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Working
Studs Terkel was one of the UK’s beloved radio broadcasters and oral historians of the seventies, famous for publishing this piece in which he interviews Americans about what they do all day and about how they feel about what they do. Working by Studs Terkel is an insightful look into the lives of ordinary people with strong and extraordinary voices.
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As one of the UK´s beloved radio broadcasters and oral historians of the seventies, Studs Terkel published a piece people like to talk about up until this day. In Working, Terkel speaks to Americans about what they do all day and about how they feel about what they do. Working by Studs Terkel is an insightful look into the lives of ordinary people with strong and extraordinary voices that we might not get to hear every day.
Categories: Non-fiction, Psychology.
Awards Working by Studs Terkel has received:
Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do by Studs Terkel was a highly influential and acclaimed book, but it did not win any major literary awards like the Pulitzer Prize or National Book Award. However, the book had a significant impact on society and literature due to its unique approach to storytelling and its exploration of the lives and experiences of everyday people. It remains one of Studs Terkel’s most well-known and celebrated works, contributing to his legacy as a chronicler of American voices.
About the author:
Louis “Studs” Terkel (May 16, 1912 – October 31, 2008) was an iconic American author, broadcaster, and oral historian renowned for his extraordinary ability to capture the essence of everyday people’s lives. Born in New York City, Terkel grew up in Chicago, a city that would later become the backdrop for much of his work. His given name, Louis, was replaced with the nickname “Studs” during his teenage years, a reference to the fictional character Studs Lonigan from a trilogy by James T. Farrell.
Terkel’s career spanned over seven decades, during which he explored the diverse tapestry of American society through the intimate stories and experiences of its ordinary citizens. His groundbreaking book, “Division Street: America” (1967), was one of his earliest works that showcased his unique approach to oral history. In this book, he interviewed a wide range of people – from factory workers and farmers to civil rights activists and musicians – providing readers with an unfiltered glimpse into their lives and perspectives.
One of Terkel’s most acclaimed works is “Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do” (1974). In this book, he interviewed people from various professions, revealing the human side of work and the dreams, frustrations, and aspirations that come with it. Terkel’s empathetic interviewing style allowed his subjects to open up and share their innermost thoughts, creating a rich and nuanced portrait of the American workforce.
Throughout his career, Terkel continued to use his platform to address significant societal issues. He was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice, using his radio show and writing to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. His book “Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression” (1970) illuminated the struggles faced by Americans during a period of profound economic hardship.
Terkel’s body of work earned him numerous accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize for “The Good War: An Oral History of World War Two” (1984), in which he chronicled the personal experiences of people involved in the war effort. His other notable books include “Race: How Blacks and Whites Think and Feel About the American Obsession” (1992) and “Hope Dies Last: Keeping the Faith in Troubled Times” (2003).
Studs Terkel’s legacy extends beyond his writing. His radio show, “The Studs Terkel Program,” provided a platform for him to engage in thoughtful conversations with a diverse range of guests. His warm and compassionate interviewing style encouraged his guests to share their stories openly.
Studs Terkel’s body of work has left an indelible mark on American literature and journalism. He demonstrated the power of storytelling as a means to bridge divides, foster empathy, and celebrate the shared human experience. His dedication to capturing the voices of everyday people has enriched our understanding of history, culture, and society, ensuring that the stories of those who are often overlooked will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Extra:
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The voices of real
people on the meaning of work.
people on the meaning of work.
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Thoughts from readers:
Worth the read
Got chills when I read this book. Love this part:
“When I put the plate down, you don’t hear a sound. When I pick up a glass, I want it to be just right. When someone says, “How come you’re just a waitress?” I say, “Don’t you think you deserve being served by me?”
– Dolores Dante, waitress.
Great reminder that everyone has a story
This book certainly shows it age
`They ask me if it’s true that when we bury somebody we dig ‘em out in four, five years and replace ‘em with another one. I tell ‘em no. When these people is buried, he’s buried here for life.`
—Elmer Ruiz, Gravedigger
It is not really accurate to call Terkel the “author” of this book. The real authors are the 133 subjects of Terkel’s interviews. Terkel serves as a stenographer and redactor, recording interviews and editing them into readable format. This is no mean feat, of course.
