A Biography of Cesar Chavez (1927-1993), Labor Leader and Community Organizer

FAIN: FB-56936-13

Miriam Pawel
Unaffiliated independent scholar

The writing and preparation for publication of the first comprehensive biography of the migrant farm worker who became a leading activist and reformer.

My project is to write the first scholarly biography of Cesar Chavez, one of the last charismatic leaders of the 20th century. The book will be based largely on extensive collections of primary source documents--including journals, memos, letters, transcripts, and audiotapes--supplemented by dozens of lengthy oral history interviews. Through this material, and drawing on my expertise in the field, I will paint a dramatic, nuanced profile of the most significant Latino figure in the country's history, who has until now been portrayed in largely hagiographic terms that obscure his humanity and ultimately devalue his significance. The factual history of his remarkable rise and achievements, his charismatic leadership, and his mixed legacy offer a rich and very human story--more compelling than the mythologies that have grown up around Chavez in the absence of definitive, scholarly work.

Media Coverage

"A Full View of Chavez" (Review)
Author(s): Liza Featherstone
Publication: Los Angeles Times
Date: 3/23/2014
Abstract: Book review

"Two Versions of Cesar Chavez Come to Light" (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Hector Tobar
Publication: Los Angeles Times
Date: 3/22/2014
Abstract: Feature story about biography, contrasting to upcoming movie about Chavez

Book Review (Review)
Author(s): Eric Brazil
Publication: Sacramento Bee
Date: 3/23/2014
Abstract: Book review

Associated Products

The Crusades of Cesar Chavez - A Biography (Book)
Title: The Crusades of Cesar Chavez - A Biography
Author: Miriam Pawel
Abstract: The first comprehensive biography of Cesar Chavez. The link to the books listing on Amazon includes reviews at http://www.amazon.com/The-Crusades-Cesar-Chavez-Biography/dp/1608197107
Year: 2014
Primary URL: http://www.worldcat.org/title/crusades-of-cesar-chavez-a-biography/oclc/849210456&referer=brief_results
Primary URL Description: WorldCat listing.
Secondary URL: http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/the-crusades-of-cesar-chavez-9781608197101/
Secondary URL Description: Publisher's listing.
Access Model: Book
Publisher: New York: Bloomsbury Publishing
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9781608197101
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

The Crusades of Cesar Chavez (Web Resource)
Title: The Crusades of Cesar Chavez
Author: Miriam Pawel
Abstract: Companion to the published book, his site contains some additional materials and resources.
Year: 2014
Primary URL: http://crusadesofcesarchavez.com
Primary URL Description: Website about the published book.

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