Woody Guthrie: A Life

Woody Guthrie: A Life

Folksinger and political activist Woody Guthrie contributed much to the American labor movement, not the least of which are his classic anthems "Union Maid" and "This Land Is Your Land." This is perhaps his best-ever biography, written by bestselling author Joe Klein (Primary Colors, The Running Mate,) now reissued in paperback with a new afterword. It is an easy-to-read, honest description of Guthrie’s life, from a childhood of poverty to a youth spent "bummin’ around" to an adulthood of music and organizing -- and a life cut short by incurable disease. Guthrie’s life and work inspired millions while he lived and continues to do so through musicians such as his son Arlo, Bob Dylan -- who as a teenager visited and sang for Guthrie as death approached -- friend and contemporary Pete Seeger, Billy Bragg and Bruce Springsteen, to name just a few. Guthrie is portrayed as he was -- an imperfect being but one with a gift that helped millions as they struggled toward better lives. Twenty-one photos, indexed. 496 pages paperback

"There is a book out right now. It’s called Woody Guthrie: A Life. It’s by this fellow Joe Klein... and it’s really, it’s really a great book."
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

" A superb achievement."
NEWSDAY

"Exemplary...as good a biography as I have read in years."
THE WASHINGTON POST

"What a life! What a book!"
DETROIT FREE PRESS