Bound for Glory

The Hard-Driving, Truth-Telling Autobiography of America's Great Poet-Folk Singer

By: Woody Guthrie

Narrated by: Arlo Guthrie

Legendary folk singer and activist, Woody Guthrie and his songs changed the world. Born in an Oklahoma oil-boom town, Guthrie traveled America by boxcar, thumb, and foot. Along the journey, he composed and sang songs that have become a national heritage. His songs, however, are but part of his legacy. This remarkable autobiography brings to life both his vibrant personality and a vision of America we cannot afford to let die.

Funny, cynical, and earthy, Bound for Glory is the stirring account of Guthrie's life and a superb portrait of America's Depression years. This Grammy-nominated recording is performed by his son, Arlo Guthrie, who—like his father—is known for engaging storytelling and performing songs of protest against social injustice.

©1993 Woody Guthrie (P)1993 Phoenix Books, Inc.

It is a Song. A masterpiece.

Woody Guthrie is one of the most important human beings who ever lived. He left us the legacy of his recorded music. Along with Woody’s own catalog, we can add the music of Bob Dylan, who began as a Woody Guthrie impersonator but who went on to actually work in the spirit of Woody Guthrie for his lengthy career. But along with his songs, we have this masterpiece of an autobiography. Not a single word is out of place, even though he uses folksy grammar and style. In fact, this is less a prose work than it is a poem, or perhaps an extended song cycle. It is the most inspiring, authentic, truly American, romantic biography, or perhaps work of non-fiction that I’ve ever encountered. This book should be taught in every school, at least in America, if not the entire English speaking world. It is a core text and a foundational document for the modern psyche, wherever it is found. The criticisms that it levels at the powers that be are absolutely devastating. But they are never offered without a heaping helping of love, joy, humor, and good nature on the side. The man was a prophet. A saint. Predictably forsaken by those without eyes to see, but those who, like Bob Dylan, had ears to hear, once he was heard, he must be hearkened to. His example must be followed. I implore you to listen to this book and to try to be some fragment of the person that this man was. For the sake of everything and everyone that you love. Well, it will bring troubles and perhaps hard times, it is not a hard job. It ain’t hard being happy and trying to show folks how to do likewise. His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.

A powerful classical American tale

Brilliant! Highly recommended. His tale give meaning to his songwriting A lighthearted tale of a man struggling through the depression times.

Powerful work

Arlo Guthrie telling his father's story, powerful all around. Beautiful work. A must read!

An essay-poem

A wonderful reflection on his life and the world as he saw it; a philosophical rumination and a poem. A wonderful delivery by Woody's son Arlo- catching his pop's cadence, rhythms and twang.

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Woody Guthrie!! What a genuine and rare talent with a story to tell, and it was told brilliantly! Ten stars! I decided to listen to the story first, before reading the book. Why? I wanted to experience hearing the authenticity of Guthrie’s voice, the charm of a southern drawl, and it didn’t disappoint. I was aware Arlo Guthrie narrated the story, but it was so well done I never thought even once it wasn’t Woody himself. This story is so unique, so interesting, & so damn funny! Loved every minute! Now, I will read the full story in a book, with his voice in my head!