Zitat
Paul Robeson truly was a Renaissance man: actor, singer, activist, athlete, scholar. Wildly popular, he was also controversial, but, above all, he was a world citizen, even as he nurtured a deep kinship with Africa and its people. During the Cold War, his outspoken political views and socialist tendencies led the U.S. government to label him a subversive. He even had to wrestle with the State Department over his right to travel overseas. "He opted for values over comfort; struggle instead of ease," writes Swindall. In this short but cogent assessment of Robeson's remarkable career, Swindall seeks to demonstrate, which she does with great skill, how "the African diaspora, its culture, people, and politics, was at the heart of his artistic career and political activism." She considers his roles in such plays as The Emperor Jones, All God's Chillun Got Wings, Othello, and Show Boat; the invaluable time he spent in Harlem when it was known as "the Negro capital of the world"; and his fruitful years overseas. A thoughtful discussion of a most complicated and fascinating man. Booklist This serviceable biography follows Robeson's remarkable career as an actor and activist, attempting to rescue his contributions to the stage and the political scene from the pall cast over them by a McCarthy Era blacklist. Robeson is most famous for his career as an actor and singer-he starred as the first African-American Othello on Broadway, and as Joe in Show Boat-but he also took a deep interest in politics and social justice. Swindall's accounting is thorough and straightforward...The result is a surprisingly tidy...account of a somewhat untidy and certainly exceptional man...The book is a diligent recital of the events of Robeson's life, providing a detailed report of everything from Robeson's commencement address to the depression he suffered later in life. Publishers Weekly Paul Robeson was America's greatest Renaissance person, but he has yet to receive the full acclaim and recognition he deserves. Since his death in 1976, a major resurgence in scholarly attention has increased public attention to his accomplishments as an athlete, artist, and political and civil rights activist. A key figure in restoring Paul Robeson to his rightful historical place is Lindsey Swindall. Her earlier book, The Politics of Paul Robeson's Othello, explored Robeson's groundbreaking performances of Shakespeare's magnificent tragedy in a powerful historical and political context. Now, in Paul Robeson: A Life of Activism and Art, she has broadened public understanding of Robeson's entire life as an artist committed to fundamental social change. This book locates his extraordinary accomplishments in the tumultuous events of 20th century history, offering both academic and general readers a powerful vision of the man, his passionate social vision and commitments, and the times. It is a stellar achievement. -- Paul Von Blum, Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, UCLA
