Description
Book SynopsisShana L. Redmond traces Paul Robeson’s continuing cultural resonances in popular culture and politics, showing how he remains a vital force and presence for all those he inspired.
Trade Review“Formally challenging and beautifully conceived,
Everything Man is a model for scholarship and thinking as well as a powerful addition to the body of work on Paul Robeson, freedom movements, sound studies, music, and beyond. It will make a tremendous impact.” -- Christina Sharpe, author of * In the Wake *
"Shana Redmond’s ingenious reframing of Paul Robeson as Afrofuturist media artist is but one quality marking
Everything Man as a milestone contribution to Robeson scholarship. Redmond compels readers to reconsider Robeson as a radical modernist—one whose innovative embrace of electronic media technology (film, sound recording, telegraph) transforms our understanding of him from remote Black Communist icon to protean, creative contemporary. In lucid and evocative prose Redmond narrates how Robeson democratized sonic and visual modernity while engaged in anticapitalist justice work. Redmond illuminates the afterlife of Robeson’s voice and presence too—his appearances in postmodern art practices and the many places Robeson’s footpaths took Redmond where she discovered he was still revered by the far-flung descendants of the man's midcentury comrades and congregants.” -- Greg Tate, author of * Flyboy 2 *
"[A] deeply innovative exploration of the cultural resonances of the titanic – yet often now overlooked African American song interpreter, actor, athlete and Freedom Fighter Paul Robeson. . . . Redmond returns Robeson to his rightful place at the center of the American conversation." -- Ann Powers * NPR's Best Books of 2020 *
"Charting Robeson’s life through his sonic abilities, Redmond crafts a rare and inspired work, a worthy academic text that demonstrates both the emblematic power of individuals and their ability to foment widespread resistance to oppressors." -- J. Neal * Choice *
"It is known that Robeson was a great man and defender of those who could not defend himself. His legacy is further cemented through this book which breathes new life into this artist’s impacted and historical life." -- Jordannah Elizabeth * New York Amsterdam News *
Table of ContentsElement: A Preface xi
Acknowledgments xix
Vibration. An Introduction 1
1. Hologram 14
2. Play 39
3. Installation 72
4. Environment 102
Frequency. A Continuation . . . 130
Notes 141
Bibliography 161
Index 173
