The Butler
A Witness to History
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3.2 • 276 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
This mesmerizing companion book to the award-winning film, The Butler traces the Civil Rights Movement and explores crucial moments of twentieth century American history through the eyes of Eugene Allen—a White House butler who served eight presidents over the course of thirty-four years.
During the presidencies of Harry Truman to Ronald Reagan, Eugene Allen was a butler in the most famous of residences: the White House. An African American who came of age during the era of Jim Crow, Allen served tea and supervised buffets while also witnessing some of the most momentous decisions made during the second half of the twentieth century, including Lyndon B. Johnson’s work during the Civil Rights Movement and Ronald Reagan getting tough on apartheid. But even as Allen witnessed the Civil Rights legislation develop, his family, friends, and neighbors were still contending with Jim Crow America.
Timely, “poignant and powerful” (Kirkus Reviews) The Butler also explores Eugene Allen and his family’s background along with the history of African Americans in Hollywood and also features a foreword by the film’s director Lee Daniels.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A companion to Lee Daniel's recent film, The Butler, Haygood provides a history of Eugene Allen in his role as butler to eight U.S. presidents. Coupled with this is Haygood's account of how the original Washington Post article about Allen turned into a movie with an all-star cast. This audio edition features a skilled group of narrators all with significant roles in the film. Forest Whitaker carries the weight of the production, providing voices for Haygood the reporter who originally pursued the story and Allen. Whitaker's pacing easily keeps listener attention, and his tone, emphasis, and timing flesh out the characters. Winfrey and Oyelowo, both of who provide strong and clear narration, read additional essays. An Atria/37 Ink hardcover.
Customer Reviews
The Butler
I was expecting the story of the movie. This is a well written documentary with loads of historic events.
The Butler
I thought I was buying an actual book, an historical novel, not just background information on movie background information. Looking forward to seeing the movie, but Disappointed I won't be saying "the book was better."
The Butler
This is not a book. It is an advertisement for a movie made about a man who served as a butler at the White House. I was hoping for some insight on life with past Presidents as a servant in the White House. This " book " gave no real insight. The most disappointing purchase I have ever made. Do not purchase. I am sure the subject butler was a very nice man but this book is not worth more than a dollar and really should not be called a book.
I could derive more info from the cover of People magazine while standing in a grocery line. I can't seem to be able to submit a rating of no stars so I gave it lowest possible to be able to submit.
I apologize for being so negative but this is a ripoff.