
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.






"A welcome change from the sloganeering, political mudslinging and products of spin doctors."—The Philadelphia Inquirer Based on the NPR series of the same name, This I Believe features eighty Americans—from the famous to the unknown—completing the thought that the book's title begins. Each piece compels readers to rethink not only how they have arrived at their own personal beliefs but also the extent to which they share them with others. Featuring many renowned contributors—including Isabel Allende, Colin Powell, Gloria Steinem, William F. Buckley Jr., Penn Jillette, Bill Gates, and John Updike—the collection also contains essays by a Brooklyn lawyer; a part-time hospital clerk in Rehoboth, Massachusetts; a woman who sells yellow pages advertising in Fort Worth, Texas; and a man who serves on Rhode Island's parole board. The result is a stirring and provocative trip inside the minds and hearts of a diverse group of people whose beliefs—and the incredibly varied ways in which they choose to express them—reveal the American spirit at its best.
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.
Bis in die 90er Jahre war Pulitzer-Preisträger Studs Terkel Gastgeber einer täglichen Radioshow in Chicago und präsentierte seinen Zuhörern Musik und Gespräche mit Stars aus Klassik, Oper, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Folk und Rock. 'Studs Meets Music' enthält gut zwei Dutzend von Terkels unnachahmlichen Interviews mit einigen der größten Musiker des vergangenen Jahrhunderts. Unter den vielen Höhepunkten: Der 22jährige Bob Dylan erzählt, wie er auf den Song 'A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall' kam; Janis Joplin berichtet von ihrer texanischen Jugend als Leadbelly- und Bessie-Smith-Fan; Louis Armstrong und Dizzy Gillespie reden über ihre Blutsverwandtschaft mit den gefallenen Helden Joe Oliver und Charlie Parker; Leonard Bernstein verneigt sich vor dem Komponisten Marc Blitzstein; Ravi Shankar beschreibt seine Begegnung mit den Beatles 1966 in London; Elisabeth Schwarzkopf schildert ihren Werdegang vom musikverliebten Mädchen zur führenden Mozart-Sängerin in Salzburg.
Studs Terkel ist der Mann, der Amerika interviewt hat - fünfzig Jahre lang täglich im Radio. Ob ein Feuerwehrmann den Tod eines Kollegen verarbeiten muss, ein Arzt über Sterbehilfe nachsinnt - Terkel lässt die unbekannten Helden des Alltags zu Wort kommen. „Terkel ist ein Hörer, die Faszination seines Buches liegt in der Verschiedenheit der Wege, die das Thema umkreisen.“ DER SPIEGEL
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.
Gespräche um Leben und Tod
- 431 pages
- 16 hours of reading
AUTOR: Studs Terkel wurde 1912 geboren, in dem Jahr, wie er gern sagt, in dem die Titanic unterging. Er ist der Autor von zehn Büchern, die aus Amerikas oral history nicht mehr wegzudenken sind. Für „The Good War“ ( dt. „Der gute Krieg“ ) hat er den Pulitzer-Preis erhalten. Seine tägliche Radiosendung von 1954-1998 hat ihn über seine Heimatstadt Chicago hinaus berühmt gemacht. Er ist Mitglied der „Academy of Arts and Letters“ und mit mehreren Preisen ausgezeichnet worden.
Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
Reflections on Death, Rebirth, and Hunger for a Faith
- 432 pages
- 16 hours of reading
Through candid interviews, the oral historian captures the raw and unfiltered experiences of ordinary individuals confronting mortality. These intimate conversations reveal profound insights and emotional truths, leaving a lasting impact on readers. The focus on personal narratives highlights the universal struggle with life and death, making it a poignant exploration of human resilience and vulnerability.
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.






