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Sir Brendan Barber on John Steinbeck

Trade unionist Sir Brendan Barber chooses the American novelist, John Steinbeck. With Matthew Parris. From 2013.

Trade unionist Sir Brendan Barber nominates American author, John Steinbeck as his Great Life.

The author of The Grapes of Wrath aimed to fight the cause of the common man, was derided by the right as a Communist and by the left as a sell-out for supporting the Vietnam war.

Brendan picks through the politics and explains how Steinbeck influenced him as a teenager to look towards joining the trade union movement.

After early success, describing the catastrophic effects of the Great Depression and the Dustbowl in Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck became war correspondent, Nobel Laureate, presidential speechwriter, Hollywood scriptwriter, and environmentalist.

Presented by Matthew Parris.

Professor Christopher Bigsby from the University of East Anglia helps guide us through the life of a man described as 'America's Charles Dickens'.

Producer: Melvin Rickarby

First broadcast on 91热爆 Radio 4 in September 2013.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Fri 24 May 2024 00:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Matthew Parris
Interviewed Guest Brendan Barber
Producer Melvin Rickarby

Broadcasts

  • Tue 24 Sep 2013 16:30
  • Fri 27 Sep 2013 23:00
  • Thu 17 Oct 2019 18:30
  • Fri 18 Oct 2019 00:30
  • Thu 23 May 2024 10:00
  • Thu 23 May 2024 16:00
  • Fri 24 May 2024 00:00

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