Book of the Day: Ezra Pound at the Microphone

Doob, Leonard W., ed., “Ezra Pound Speaking”: Radio Speeches of World War II (Greenwood Press, Contributions in American Studies, #37, 1st ed., 1st printing, 1978). ISBN 0-313-20057-2. The foreword says, “The best reason for publishing Ezra Pound’s Italian broadcasts may be the simplest. Thousands of people have heard about them, scores have been affected by them, yet but a handful has ever heard or read them. Here they are.” 

Since his death at 89, in 1972, Ezra Pound has slipped into history’s embrace and many have forgotten- or do not know-the influence he possessed before World War II, or the controversy he caused during and after it. Ols Ez's talks are far from the sunny, affably clueless radio postcards of P.G. Wodehouse, Pound had an agenda and he was determined to push it. Fascist radio was all too happy to help. 

This book is a singular contribution to the history of the war era and understanding the life of Ezra Pound. Hardcover, no dustjacket as issued, Green boards, fine condition. Octavo, 465 pp. HBB price: $125.