The American Spirit

Ezra Pound's, "The ABC of Economics"

In this episode host Andrew Ellzey reads a rare and interesting piece written by Ezra Pound entitled, "The ABC of Economics", published in 1933. Full Text, https://archive.org/stream/IA.TheABCOfEconomics.410240/IA.The%20ABC%20of%20Economics.410240_djvu.txt Original Typescript, https://brbl-dl.library.yale.edu/vufind/Record/3568281

Ambrose Bierce: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Ambrose Bierce was born in Ohio in 1842. Accredited as one of America's most influential journalists and writers of the 19th century, Bierce was a Civil War veteran and an American adventurer. Bierce was last seen in 1913, he was traveling down to Mexico to partake in the Mexican revolution.  If you would like to read along, https://loa-shared.s3.amazonaws.com/static/pdf/Bierce_Owl_Creek_Bridge.pdf

Malcolm X's Last Words

In this episode Andrew Ellzey reads a statement by Malcolm X given on March 12, 1964, this statement was concerning his break from the Nation of Islam. The second reading is of a speech given by Malcolm called "Black Revolution". This speech was given on April 8, 1964 in New York. Next he reads, "Remarks at Militant Labor Forum symposium on 'Blood Brothers', May 29, 1964". The final reading is of Malcolm's, "Speech at Militant Labor Forum, Jan. 7th, 1965, on 'Prospects for Freedom in 1965'.  Malcolm X, a contemporary to Martin Luther King Jr., was a cultural leader and one of the most impactful persons of America's history. He was assassinated on Feb. 21, 1965.  If you would like to read these speeches they may be found here, http://collections.mun.ca/PDFs/radical/TwoSpeechesbyMalcolmX.pdf In the link provided there is more than what was read in this episode. There is an interview given by Malcolm X, which Mr. Ellzey did not read.  If you would like to listen to readings of other influential American figures, click the links below George Carlin and George Orwell: https://anchor.fm/the-american-spirit/episodes/The-American-Spirits-First-Episode-Euphemisms-Through-The-Eyes-of-Two-Georges-ehg7t9 Edward Bernays, The Father of Modern Propaganda: https://anchor.fm/the-american-spirit/episodes/Edward-Bernays-The-Father-of-Modern-Propaganda-ehm1hu Lysander Spooner: Libertarian Legend: https://anchor.fm/the-american-spirit/episodes/Lysander-Spooner-An-American-Libertarian-Legend-eibklo Simon Rich's, Selling Out: https://anchor.fm/the-american-spirit/episodes/Episode-Three-Selling-Out-ei52co

Lysander Spooner: An American Libertarian Legend

In this episode host Andrew Ellzey reads and discusses a thought provoking and influence piece of American criticism written in 1870. Lysander Spooner was an American lawyer and political philosopher who made great strides in the slavery abolitionist moment and forced Americans to think about what exactly is the role the United States government should and does play in their lives. In, "No Treason No. VI, The Constitution of NO Authority", Spooner makes an argument that the American constitution is one which binds no man, or mens, living and is in actuality a contract with no power to govern the posterity of the men who created it.  Andrew Ellzey has a degree in history from the University of Southern Louisiana and a background in radio. He hopes through this podcast to share some of the great writings which have impacted the American culture since before its official begging and what may come of its future.  If you would like to read along with Andrew a copy of can be found at, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55a3c833e4b07c31913e6eae/t/55a90c38e4b0865180f14a45/1437142072769/NO+TREASON.n6.pdf

Episode Three: Simon Rich’s, “Selling Out”

In this episode I read Simon Rich's, "Selling Out". This short story was the inspiration for the new HBO original, "An American Pickle", staring Seth Rogan. Written in 2013 and first published by the New Yorker, Rich humorously captures the story of an early 20th century American immigrant who gets the opportunity to live in the present day, alongside his only living relative. Enjoy and if you would like to read along you can find the story here, https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/sell-out-part-one  The American Spirit has a Youtube channel with more content for all of the book lovers and those curious about the American culture. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtT1KWJoZbQzCl6Rfim6YEw Head on over and watch me tell the story of one of America's most influential writings. Of Mice and Men will be the first reading, each Monday a new chapter will be posted.  And if you want exclusive content, that can't be found anywhere else, checkout my Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/theamericanspirit Thank you, and enjoy.