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Staff Pick
This wide-ranging collection of an impressive array of great writers responding to the effects of dozens of the ACLU’s most important cases, and what they tell us about the state of American life and ideals — actual and idealized — is absolutely essential reading. Recommended By Keith M., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
A unique collaboration between the American Civil Liberties Union and authors Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman, Fight of the Century features original essays by the most influential writers at work today — including Jennifer Egan, Neil Gaiman, Marlon James, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Salman Rushdie, Jesmyn Ward, and more — each writing about a landmark ACLU case, published in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the organization.
The American Civil Liberties Union began as a small group of idealists and visionaries, including Helen Keller and Jane Addams. A century after its founding, the ACLU remains the nation's premier defender of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
In collaboration with the ACLU, prize-winning authors Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman have curated an anthology of essays about landmark cases in the ACLU's 100-year history. In Fight of the Century, bestselling and award-winning authors present unique literary takes on historic decisions like Brown v. Board of Education, the Scopes trial, Roe v. Wade, and more. Contributors include Geraldine Brooks, Michael Cunningham, Jennifer Egan, Dave Eggers, Louise Erdrich, Neil Gaiman, Lauren Groff, Marlon James, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Morgan Parker, Ann Patchett, Salman Rushdie, George Saunders, Elizabeth Strout, Jesmyn Ward, Meg Wolitzer, and more.
Fight of the Century shows how throughout American history, pivotal legal battles, fought primarily by underdogs and their lawyers, have advanced civil rights and social justice. The ACLU has been integral in this process. The essays range from personal memoir to narrative history, each shedding light on the work of one remarkable organization as it shaped a country.
Chabon and Waldman are donating their advance to the ACLU and the contributors are forgoing payment.
Review
"As they did in Kingdom of Olives and Ash (2017), writers Chabon and Waldman have created a stunning collection of original and topical essays.... an inspired host of other sharp and clarion minds vividly bring consequential court cases to life and recognize the essential work of the ACLU's intrepid, principled lawyers and the sacrosanct rule of law." Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"Vigorous, informative, and well-organized, this outstanding collection befits the ACLU's substantial impact on American law and society." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Husband-and-wife team Chabon and Waldman (co-editors: Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation, 2017) present a finely edited almanac of lively, contextually grounded stories that read like the greatest hits of freedom. Written by some of today's most popular and celebrated authors, these essays serve as history lessons, cautionary tales, and calls to arms." Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Michael Chabon is the bestselling and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of many books, including The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, Gentlemen of the Road, Telegraph Avenue, Moonglow, Pops, and the picture book The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man. He is the editor, with Ayelet Waldman, of Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation and Fight of the Century.
Ayelet Waldman is the author of the memoir, A Really Good Day, as well as of novels including Love and Treasure, Red Hook Road, and Love and Other Impossible Pursuits. She is the editor of Inside This Place, Not of It: Narratives from Women's Prisons, and with Michael Chabon, of Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation and Fight of the Century.