Ballad of an American: A Graphic Biography of Paul Robeson

By Sharon Rudahl, Paul Buhle and Lawrence Ware

The first-ever graphic biography of Paul Robeson, Ballad of an American, charts Robeson’s career as a singer, actor, scholar, athlete, and activist who achieved global fame. Through his films, concerts, and records, he became a potent symbol representing the promise of a multicultural, multiracial American democracy at a time when, despite his stardom, he was denied personal access to his many audiences.

Robeson was a major figure in the rise of anti-colonialism in Africa and elsewhere, and a tireless campaigner for internationalism, peace, and human rights. Later in life, he embraced the civil rights and antiwar movements with the hope that new generations would attain his ideals of a peaceful and abundant world. Ballad of an American features beautifully drawn chapters by artist Sharon Rudahl, a compelling narrative about his life, and an afterword on the lasting impact of Robeson’s work in both the arts and politics. This graphic biography will enable all kinds of readers—especially newer generations who may be unfamiliar with him—to understand his life’s story and everlasting global significance.

Ballad of an American: A Graphic Biography of Paul Robeson is published in conjunction with Rutgers University’s centennial commemoration of Robeson’s 1919 graduation from the university.

Study guide for Ballad of an American: A Graphic Biography of Paul Robeson (https://d3tto5i5w9ogdd.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/10201015/YA_Adult-Study-Guide-for-A-Graphic-Biography-of-Paul-Robeson.pdf).

View the blad for Ballad of an American.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press
• Release date: Oct 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781978802094

Sharon Rudahl

Sharon Rudahl, erstwhile civil rights activist and artist for the antiwar movement, was a leading comix artist of the underground era. Her recent work includes Dangerous Woman: The Graphic Biography of Emma Goldman and contributions to many anthologies. She lives in Los Angeles.

Book preview

BALLAD

OF AN AMERICAN

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY PRESS

NEW BRUNSWICK, CAMDEN, AND NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, AND LONDON

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Names: Rudahl, Sharon, illustrator. | Buhle, Paul, 1944– editor. | Ware, Lawrence, editor.

Title: Ballad of an American : a graphic biography of Paul Robeson / Sharon Rudahl, Paul Buhle, Lawrence Ware.

Description: [1.] | New Brunswick : Rutgers University Press, 2020. | Summary: The first-ever graphic biography of Paul Robeson, Ballad of an American, charts Robeson’s career as a singer, actor, scholar, athlete, and activist who achieved global fame. Through his films, concerts, and records, he became a potent symbol representing the promise of a multicultural, multiracial American democracy at a time when, despite his stardom, he was denied personal access to his many audiences. Robeson was a major figure in the rise of anti-colonialism in Africa and elsewhere, and a tireless campaigner for internationalism, peace, and human rights. Later in life, he embraced the civil rights and antiwar movements with the hope that new generations would attain his ideals of a peaceful and abundant world. Ballad of an American features beautifully drawn chapters by artist Sharon Rudahl, a compelling narrative about his life, and an afterword on the lasting impact of Robeson’s work in both the arts and politics. This graphic biography will enable all kinds of readers-especially newer generations who may be unfamiliar with him-to understand his life’s story and everlasting global significance. Ballad of an American: A Graphic Biography of Paul Robeson is published in conjunction with Rutgers University’s centennial commemoration of Robeson’s 1919 graduation from the university—Provided by

Reviews for Ballad of an American

[villemezbrown · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I wasn't overly impressed with the writing and drawing -- it's one of those graphic novels where the text and art fight for space on the page -- but I found myself quite fascinated with Paul Robeson's life. I couldn't recall ever hearing of him before, but in looking for his music on YouTube, I at least recognized his clip of "Old Man River" from the Showboat musical.He seems to have been an impressive athlete, singer, actor, and political activist. I can vouch for the singing, as I went ahead and bought one of music compilations after I finished the book.Robeson had some mental health issues late in life, and I was intrigued by the theory that he may have suffered CTE due to his early and rough football career at Rutgers University and the nascent NFL.Unrelated to my rating, I find it odd that the male editors share nearly equal cover billing with the female writer/artist. They go so far as to list Buhle first on the "About the Authors Page." What are they communicating with this, intentionally and unintentionally?

[darthdeverell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In Ballad of An American: A Graphic Biography of Paul Robeson, Sharon Rudahl tells the story of athlete, scholar, singer, actor, and civil rights activist Paul Robeson in Rutgers University Press’s first graphic novel as part of the University's celebration of Robeson and the Class of 1919 Centennial. Rudahl brilliantly dramatizes Robeson’s life and her art succeeds in conveying her subjects’ emotions, alternating between photorealistic and expressionist styles. Rudahl also includes extensive quotes from Robeson that demonstrate his continued significance to those studying the importance of the arts in political debate. For example, Robeson said in the 1930s amid the rise of fascism, “The battlefield is everywhere. The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice” (pg. 90). Robeson faced pushback under McCarthyism for his political activities just as the right targets entertainers for taking a stand now, though he was later recognized for his contributions to civil rights. Rudahl succeeds in her celebration of Robeson’s life while conveying his story in a manner that will reach readers beyond academia.