Profiles nine journalists whose work influenced the course of history: Elijah Lovejoy, George Brown, Horace Greeley, William Randolph Hearst, Ida Tarbell, Alfred Harmsworth, Edward R. Murrow, Bob Woodward, and Carl Bernstein
Gr 9 Up-The American tradition of outspoken journalism is typified in these profiles. Included are Horace Greeley, William Randolph Hearst, Edward R. Murrow, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, and Ida M. Tarbell. Less well known is the 19th-century opponent to slavery, Elijah Lovejoy, whose outspoken views led to his murder. Canadian newspaper publisher George Brown was instrumental in the formation of his country, but the story of his up-and-down political career is the least engaging of these biographies. The path taken by Irish-born Alfred Harmsworth to create a publishing empire and thereby completely transform British newspapers into the popular, sensationalized form common now is an exciting tale of ambition and determination. While none of these people are painted as saints, their zeal, their absolute certainty of the rightness of their direction, and their enthusiastic sharing of their views come across as significant contributions to 19th- and 20th-century press culture. Unfortunately, Ida B. Wells-Burnett is not included. Illustrated with black-and-white photos, the book begins with an introduction describing the development of journalistic trends since the early 19th century and concludes with a substantial bibliography and detailed index.-Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY Copyright 1998 School Library Journal
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