Paul Robeson: Artist and Citizen - Hardcover

3.82

11 ratings by Goodreads

9780813525105: Paul Robeson: Artist and Citizen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0813525101 ISBN 13: 9780813525105

Publisher: Rutgers University Press, 1998

This work presents a kaleidoscopic portrait of Paul Robeson (1898-1976), the All-American football player, Phi Beta Kappa Rutgers College graduate, who became a world-renowned actor, singer and motion picture star, and America's first African American politically-engaged performing artist. Coming to maturity during the Harlem Renaissance, Robeson starred in Eugene O'Neill's plays, sang spirituals in concert houses throughout Europe, headlined three productions of Othello, and created enduring roles in such movies as "The Emperor Jones" (1933), "Song of Freedom" (1936) and "The Proud Valley" (1940). But Robeson was also an African American who reacted against negative representations of blacks in his films "Sanders of the River" (1935) and "Tales of Manhattan" (1942) by criticizing racism in the media and ultimately refusing to make more films. A robust political intellectual, Robeson shaped the Leftist critique of fascism, championed the rights of workers and oppressed minorities on his travels around the world, and became one of America's most outspoken critics of racism after World War II. During the Cold War his steadfast defense of the Soviet Union was seized upon by the media, the United States government and McCarthyites, unfortunately tarnishing his name and achievements. This collection of essays by some of America's most respected scholars and intellectuals - published on the centenary of his birth - is designed to remind contemporary Americans of Robeson's accomplishments and provide a fresh assessment of his contributions.

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Review:

Paul Robeson, the towering six-foot six athlete, orator, actor, singer, intellectual, and activist, was arguably one of the most simultaneously loved and loathed American personalities of the 20th century. This collection, edited by George Mason University professor Jeffrey Stewart to serve as a companion to a traveling exhibition marking the centennial anniversary of his birth on April 9, 1898, brings together 18 scholars and historians to the most detailed and balanced look at Robeson to date.

Francis C. Harris details Robeson's career as an multilettered athlete at Rutgers University, where he endured gang tackles, a dislocated shoulder, and a broken nose. In "Paul Robeson, Musician," Doris Evans McGinty and Wayne D. Shirley highlight the centrality of Negro spirituals and folk songs in Robeson's repertoire. Robeson biographer Martin Duberman chronicles the social and sexual implications of Robeson's portrayals of Shakespeare's Othello, while Charles Musser reveals the complexities of Robeson's friendship with playwright Eugene O'Neill as well as his difficulties with African American filmmaker Oscar Micheaux.

The entries dealing with Robeson's political activities show his courage to speak out against injustice and the price he paid for it. Lawyer-writer Derrick Bell examines Robeson's "small service" to the cause of African American justice. David Levering Lewis looks at Robeson's deep, albeit naive views on the Soviet Union, which dovetailed into his support of American workers, the subject of Mark D. Naison's contribution.

Augmented by several rare, invaluable photographs and portraits, Paul Robeson: Artist and Citizen is as grand and magnificent as its subject. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

From School Library Journal:

YA?This collection of essays celebrating the centenary of Robeson's birth reminds readers of the versatility of one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century. Published as a companion to a National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, the well-organized and skillfully designed volume offers a deep look at the famous African-American performing artist, film actor, college athlete, political activist, and government target, driving home the complexity of Robeson's life. While the actor's very name reminds readers of his outspoken defense of the USSR during the Cold War, many may not have realized that he also criticized racism in films, corruption in the American labor movement, and violations of civil rights in American society?often at great personal sacrifice. Mark D. Naison's article reflecting on Robeson's role in the labor movement will be of value to government and history students, just as essays on his performing-arts work and film roles will interest and inform English, music, and drama students. A strong feature of the publication is its many and varied photographs, all skillfully captioned.?Margaret Nolan, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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