From WHY in Philadelphia, this is Fresh Air Weekend.

I'm Dave Davies and for Terry Gross.

Today, a journey through the American South to understand the soul of a nation.

Imani Perry is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and now a professor of African American

studies at Princeton.

In a new book, she visits cities, rural areas, and historic sites of the South, reflecting

on their relationship to the region's history of slavery and racism.

Also, we explore the subtle genius of a man often remembered for pratfalls and sight

gags.

Buster Keaton was a silent film star in the 1920s, but he was far more than an actor and stunt

man.

He conceived and directed his films, cited by some of America's leading filmmakers as inspirations.

We'll speak with slate film critic Dana Stevens, whose new book examines Keaton's work and

influence and chronicles his colorful life.

Also, Ken Tucker reviews Neil Young's new album.

Our first guest, Princeton African American Studies Professor Imani Perry, was born in Birmingham,

Alabama.

Though she moved away with her family as a child and is lived in Cambridge, Chicago, and

the Philadelphia area, she's always considered Birmingham home.

Perry has a new book about the American South, written as a journey through its states,

cities, and rural communities.

In each chapter, she focuses on a place and reflects on its distinctive relationship to

...