Working by Studs Terkel (1974, Hardcover)

I bought this book because I wanted a first edition hardcover of a book that I've purchased three times in paperback. It was the 1973 musical of the same name that first made me aware of both this book and the author, Studes Terkel, who died just this summer. Mr. Terkel's life work was to document the true American way of life and "Working" does this beautifully. Studs Terkel interviewed hundreds of people about their jobs and what they do, but he also captured their personalities, their dreams and how and why they do what they do. In essence, this becomes a book about the truth and similarities in all of us: We work because we want to give our children the opportunity to have a better live than we've had. This is a terrific book, worth reading, skimming, re-reading. Actors can use it for monologues, people can find their own jobs and compare experience or you can just learn what it's like to be in a different career. The, if you like, get to know the musical, which was produced and put together by Stephen Schwartz and includes music by James Taylor, Craig Carnelia, Mary Rodgers. the original production launched the career of Patti LaBelle and the musical has enjoyed a long life as a perfect theatre
piece for anyone from Middle School Children to equity companies.

It all began with Studs Terkel, his tape recorder and legal pad and his ability to create the atmosphere for people to open up their souls.