The name Studs Terkel probably doesn't mean a great deal to radio listeners in the UK. Yet in Chicago he's world famous!
Studs is a really fascinating character. Having trained as a lawyer, actor, writer and through this ended up with his own radio show, he has interviewed some of the most famous personalities of several generations.
But that is not his talent. Studs pioneered the "oral history" radio show where he also spoke to the little people that others ignored, teasing out stories that were every bit as compelling as any drummed up by the big names.
His honesty was what enabled him to do this. It also got him blacklisted during the McCarthy years. Touch and go is his memoir of his life, although it is by no means his only book. But it brings to life just how much can be achieved by having "a name" and how much it can cost, too.
Published by The New Press (www.thenewpress.com), I found it a fascinating read across several eras of American history and an insight into the mind of a man who is a giant in his field. And you can find out why a man called Louis is known as Studs!
And when you consider he wrote at the age of 95 it makes it all the more impressive.
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