Product Description

A gripping memoir of America in the '60s, of idealists turned radicals, and of a life lived on the run

In February 2008, in the heat of the Democratic primary elections, speculations began circulating in the media about a connection between presidential hopeful Barack Obama and Bill Ayers, a former member of the radical 1960s group the Weather Underground. In Fugitive Days, Ayers tells the real story of the defining events of the radical '60s. The book is an eyewitness account of a young pacifist who helped found one of the most radical political organizations in U.S. history, and who consequently lived for ten years as a fugitive. In a new era of antiwar activism and suppression of protest, Fugitive Days is more poignant and relevant than ever.

"For anyone who wants to think hard about the social conflagration the Vietnam War produced in the U.S., and more generally about a citizen's obligations in troubled times, Ayers's powerful, morally charged account of a life and a society in the political balance is provocative reading."
—David Farber, Chicago Tribune

"A memoir that is, in effect, a deeply moving elegy to all those young dreamers who tried to live decently in an indecent world. Ayers provides a tribute to those better angels of ourselves."
—Studs Terkel, author of Working and The Good War

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #273870 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780807032770
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
A fascinating memoir...distinct, original. ("The Washington Post Book World") Ayers' powerful, morally charged account of a life and a society in the political balance is provocative reading. ("Chicago Tribune")

About the Author
William Ayers is a long-time teacher and activist, award-winning education writer and reformer, and professor at the University of Illinois. He and his wife, Bernardine Dohrn, live in Chicago.

Customer Reviews

SURPRISING
I was expecting a review of the 1960's from a bitter radical's unchanged viewpoint. I was surprised to find this book to be a thought provoking, insightful, and reflective account of the what went right and what went wrong in the portion(s) of the anti-war movement Mr. Ayers was involved in--specifically the Weather underground. This is NOT another rehash of the 60's memoir. If you have been wondering what all the fuss about Bill Ayers has been, read this book. You too might be surprised!

"Fugitive Days" inspires during troubled times
I bought "Fugitive Days" for my 16-year-old nephew. Ayers' book is an inspirational account of a young person's struggles to do what's right during troubled times when the government and those in power have created an Orwellian world where the truth can be hard to discern. Given the similarities between the Vietnam War and the Iraq War, this is an important book for all to read today.

great read
I did not want the book to end....thought about stopping in the middle so that it could last longer. great read.