Robeson

Paul Robeson was a towering figure in American culture, conquering many disparate venues—from football and film to law to Shakespeare. An extraordinary athlete-scholar-actor-singer, Robeson also became a crusader for human rights. And though he was admired by many, his controversial support of the Soviet Union during the Cold War and the era of McCarthyism led to ostracism and his declining health.In Robeson: An American Ballad, Arnold H. Lubasch chronicles the remarkable life of this twentieth-century original. In this concise and readable account, Lubasch—a New York Times veteran for almost 40 years—reports on Robeson’s life story more accurately and clearly than any previous books.In addition to detailing the highs and lows of Robeson’s life and career, Lubasch offers several personal anecdotes about this American icon, and includes commentary on the 100th-anniversary celebration of Robeson’s birth. This engaging work will be of interest to virtually everyone, but especially to scholars and students of U.S. and African American history and culture.

Paul Robeson is well remembered for his inspiring, powerful voice that brought joy to concert audiences worldwide with renditions of spirituals, traditional songs, and his signature piece, “Ol’ Man River.” Now, former New York Times reporter Lubasch presents a new and comprehensive portrait of this American icon. Robeson’s life as a touring concert singer, musical stage performer (Show Boat), as well as dramatic actor (Othello) are, of course, well detailed, but Lubasch goes beyond these facts to depict Robeson’s personal life with honesty and a keen perspective, describing him as a committed humanitarian, generous friend, and complex individual. Robeson excelled in college and in athletics, rose above pointed racial prejudice, navigated a somewhat challenging marriage, devoted himself to continuous learning, and cultivated a wide network of associations on an international level. His staunch advocacy for equality and human rights on a larger scale, as well as his support of the Soviet Union during the McCarthy era drew negative attention that damaged his professional career and personal life and ultimately contributed to his failing health. VERDICT This thoughtful and well-researched work examines the core of Robeson’s character and his often delicate relationships with the social, cultural, and political issues of his era. It will have profound appeal for both academic and general audiences.

Arnold H. Lubasch was a reporter for the New York Times, covering a wide range of stories from 1959 to 1993.