Cesar Chavez may be a famous name -- commemorative streets and schools are scattered across California and beyond in honor of the man who led United Farm Workers. But in her new book, “The Crusades of Cesar Chavez: A Biography,” Miriam Pawel takes on the first full scale biographical story of Cesar Chavez.

Pawel’s work takes a deeper look at the man behind the movement, portraying Chavez as a flawed visionary, at times gruff and isolated. Who was the man behind one of the nation’s greatest social movements? How does Pawel’s book expand understanding of Cesar Chavez’s motivations and strategies?

Guest:

Miriam Pawel, author of “The Crusades of Cesar Chavez: A Biography” (Bloomsbury Press, 2014) and “The Union of Their Dreams” (Bloomsbury Press, 2009) a history of Cesar Chavez’s United Farm Workers movement.

Los Angeles Public Library’s ALOUD series will be hosting Miriam Pawel in conversation with Luis Valdez on April 1 -- more information can be found at the Library Foundation of Los Angeles website.