Penned by acclaimed author and political reporter Joe Klein, this book serves as an insightful social history of the America Woody Guthrie lived in, as much as a definitive biography of one of its most important artists.

Starting with the drowning of his maternal grandfather, Guthrie’s 55 years on Earth were littered with a string of personal tragedies. Faced with poverty, illness and loss, the singer’s steadfast strength led him to become the leader of a politically vital folk movement, which championed the poor and oppressed.

Over a hundred years on from his birth, Guthrie’s timeless folk songs and socialist stance continue to resonate with successive generations. His life and times should be taught in school.

This is essential reading for anyone interested in music, people or history – or as Bruce Springsteen calls it, “A really great book”.

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