The Power of the Unknown Citizen

Philadelphia/New York: J.B. Lippincott Company. Near Fine in Very Good+ dj. 1969. First Edition. Hardcover. [minimal shelfwear to book, small rubber-stamp on front endpaper ("MGM Documentary / 804 Directors Bldg."); jacket has a 3/4" closed tear at the top front hinge, a couple of tiny nicks and some minor creasing along bottom edge, minor wear at spine ends]. "The exciting story of citizen action told in terms of the experiences of Americans who have overcome the habit of 'letting George do it.' There are stories about people who have acted alone in the battle for everything from getting a traffic light put up at the corner to bringing about statehood for Alaska and Hawaii. There are sections on 'rights--civil and uncivil'; on the nature and origin of organizations such as the League of Women Voters, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Travelers Aid Assocation, and the Legal Aid Society; on action through religious organizations; on the aims of conservationists; on the citizen as consumer; on the power of the written and spoken word -- with practical advice on how to reach editors and public officials effectively." The author was a man of many talents: in addition to writing numerous books (including biographies of Isaac Bashevis Singer and George Gershwin), he was at various times a publicist, music critic, TV and film writer, and communications consultant. He is also remembered for having produced numerous spoken-word recordings, which captured readings by famous writers such as Allen Ginsberg, e.e. cummings, and Gertrude Stein, among others. .