Monday, March 30, 2015

Ken Burns: The American Story


American director and producer of documentary films, Ken Burns, is known for this style of using archival footage and photographs to tell stories about events that have influenced our lives.  His style of storytelling has educated millions of people by providing a compelling way of relating America’s history.  For excellent background information about Burns and his work, visit Ken Burns America.

From his first documentary shown in 1981 about the Brooklyn Bridge to the present time, Burns’ work has appeared on PBS. All of his film titles are available for viewing through the Al Harris Library.  Many of the DVD sets are located on the display and are available for check out.  Additionally, all of Burns’ titles are available to stream through one of our video databases:  Kanopy, Films on Demand, and VAST: Academic Video Online.  Follow these links to the streaming databases.



In addition to the titles that are part of his collected works, a new three-part film titled CANCER: The Emperor of All Maladies airs Monday March 30 through Wednesday April 1.  The series relates the comprehensive story of cancer, from its first description in an ancient Egyptian scroll to the laboratories of modern research institutions of the present. This six-hour film interweaves a sweeping historical narrative with stories about contemporary patients, and an investigation into the latest scientific breakthroughs that may have brought us, at long last, within sight of lasting cures.


The title of this documentary series is based upon an award-winning book of the same name written by cancer physician and researcher, Siddhartha Mukherjee.  The Emperor of All Maladies and all of the books that are located on the display in the Al Harris Library are available for you to check out.  Take a look and see all of the learning opportunities that are available for you through the work of Ken Burns.

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