Yip Harburg wrote the lyrics for both the controversial ”Brother Can You Spare A Dime” and the hopeful “Over the Rainbow.” Throughout his life the lyricist fought for social justice, and it seeped into his work. His life story is an interesting one, and this book includes all of his ups and downs, including the period of his blacklisting, his collaborations with the likes of George Gerswhin, and a behind-the-scenes look at The Wizard of Oz.

Ernie Harburg, Yip’s son, is a social psychologist and epidemiologist at the University of Michigan and co-author of The Broadway Musical: Collaboration in Commerce and Art.

Harold Meyerson is Editor-at-Large of The American Prospect. As a political editor and columnist he has contributed to most of the major newspapers, magazines, and weeklies and has appeared on radio and TV.