No Way But This: in search of Paul Robeson

No Way But This: in search of Paul Robeson

by JeffSparrow (Author)

Synopsis

Film star. Icon. Agitator. Martyr. Paul Robeson was a brilliant student and champion athlete who abandoned a career in law to find worldwide fame as a performer and activist. He was undoubtedly the most famous African American of his time - before losing everything for the sake of his principles. The son of a former slave, Robeson's life took him to Hollywood via the Harlem Renaissance and London's West End. While he stunned audiences with his performances of 'Ol' Man River' and Othello, he also championed social justice around the world, travelling from the coal-mining towns of Wales, to the frontiers of the Spanish Civil War, and to the Soviet Union. Yet privately Robeson was a troubled figure, burdened by his role as a symbol for the African-American people and an international advocate for the working class. His stratospheric rise would reach its end in the courtroom of the McCarthy hearings. Today, Robeson is largely unknown, his legacy obscured by the forces of history that destroyed him. Jeff Sparrow traces Robeson's career, showing how his remarkable life tells the story of the twentieth century and illuminates today's reality. From Black Lives Matter to Putin's United Russia, Sparrow explores questions of race in America, political freedom in Moscow, and the legacy of communism in Europe. Part travelogue, part biography, it is a story of political ardour, heritage, and trauma - a luminous portrait of a man and an urgent reflection on the politics that define us now.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Edition: 1
Publisher: Scribe UK
Published: 23 Jun 2017

ISBN 10: 1911344293
ISBN 13: 9781911344292

Media Reviews
'Written with an exhilarating combination of insight and passion ... A necessary book. A social movement that calls itself Black Lives Matter exists because those lives are being treated as if they don't. Sparrow knows that when he writes of the past, If you believed in nothing, you'd fall for anything, he is also writing about now.' Anna Funder, author of Stasiland 'This is an inspiring biography of a really remarkable human being.' -- Johann Hari, author of Chasing the Scream 'Brilliantly told by Jeff Sparrow, Paul Robeson's story is compelling and important. No Way But This is a challenge to history and a reminder of what unites us.' -- Owen Jones, Guardian columnist and author of The Establishment 'Urgent and compelling ... A mix of essay, journalism, history and biography [that is] engaging, original and insightful ... Fascinating, instructive and full of astute observations on race and politics, In Search of Paul Robeson will appeal to readers passionate about social justice and the history of 20th-century political movements.' Books+Publishing (starred review) 'An amazing story I didn't even know I didn't know. Jeff pulls us through the grubby terrain of race, Jesus, prison, and fascism.' -- John Safran, author of Murder in Mississippi 'With sensitive inquisition; fierce curiosity; razor-sharp observation; crisp, engaging prose; and a fondness and respect for his subject that fairly sings, Sparrow once again proves himself one of the finest nonfiction writers we have.' -- Maxine Beneba Clarke, author of The Hate Race 'Part journalist, part historian, Jeff Sparrow writes with loving discernment about a remarkable man and the forces that shaped his unmistakable voice. [This is] a gripping story of courage and commitment, told by one of our finest chroniclers of the human capacity for tenderness amid the squalor. Sparrow takes us on a global journey, revealing that beyond an old man and a river, there lies a deep valley of hatred and hope, sadness and solidarity.' -- Claire Wright, Stella Prize-winning author of The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka 'Paul Robeson was truly a giant of a man, in physical stature, courage, intellect, and creative endeavour. With this intimate and engaging portrait, we are able to gain an invaluable insight into a major political and artistic talent of the twentieth century. Ours is a time requiring inspiration, affiliation, and solidarity. Paul Robeson surely provides the inspiration we desperately need.' -- Tony Birch, author of Blood and Ghost River 'A great book about a fascinating man. Read it and be inspired!' -- Srdja Popovic, author of Blueprint for Revolution 'Both moving and illuminating ... It is timely that in an era when there are more African-American men in jail or on parole in the United States than there were men in bondage at the height of slavery and when the Black Lives Matter movement is gathering momentum that there is a book to remind us about this astonishing individual and the political climate in which he used his popular voice to highlight systemic inequality.' Readings 'An illuminating look at the life of a frankly remarkable man.' FIVE BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ THIS MONTH The AU Review 'Remarkable ... It revives Robeson as a model of integrity and bravery - someone who, despite the precarity of his social position, risked his life and career for the ideas of workers' rights, black liberation, anti-colonialism and international socialism. As Robeson's story unfolds, the ghosts of past struggles unite with those who fight for political emancipation around the world today. By naming and connecting these diverse groups, Sparrow opens a space for a new public to be formed. Robeson, with his integrity, struggles and flaws, provides a powerful model for the kinds of political action we so desperately need.' Sydney Review of Books 'Told sensitively and often movingly by a writer awake to the nuances of the political and social contexts in which Robeson moved, this is a story that reverberates today, full of tragedy but also exhilaration and promise. It is the story we need to hear.' Overland 'Sparrow's lively portrait should restore a little of the fame the great man deserves.' Weekend Herald (Auckland) 'Robeson's character, art, principled politics and legacy of extraordinary courage all come vividly to life in No Way But This. There are many worthy books about the life of Paul Robeson, but this is one not to be missed.' Red Flag 'a splendid account of this fabulous figure ... This is an intriguing life, beautifully realised by a fine writer, and should be widely read and appreciated.' The Miner 'A thoughtful, sensitive and respectful examination of the life and work of Paul Robeson ... More than the biography of one remarkable man, the book is a testament to Robeson's conviction that despite it all, there was no way but to struggle for a better world.' Green Left Weekly 'The book gripped me. I read excerpts to The Spouse over breakfast; I neglected the ironing, forgot to water the vegetable patch ... Now that's a book well worth reading!' ANZ LitLovers
Author Bio
Jeff Sparrow is a writer, editor, and broadcaster. He writes a fortnightly column for The Guardian and contributes regularly to many other Australian and international publications. Jeff is a member of the 3RRR Breakfasters team and the immediate past editor of literary journal Overland. He is the author of a number of award-nominated books, including Money Shot and Communism: a love story.