MARIAN ANDERSON

by Charles Patterson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1988

A useful if undistinguished biography of a noted classical singer--the author's second book in the ""Impact"" series. Straightforwardly, Patterson covers Anderson's youth, her early career, which was followed by success in Europe and a triumphant return to the US under the aegis of impresario Sol Hurok, and her later years--during which she served with distinction as a member of the US delegation to the UN. The description of her 1939 concert at Lincoln Memorial after the DAR refused to allow her, as a black, to perform at Constitution Hall, is especially effective. Although Anderson is now in her late 80s, the book ends with bet 75th birthday, in 1977. Unfortunately, the basic information here is not given the sort of context that would have suggested the significance of Anderson's achievements: aside from events that directly affected her, little is said about the world of music or the racial situation before 1960. And while Patterson's approach is admiring, his style is flat. Disappointing. Source notes; bibliography; index.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1988

ISBN: 0595094937

Page Count: 159

Publisher: Watts

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1988

Categories: CHILDREN'S