For much of the 20th century, Carl Sandburg was synonymous with the
American experience, a spokesman on behalf of “the people.” Using his unique
life as the basis for free-verse poetry, Sandburg became one of the most
successful writers in the English language: a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winner,
biographer, children’s storyteller, novelist and captivating performer. Yet,
after his death in 1967, his literary legacy faded and his poems, once taught
in schools across America, were dismissed under the weight of massive critical
attack. AMERICAN MASTERS provides a dynamic examination into the life, work and
controversy surrounding Sandburg, exposing his radical politics and anarchist
writing during WWI as well as the burgeoning resurgence of interest in him and
his contributions.