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Overview
Nan Levinson tells the stories of twenty people who refused to let anyone whittle away at their right to speak, think, create, or demur as they pleased. Among these sometimes unlikely defenders of free speech are Rick Nuccio, a diplomat who disclosed secret information about the torture of Jennifer Harbury's husband and related government misconduct in Guatemala; Daisy Sanchez, a Puerto Rican journalist who risked going to prison to protect her sources; Penny Culliton, a high school teacher who was fired for discussing gays and lesbians in literature; Michael Willhoite, author of the children's book Daddy's Roommate, which was the most banned book in the country for two years running; Steve Johnson, a fireman who fought for his right to read Playboy at work; and Annie Sprinkle, a former porn star who defended her performance piece, Post-Porn Modernist, as art.Synopsis
"Outspoken is heartwarming and inspiring, as it reminds us that there are people who refuse to be cowed into obedience, who maintain their resistance to war and injustice against all odds."—Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States
"Nan Levinson, herself one of this nation's free speech heroes, brings the First Amendment to life by telling the stories of those who have fought for the freedom we so often take for granted, but that is increasingly under attack. This book shows in funny, tragic, and lurid detail why the freedom of speech is worth fighting for."—David Cole, author of No Equal Justice
"Levinson's book couldn't come at a more important time. These compelling tales are increasingly relevant now that our civil liberties are being threatened in the name of 'national security.' Outspoken should be required reading for anyone interested in preserving the freedom we've come to take for granted in the United States."—Candida Royalle, Erotic film director and President, Femme Productions,
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In this imaginative and highly readable examination of dozens of provocative First Amendment controversies, Nan Levinson establishes herself as a resolute student of the role of free speech in a democratic society. This is an exceptional book about an endlessly important subject."—James O. Freedman, President Emeritus, Dartmouth College