The life, music and thought of Woody Guthrie : a critical appraisal /

Folk musician Woody Guthrie (1912-67) has long been a larger-than-life figure. More than four decades after his untimely death from Huntington's disease, his influence continues. His adventurous, controversial life has provided entertaining material for biographers and filmmakers, and his complex character has inspired many serious scholars. Partington, a widely published independent British historian, and his fellow contributors--scholars in a variety of fields, including history, literature, and American studies--explore Guthrie's life, music, politics, and image. The contributors consulted holdings in the archives of the Woody Guthrie Foundation, and the result is a collection of essays that offer many fresh insights and at the same time refute some enduring myths. For example, Guthrie's image as a simple, wandering hobo is far from accurate, as evidenced by discussions in this book of the dichotomy between his rural and urban identities and of his complex involvement with leftist politics. This is not a book for the casual fan, but it is a welcome addition to the scholarly literature. It should especially interest students of American folk music and American culture. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. D. Arnold University of North Texas