#386: Ken Burns — A Master Filmmaker on Creative Process, the Long Game, and the Noumenal

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Sep 12, 2019

Acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns, known for beloved works like 'The Civil War' and 'Baseball,' shares insights from his 40-year filmmaking journey. He discusses the profound emotional weight of personal mementos and the storytelling power of film and music. Burns dives into the hidden roots of country music, emphasizing its cultural tapestry and the resilience of influential artists. He reflects on how family and personal experiences shaped his creative vision, showcasing the timelessness of authentic narratives.

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ANECDOTE

Pocket Mementos

Ken Burns carries four mementos: a coin, a heart, a Minié ball, and a button.
These objects represent personal connections, historical events, and reminders of human struggles.

INSIGHT

Wholehearted Yes

Ken Burns follows his heart, not just his head, when choosing projects.
A "wholehearted yes" feels like falling in love, a full-body explosion of emotion.

ADVICE

Embrace Complexity

Embrace complexity and contradictory information in your work.
A neon sign in Ken Burns' editing room reads, "It's complicated," reminding his team to remain open to new perspectives.

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Civil War

Mark Millar

Civil War es una historia que explora el conflicto entre dos grupos de superhéroes con diferentes ideologías. La trama se centra en la lucha por el control del gobierno y la regulación de los superhéroes. La historia explora temas de libertad, responsabilidad y la naturaleza del poder. La obra también presenta una crítica social sobre la vigilancia y la intromisión gubernamental. La historia concluye con un cambio significativo en el panorama de los superhéroes y el gobierno.

Mark Twain

Ron Chernow

No description available.

The 4-Hour Body

An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman

Tim Ferriss

In 'The 4-Hour Body,' Tim Ferriss shares the results of over a decade of self-experimentation and research, involving hundreds of elite athletes, dozens of MDs, and thousands of hours of personal testing. The book covers more than 50 topics, including how to lose weight quickly, gain muscle without steroids, sleep less and perform better, and improve sexual health. Ferriss emphasizes the importance of finding the smallest changes that produce the biggest results, making it accessible for readers to achieve significant improvements in their physical health and performance.

The Vietnam War

Edward Miller

War

Bob Woodward

In this book, Bob Woodward provides an intimate and sweeping account of one of the most tumultuous periods in presidential politics and American history. The narrative centers on President Joe Biden’s approach to managing the war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as Donald Trump’s efforts to regain political power. Woodward reveals the complexity and consequences of wartime back-channel diplomacy and decision-making, highlighting efforts to deter the use of nuclear weapons and prevent a rapid slide into World War III.

Jazz

Toni Morrison

Jazz by Toni Morrison is a captivating novel that delves into the vibrant world of 1920s Harlem. It weaves together the lives of its characters in a tale of love, betrayal, and the impact of the past on the present. The story centers around Joe Trace, his wife Violet, and his young lover Dorcas, whose tragic fate sets off a chain of events that unravels the complexities of their lives.

Frank Lloyd Wright

Huey Long

Lewis and Clark

John Bakeless

This book by John Bakeless provides a comprehensive and engaging account of the Lewis and Clark expedition, highlighting their adventures and discoveries as they explored the western territories of the United States. The narrative is rich in historical detail and offers insights into the challenges faced by the explorers during their journey.

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Ken Burns

Dayton Duncan

This book, based on the PBS documentary series of the same name, explores the history of America's national parks from their inception to the present day. It delves into the stories of key figures like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt, who played crucial roles in establishing and preserving these natural wonders. The narrative also touches on the political battles and societal changes that have shaped the national park system over time.

Brooklyn Bridge

Ed Schilders

This book, 'Brooklyn Bridge' by Ed Schilders, is a centennial issue publication that celebrates the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. It includes photographs by Piet Schreurders and an introduction by Thomas L. Bonn, providing a visual and historical perspective on the bridge.

The Roosevelts

An American Saga

Peter Collier

This book explores the lives of Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, along with their descendants, highlighting their contributions to American politics and the challenges they faced. It delves into the interactions and rivalries between the Oyster Bay and Hyde Park branches of the family.

The Statue of Liberty

Nick Healy

This book provides an introduction to the Statue of Liberty, covering its construction, design, and the symbolism it represents. It is part of a series that explores the meaning of American symbols. The book is designed to be informative and accessible, offering insights into one of America's most iconic landmarks.

Country Music: An Illustrated History

Ken Burns

Dayton Duncan

This book explores the rich history of country music, tracing its origins in the American South and its evolution into a diverse and popular genre. It features stories of legendary musicians like Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn, along with interviews from notable figures in the industry. The narrative is complemented by rare photographs and anecdotes, making it a captivating read for both longtime fans and newcomers to country music.

Defying the Nazis

The Life of German Officer Wilm Hosenfeld

Herman Vinke

This book tells the story of Wilm Hosenfeld, a German army captain who initially supported the Nazi regime but later became disillusioned and risked his life to save Jewish and non-Jewish Poles from Nazi brutality. The narrative is based on Hosenfeld's journals and letters, offering a unique perspective on his transformation from a supporter to a rescuer. The book includes historical maps, a glossary, and a timeline, making it suitable for young readers.

The Mayo Clinic: Faith — Hope — Science

Ken Burns

David Blistein

This book chronicles the history of the Mayo Clinic, from its origins as a partnership between a country doctor and a Franciscan order of nuns to its current status as a leader in healthcare. It features archival and modern images, along with the complete script from the companion documentary film, highlighting the clinic's commitment to patient-centered care and its contributions to modern medicine.

Jackie Robinson

Baseball's Great Pioneer

Bob Lentz

Jason Glaser

This graphic novel tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball, highlighting his achievements and the challenges he faced. It is part of the Graphic Biographies series and is aimed at young readers.

Unforgivable blackness

The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson

Ken Burns

Keith David

Geoffrey C. Ward

Paul Barnes

David Schaye

This book by Geoffrey C. Ward tells the story of Jack Johnson, who became the first African-American to win the heavyweight championship in 1908. Johnson's victory sparked a global search for a 'Great White Hope' to reclaim the title, and he faced intense racism and legal challenges for his relationships with white women. The book is a detailed exploration of Johnson's life and the societal context of his time.