In this book, the musical icon is explored through the widest array of sources: letters, notes to himself, published articles, rough drafts, stories, and poetry creating the most intimate picture yet available of Seeger as a musician, an activist, and a family man in his own words.

1: The Early Years: 1919–1947; 1: Growing Up (1919–1934); 2: Becoming a “Folk Singer” (1935–1947); 3: Mentors and Influences; 2: Life as a “Folk Singer”; 1: A Framework; 4: What Is Folk Music?; 2: Social Movements in the United States; 5: The Labor Movement, the Communist Party, and the Blacklist; 6: The Civil Rights Movement; 7: The Movement Against the War in Vietnam; 8: The Environmental Movement and the Ship Clearwater; 9: Reflections on a Life in Movements; 3: Beyond the United States; 10: Other Struggles of the 20th Century; 11: Travels Abroad; 12: Musics of Other Countries; 4: Issues for Performers; 13: A Philosophy of Making Music; 14: Participation; 15: Commercialization, Popularization, Authenticity, and the Star System; 16: Reflections on a Life in Music; 17: Balancing Work and Family Life; 3: Other Dimensions; 18: Other Writings; 19: Other Correspondence; 4: Looking Back and Looking Forward; 20: Philosophical Musings and Utopian Visions

"Pete Seeger is one of America's rare elders. Always hopeful, sometimes in the midst of despair, always ardent, and often wise, and having endured sacrifice, he appears in these pages of his writing and correspondence as an exemplar of courage, dignity, humility, and thoughtfulness." —Alex Wilkinson, staff writer for The New Yorker and author of The Protest Singer: An Intimate Portrait of Pete Seeger "The Rosenthals deftly selected and arranged the material to tell Seeger's life story so that it reads like a full-fledged autobiography. The words are Seeger's, and the bountiful wisdom is Seeger's, but the handiwork is the Rosenthals'." —Matthew Rothschild, in The Progressive "Gathering the most extensive collection of Seeger's writings to date — ranging from unpublished letters, diaries, and notes to himself, to previously published album-liner notes, book introductions, and journal articles — sociologist Rob Rosenthal and his son, Sam Rosenthal, introduce a man deeply committed to the power of music, community, and ideas... This remarkable collection displays Seeger in all his cantankerous, playful, idealistic, and loving glory. He's one of America's national treasures, and this treasure trove of his writing reveals why." —Library Journal “Growing up with Pete’s music, I dreamed of making music and being an active citizen of the world. Read this book – and give it to your kids to read.” —Dar Williams “These writings are like hidden treasures – unaltered, unlaundered, and revealing Pete’s evolution as a conscientious and conflicted patriotic American. Pete’s letters and observations ensure that we won’t forget how his commitment to this simple act of singing songs – especially together – helped him cut across every barrier while speaking out for the things that he cared most about – truth and fairness.” —Nick Forster, host of the nationally broadcast eTown “Thirty years ago, Pete Seeger sent me a letter supporting a political campaign. It was a leaf, carefully pasted on a hand-made card. He is one of our great trees. This book is a wonderful ‘leaf’ to future generations.” —Tom Hayden “The book offers unusual insight into Seeger’s motivations, and for his relentless optimism in the face of adversity. Seeger has spoken the truth for nearly 100 years, and his writings offer inspiration to all those working for peace, justice and for a better world…[Rob and Sam Rosenthal] have produced a book that all Seeger admirers will want to read.” —Randy Shaw, Editor of BeyondChron