Chopping Wood: Thoughts & Stories Of A Legendary American Folksinger

Pete Seeger's autobiography, "Chopping Wood," is a personal journey through his life and career, featuring historical and family stories, banjo lessons, and commercial success with The Weavers. He discusses controversial subjects like communism and the Peekskill Riots, highlights those he admired, and shares his worldview in his local community. The book is minimally edited to preserve Seeger's trademark cadence and is punctuated by historical images and additional commentary by David Bernz. Readers will come to know Pete more deeply as they hear his voice resonate in their own heads and witness his humility and willingness to respect those with differing opinions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2024
Publisher: Outline Press Ltd

Chopping Wood is a captivating and intimate portrait of Pete Seeger, offering a rare glimpse into the life and career of this legendary folk singer and songwriter. Derived from years of conversations between Seeger and his close friend and collaborator, David Bernz, the book takes readers on a deeply personal journey through Seeger's remarkable life and career, in his own words.

Within the pages of Chopping Wood, Pete opens up about his historical and family stories, sharing anecdotes about his journey in learning the banjo, traveling with Woody Guthrie, and achieving commercial success with The Weavers. He delves into controversial subjects such as communism and the Peekskill Riots, offering his insights and perspectives.

What sets Chopping Wood apart is the candid and revealing nature of Pete's conversations with David. They tackle a wide range of topics, from the 1965 Newport Folk Festival to Pete's relationship with Greenwich Village and the need for copyright reform. Together, they paint a vivid picture of Pete's worldview and how he put it into practice in his local community.

The book is minimally edited to preserve Seeger's trademark cadence, allowing his voice and words to shine through. It is punctuated by historical images and additional commentary by David Bernz, as well as remembrances from other musicians and friends. Arlo Guthrie provides a foreword to the book, adding his own insights and admiration for Pete Seeger.

As readers immerse themselves in Chopping Wood, they will come to know Pete Seeger more deeply. His gentle, principled nature, combined with his humility and willingness to respect those whose opinions differed greatly from his own, are vital qualities in these troubled and divisive times. The book serves as a testament to Seeger's enduring legacy and the power of his music and message to connect people across generations and backgrounds.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 215 x 152 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781916829022