Johnny Cash and the Paradox of American Identity

Leigh H. Edwards

In this book, Edwards analyzes Johnny Cash’s oeuvre and media image to address on-going themes of contradiction in his work, providing a full portrait of Cash’s work and his significance as a cultural icon. Making use of sources such as Cash's autobiographies, lyrics, music, liner notes, and interviews, Edwards also attends to Cash’s own writing and filmmaking. She likewise addresses depictions of Cash by others, such as Vivian Cash's publication of his letters to her, documentaries and music journalism about him, biographical films, and archival materials.