Moyers on Democracy

April 28, 2008
Veteran journalist and author Moyers (Moyers on America, The Power of Myth) staunchly attacks conservative government as one of "millions of Americans who are restless to get on with their revolution." In this volume-a collection of speeches, addresses, talks and lectures from as far back as the '80s-Moyers argues that participatory citizenship breathes life into American democracy, and whatever undermines active citizenship threatens to destroy the system. Moyers reminds readers that the U.S. stands "on the shoulders of brave ghosts," and challenges them to treat, with courage, the country's socio-political ills. The author provides illustrative portraits of dear friends like Fred Friendly and Hubert Humphrey, positioning himself among passionate journalists and left-leaning politicians. Some may recoil from his lobbyist outrage (they "hide... behind the flag while ripping off a country in crisis"), but his long-lived devotion to the American ideal of self-governance, on the whole, guides him well. His insight, sweeping political and historical expertise, and unflinching defense of his ideals should captivate both scholars and concerned citizens, though it's more likely to appeal to those already on Moyers's wavelength.

May 15, 2008
This collection of essays by the eminent journalist includes pieces that he wrote between 1986 and 2007. Organized around the topics of service, history, politics, media, and religion, the book is at once a warning about the undermining of our democratic ideals and a record of the author's life in public service. Moyers ("Listening to America") has been a participant or observer of most major events in U.S. history since he joined Lyndon Johnson's presidential campaign staff in 1960. Unlike many such players, he never became cynical or simplistic; he only grew into a keener and more penetrating critic of public life. These pieces all demonstrate his love of democracy, attachment to the truth, and unflinching habit of speaking truth to power. Furthermore, these essays are fine examples of how to write clearly and convincingly yet with a welcome understatement, a thoughtfulness that seems, ironically, to date even the most recent of these pieces. In our day of instant Internet news and sound-bite journalism; long, contemplative essays harken to times long gone. Recommended for undergraduate and larger public libraries.Duncan Stewart, Univ. of Iowa Libs., Iowa City

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2008
Moyers, best known for his show on PBS, is also a skilled orator who has for decades been sharing his thoughts on democracy with diverse audiences. This collection of speeches offers a conscientious, passionate examination of those principles and ideals that rightly provoke pride in America and the shortcomings that should evoke shame, as Moyers points to assaults on the U.S. Constitution, a growing divide between the rich and the poor, and weakening of press independence. This collection reflects Moyers understanding of the importance of getting things rightnot just the facts but the tone and tenor of the time and the sensibilities of the people. The collection also reflects his understanding of the importance of setting things right. He recalls a boyhood spent in a loving and religious small Texas town, where he was oblivious to the mistreatment of black citizens.He offers moving tributes to giants who upheld the highest ideals of democracy and simple human decency, including William Sloane Coffin, Hubert H. Humphrey, Lady Bird Johnson, and Barbara Jordan. He begins each essay with the context of time then and now in the continuum of an examination of American ideals in separate sections devoted to public service, history, politics, the media, and religion.Fans of his television show will hear Moyers well-modulated voice in these thoughtful and thought-provokingspeeches and lectures.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)