This Land Is Your Land: Woody Guthrie and the Journey of an American Folk Song [Hardcover]

Robert Santelli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 13, 2012

"This Land Is Your Land" is the most iconic folk song in American history, and is the masterwork of one of America's greatest artists, Woody Guthrie. Written in 1940 and first recorded in 1944, the song became an instant hit, and then a point of controversy, and finally a cross-generation anthem. It's been co-opted and rewritten in many other countries. Praised for its heartfelt lyrics and accompanying pride and spirit, no folk song has made such a lasting impression on American culture—or stirred as much controversy.

The book will publish to coincide with "Woody at 100"— a partnership between the Grammy Museum and the Guthrie Archives to stage numerous celebratory events throughout 2012 nationwide and beyond.

This Land Is Your Land is a remarkably detailed account of the journey of America's most celebrated folk song. It also details Guthrie's legendary journey from Oklahoma across the Heartland to New York City, where he wrote many of his works including "This Land Is Your Land."

With more than forty rare black-and-white photographs from the Woody Guthrie archives, a removable poster, plus original interviews with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Pete Seeger, John Mellencamp, and more, This Land Is Your Land delivers a revealing portrait of an American treasure.

 

 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert Santelli is Executive Director of the Grammy Museum, and Co-Chairman of "Woody at 100"— a partnership between the Grammy Museum and the Woody Guthrie Archives producing numerous events celebrating Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday throughout 2012 across America and internationally. He lives in Los Angles, California. Please visit the "Woody at 100" website at woody100.com.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Running Press; Har/Pstr edition (March 13, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762443286
• ISBN-13: 978-0762443284
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 1 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #781,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars That song was made for you and me June 22, 2012

By wogan TOP 50 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover

This is a book that tells the tale of a song, one that started out with the name `God Blessed America' and then became `This Land is Your Land'...a song, even though it is so thoroughly American is sung around the world.
The story begins in November 1939 and ends with the legacy of the song and of Woody Guthrie.

Even if you are a confirmed folkie, you will probably find something new within the pages of this book. There is a chapter covering Irving Berlin's `God Bless America', the mood of the time and how Woody wrote this embodiment of America. The story of the verses that are seldom heard and, his son, Arlo's story of the song itself are just some of the fascinating details that fill these pages.

The book is extremely well researched; interviews were done with many of the Guthrie family, including a daughter, granddaughter, Arlo, Pete Seeger and others in the folk community. Intertwined is the story of Woody's life and problems, his music and the political/economic climate of the time he lived in. Illustrations are included of pages of his lyrics and drawings and large sepia photographs. An index is lacking, which would have been a bonus, but a poster of Woody and his 'this machine kills fascists' guitar is included.

This is a book that truly shows and celebrates both the life of Woody Guthrie and his music and especially of `This Land is Your Land. A book that those interested in history, America, music in general and folk in particular should not miss.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars God Blessed America May 15, 2012

By Dr. Wilson Trivino

Format:Hardcover

The tale of America is rich and full of the lives of individuals who have given it character and legacy that encompass community. No matter who you are, the land is sprinkled with hope and opportunity.
The song This Land is Your Land lyrics capture a certain essence of the magic and hope of America. Written as a counter to God Bless America, this song original title was God Blessed America. These folksy lyrics are well known today, but few know the back story. Who wrote them, what was their inspiration?
Now in This Land is Your Land: Woody Guthrie and the Journey of American Folksong, author Robert Santelli has written a rich bold book to fill in the details. It chronicles not only the life of Woody Guthrie, it also touches on a period of American history.
Santelli has taken an odyssey to chronicle Woody Guthrie's life, he is currently the executive director of the Grammy Museum, and co-Chairman of "Woody at 100".
As we enter the centennial celebration of Woody Guthrie, this book delves back to that fateful day in February 23, 1940, when Guthrie in a fleabag hotel on 43rd Street in New York City wrote this song.
Guthrie was not an extraordinary individual, he was just a man who was full of hope and optimism and did what he loved, chronicled his life in verse.
I was surprised by the many unrelated facts of folk music. How it was considered subversive and Guthrie was marked as a community. How this song has influenced so many artist, singers, and even presidents. Even after so many years this song is relevant and President Obama used the song to kick off his historic inauguration.
The book is beautifully done, looks more like a coffee table book than a traditional biography and is a fitting addition to any library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book August 18, 2012

By fernando

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was very pleased to find this book on Amazon and read it on my ipad. The book is very well written with good detail about Woody's life, travels, interactions, etc. I now have a much better appreciation for what Woody accomplished in his short life. It has stimulated my interest in learning more and finding other resources to examine and listen to.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pleasurable Americana history book December 18, 2012

By Kermit

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Written for fans of middle and working class America, as well as those who love and cherish the Guthrie legacy. This includes little known facts about Woody's time in Los Angeles, and his radio program there. Lots of information on Woody's life, the Dust Bowl era, and other pieces of American history too often ignored by our ahistorical society. Phenomenally enjoyable and highly approachable, definitely a book to be treasured!

5.0 out of 5 stars This Land is Your Land October 6, 2012

By Poetone

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Wonderful read. Have to wonder how many people understand how hard it was to live in those times. His music made if more tolerable. Great read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on a favorate singer/song writer, Woody Guthrie August 8, 2012

By Robert William Wolff

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

The book is an excellent one about the work and times of Guthrie. I learned some things I hadn't known about Woody.