All the ghosts, some old, some new

[sovay]

History, what do you mean that Folkways Records was founded by the son of Sholem Asch who, as one last trick after the scandals of Jewish lesbians and Christian novels, wrote a version of the Nativity recorded for his son's record label by Pete Seeger? What kind of concatenation is that to drop on an unsuspecting person? And is there a reason no artist is credited with the pen-and-ink illustrations depicting the story in 1963 even as the prose sticks to its historical setting, which are maddening me with their sketch-expressive familiarity, although perhaps only because my grandmother had that kind of loose, scribbly, ink-washed line? Ben Shahn at least had the decency to sign his album art. The Claibornes' "Listen, Mr. Bilbo" could have had the luck to lose its relevance since 1946. History, the other kind of convergence was more fun. Listen while I tell you that the foreigners you hate are the very same people made America great.

Comments

[sovay]

There was an exhibition related to the Folkways Records cover art that might have some clues. Interesting anyway.

I've already learned that Ben Shahn contributed photographs as well as drawings. I grew up with his poster in my grandparents' house.

[ethelmay]

Possibly David Stone Martin.

[sovay]

Possibly David Stone Martin.

I can see why you thought of him! And he did work with Folkways.

Irwin Rosenhouse also suggested himself.