Friday, October 31, 2008

Studs Terkel (1912–2008)

His books are browser's delights. In college, I read Working (1974) again and again. When I began teaching, I read from it to my classes. I still remember Dolores Dante and Joe Zmuda.

From the obituary: "'Curiosity never killed this cat' — that's what I'd like as my epitaph.”

Studs Terkel, Chronicler of the American Everyman, Is Dead at 96 (New York Times)

comments: 2

Geo-B said...

I stopped by the Guild bookstore on Lincoln, which used to be a great source for poetry books, and Studs was doing a signing. It was so crowded I went to a movie down the street instead. When I came out of the movie, he was still at the table, sitting by himself, but looking so old and tired, I decided to get my book signed and exit quickly. It was not to be; he engaged me in a conversation about Nelson Algren and Simone deBeauvoir and Gary,Indiana, that really energized him. His memory was encyclopedic, his remarks sharp, his style inclusive. He was just a wonderful guy, a character for the ages.

Michael Leddy said...

What a great experience to have had — thanks for sharing it here, George.