"Here is the raw material for one thousand novels….incomparable."—Margaret Atwood
In this unique look at one of our most pervasive national myths, Studs Terkel persuades an extraordinary range of Americans to articulate their version of "The American Dream." Beginning with an embittered winner of the Miss U.S.A. contest who sees the con behind the dream of success and including an early interview with a highly ambitious Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terkel explores the diverse landscape of the promise of the United States—from farm kids dreaming of the city to city kids determined to get out, from the Boston Brahmin to the KKK member, from newly arrived immigrants to families who have lived in this country for generations, these narratives include figures both famous and infamous. Filtered through the lens of our leading oral historian, the chorus of voices in American Dreams highlights the hopes and struggles of coming to and living in the United States.
Originally published in 1980, this is a classic work of oral history that provides an extraordinary and moving picture of everyday American lives.
Review
Here is raw material for one thousand novels in one medium-sized book!... Incomparable. Studs Terkel's done it again. -- Margaret Atwood
In American Dreams , Mr. Terkel, a superb editor as well as the ideal listener... becomes Walt Whitman. -- John Leonard
Studs Terkel has captured the melody of America. -- Nicholas Von Hoffman
Studs Terkel shows America from the inside out -- a fascinating and revelatory portrait. -- Ronald Steel
The best of Terkel's works. A stirring, hopeful book. -- Robert Sherrill, front page, New York Times Book Review
About the Author
Studs Terkel is the author of eleven books of oral history, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Good War." A member of the Academy of Arts and Letters, he was awarded the National Book Critics Circle Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.
Description:
"Here is the raw material for one thousand novels….incomparable."—Margaret Atwood
In this unique look at one of our most pervasive national myths, Studs Terkel persuades an extraordinary range of Americans to articulate their version of "The American Dream." Beginning with an embittered winner of the Miss U.S.A. contest who sees the con behind the dream of success and including an early interview with a highly ambitious Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terkel explores the diverse landscape of the promise of the United States—from farm kids dreaming of the city to city kids determined to get out, from the Boston Brahmin to the KKK member, from newly arrived immigrants to families who have lived in this country for generations, these narratives include figures both famous and infamous. Filtered through the lens of our leading oral historian, the chorus of voices in American Dreams highlights the hopes and struggles of coming to and living in the United States.
Originally published in 1980, this is a classic work of oral history that provides an extraordinary and moving picture of everyday American lives.
Review
Here is raw material for one thousand novels in one medium-sized book!... Incomparable. Studs Terkel's done it again. -- Margaret Atwood
In American Dreams , Mr. Terkel, a superb editor as well as the ideal listener... becomes Walt Whitman. -- John Leonard
Studs Terkel has captured the melody of America. -- Nicholas Von Hoffman
Studs Terkel shows America from the inside out -- a fascinating and revelatory portrait. -- Ronald Steel
The best of Terkel's works. A stirring, hopeful book. -- Robert Sherrill, front page, New York Times Book Review
About the Author
Studs Terkel is the author of eleven books of oral history, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Good War." A member of the Academy of Arts and Letters, he was awarded the National Book Critics Circle Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.