This Land Is Your Land

Starred review from August 31, 1998
From California to the New York island, readers of all ages will be singing the praises of this picture-book tribute to a legendary folk musician and one of his best-known compositions. The popular version of the song, which Guthrie recorded in 1949, omitted some of Guthrie's original lyrics. Restored here, those verses broaden the song, transforming it to an anthem for the downtrodden: "In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people;/ By the relief office I seen my people;/ As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking,/ Is this land made for you and me?" Acclaimed folk artist Jakobsen's (My New York) expansive, sparkling oil landscapes depict the natural beauty of the country--a stand of redwoods, a country campground, etc. In several multi-paneled spreads, Guthrie stars as wandering troubadour, carrying his guitar from coast to coast and landmark to landmark (all clearly labeled). These spreads are bordered with geometric designs inspired by traditional "tramp art" carvings, while their corners contain hand-lettered snippets of Guthrie lyrics and quotes. One memorable page features a star-studded cast of musicians who have performed Guthrie's songs over the years and also a roster of artists who played at a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in 1996, all of whom are identified in small print. As an added bonus, the final pages contain a tribute from fellow singer/songwriter Pete Seeger; a brief biography of Guthrie, illustrated with black-and-white family photographs; and complete music and lyrics to "This Land Is Your Land." This beautiful homage to America and to a favorite folksinger is sure to be a family treasure. All ages.

April 9, 2012
Timed to coincide with the "Woody at 100" birthday celebration hosted by the Guthrie Archives and the Grammy Museum (of which Santelli is Executive Director), this in-depth look at Woody Guthrie's iconic folksong digs into the song's history and mythology, seeking to explain its persistent appeal. Santelli (The Big Book of Blues) is quick to point out that there's much more to the tune (originally titled "God Blessed America") than the patriotic platitudes many Americans associate with it; it's a song by turns poetic and inspiring, but also highly critical of the distribution of wealth and opportunities in the U.S., an aspect of the number that frequently leads to abridged versions that suit the player's need. Indeed, extended versions of the lyrics suggest that Guthrie was concerned with "why, where, and for whom the song was being sung," a notion that only emphasizes the folksinger's reputation as being a man of and for the people. While Santelli does cover the evolution of the American folk movement as well as a basic biography of Guthrie, all roads lead to "This Land is Your Land." Those interested in Americana and the folk movement will likely get the most out of Santelli's attention to detail, with specifics on recording dates, the specter of Senator Joseph McCarthy, and Guthrie's tremendous influence on Bob Dylanâbut it's the song, known to millions, that sings throughout this compelling story. Photos.